14 days in Azerbaijan Itinerary

A truly contemporary city criss-crossed by history, Baku offers everything from the modern elegance of the Flame Towers to the medieval UNESCO-listed Old City at its core.

For more things to do, where to stay, maps, and other tourist information, go to the Baku journey maker website.

Dubai, United Arab Emirates to Baku is an approximately 6-hour flight. You can also drive. Expect much colder temperatures when traveling from Dubai in December; daily highs in Baku reach 10°C and lows reach 3°C. You will leave for Shamakhi on the 10th (Sat).

Azerbaijan's former capital surrounded by fine countryside and packed with cultural heritage, Shamakhi is one of Azerbaijan’s most historic cities and the birthplace of legendary Azerbaijani poets Sabir and Nesimi.

Start off your visit on the 10th (Sat): don't miss a visit to Diri Baba Mausoleum and then contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Juma Mosque. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the next day: admire the striking features of Yeddi Gumbaz Mausoleum, see the interesting displays at Shamakhi Astrophysical Observatory, and then relax in the rural setting at Alpaca Azerbaijan.

To see maps, photos, where to stay, and other tourist information, go to the Shamakhi road trip planning site.

You can drive from Baku to Shamakhi in 2 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or do a combination of bus and taxi. Traveling from Baku in December, Shamakhi is little chillier at night with lows of -2°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 11th (Sun) early enough to go by car to Gabala.

If you're fed up of the concrete jungle, take a trip to Gabala for the perfect getaway.

Start off your visit on the 12th (Mon): contemplate the waterfront views at Yeddi Gozel Waterfall, then hit the slopes at Tufandag Winter Summer Resort, and then get in on the family fun at Gabaland. Keep things going the next day: explore the activities along Nohur Lake, then engage your brain at Gabala Archaeological Center, and then learn about winemaking at Savalan ASPI Winery.

To see traveler tips, ratings, and other tourist information, you can read our Gabala travel itinerary planner.

Drive from Shamakhi to Gabala in 1.5 hours. In December, daytime highs in Gabala are 8°C, while nighttime lows are -2°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 14th (Wed) so you can drive to Sheki.

Sheki is Azerbaijan’s true travel gem, a small city off the forested slopes of the Greater Caucasus Mountains rich in Silk Road history and renowned for its fascinating architecture, food, and friendly residents.

Kick off your visit on the 14th (Wed): admire the masterpieces at Museum of Folk and Applied Arts, then don't miss a visit to Sheki Fortress, then admire the landmark architecture of Sheki Khans' Palace, and finally admire the striking features of Sheki Karvansaray. Here are some ideas for day two: pause for some serene contemplation at Church of Kish and then experience rural life at Bio Garden.

For traveler tips, other places to visit, and tourist information, go to the Sheki online trip maker.

You can drive from Gabala to Sheki in 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus. Expect a daytime high around 8°C in December, and nighttime lows around 0°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 15th (Thu) to allow enough time to drive to Khinalig.

This picturesque village is located at over 2,000 m (6,500 ft) above sea level and it is said to be connected with the story of Noah: according to legend, when Noah saw this high, flat terrain, he dropped anchor and told everyone to leave the Ark.

On the 16th (Fri), see the interesting displays at Khinalig Village.

For maps, more things to do, reviews, and more tourist information, read our Khinalig trip planner.

Drive from Sheki to Khinalig in 7 hours. On the 16th (Fri), you'll have the morning to explore before heading off to Gusar.

Azerbaijan's "northern gates" promise breathtaking Caucasus Mountain scenery, home to some of the country’s highest peaks, a classy ski resort, traditional rustic villages, and tasty Lezgi cuisine.

Kick off your visit on the 17th (Sat): walk around Nariman Narimanov Park, stroll through Shahdag Mountain Resort, then stroll the grounds of Guba Genocide Memorial Complex, and finally contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Six-Domed Synagogue.

To see traveler tips, reviews, where to stay, and other tourist information, read Gusar travel route builder website.

Getting from Khinalig to Gusar by car takes about 2 hours. Expect a daytime high around 8°C in December, and nighttime lows around -2°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 18th (Sun) early enough to drive to Baku.

You'll find plenty of places to visit near Baku: Gobustan (Mud Volcanoes & Gobustan State Reserve). See some other sides of Baku: see the interesting displays at Heydar Aliyev Center, contemplate the long history of Baku Old City, go for a walk through Baku Boulevard, and don't miss a visit to Highland Park.

To see traveler tips, more things to do, where to stay, and more tourist information, go to the Baku online trip itinerary builder.

Traveling by car from Gusar to Baku takes 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus. Traveling from Gusar in December, plan for a bit warmer nights in Baku, with lows around 3°C. On the 22nd (Thu), you'll have the morning to explore before heading back home.