Illuminated walls and buildings of Baku's Old City at night

Tourism & Hospitality · Azerbaijan

Azerbaijan, arranged around you

From the lanes of Baku's Old City to the ski slopes of Shahdag, we plan and coordinate private travel across Azerbaijan: itineraries, hotels, chauffeurs, guides and reservations, handled by one team based in Baku.

Private programmes only · Arabic, English, Russian, Azerbaijani and Turkish spoken by our team · Supplier costs always shown separately from our fee

Photo: Diego Delso / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0

One local team. Every detail in one place.

Azerbaijan is compact but varied. In a single week you can walk a medieval walled city, stand beside 5,000-year-old rock carvings, drive into the Greater Caucasus and sleep in a mountain resort. The distances are manageable, but the logistics are not always simple: mountain roads change with the weather, museums keep different closing days, and the best experiences depend on timing.

That is where we come in. ALVERA GLOBAL plans the journey with you, then books and coordinates the licensed local providers who deliver it: hotels, drivers, guides, interpreters, restaurants and activity operators. You deal with one team, in your language, before and during your stay.

Crenellated walls and a round tower of Baku's Old City
Photo: xiquinhosilva / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0

What we coordinate

  • A written itinerary built around your dates, pace and interests
  • Hotel and resort reservations
  • Airport meet-and-greet and all transfers
  • Private chauffeur-driven vehicles, from sedans to minibuses
  • Licensed guides and interpreters, subject to availability
  • Restaurant, museum and activity bookings
  • Local support throughout your stay

What we are not

We are not a bus-tour marketplace and we do not sell seats on shared excursions. Every programme on this page is arranged privately for you, your family or your group, and can be adjusted.

Three steps

  1. Tell us your plansdates, who is travelling and what matters to you.
  2. Receive your itinerarya clear day-by-day plan, with what is included and what needs confirming.
  3. Travel with supportour team stays reachable from arrival to departure.

The capital

Baku: old walls, a long seafront and a city built on oil

Baku sits on the Caspian shore, around a walled Old City listed by UNESCO. Beyond the walls are the grand façades of the oil-boom era, a seafront boulevard that stretches for kilometres, and a skyline of modern architecture. Most visitors spend two to four days here, and it is the natural base for day trips across the Absheron Peninsula.

  • Year-round
The Maiden Tower and an early-20th-century building at the edge of Baku's Old City
Photo: xiquinhosilva / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0

Destination cards

Narrow stone alley in Baku's Old City (Icherisheher)

Old City (Icherisheher)

A walled city within the city, with lanes, mosques, caravanserais, hammams and small museums inside 12th-century walls. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and still a living neighbourhood.

  • Time needed: 2–4 hours; half a day with museums
  • Best for: first-time visitors, culture, couples, families
  • Best time: all year; early morning or evening in summer heat
  • Good to know: lanes are cobbled and sloping. A baby carrier is easier than a pushchair. Free to enter; individual museums are ticketed.
  • Pairs well with: Fountain Square, Nizami Street, the Boulevard
The Maiden Tower rising above the Old City of Baku

Maiden Tower

Baku's defining landmark: a massive stone tower whose age and original purpose are still debated. A spiral staircase leads through eight levels to a rooftop terrace overlooking the Old City and Baku Bay.

  • Time needed: 30–45 minutes
  • Best for: everyone able to manage steep stairs
  • Opening hours: daily, 10:00–19:00 (hours may change seasonally)
  • Good to know: the staircase is steep and narrow; children should be supervised. Access above ground level is not suitable for wheelchairs.
Stone courtyard and domes of the Palace of the Shirvanshahs in Baku

Palace of the Shirvanshahs

The 15th-century royal complex of the Shirvanshah dynasty: palace, mosque, mausoleum, bathhouse and court pavilion, arranged across terraced courtyards.

  • Time needed: 45–75 minutes
  • Opening hours: daily, 10:00–19:00
  • Good to know: several levels connected by steps. Combine with the Maiden Tower and the Museum of Miniature Books nearby.

The Boulevard and Little Venice

Baku's seafront promenade runs along the bay past gardens, cafés, museums and children's rides. Little Venice, a small network of canals, offers short boat rides. Horse-drawn carriages returned to the Boulevard in 2026.

