About this experience
In the small Azerbaijan, 9 out of 11 climate zones are gathered. Subtropics reign in the south: ironwood grows here, tea, kiwi, mandarins are cultivated, and pink flamingos come here for wintering. During the journey through the region, we will admire citrus orchards, have a picnic with freshly picked fruits, and try authentic Azerbaijani tea. And at the same time, we will walk in one of the largest cities of the country - Lenkoran.
What to expect
Getting to know the city
The journey to Lenkoran will take 3 hours and will pass through a picturesque well-maintained road. When we arrive in the city, we will take a walk on the unusual shore of the Caspian Sea: the sand color here is black due to volcanic origin. Then we will visit all the must-see places in the city:
- Mirahmad khan's House. 100 years ago, Mirahmad khan ordered it to be built for his wife Tugra in honor of her victory in the beauty contest of the Caucasus.
- 18th-century Lenkoran Fortress. It used to seem formidable and impregnable, but today only a few fragments remain, as well as two ancient mosques.
- Active lighthouse. The lighthouse tower is part of the Lenkoran Fortress and was built simultaneously with the fortress constructions.
And for lunch, I will offer you to try one of the dishes of the local cuisine.
Getting to know the subtropics and their inhabitants
After lunch, we will visit the Hirkan National Park. The main wealth of the park is its subtropical inhabitants. During the walk, you will meet various exotic plants and animals and simply relax in the fresh air.
Then we will go to the garden, where (depending on the season) you will admire how kiwi, feijoa, mandarin, lemon trees bear fruit and more. You can pick the fruits yourself and have a picnic next to a small pond or have a snack at a restaurant right in the citrus garden.
And finally, we will visit the tea plantations where the famous Azerbaijani tea is grown. And enjoy the aromatic drink with homemade jam as a bonus.
Organizational details
Additional entrance fee to the citrus orchards (includes tea with homemade jam tasting) - 4 euros/person.
