About this experience
On a car-pedestrian excursion, you will walk along the iconic streets of the city and get acquainted with the original architecture of old and new Baku, which has more than three hundred years of history. I will tell you about myths and legends associated with the most vivid buildings of the capital. And, of course, about ancient traditions and customs firmly intertwined in the life of the Baku residents. After Baku, you will have an amazing trip to the mud volcanoes and rock carvings of Gobustan, as well as to the heroic oil rigs!
What to expect
All you need to know about old and new Baku
While you explore the sights and walk along the beautiful streets, I will tell you about the oil millionaires of Azerbaijani, Russian, and European origin, thanks to whom modern Baku acquired its architectural appearance. You will hear legends and myths associated with the most interesting buildings of the city. Let's talk about Russian, Polish, and German architects who worked in Baku. And about what traditions and customs existed among the Baku residents in the past and which of them have survived to the present day. Along the way, you will be able to ask me any questions you have about life in the Azerbaijani capital. I will gladly share useful information and tips so that your journey not only stays within the comfort zone but also makes you feel at home!
Iconic places of the city
The tour will start at the main square, where I will tell you about the contribution of one of the former governors of Baku to the city's appearance. Nearby, you will see the Molokan Garden, named after the Russian settlers of the mid-19th century, as well as the Russian Drama Theater, famous for its productions. You will find yourself on the boulevard encircling the city like a pearl necklace around the Caspian Sea. And then take a gondola ride through Baku's Venice, admiring the splendid building of the Carpet Museum with patterns that have no analogues in the world. You will visit the Alley of Honor, where President Heydar Aliyev and Muslim Magomayev rest. And from the Alley of Martyrs (Highland Park), you will enjoy a magnificent panorama of Baku. I will show you the ancient place of the Taza-Bey-Hamam bathhouse and the eastern quarters of the 'Black City', described by B. Akunin in the book of the same name. You will also visit the Heydar Aliyev Center, recognized as the most outstanding architectural structure in the world in 2014. And, of course, you will meet the fantastic 'Flame Towers'—the modern symbol of the capital. According to a survey by a prestigious urban planning forum, the illumination of this complex of buildings has been recognized as the best in the world.
Mud volcanoes, rock carvings of Gobustan, and heroic oil rigs
Did you know that just 70 km from the capital of Azerbaijan is one of the wonders of the world? Every guest of the country should definitely visit the Gobustan historical and art reserve. Here you can see the amazing natural phenomenon—mud volcanoes. And also admire the rock carvings left by our distant ancestors. The Gobustan reserve is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List—it is one of the wonders of the world. You will see unique geological formations and visit mysterious caves that were once the cradle of humanity. You will immerse yourself in the history of stone and the oil boom of Baku. We will definitely see the monument that stands at the site of the very first oil well. You will be amazed to see that the mechanism used to extract oil is made of wood. You will also have the opportunity to touch the history of the Great Patriotic War, as some of the oil heroes-wells provided the valiant Soviet Army with all the fuel from the 1930s.
In addition, our program includes:
- Palace of Happiness
- Baku City Hall and the Presidential Apparatus
- Presidium of the Academy of Sciences
- Azerbaijan Parliament
- Catholic Church
- Government House
- Marine Station and much more!
Organizational Details
- The meeting place is determined by agreement
- The cost of the excursion may change due to road closures and route extensions. Details should be clarified in correspondence with the guide.
- Transfer is included in the price if you are a maximum of four people. If you are more than 4 people, the cost of a minivan is additionally paid (minimum price—55 euros per vehicle)
- Order one of the excursions in Baku, and I will gladly give you a jar of olive jam or Sheki baklava
- Order two excursions, and accompany you to the Eastern Bazaar for tea, caviar, pomegranate wine, and sweets—for free
