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Azeri craft tour

$810.00
4 day(s)
from January to December
Tour countries:
Azerbaijan
Type of tour:
Historical, General

Day 1

Meeting at the airport. Transfer to the hotel. After a short break start the tour in Baku and pay a visit to city's main landmark - Icheri Sheher (Old City). You will see the highlights of Icheri Sheher including the Palace of the Shirvans (the most striking example of the medieval palace structures in Azerbaijan, dating to the middle of 15th century); Maiden's Tower (the ancient, eight storey fortress originally built as a fire beacon); visit Dzhuma Mosque, antiques and carpet shops. Pay a visit to a workshop-museum where you can buy any carpet you like. We will also visit National Carpet Museum with its rich collection of Oriental carpets.
Return to hotel. Free time.

Day 2

The second day will be quite intensive due to large distances covered. You will visit some of the most interesting regions of Azerbaijan. After early breakfast at around 08:00 you will be taken to Xinalyg settlement with the intermediate stop in Quba. Arrival to Quba around 10:30 a.m.-11:00 a.m. Change of transport and further 1 hour transfer to Xinalig settlement along the marvelous mountainous road. Arrival at 12:30. Lunch and tea in one of private house there. After the lunch spend 1 hour exploring this highest settlement in Azerbaijan surrounded by breathtaking views of Caucasus mountains. The villagers - khangali - themselves are historical and ethnic phenomenon. The thing is that they are descendants of ancient Albanian nations. Only about 1,000 in number they have managed to preserve their original language, clothes, household, traditions and ceremonials. This small state within Xinalig state even has its own laws and regulations. For example it has its own original customs office. Xinalig is a unique ethnic group similar to no other living in the world.

Then return to Quba and arrive there at around 15:00 p.m.

The program in Quba includes visiting places of interest such as Juma Mosque (19th century), Sakina Khanum Mosque (19thcentury) and of course a carpet-weaving workshop. You will have the opportunity to see how carpets, the copies of which are kept in the best world museums, are weaven.

You will also check Krasnaya Sloboda settlement there. Krasnaya Sloboda is Azerbaijan's mountain Jews settlement. Over the years, they've clung to the broad outlines of their religion. Perhaps 40,000 of them remain. Over the years, they borrowed customs from their amiable Muslim neighbors, but never assimilated. Even as their knowledge of the rituals seeped away, they adhered to the broad outlines of Judaism, faithfully attending Sabbath prayers, scrubbing their homes on Fridays, baking their own matzo on Passover and eschewing pork.

Return to Baku at around 19:00

Day 3

After breakfast at about 07:00-08:00 am start the way to Lagich village with the intermediate stop at mud volcanoes located on the 41th km of the Baku-Shemakhi highway. On your way you will also and  two-storied Deri Baba mausoleum (15th century) and Seven Domes mausoleum both sites located in Shemahka.

The ancient town of Shemakha is located at the foothills of the Big Caucasus Mountains Chain. The general elevation of Shemakha is 800 meters over the sea level. One of the most ancient oriental trading cities, it claims to be the city of Kmakhia mentioned by the ancient Greek geographer Ptolomy in his book 'Geography'.

The architecture of Diri-Baba is in harmony with the picturesque environment - the landscape of rocks and green trees. The building of the mausoleum is a masterpiece of Shirvan architecture school, the beautiful creation of ancient craftsmen. The monument is under protection of the state. Seven Domes mausoleum it is ancient cemetery of members of Royal Shirvan Shakh dynasty located with a good view for all city.

Then final leg of the journey to Ismayilli, which is one of the most beautiful corners of Azerbaijan lying at the foot of the Great Caucasian Mountains - the land of rivers, lakes and waterfalls. Three climatic zones are represented at the same time in this region, ranging from snowy mountains to hot planes. The itinerary crosses Lagich village famous for its skilful craftsmen. This village is inhabited by hereditary braziers, tanners, engravers, potters, and blacksmiths, metal and wood carvers. During the excursion you will see the bridge connecting two villages, the stone water-pipe of the 16th century, and specimens of dwellings of the 19th century with wall paintings, Museum of regional studies where ancient carpets and brass articles are kept.

Return to Baku.

Day 4

Transfer to airport

Tour schedule

DayTimePointDuration
1Half day tour in Old City04:00
212:00Lunch in Xynalig and time to explore the settlement03:00
215:00Return to Quba
215:00Exploring Quba and return to Baku04:00
309:00Stop at mud volcanoes site
310:00Stop at Shemakha and checking local landmarks
311:00Arrival to Lahic. Exploring the village04:00
319:00Return to Baku

Package includes:

 - 3 nights in Baku 3* Altstadt hotel (double/twin occupancy for groups)
 - Breakfasts in the hotel
 - Private vehicle accompanied by an experienced English speaking local guide who will look after you exclusively
 - Local driver for your vehicle, exclusively for your tour
 - Sightseeing program including all entrance fees
 - Private guided transfers to and from airport
 - Guide's and driver's expenses
 - Visa support
 - 1 lunch in private house in Xynalig

Not included into the package:

 - Fees for taking photos in historical sites
 - Any meals
 - Other personal expenses

N of pax

Tour cost for group (USD, $)

Cost per pax (USD, $) Special notes
2 1620 810 4 seater sedan or 4WD vehicle to be provided
4 2360 590 7 seater van to be provided
6 3000 500 15 seater van to be provided to allow luggage
8 3360 420 15/20 seater van to be provided to allow luggage
10 3500 350 15/20 seater van to be provided to allow luggage
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