The Ultimate 7-Day Azerbaijan Itinerary
Culture & History

The Ultimate 7-Day Azerbaijan Itinerary

📅December 25, 2025

The Ultimate 7-Day Azerbaijan Itinerary

One week in Azerbaijan is enough to fall in love with the country—but not enough to see everything.

This itinerary balances the must-sees with hidden gems, giving you a taste of Azerbaijan's diversity: from Baku's futuristic architecture to ancient fire temples, from mountain villages to Caspian beaches.

Let's plan your perfect week in the Land of Fire.

Day 1: Arrival in Baku - Modern Meets Ancient

Morning:

  • Arrive at Heydar Aliyev International Airport
  • Check into your hotel (Fountain Square or Old City area recommended)
  • Rest and freshen up

Afternoon:

  • Explore Icherisheher (Old City)
    • Maiden Tower
    • Palace of the Shirvanshahs
    • Wander the narrow streets
  • Lunch: Traditional Azerbaijani restaurant in the Old City

Evening:

  • Baku Boulevard: Stroll along the Caspian Sea
  • Dinner: Seaside restaurant
  • Watch: Flame Towers light show from Highland Park

Overnight: Baku

Day 2: Baku - Futuristic and Fiery

Morning:

  • Heydar Aliyev Center: Tour the iconic Zaha Hadid building
  • Carpet Museum: Learn about Azerbaijan's weaving tradition

Afternoon:

  • Lunch: Modern Azerbaijani cuisine (Chinar, Art Garden)
  • Absheron Peninsula Tour:
    • Yanardag (Burning Mountain)
    • Ateshgah Fire Temple
    • Bibi-Heybat Mosque

Evening:

  • Return to Baku
  • Dinner: Rooftop bar with city views
  • Optional: Jazz club or nightlife

Overnight: Baku

Day 3: Gobustan and Mud Volcanoes

Morning:

  • Early departure (8:00 AM)
  • Gobustan National Park:
    • Ancient petroglyphs (6,000-40,000 years old)
    • Gobustan Museum
    • Gaval Dash (musical stone)

Afternoon:

  • Mud Volcanoes: Explore the Martian landscape
  • Lunch: Picnic or return to Baku

Evening:

  • Return to Baku (late afternoon)
  • Dinner: Yasil Bazaar area
  • Pack for mountain trip

Overnight: Baku

Day 4: Baku to Sheki - The Silk Road Awaits

Morning:

  • Depart for Sheki (350 km, 4-5 hours)
  • Stop: Shamakhi (Juma Mosque, Diri Baba Mausoleum)

Afternoon:

  • Arrive in Sheki
  • Check into hotel (Caravanserai Hotel recommended)
  • Lunch: Local restaurant
  • Sheki Khans' Palace: Marvel at the shabaka windows

Evening:

  • Explore Sheki Bazaar
  • Try Sheki Halva (the famous dessert)
  • Dinner: Traditional Sheki cuisine

Overnight: Sheki

Day 5: Sheki and Surroundings

Morning:

  • Visit Kish Albanian Church (ancient Christian church)
  • Explore Sheki Caravanserais

Afternoon:

  • Day trip options:
    • Option A: Lahij Village (copper craftsmen, 2 hours away)
    • Option B: Ilisu Village (waterfalls, mountain scenery)

Evening:

  • Return to Sheki
  • Dinner: Try local plov
  • Relax at hotel

Overnight: Sheki

Day 6: Sheki to Gabala - Nature and Adventure

Morning:

  • Depart for Gabala (100 km, 1.5 hours)
  • Check into hotel

Afternoon:

  • Yeddi Gozel Waterfall: Hike to the Seven Beauties
  • Lunch: Riverside restaurant

Evening:

  • Tufandag Cable Car: Ride to the top for sunset views
  • Dinner: Gabala city center
  • Optional: Visit Gabaland (amusement park) if traveling with family

Overnight: Gabala

Day 7: Gabala to Baku - Return and Departure

Morning:

  • Nohur Lake: Peaceful morning by the water
  • Optional: Quick visit to Gabala Shooting Club

Afternoon:

  • Depart for Baku (220 km, 3 hours)
  • Lunch: En route or in Baku

Evening:

  • Last-minute shopping:
    • Old City souvenirs
    • Yasil Bazaar (saffron, spices, honey)
  • Farewell dinner: Choose your favorite spot from the week
  • Transfer to airport

Departure: Evening/night flight

Alternative Routes

If You Have More Time:

Add Ganja and Goygol (Days 8-9):

  • Lake Goygol National Park
  • Goygol Winery
  • Ganja City (Nizami Mausoleum, Bottle House)

Add Guba and Khinalig (Days 8-9):

  • Guba city
  • Khinalig village (highest in Europe)
  • Qechresh Forest

Budget Breakdown (Per Person)

Budget Traveler:

  • Accommodation: 20-40 AZN/night
  • Food: 20-30 AZN/day
  • Transport: 150-200 AZN (car rental or tours)
  • Activities: 50-100 AZN
  • Total: ~500-700 AZN ($300-$420)

Mid-Range:

  • Accommodation: 60-120 AZN/night
  • Food: 40-60 AZN/day
  • Transport: 200-300 AZN
  • Activities: 100-150 AZN
  • Total: ~1,000-1,500 AZN ($600-$900)

Luxury:

  • Accommodation: 150-400 AZN/night
  • Food: 80-150 AZN/day
  • Transport: Private driver (400-600 AZN)
  • Activities: 200-300 AZN
  • Total: ~2,500-4,000 AZN ($1,500-$2,400)

Packing List

Essentials:

  • Passport and visa (e-visa for most nationalities)
  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • Layers (weather can vary)
  • Sunscreen and hat
  • Camera
  • Power adapter (Type C/F, 220V)

Optional:

  • Hiking boots (if planning serious hikes)
  • Swimsuit (for Caspian beaches or hotel pools)
  • Binoculars (for birdwatching)

Travel Tips

Best Time:

  • Spring (April-May): Wildflowers, pleasant weather
  • Autumn (September-October): Harvest season, comfortable temperatures
  • Avoid: Peak summer (July-August) can be very hot

Transportation:

  • Rent a Car: Most flexible (50-100 AZN/day)
  • Hire a Driver: Easier, local knowledge (150-200 AZN/day)
  • Join Tours: Convenient for solo travelers

Language:

  • Azerbaijani: Official language
  • Russian: Widely understood
  • English: Growing in Baku, limited elsewhere

Conclusion

Seven days in Azerbaijan is a journey through time—from ancient petroglyphs to futuristic architecture, from mountain villages to Caspian shores.

Follow this itinerary, and you'll leave with a camera full of photos, a heart full of memories, and a promise to return.

Next up in our series: Is Azerbaijan Safe? A Guide for Solo Travelers