  • Time needed: 1–3 hours
  • Best time: late afternoon, sunset and evening
  • Best for: families, couples, relaxed walks
  • Good to know: flat, wide paths suit pushchairs and wheelchairs. Boat trips on the bay run seasonally and do not sail in strong wind.

Highland Park and the city panorama

The hilltop above the bay gives the classic view over Baku: the curve of the Boulevard, the Old City and the Flame Towers. The park includes Martyrs' Lane, a national memorial, where quiet and respectful conduct is expected.

  • Time needed: 30–45 minutes
  • Best time: sunset and after dark
  • Getting there: by car, or by the funicular from the Boulevard (Tuesday–Sunday, until 20:00)
Historic façades along pedestrian Nizami Street in Baku

Fountain Square and Nizami Street

The pedestrian heart of the city. Fountain Square opens onto Nizami Street, lined with late-19th and early-20th-century buildings, shops and cafés.

  • Time needed: 1–2 hours
  • Best time: evening, when the street is at its liveliest
  • Best for: shopping, strolling, people-watching

Heydar Aliyev Center

One of the most recognisable buildings of the 21st century, with flowing white curves set in a landscaped park. Inside are a museum, the Mini Azerbaijan model exhibition, a classic-car collection and changing art exhibitions.

  • Time needed: 1.5–2 hours inside; 20–30 minutes for the exterior and park
  • Good to know: closed on Mondays (confirm current hours when booking). Popular with families.
Historic carpet loom on display in a museum

Museums and culture

Baku rewards unhurried days indoors, especially in winter or midsummer.

  • Azerbaijan National Carpet Museum: thousands of carpets and textiles, with weaving demonstrations. Closed Mondays; one floor is currently under renovation.
  • National Museum of Art: the country's main fine-art collection. Closed Mondays; late opening on Wednesdays.
  • Museum of Miniature Books: a record-holding collection of tiny books in the Old City. Free; closed Mondays and Thursdays.
  • Baku Museum of Modern Art: Azerbaijani art from the mid-20th century onwards. Closed Mondays.
  • Villa Petrolea: the Nobel brothers' house-museum. Open on limited days only; booked in advance.
  • Concerts and performance: the Philharmonic, the Opera and Ballet Theatre and the International Mugham Center host seasonal programmes. We check what is on during your dates.
Tea served in a pear-shaped armudu glass

Markets and shopping

From the Yashil (Green) Bazaar, with its herbs, spices, dried fruit and saffron, to international boutiques at Port Baku Mall and the seafront Deniz Mall, Baku suits both browsing and serious shopping. Carpets, copperware, silk scarves (kelaghayi) and tea sets make lasting souvenirs.

  • Good to know: bargaining is normal at markets.
Baku City Hall illuminated at night

After sunset

Baku by Night

Baku changes after dark. The Old City walls glow, the Boulevard fills with families and couples, and from Highland Park the whole bay is lit below you. Evening is also when the city eats: long dinners, tea and live music.

We arrange evenings privately, with your own chauffeur, so you set the pace. Here are four ways to spend a night in Baku. Each can be shortened, extended or combined with dinner.

  • Evening
  • Year-round

Baku Lights

About 2.5–3 hours · by private car with short walks

  1. Highland Park at dusk for the panorama over the bay.
  2. Flame Towers viewpoint as the façade lighting begins.
  3. Heydar Aliyev Center exterior, lit at night.
  4. The Boulevard and Little Venice for an evening walk by the water.
  5. Fountain Square to finish, with tea or dessert nearby.

Best for first evenings, couples and families with older children.

Old City and Dinner

About 3–4 hours · mostly on foot

  1. A guided walk through the Old City as the lanes light up.
  2. The Maiden Tower and the Palace of the Shirvanshahs from outside, after the crowds have gone.
  3. Dinner at a traditional restaurant, with a menu of Azerbaijani dishes chosen in advance.
  4. Where scheduled, a mugham or folk-music evening. Performances vary by date and are confirmed when we book.

Best for culture lovers and anyone who wants their first taste of Azerbaijani cuisine.

Baku Night Panorama

About 2 hours · by private car

A shorter, mostly driven evening: Highland Park, the Flame Towers viewpoint, the seafront and the lit façades of central Baku, with photo stops. Suitable for travellers with limited mobility and for a first night after a long flight.

