The Rich Heritage of Azerbaijan: Baku Tour

After baggage and check-in procedures at the Istanbul Airport International Departures terminal, departure for Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, with Turkish Airlines flight TK340 at 12:05. Arrival in Baku at 15:50 local time.

Upon arrival, we start our first introduction to the city with a panoramic Baku city tour by private bus waiting for us at the airport. The main highlights to be discovered panoramically:

• The dazzling Heydar Aliyev Cultural Center with its modern architecture
• Venice Park with its tranquil atmosphere
• Baku Boulevard stretching along the coast
• The impressive Flame Towers
• The meaningful Turkish Martyrs' Memorial
• Carpet Museum
• National Assembly Square

After the tour, transfer to our hotel. After settling into our rooms, free time. Overnight at our hotel.

We start the day with breakfast at the hotel. We meet in the lobby at the time provided by our guide. After meeting, we depart for the lunch-included "Absheron Peninsula & Ateshgah & Yanardag & Shopping Tour".

Our first stop is the Ateshgah Temple, regarded as a sacred center of Zoroastrianism. Known for the legend of the "Eternal Flame", this special place still retains its mystical atmosphere from the past.

Next, we visit Yanardag, one of nature's extraordinary wonders. This region, where natural gas coming from underground has been burning for centuries without going out, is one of the symbols of Azerbaijan, described by Marco Polo as the "Land of Fire".

After returning to Baku, we have lunch at a designated restaurant, and in the final part of the day, we head to Port Baku / Crescent Mall for shopping. Stores of world-famous brands, modern restaurants, and a pleasant atmosphere await you here. You will have free time for shopping and relaxation.

After the tour, return to the hotel. Overnight at our hotel.

We start the day with breakfast at the hotel. We meet in the lobby at the time provided by our guide. After meeting, we will have the "Gobustan & Mud Volcanoes and Heydar Aliyev Museum Tour".

The first stop of our tour is Gobustan, inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List and bearing traces of prehistoric times. This region, an open-air museum on the shores of the Caspian Sea, sheds light on history with its rock carvings and inscribed stones.

Afterwards, we closely observe the Mud Volcanoes, found only in certain regions of the world and abundantly in Azerbaijan. The vivid geological activities of this unique natural event will fascinate you.

In the afternoon, we return to Baku and visit the Heydar Aliyev Cultural Center, the architectural masterpiece of modern Azerbaijan. Designed by world-renowned Zaha Hadid, this iconic structure draws attention with both its exterior and its exhibitions. In addition to personal belongings of Heydar Aliyev, the center also features ethnographic and archaeological collections.

After the tour, return to the hotel.

Optional: In the evening, for those who wish, our guide will organize the "Azerbaijani Night with Dinner" (80 EUR per person). In this enjoyable evening where we will experience local flavors and Azerbaijani culture accompanied by traditional music, you will have an unforgettable memory from your trip.

After the tour, return to the hotel. Overnight at our hotel.

After breakfast at the hotel, check-out and vacating the rooms. Meeting in the lobby at the time provided by our guide and then starting the "Baku Old Town & Surahani Ship Museum Tour".

Our first stop in this tour will be the Surahani tanker, which played a significant role in Azerbaijan's maritime oil transportation history and was converted into a museum with comprehensive maintenance and repairs in 2017. Various innovative solutions were implemented in the 123.5-meter-long and 4,696-ton Surakhani tanker museum halls. Here is what you can learn:

• The history of the Caspian Sea
• Oil production in Absheron
• The development of maritime transport
• Ships and maritime giants considered among the world's firsts
• Navigational facilities, an indispensable part of seafaring
• Maritime knots with a history of nearly 5,000 years
• Equipment used to operate ships

After our museum visit, we take a journey among the stone streets of Icheri Sheher (Old City), steeped in history, to closely see the following landmarks:

• Maiden Tower
• Shirvanshah Palace
• Miniature Book Museum
• Historical baths

Finally, you will have free time on Nizami Street, one of Baku's liveliest spots, formerly known as Targovi and reminiscent of Istanbul's Istiklal Street.

After free time, we meet again at the time announced by our guide and head to Baku Heydar Aliyev Airport. Upon arrival at the airport, we complete our passport and luggage procedures and depart for Istanbul with Turkish Airlines flight TK335 at 20:50. Arrival in Istanbul at 23:05 local time and end of the tour.