The 'land of fire', Azerbaijan was once home to the ancient Zoroastrian religion.
Intro
The recently-developed Flame Towers of Baku are a testament to Azerbaijan's Zoroastrian past; these impressive modern structures tower over the medieval streets of Baku's Old Town, symbolic of the striking contrast between old and new that makes Azerbaijan so special. The Old Town boats 4 UNESCO World Heritage site, including the iconic stone-carved Palace of the Shirvanshahs and the curious Maiden Tower, which features on Azeri bank notes. Visit the ancient Ateshgah fire temple and its eternally burning "holy fire". Head down the shores of the Caspian Sea to Gobustan National Park, home to over 6,000 ancient rock carvings which date back some 40,000 years and depict a wealth of scenes from prehistoric times. Visit remote mud volcanoes, explore the stunning Khan's Palace in Sheki or go walking in the high Caucasus mountains. Azerbiajan is a fascinating and little visited gem straddling the borders of Europe and Asia.
Why travel with us ?
Azerbaijan once sat firmly on the Asia side of the Europe/Asia border, unlike its close neighbours Georgia and Armenia. But today the country is beginning to tilt to Europe in many respects, particularly in its leaders' ambitions. But in other ways it is Asian influences in the ascendancy as evidenced by an increase in those practicing Islam (albeit from a relatively low base).
Azerbaijan today offers ancient history with a distinctly modern feel in places, and its Islamic heritage is in marked contrast to that of its Christian neighbours. Sharing a religion with Iran (shi'ism) and a language with Turkey (Azeri is a dialect of Turkish), Azerbaijan combines myriad influences with its own distinctive personality.Â
We have designed some small group tours to help you navigate these subtleties - either on our Best of the Caucasus tour - including Georgia and Armenia - or on an in-depth Azerbaijan Explorer tour to get under the skin of Azerbaijan, as well as a hiking itinerary in the Northern Caucasus mountains. Want to explore more? Why not take a cooking class, learn local crafts, or visit one of Azerbaijan's hundreds of mud volcanoes. You can also combine a trip to Azerbaijan with visits to any of its major neighbours in the Caucasus and beyond, including Iran, Turkey and the "Stans" of Central Asia.
Take a cruise along the coastline of the Caspian Sea on a cruise liner (Apr-Oct).
Nature
Discover a range of ecosystems in Azerbaijan. Visit the Yanar Dag at night to witness a natural gas fire that has never been extinguished, burning continuously on the Absheron Peninsula. Nearly a third of the world's mud volcanoes are found in Azerbaijan. The unique sight of several active exploding mud piles littering the arid landscape of Gobustan is an unforgettable one.Â
Trekking
Discover remote, ethnically distinct villages in the Caucasus mountains of Azerbaijan. Stay in homestays, eat home-cooked food, meet locals and discover incredible, unique villages in one of most linguistically diverse regions in the world.
Culture & Craft Classes
Take a cooking class and learn to make traditional Azeri dishes, enjoy caviar, and sample local wines and champagne. Craft classes available including making carpets and kelagayi (silk headscarves).Â
Off-Road Tours
4x4 off-road tours through Azerbaijan’s diverse landscapes. Take a tour of Baku in a unique retro car.Â
More
Azerbaijan's landscape is diverse and full of incredible natural phenomena.
-Visit the Yanar Dag at night to witness a natural gas fire that has never been extinguished, burning continuously on the Absheron Peninsula.
- Nearly a third of the world's mud volcanoes are found in Azerbaijan. The unique sight of several active exploding mud piles littering the arid landscape of Gobustan is an unforgettable one.
-Â To learn more about the rich Azeri culture and heritage, visit the Heydar Aliyev Cultural Centre in Baku, an impressive example of Azerbaijan's progressive contemporary architecture.Â