Private Baku Evening

3–5 hours, flexible · private chauffeur

Your car and driver for the evening, with a plan built around you: a rooftop or hotel bar with a view, a fine-dining reservation, a carriage ride on the Boulevard, a late walk through the Old City. Ideal for couples, celebrations and business guests with a free evening.

Good to know

  • Evening tours usually start after sunset: around 19:30–20:00 in summer and earlier in winter.
  • The funicular stops at 20:00 and does not run on Mondays, so later evenings use the car.
  • When the Formula 1 Grand Prix is held in Baku (September in recent years), central roads close for several days. We plan around it.
  • Rooftop venues, boat trips and concerts are subject to weather, season and availability.

One day, one landscape

Day trips from Baku

You can see a great deal of Azerbaijan without changing hotels. These are the day trips we arrange most often, with realistic timings. All are private, with hotel pick-up, and can be tailored.

Ancient rock engravings of human figures at Gobustan
Photo: Diego Delso / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0

Travel intensity: ○ light · ◐ moderate · ● long day

Grey mud volcano cones in the Gobustan landscape

Gobustan and the Mud Volcanoes

About 5 hours · ◐ · all year

  • Route: Baku → Bibi-Heybat Mosque (photo stop) → Gobustan Rock Art reserve (museum and hillside petroglyphs) → Mud Volcano Tourism Complex → Baku
  • Why go: more than 6,000 rock engravings, some thousands of years old, on a hillside above the Caspian, a site inscribed by UNESCO in 2007; then the strange, bubbling cones of the mud volcanoes.
  • Driving: about 1–1.5 hours each way
  • Good to know: the mud-volcano complex has its own vehicles to reach the craters. Tracks can close after heavy rain. Summer midday on the rocks is hot and exposed, so we start early.
Natural gas flames burning along the hillside at Yanar Dag
Courtyard and central fire altar of the Ateshgah Fire Temple

The Absheron Fire Route

About 4–5 hours · ○ · all year

  • Route: Baku → Ateshgah Fire Temple (Surakhani) → Yanar Dag, the burning hillside → Baku
  • Why go: fire has shaped Azerbaijan's identity. Ateshgah is a 17th–18th-century temple used by fire-venerating pilgrims; at Yanar Dag, natural gas has burned along a hillside for as long as anyone can remember.
  • Good to know: Yanar Dag closes at 19:00, so a dusk visit works best in the shorter days of autumn and winter. A combined ticket, valid for 72 hours, also covers the mud-volcano complex.

Ancient Absheron: Full Day

About 8–9 hours · ◐ · all year

Gobustan, the mud volcanoes, lunch, Ateshgah and Yanar Dag in a single day. The most efficient way to see the peninsula's highlights.

Forested mountain slopes near Gabala in the evening light

Shamakhi and Gabala

About 11–12 hours · ● · all year (activities vary by season)

  • Route: Baku → Diri Baba Mausoleum → Juma Mosque, Shamakhi → Tufandag cable car, Gabala → Nohur Lake → Baku
  • Why go: a mausoleum built into a cliff face in 1402, a mosque whose foundation tradition dates to the 8th century, then forested mountains and a lake.
  • Driving: about 3–3.5 hours each way
  • Good to know: a long day. For a relaxed pace, stay one night in Gabala (see programmes).
Stone walls and flat roofs in Khinalig with snowy mountains behind

Quba and Khinalig

About 10–12 hours · ● · best May–October

  • Route: Baku → Beshbarmag Mountain (photo stop) → Quba → Red Settlement → Qechresh Forest → Tengi Canyon → Khinalig → Baku
  • Why go: Khinalig is a stone village at more than 2,000 metres, home to a distinct language community. Its cultural landscape was inscribed by UNESCO in 2023.
  • Driving: about 2.5 hours to Quba, then about 1.5 hours on a mountain road
  • Good to know: we use an SUV for the mountain section. The road is weather-dependent and has been under repair in 2026, so we confirm conditions before every departure.
The rock walls of the Shahdag massif above green summer pastures

