Azerbaijan-The Land of Fire

Our tour program starts with Old City or Inner City is the historical core of Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan. The Old City is the most ancient part of Baku, which is surrounded by walls that were well protected. In 2007, the Old City had a population of about 3000 people. In December 2000, the Old City of Baku, including the Palace of the Shirvanshahs’ and Maiden Tower, became the first location in Azerbaijan to be classified as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. (walking tour).

The group will experience the happening street of Nizami Street known for shopping. The street's history could be traced back to Baku's town-planning project of 1864. The street runs through the city's downtown from west to east. It begins from Abdulla Shaig Street, in mountainous part of the city and ends at railroad bed on Sabit Orujov Street, near a monument to Shah Ismail Khatai in “Black City”. The total length of the street is 3,538 m.

Fountains Square is a public square in downtown Baku, capital of Azerbaijan. The square was previously called Parapet and is often referenced to by the same name now. The name of the fountains square derives from the presence of dozens of fountains throughout the square first constructed during Soviet rule of Azerbaijan. The square is a public gathering place, especially after business hours and during the weekend.

Tour continues with the visit to the charming example of modern architecture - The Heydar Aliyev Center – a 57,500 m2 building complex in Baku, Azerbaijan designed by Iraqi-British architect Zaha Hadid and noted for its distinctive architecture and flowing, curved style that eschews sharp angles. The center is named after Heydar Aliyev, the first secretary of Soviet Azerbaijan from 1969 to 1982, and president of Azerbaijan Republic from October 1993 to October 2003.

Tour starts with Ateshgah (Fire Worshippers Temple) Based on Persian and Indian inscriptions, the temple was used as a Hindu and Zoroastrian place of worship.  “Atash» is the Persian word for fire. The pentagonal complex , which has a courtyard surrounded by cells for monks and a tetra pillar-altar in the middle, was built during the 17th and 18th centuries.

Trip to “Fire Mountain “- “Yanardag” –a mountain on Absheron peninsula, 25 km from north of Baku. Literally, the word “Yanardag” means “Blazing Mountain”. Blazing bodies of flame dance on stones and floor.  Yanar dag is a natural gas fire which blazes continuously on a hillside on the Absheron Peninsula on the Caspian Sea near Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, which itself is known as the “land of fire.”

Walking through Baku Boulevard which stretches along a south-facing bay on the Caspian Sea. It traditionally starts at Freedom Square and continues west to the Old City and beyond. Since 2012, the Yeni Bulvar (New Boulevard) has virtually doubled the length to 3.75 km.

Back to Hotel

Gusar City is the last major settlement in the northern part of Azerbaijan. It is called “The North Gates” due to its geographical location as it borders the Republic of Dagestan of the Russian Federation. The population of the region consists of Lezgins, an original nationality with a rich culture characterized by hospitality.

Gusar is famous for its Summer-Winter touristic complex – Shahdag, which operates all year round. In winter it is a popular ski resort, and in summer – a campsite in the slope of the Greater Caucasus Mountains. Part of the Gusar territory is included in the Shahdag National Park – the largest in Azerbaijan.Guba region. Visit one of the most ancient settlements in the country. Enjoy Shahdag Roller coaster.

Transfer to Baku City and Overnight in Hotel

Breakfast in Hotel

Departure to Airport for return flight