Azerbaijan Adventure: A Two-Week Itinerary for Exploring the Best of the Country
Azerbaijan is a beautiful country with a rich cultural heritage, delicious cuisine, and stunning landscapes. If you're planning a two-week holiday in Azerbaijan, here's a suggested itinerary that covers some of the best attractions, entertainment, and food in the country.
Day 1-2: Baku
Start your trip in the capital city of Baku. Explore the historic Old City, known as Icherisheher, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Visit the Maiden Tower, the Palace of the Shirvanshahs, and the Flame Towers, a modern symbol of Baku. Sample the local cuisine, including plov, kebabs, and dolma, at one of the city's many restaurants.
Day 3-4: Gabala
Head north to Gabala, a beautiful city nestled in the Caucasus Mountains. Visit the Tufandag Ski Resort and take the cable car up to the top of the mountain for stunning views. Explore the ancient ruins of the Gabala Archaeological Center and the stunning Yeddi Gumbaz Mausoleum.
Day 5-6: Sheki
Continue on to Sheki, a picturesque city known for its traditional architecture and beautiful silk carpets. Visit the Sheki Khan's Palace, a beautiful 18th-century palace that once belonged to the local ruler. Explore the city's charming bazaars and sample the local cuisine, including piti, a lamb and chickpea soup cooked in clay pots.
Day 7-8: Lankaran
Head south to Lankaran, a beautiful coastal city on the Caspian Sea. Relax on the beach, swim in the sea, and sample the local seafood, including fish pilaf and shashlik.
Day 9-10: Goygol
Drive to Goygol, a picturesque town located on the shore of Lake Goygol, one of Azerbaijan's most beautiful lakes. Hike to the nearby Maralgol Lake, a hidden gem that offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
Day 11-12: Ganja
Visit Ganja, Azerbaijan's second-largest city, known for its rich history and beautiful parks. Visit the Ganja Gate, the Juma Mosque, and the Ganja History Museum. Take a stroll through the beautiful Khan Baghi Park and sample the local cuisine, including lyulya kebab and lavangi, a stuffed chicken dish.
Day 13-14: Absheron Peninsula
Finish your trip by exploring the beautiful Absheron Peninsula, located just outside of Baku. Visit the Ateshgah Fire Temple, a historic temple where Zoroastrians once worshipped fire. Take a dip in the healing mud baths of the Gobustan Mud Volcanoes and visit the Yanardag Fire Mountain, a natural gas fire that has been burning for thousands of years.
In conclusion, a two-week holiday in Azerbaijan offers a diverse range of attractions, entertainment, and food. From the historic city of Baku to the picturesque town of Goygol and the beautiful Absheron Peninsula, Azerbaijan is a country that offers something for everyone.