Shahdag Mountain Day

About 11–12 hours · ● · all year

  • Route: Baku → Candy Cane Mountains (optional photo stop) → Shahdag Mountain Resort → Laza waterfalls (summer) → Baku
  • Why go: in winter, skiing and snow; in summer, cable cars, the mountain coaster and alpine meadows.
  • Driving: about 3–3.5 hours each way; allow up to 4 hours in winter
  • Good to know: in winter we can arrange lift passes, equipment and lessons in advance.
Cobbled street and stone houses in the village of Lahij

Lahij, the Coppersmiths' Village

About 10 hours · ● · best April–October

  • Route: Baku → Diri Baba → Juma Mosque → Yeddi Gumbaz tombs → Lahij → Baku
  • Why go: a mountain village of cobbled lanes and copper workshops, where craft traditions are still practised.
  • Good to know: the access road can close after heavy rain. We check before confirming.
Striped red and white slopes of the Candy Cane Mountains
The rocky peak of Beshbarmag Mountain

Candy Cane Mountains and Beshbarmag

About 6 hours · ○ · spring and autumn best

Red-and-white striped hills in the Khizi district and the rocky Beshbarmag peak. A compact day for photographers and anyone short of time. Little shade, so we avoid summer middays.

Which day trip suits you?
If you want…Choose
History close to BakuGobustan and the Mud Volcanoes
An easy afternoonThe Absheron Fire Route
Mountains and forestShamakhi and Gabala, or Shahdag
A remote villageQuba and Khinalig
Craft and cultureLahij
Striking landscapes, short on timeCandy Cane Mountains

Beyond the capital

Four routes into the regions

Outside Baku, Azerbaijan divides naturally into four routes. Each can be a day trip, a weekend or part of a longer journey.

Map of Azerbaijan showing four travel routes from Baku: North, North-West, West and SouthOutside Baku, Azerbaijan divides naturally into four routes. Each can be a day trip, a weekend or part of a longer journey.Caspian SeaBakuGobustanYanar DagKhiziQubaKhinaligShahdagNabranShamakhiLahijGabalaShekiGakhGanjaGoygolNaftalanLankaranLerikMasalliThe NorthThe North-WestThe WestThe SouthAbsheron
Laza village beneath high mountain cliffs in the Greater Caucasus
Photo: Adam Jones / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0

The North: Quba, Khinalig and Shahdag

The road north follows the Caspian before climbing into the Greater Caucasus. Quba is known for its carpets, orchards and the historic Red Settlement across the river. Beyond it, a mountain road leads to Khinalig, and to the east lies Shahdag, the country's main ski and mountain resort.

  • Quba: carpet weaving, apple orchards, the Red Settlement and forest drives through Qechresh and the Tengi Canyon. Day trip or 1–2 nights.
  • Khinalig: a high stone village and UNESCO cultural landscape (2023). Best May–October; road conditions checked before departure.
  • Shahdag and Laza: ski slopes in winter; cable cars, the mountain coaster, horse riding and the marked Laza–Kuzun trail in summer. 1–3 nights.
  • Nabran: forest meeting the sea on the northern Caspian coast, with resort hotels. Summer only.
  • Candy Cane Mountains and Beshbarmag: striped hills and a landmark peak on the way north.

Overnight bases: Quba (Quba Palace Hotel & Golf Resort and others), the Shahdag resort hotels.

The village of Khinalig in a green valley below snow-capped peaks of the Greater Caucasus
Photo: Gilad.rom / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 3.0

Khinalighigh in the Greater Caucasus

Khinalig (Xınalıq) is a stone village at about 2,200 metres, some 60 km beyond Quba, surrounded by the peaks of Bazarduzu, Shahdag, Tufandag and Gizilgaya. Its people have their own language, Khinalug, and a way of life shaped by the mountains.

In 2023 UNESCO inscribed the Cultural Landscape of Khinalig People and "Köç Yolu" Transhumance Route on the World Heritage List. It brings together the village, its high summer pastures and terraces, and a seasonal route of about 200 km along which the semi-nomadic Khinalig people move their flocks between mountain and lowland pastures.

