Current as of: April 26, 2024 - 18:50
Azerbaijan Extension Trip Notes
- Destination: Azerbaijan
- Programmes: Trip Extensions
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Activity Level:
2 out of 7 - Leisurely / Moderate
- Ages: 16+
- Trip Code: XXC
- Carbon Footprint: 40kg CO2e
Trip Overview
An exciting journey to one of the world’s least visited destinations
Extend your stay in the Caucasus region with a short trip to the Land of Fire – Azerbaijan. Following a flight from Tbilisi, we arrive in the capital Baku, famous for its blend of historic UNESCO buildings and modern skyscrapers. From here we visit the Ateshgah Fire Temple, Yanar Dag (burning mountain) and the ancient rock carvings in Gobustan National Park. There is also some free time to explore fascinating Baku on the shores of the Caspian Sea.
Azerbaijan provides a wonderful contrast to Armenia and Georgia, where we experience an entirely different culture.
At a Glance
- 4 days and 3 nights
- 3 nights hotel
- 3 breakfasts included
- Price: from £829 per person
- Single supplement: £95
- Sole traveller supplement: £265
Highlights
- Explore one of the world's least visited countries
- UNESCO-listed Baku Old Town
- The ancient rock drawings in Gobustan National Park
- Visit Ateshgah Fire Temple
Is This Trip for You?
The trip does not involve any long journeys. The roads we travel on are very good.
The itinerary does not cover a large area but gives a great introduction to Azerbaijan.
Visa required for Azerbaijan – please note that all UK citizens require a visa for Azerbaijan. The easiest way to do this is with Exodus at a cost of £40. See visa section on the trip notes for more information
PLEASE NOTE: No items purchased in Armenia can be taken into Azerbaijan, this includes food, wine and souvenirs. Your bags will be searched at the border and any products confiscated.
Adult min age: 16
Itinerary
Land Only
- Start City: Tbilisi
- End City: Baku
Land Only Itinerary
Fly to Baku
Leaving the main group, we’ll be driven to Tbilisi airport and fly to Baku, usually arriving early afternoon.
Baku is a city of huge contrast, undergoing monumental change, as money from oil and natural gas pours into the economy. We have a guided tour of the city. Highlights include the Carpet Museum and the UNESCO listed old town dating back to the 10th century. We’ll also visit the Palace of Shirvan-Shahs, Maiden Tower and the ancient Lezgi Mosque. The evening is free to enjoy the city’s nightlife; we recommend a stroll along the beautifully restored Baku Boulevard running along the shoreline, where there are dozens of cafes and restaurants to enjoy.
Accommodation: Hazz hotel (or similar)
Ateshgyakh Fire Worshippers Temple
We’ll visit the Ateshgyakh Fire Worshippers Temple (18th century) located within Greater Baku in the village of Surakhany. Here people worshipped fire, seeking protection against adversity and oppression. These fires are believed to be where Azerbaijan got its name – meaning ‘Land of Fire’.
We continue to Absheron Peninsular, to observe the unique burning mountain of Yanar Dag. Here we learn about the history of oil in Azerbaijan and its use in ancient times, right up to the present. We also make visits to Balakhani and Amirjan villages.
Accommodation: Hazz hotel (or similar)
Gobustan
First today, we’ll visit Gobustan, 30 miles southwest of Baku, famous for its 2000-year-old rock carvings. Next stop is a visit to some mud volcanoes (during f heavy rain, this visit may not be possible). We’ll then return to Baku and visit the Heydar Aliyev cultural centre, noted for its distinctive architecture.
The evening is free to enjoy the delights of Baku, we recommend one of the rooftop bars with views across the Old Town to the Flame Towers shining bright over the whole city.
Accommodation: Hazz hotel (or similar)
End Baku
Transfer to the airport. There may be time to enjoying some additional sightseeing in Baku, depending on your flight time. However, most flights from this region to the UK depart very early.
Accommodation
Hotels & sleeper train
Our hotel in Baku is a 3 star property and centrally located, with large modern room. A simple breakfast can be enjoyed on the top floor of the hotel, overlooking the city and the Caspian Sea beyond.
Food & Drink
3 breakfasts included.
Unlike Georgia and Armenia, the cuisine of Azerbaijan is more heavily influenced by the nation’s Muslim neighbours in Turkey and Iran.
