A Tourist Program to Azerbaijan for Eid al-Adha

A Tourist Program to Azerbaijan for Eid al-Adha

Eid al-Adha in 2025 is expected to fall around June 6th-9th, offering a fantastic opportunity for a short trip. Azerbaijan, the "Land of Fire," offers a unique blend of ancient history and modern development, making it an excellent choice for an Eid getaway.

Here's a possible itinerary, keeping in mind popular attractions and activities, typically over 4-6 days:

Day 1: Arrival in Baku & Modern City Exploration

• Arrival: Arrive at Heydar Aliyev International Airport (GYD) in Baku. Transfer to your hotel.
• Afternoon/Evening:
  • Highland Park (Dagustu Park): Enjoy panoramic views of Baku, including the Flame Towers, the Caspian Sea, and the city skyline. It's especially beautiful at sunset.
  • Flame Towers: Witness the iconic Flame Towers, which illuminate at night with a stunning LED display resembling flames.
  • Baku Boulevard (Seaside Promenade): Take a leisurely stroll along the Caspian Sea, enjoy the sea breeze, and soak in the vibrant atmosphere. You can also opt for a boat ride on the Caspian Sea.
  • Dinner: Indulge in traditional Azerbaijani cuisine at a local restaurant.

Day 2: Old City Charm & Cultural Immersion

• Morning:
  • Icherisheher (Old City): Explore the UNESCO World Heritage site, a walled city with narrow cobbled streets.
    • Maiden Tower: Discover the mysterious history and legends surrounding this ancient monument.
    • Palace of the Shirvanshahs: Visit this 15th-century architectural complex, a former royal residence.
    • Browse souvenir shops and local crafts.
• Afternoon:
  • Azerbaijan National Carpet Museum: Admire the rich history of Azerbaijani carpet weaving, a unique art form.
  • Heydar Aliyev Center: Marvel at the futuristic and iconic architecture of this cultural center.
• Evening: Explore Nizami Street for shopping and dining.

Day 3: Fire, Mud & Ancient History

• Morning:
  • Gobustan National Park: Journey to this UNESCO World Heritage site to see ancient rock carvings (petroglyphs) dating back over 40,000 years.
  • Mud Volcanoes: Witness the unique natural phenomenon of bubbling mud volcanoes near Gobustan.
• Afternoon:
  • Ateshgah (Fire Temple): Visit this ancient Zoroastrian fire temple, a testament to Azerbaijan's historical connection to fire worship.
  • Yanar Dag (Burning Mountain): See the natural gas flames continuously burning from the hillside.
• Evening: Free time for relaxation or further exploration in Baku.

Day 4: Mountain Escape to Gabala or Shahdag (Optional Full Day Trip)

• Option A: Gabala (Approx. 3-hour drive from Baku)
  • Tufandag Mountain Resort: Enjoy cable car rides with stunning panoramic views of the Caucasus Mountains. In summer, you can enjoy various activities like hiking.
  • Nohur Lake: Relax by this picturesque lake surrounded by lush greenery.
  • Visit a local village to experience Azerbaijani rural life.
• Option B: Shahdag (Northern Azerbaijan)
  • Shahdag Mountain Resort: A popular destination for nature lovers. Enjoy cable car rides and the beautiful mountain scenery. In summer, there are options for hiking, paragliding, and horseback riding.
  • Explore the surrounding areas of Gusar, known for its natural landscapes.

Day 5: Departure or Further Exploration

• Morning: Depending on your flight schedule, you can do some last-minute shopping, visit a local market, or revisit a favorite spot.
• Departure: Transfer to Heydar Aliyev International Airport for your departure.

Tips for your Eid al-Adha trip:

• Book in advance: Eid al-Adha is a popular travel period, so book flights and accommodations well in advance.
• Currency: The local currency is the Azerbaijani Manat (AZN).
• Language: Azerbaijani is the official language, but Russian is widely spoken, and English is becoming more common, especially in tourist areas.
• Transportation: Taxis are readily available. Baku also has a metro system.
• Dress Code: While Azerbaijan is a modern country, it's respectful to dress modestly when visiting religious sites.
• Weather: June in Azerbaijan is generally warm and pleasant.
• Food: Don't miss out on trying local delicacies like Plov (pilaf), Dolma, Kebabs, and traditional sweets.

This itinerary is a suggestion and can be customized based on your interests and the length of your stay. Enjoy your Eid al-Adha holiday in beautiful Azerbaijan!