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Azerbaijan is situated in eastern part of the South Caucasus and is bordered by Russia, Georgia, Armenia, Turkey and Iran and the Caspian Sea on the east. Azerbaijan has very rich history. In the pre-Islamic period the territory of Azerbaijan was known as Albania. From the times of ancient Media (9th B.C.) and the Persian Empire (6th -4th B.C.) Azerbaijan had been sharing the history of what is now Iran. In Azerbaijan there are attractive landscapes, historical and architectural monuments, colorful fine arts and some of the world famous carpets. The country is also famous for its ancient Zoroastrian fire temples and oil production.

 

Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, is situated in the south-western part of the Absheron peninsula. Scientists date the first settlements back to the 2nd millennium BC. Baku was first mentioned as a city in Arab Manuscripts of the 8th century AD. Up to the 19th century Baku exited within the Fortress walls of Icheri Sheher what is now the Baku fortress is usually  called. The fortress is well preserved and is really a museum in the open air, the treasury of the Medieval architecture, which contains more than 200 monuments including the Ensemble of the Shirvanshahs' Palace (XV c),  the unique Maiden Tower (XII c), Mohammed Ibn Abubekir Mosque (1078),  and other mosques, Caravanserais and historical monuments.

From Baku we will have a trip to see Shamakhy and Sheki.

 

Shamakhy had been one of the most important stop-over for a long time. There are important historical monuments such as the Juma mosque 10th c., the Yeddi Gumbez (Seven Domes) mausoleum built in 1402, the ruins of the Gulistan fortress 11-12th c. Shamakhy has been the birth-place of a considerable number of Azeri poets, philosophers and scientists such as Khagani (12th c.), Nesami (14th c.) and Sabar (1862-1911).

 

Sheki is one of the most ancient settlements and architectural centers of Azerbaijan. The town was founded more than 2700 years ago. On the way to Sheki there are severe and picturesque Eastern Caucasian Mountains. Even the hotel "Yukhari Caravanserai"  where we will stay is an architectural monument.

 

 

During the trip we stay in good hotels, mostly in Baku in the hotel Azerbaijan***. The hotel is in the center of the city overlooking the Caspian Sea. There are two restaurants, three bars, casino, gift shops, laundry, and hairdressing salon in the hotel. The rooms are equipped with color TV, telephone, air conditioner.

In Sheki we stay in the hotel Caravanserai. There are only 40 rooms which are decorated with Oriental carpets and traditional mufflers to imitate the interiors of an old Caravanserai. The hotel has an inner courtyard with fountain, restaurant with national cuisine, two bars, tee room, gift shop, laundry.

All daily (three times) meals in Azerbaijan  are included in the initial price. You will have an opportunity not only to eat in good European restaurants, but also taste good national cuisine.

 

A visa is required. For details you may see our page Visas to CIS.

No special inoculation is required to enter Azerbaijan.