About this experience
This is a rich adventure - an opportunity to explore the city and see the main attractions beyond its borders in one day. You can expect a colorful whirlwind of impressions: winding streets behind fortress walls, an ancient palace, the highest point of the city, miniature books, European architecture of new Baku, the Zoroastrian temple, and the natural eternal flame.
What to expect
Ancient quarters of Icheri-Sheher
The tour starts from the origins of Baku - behind the fortress walls of the inner city. Listening to stories about the history of Baku and Absheron architecture, you will reach the Palace of the Shirvanshahs. On the palace grounds, I will tell you about the features of this historical residence of ancient rulers. The winding streets will share stories of bathhouse attendants, shoemakers, and jewelers. You will reach the Juma Mosque and Maiden Tower - optionally climb it to overlook the familiar quarters of the Old City from above.
Thousands of books in the museum
A special impression of the walking part of the tour will be the Miniature Book Museum, which has no analogs in the world. Here you will see a private collection of books that can only be read under a microscope - they have been collected from around the world for many years.
Words about oil and Europe
Exiting the fortress walls, you will enter the picturesque Governor's Garden, where you will hear the story of the building of the Baku Philharmonic and see Fountain Square. And then immerse yourself in the era of the oil boom in Azerbaijan. You will learn about the Europeanization of Baku and see the luxurious houses that Baku oil workers built at the behest of their wives, inspired by European architecture. The oil stories will come to life in the car part of the tour as you drive past oil derricks and wells.
Absheron Lights
You will head east towards the town of Surakhani, where since the 17th century adherents of the ancient Zoroastrianism religion aspired to visit - at the Ateshgah Fire Temple. In this mysterious place, I will tell you about the emergence and development of Zoroastrianism, about the traditions and customs of fire worshipers. You will meet fire again in the evening near the unique Yanar Dag Mountain - the flame at its foot never extinguishes thanks to the gas coming out from under the ground.
The adventure will end in the Highland Park of Baku, where at the highest point of the city you will enjoy evening panoramas.
Organizational Details
- Entrance tickets are not included in the tour price: Palace of the Shirvanshahs (optional) - $6/person, Ateshgah - $2/person, Yanar Dag - $1.10/person
- The tour can be conducted for a larger number of people: from 4 to 6 - €30/person, from 7 to 18 - €25/person
