Shamakhi

After pickup from your hotel in Baku, head off into the Azerbaijani mountains for a full-day adventure. You’ll start in the Shamakhi region, visiting the the Juma mosque, dating back to the 12th century. Driving through the picturesque north-eastern caucasian mountains, you’ll arrive in Gabala. After sitting down for a lunch of traditional Azerbaijani delicacies, you’ll head off into the verdant mountains that Gabala is renowned for. At the foot of Mount Tufandagh, you’ll board a cable card to head up to the top of the mountain to gaze upon the lush valleys beneath you.  Afterwards, head off to Nohur Lake, known for its emerald-green waters surrounded by stately mountains. Hopping in to a Soviet-era Lada car, you’ll mount the hill up to the 7 Beauties Waterfall, named for the 7 stages of the falls. After taking in innumerable natural beauty, you’ll head back to your accommodation in Baku.

You will depart from your hotel in Baku in the early morning. On the way, you will visit the Diri Baba Mausoleum in Maraza. Continue on to Shamakha and see the historical Juma Mosque, Yeddi Gumbez Mausoleum, and the Shirvan Shah's family graveyard. Afterwards, drive through the Girdimanchay River Canyon to visit Lahij, a 5th Century village rich in its historic and architectural values. Lahij is an ancient village with charming eye-catching sidewalks inlaid with stones. It is famous for its medieval water supply and sewage systems, as well as traditional jewellery, copperware, carpets, pottery, daggers, and iron tools workshops.

Your day will start with pick-up from your hotel in Baku, at which stage you will receive an explanation of what you will see on the tour with the aid of a map. You will then depart from Baku, before passing through the Shamakhi and Ismayilli regions whilst being briefed on information regarding these places. You will stop on the way to see colorful foods, and will also be given complimentary snacks on the way. As well as wine, stop to enjoy some Samovar tea with local baklava. Afterwards, finish up with lunch with a local family. Once you reach the winery, you will be met by a winery employee and guided through the facility where you will see the vineyards, the first wine museum and the process of wine making. Afterwards, you will have the chance to taste delicious Savalan wines accompanied with snacks, and can even buy the wines as well. You will then depart the winery to have a delicious local lunch at Qabala, and after finishing your lunch, you will depart back to Baku where you will be dropped off back to your hotel.

Start with pickup from Baku at 3:00 PM and begin your journey to the winery in the Shamakhi region, located west of the capital. Arrive at the winery at approximately 5:00 PM and take a tour of the facilities. Explore the vineyards where a variety of native and foreign grapes are grown. Taste some of the organic wines produced on-site, accompanied by local cheeses. Then, enjoy a delicious traditional dinner. After dinner, travel to the Shamakhy Astrophysical Observatory, located in the north-eastern region of the Great Caucasus Mountains. Located on the eastern slope of Pirqulu, the observatory is situated at a height of 1,500 meters above sea level. Take a tour of the observatory, followed by 2 hours of stargazing with a telescope. Enjoy the clear night sky, ideal for spotting the constellations. After your stargazing experience, be taken to a hotel in Shamakhi, where you will enjoy a relaxing overnight stay. Enjoy breakfast the following morning, and check-out at 10:00 AM for your return journey to Baku, where you will arrive at midday.