Short break in Azerbaijan - Tailormade

Welcome to Azerbaijan! On arrival at Baku International Airport, you will be met and transferred privately to your hotel in the city. Once known primarily for its oil wealth and position on the Caspian Sea, Baku has developed into one of the Caucasus' most distinctive capitals, where centuries-old architecture sits alongside ambitious modern developments. The remainder of the day is free to relax after your journey or, depending on your arrival time, begin getting acquainted with your surroundings.

After breakfast, begin your exploration of Baku, a city where the character of the historic Caucasus meets the energy of a modern Caspian capital.

Your sightseeing begins in Icherisheher, the Walled City, the historic heart of Baku and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its atmospheric lanes, stone buildings and ancient walls provide an insight into the city's long history as an important trading centre. The Old City preserves substantial sections of its medieval defensive walls, while landmarks such as the Maiden Tower and Shirvanshah's Palace reflect the importance of Baku during the medieval period.

Continue through the principal streets and squares of the modern city, passing monumental buildings, public sculptures and important civic landmarks. You will also visit Liberty Square and travel along some of Baku's principal avenues, experiencing the impressive contrast between its historic core and contemporary cityscape.

Later, ascend to Mountain Park, where you can enjoy panoramic views across Baku, the Caspian Sea and the city's distinctive skyline. The Flame Towers are particularly prominent from this elevated viewpoint. Return to your hotel with the remainder of the day free to relax or explore independently.

Today you venture beyond Baku to discover one of Azerbaijan's most extraordinary landscapes.

Travel towards Gobustan, a semi-desert region of rocky plateaux, unusual geological formations and ancient archaeological sites. The Gobustan Rock Art Cultural Landscape is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and contains more than 6,000 rock engravings, providing an extraordinary record of human activity dating back tens of thousands of years. The engravings depict people, animals, hunting scenes, boats and other aspects of prehistoric life.

The surrounding landscape is equally fascinating for its mud volcanoes, a geological phenomenon for which Azerbaijan is particularly renowned. Small cones and pools of bubbling mud create an almost otherworldly environment across the semi-desert.

Following your excursion, return to Baku and visit the Azerbaijan National Carpet Museum, where you can discover the country's long-standing carpet-weaving traditions and admire examples of intricately patterned Azerbaijani carpets and textiles.

Continue with a walk along Baku Boulevard, the attractive promenade stretching along the Caspian waterfront. Enjoy views across the sea and the modern city skyline before exploring Little Venice, a picturesque network of waterways and bridges within the boulevard area.

Return to your hotel and enjoy a free evening in Baku.

Today you leave Baku for a full-day excursion into the foothills of the Greater Caucasus range, travelling through some of Azerbaijan's most attractive countryside.

Your first stop is Shamakhi, one of Azerbaijan's historic cities and a former capital of the Shirvanshah state. The city has endured earthquakes and invasions over the centuries, but important monuments remain. Visit the Juma Mosque, one of the region's historic Islamic landmarks, before continuing to Yeddi Gunbaz, the mausoleum complex containing the tombs of the last independent rulers of Shamakhi.

There may also be an opportunity to visit Meysari Winery for a wine tasting, subject to availability. This provides an interesting introduction to Azerbaijan's developing wine culture and the country's traditional grape-growing regions.

Continue towards the mountain village of Lahij, travelling through increasingly dramatic scenery and a spectacular mountain canyon. As the road climbs towards the Greater Caucasus, the landscape changes from open countryside to wooded slopes and rugged mountain scenery.

Lahij is one of Azerbaijan's most atmospheric traditional villages. Its cobbled lanes, stone houses, workshops and historic buildings have helped preserve a distinctive character, while the village remains particularly famous for its craftsmanship, especially its traditional copperware. More than 40 different crafts were historically practised here, and Lahij is now protected as a historical and cultural reserve.

Take time to wander through the village, browse the craft workshops and appreciate the traditional architecture before beginning the journey back to Baku.

Arrive in Baku later in the day and enjoy a free evening.

After breakfast, explore the Absheron Peninsula, an area closely associated with Azerbaijan's ancient relationship with fire.

Visit Yanar Dag, the 'Burning Mountain', where natural gas escaping from the earth creates a remarkable eternal flame. The phenomenon provides a fascinating link with Azerbaijan's historic association with fire and the religious traditions that developed around these natural flames.

Continue to the Ateshgah Fire Temple at Surakhani. The temple is associated with the historic fire-worshipping traditions of the region and reflects the influence of Zoroastrianism and other religious traditions that developed along the ancient trade routes of the Caucasus.

Return towards central Baku for a visit to the spectacular Heydar Aliyev Centre. Designed by the renowned Iraqi-British architect Zaha Hadid, the building is one of the defining landmarks of modern Baku. Its flowing white curves and dramatic architectural form provide a striking contrast to the medieval stone buildings of the Old City.

At the appropriate time transfer to the airport for your onward flight.