East to West - Azerbaijan (Shamakhi- Lahij- Gabala- Shaki)

East to West - Azerbaijan (Shamakhi- Lahij- Gabala- Shaki)

In Azerbaijan, every region has its own uniqueness. Explore Azerbaijan with this magnificent tour to have unforgettable positive lifetime memories that will stay with you forever.

Our tour will take you to the west part of the country. On our way we will visit most touristic attractions and sights, exploring Azerbaijan from east to west.

We will have one night stay in Shaki city, in 4 star hotel.

Itinerary

Day 1: Shamakhi- Lahij- Gabala

Stop At: Juma Mosque, Nariman Narimanov St., Shamakhi Azerbaijan
Juma Mosque of Shamakhi is one of the first mosques of Azerbaijan after the Arab occupation of Caucasus. The Arabian writings reflected on the walls of the mosque show the construction year as 744 AD. This makes the mosque the earliest one in whole Caucasus after the Juma Mosque of Derbent, which was completed in 734 AD.
Duration: 10 minutes

Stop At: Diri baba turbesi, Qobustan, Azerbaijan
The Diri Baba Mausoleum is a mausoleum located in Shamakhy- Maraza region of Azerbaijan. The mausoleum is a wonderful example of Shirvan architectural school. According to the scripts found on the monument, the construction date was 1402 and the architect was “…the son of ustad Haji”. A funeral text on the wall indicates the name- Shirvanshahs – Ibrahim I of Shirvan- ruler of Shirvanshakhs State.

There are still many legends about the mausoleum.
For a long time, local people believed that a sacred person- called Diribaba had buried here and remained imperishable across the centuries. Local people relate many mystic events to this monument. Therefore, the mausoleum attracts many pilgrims and visitors from its construction date.
Duration: 30 minutes

Stop At: Ismayilli, Ismailli 3100, Azerbaijan
Lahij is a remote village located in Ismayilli district of Azerbaijan, on the slopes of Greater Caucasus, at a height of 1211 meters above sea level. The distance from the capital Baku to the village is about 190 km. The population of the village is around 2,000 residents mainly consisting of the ethnic minority group who speak the Tat language.

Lahij is one of the most ancient one of the oldest continuously habited places in the world. Moreover, the sewage system of the village dates back to 1000 years ago which was an extra-ordinary facility for that time. For example, the big cities of Europe like Paris and London did not have sewage system until the XIII-XIV century AD. The buildings and master plan of the village is very unique. As a result of the frequent earthquakes, local people have developed sophisticated and authentic construction techniques. Traditionally, people used the ground floors of houses as workshops and trade rooms. Houses here are distinctive with their flat roofs. Furthermore, some houses feature balconies that look out onto the street.

Duration: 2 hours

Stop At: Nohur Gol, Gebele, Azerbaijan
Nohur Lake is one of the most popular and visited natural attractions of Gabala, Azerbaijan. Located about 5 km. east of the Gabala city, the lake is surrounded by the forests and high mountains called Yumru, Goydag and Gulluburun. The lake covers 240 ha in total and has the maximum depth of 24 meters. The Nohur lake has very clear water thanks to the fresh water sources spilt into the lake. Apart from the small seasonal water supply coming from the mountains of Caucasus, Damiraparan and Vandam rivers also flow to the lake. Historically, the lake used was a natural lake, but in 1949, a water-storage reservoir constructed in the south part of the lake. The reservoir has a great importance for the local people as it supplies the agricultural needs of neighbouring districts. During the winter months, ice covers the surface of the lake. Sometimes, the thickness of the ice layer reaches to 50-60 cm.
Duration: 30 minutes

Stop At: Tufandag Winter Summer Tourism Holiday Complex, 4 km from Qabala City, Qabala Azerbaijan
Tufandag Mountain Resort offers its visitors a natural scenery of incomparable beauty and harmony. Set like a jewel in the crown of mountains that surround it, Tufandag Mountain Resort is a must see place for nature lovers and sports enthusiasts. You will have a cable car ride here, also can do many other activities line quad tour, mountain biking, horse riding and during the winter seasons, skiing, etc.
Duration: 2 hours

No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Overnight in Shaki Saray (4 *) in Shaki

Day 2: Shaki- Kish- Savalan winery tour

Stop At: Sheki Khan's Palace, Sheki 0055 Azerbaijan
Shaki Khan Palace is one of the fascinating buildings of Medieval time Azerbaijan. It is located in Shaki city of Azerbaijan. Though it is called a Palace, in fact it was a summer residence of Shaki Khanate. The palace was part of the larger administrative complex located within the Shaki Fortress. Along with the palace, once there were other magnificent structures, such as winter palace, residential buildings for Khans’ family, servants and army barracks in the complex. Unfortunately, through the time most of the buildings demolished. Now, along with the pool and hundreds years old trees, Shaki Khans Palace is the only remaining structure from the complex.
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Sheki Fortress, Ahundova Av. 205, Sheki 5500 Azerbaijan
You will see the well preserved remainings of Shaki Fortress which is 400 yeas old
Duration: 30 minutes

Stop At: Church of Kish, Sheki Azerbaijan
The Church of Kish also known by different sources as Church of Saint Elishe or Holy Mother of God Church, is an inactive 12th or 13th century Caucasian Albanian church located in the village of Kiş approximately 5 km north of Shaki, Azerbaijan
Duration: 30 minutes

Stop At: Savalan ASPI Winery, Qabala Azerbaijan
Savalan vinery is a modern winery located in Gabala city of Azerbaijan producing the high quality wines under the guidance of highly qualified Italian engineers - Mr. Daniel D'Andrea and Ms. Eliza Vagnoni. In the winery you will:

- have a tour through the vineyards
- walk through the vinery
- explore the advanced wine- making technologies applied in the facility
- discover the history and traditions of wine- making in Azerbaijan in the museum
- will visit the cellars
- taste four types of wines with snacks
- will get discounts for wines
Duration: 2 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
No accommodation included on this day.