Azerbaijan is famous for vegetables and greens used seasonally in their dishes. Fresh herbs, including mint, coriander, dill, basil, parsley, tarragon, and watercress are very popular and often accompany main dishes. The Caspian Sea is home to many species of fish, including the sturgeon. Black caviar from the Caspian Sea is one of Azerbaijan’s best-known delicacies well sought after in other parts of the world, including former Soviet countries. Kebabs and shashlik, including lamb, beef, chicken, duck and fish (baliq) are very popular and often served with a tart pomegranate sauce called narsharab. Dried fruits and walnuts are used in many dishes.
Coffee is not always available, tea (always black) is very much the national drink.
Alcohol is available throughout Baku but can be quite pricey.
Transport
We use a private bus or mini bus, depending on the group size.
Weather & Seasonality
The climate of Azerbaijan can be described as continental, with warm summer and very cold, dry winters. The country can be divided into three different climate zones; north of the mountainous regions, south of them, and along the coast of the Caspian Sea.
Temperatures during the summer months range between 20°C and 30°C. Summers in Azerbaijan are often warm and sunny with dry periods, but sometimes heavy rain and severe thunderstorms can occur.
What To Take
Essential Equipment
- Waterproof jacket
- Sunglasses; sunhat
- Sunscreen
- Strong soled shoes for walking
- Fleece
- Umbrella
- Water bottle
- Daypack
- Trousers for men (shorts can’t be worn in some mosques)
- Shawl/headscarf for women – although not compulsory anywhere, does show respect in mosques
Reading List
Time Out: Baku and the best of Azerbaijan 2012
Practical Information
Visa
Most nationalities require a visa to enter Azerbaijan. An e-visa is possible for many. Please see: Republic of Azerbaijan Official Electronic Visa Portal (evisa.gov.az).
Vaccinations and Health
Local Time
Electricity
Money
ATM Availability
In Azerbaijan we recommend you bring spending money in either US dollars or Euros and exchange them on arrival.
ATM’s can be found throughout Baku.
Credit and debit cards are accepted in the hotel, and most restaurants and shops.
Extra Expenses & Spending Money
Lunch or dinner should cost on average between £10-15 without drinks.
Important Information
Your safe participation
When booking this trip, you should be confident in your ability to participate in all activities described in these Trip Notes. If you have any doubt about your suitability, please call the Exodus office and ask to speak to one of the experts on this itinerary.
Although our leaders are well trained to deal with different capabilities, if they have any concerns about someone’s ability to safely take part in an activity, or their impact on other people’s enjoyment, we authorise them to take necessary action which, in some circumstances, may involve asking someone to miss that activity.
By booking this trip you agree to our Booking Conditions which clearly state that our leaders have the authority to do this. In these rare instances we will ensure anyone sitting out is safely provided for and offered alternative options where possible. Refunds will not be provided for activities missed and customers may be liable for additional costs incurred.
How to Book
- Check availability: Go online to check availability, or contact us by phone or email.
- Secure your place: You can provisionally hold a place on this trip, usually for between three and seven days.
- Complete your booking and payment
When you’re ready to book, go to our website for online bookings, book over the phone or you can complete a booking form (available online or on request by calling us). We accept all major credit and debit cards, or you can pay be cheque.
After booking
You will receive your booking confirmation letter and invoice, which includes extra information and guidance about your travel arrangements.
Full joining instructions, including local emergency numbers and details of how to reach the start point, will be sent to you approximately two to three weeks prior to departure. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier, please contact our office or your travel agent.
Trip Note validity
These Trip Notes are valid from the “Current as” date on page one. They will occasionally be updated after booking and before departure; if there are any updates that significantly impact the inclusions or itinerary, customers will be written to separately. They will also receive a link to the most up-to-date Trip Notes with their Final Joining Instructions before travelling.
The information in these Trip Notes is given in good faith. Where differences exist between the Trip Notes and our current brochure or website, the Trip Notes supersede the brochure and website. All holidays can be subject to unexpected changes; to enjoy them you should be prepared to be flexible where necessary. Occasionally, it may not be possible to follow the itinerary as planned. This may be for a variety of reasons – climatic, political, physical or other. In these circumstances we will make the best-possible alternative arrangements that maintain the integrity of the original itinerary.
Licensing
Exodus is fully licensed and bonded as a tour operator. We hold Air Traffic Organisers Licence (ATOL) number 2582, issued and bonded with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). We are also bonded to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and we are members of the Federation of Tour Operators (FTO) and ABTA – The Travel Association. This means you can book your Exodus holiday with confidence, as all money paid to us for your trip is fully protected.