  • What you will see: grey stone houses built so close together on the slope that the roof of one serves as the courtyard of the next; the Juma Mosque at the top of the village; the local museum; and long views over the high valleys.
  • The journey: the drive is part of the experience. From Quba the road passes the Qechresh forest and runs through the Tengi Canyon before climbing into open mountain country. Allow about 2.5 hours from Baku to Quba, then about 1.5 hours on the mountain road.
  • When to go: May to October. Winters are long and cold, and snow can close the road.
  • Good to know: we use an SUV with a driver experienced on mountain roads. The road has been under repair in 2026, so we confirm conditions before every departure. Khinalig is a living village; please ask before photographing residents.
  • How we coordinate: private transport, a guide, lunch in the village and, on request, a night in a Khinalig guesthouse or in Quba. See AG-T10 and AG-T21.
Painted façade of the Palace of the Sheki Khans
Photo: Ludvig14 / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0

The North-West: Shamakhi, Lahij, Gabala and Sheki

The Silk Road route. Forested valleys, historic mosques and caravanserais, vineyards and craft villages, ending in Sheki, one of the most beautiful towns in the Caucasus.

  • Shamakhi: the former capital of the Shirvanshahs: the Juma Mosque, the Yeddi Gumbaz tombs and, nearby, the Diri Baba Mausoleum and the Shamakhi Astrophysical Observatory.
  • Lahij: the coppersmiths' mountain village in the Ismayilli district.
  • Gabala: forests, lakes and the Tufandag Mountain Resort; a favourite with families in summer. Nearby are Nohur Lake, the Yeddi Gozel Waterfall and the ruins of Chukhur Gabala, the ancient capital of Caucasian Albania.
  • Sheki: the Palace of the Sheki Khans with its painted interiors and stained-glass shebeke windows, historic caravanserais and the Albanian temple at nearby Kish. The historic centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site (2019). Famous for its halva and piti stew.
  • Gakh and Ilisu: a quieter extension: old quarters, mountain villages and the Ilisu waterfall.

Overnight bases: Gabala (Tufandag resort hotels and others), Sheki.

Driving: Baku to Gabala about 3–3.5 hours; Baku to Sheki about 4–5 hours. We recommend at least one night in Sheki rather than a single long day.

Turquoise Lake Goygol surrounded by forested mountains
Photo: Asif Masimov / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0

The West: Ganja, Goygol and Naftalan

Azerbaijan's second city and the mountain lakes above it.

  • Ganja: the city of the 12th-century poet Nizami Ganjavi, with the Nizami Mausoleum, Javad Khan Street and the Bottle House.
  • Goygol National Park: the country's best-loved mountain lake, beneath Mount Kapaz. Entry is ticketed; swimming is not permitted. Nearby Maralgol is reached on marked trails. Spring to autumn.
  • Naftalan: a resort town about an hour from Ganja, known for its oil-bath sanatoria (see Wellness).

Overnight base: Ganja. The drive from Baku takes about 5 hours, so the West works best as part of a longer route or with two nights.

Khanbulan Lake surrounded by forested hills near Lankaran

The South: Lankaran and the Hyrcanian forests

A green, humid south of tea plantations and ancient forest near the Iranian border.

  • Lankaran: the centre of Azerbaijani tea growing, with citrus groves and a distinctive regional cuisine (try lavangi, stuffed with walnut paste).
  • Hirkan National Park: part of the UNESCO-listed Hyrcanian Forests, with official eco-routes from one to six hours, including walks suitable for older visitors.
  • Lerik: mountain villages known as the "land of long life".
  • Masalli Istisu: a hot-spring centre, open May to October.

Overnight base: Lankaran. A long drive from Baku; we recommend at least two nights. We check current travel advice for areas close to the southern border before confirming.

December to March

Winter: snow within a few hours of Baku

For many visitors from the Gulf and beyond, the first sight of real snow is the highlight of the trip. Azerbaijan has two mountain resorts within driving distance of Baku, and the winter season is well organised.

  • Winter
  • Weather permitting
Ski lift and snowy slopes at Shahdag Mountain Resort
Photo: David Uriarte / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Snow-capped peaks of Shahdag National Park

Shahdag Mountain Resort

Azerbaijan's main ski resort, in the Qusar district, about 212 km from Baku.

  • Slopes: 37 slopes, around 45 km of pistes, served by 20 lifts, between roughly 1,435 m and 2,550 m
  • Ski school: private and group lessons in skiing and snowboarding for children and adults
  • Equipment: full rental on site
  • Snow activities: snow tubing, sledges for children, a snowmobile tour, an ice rink and more
  • Stay: six resort hotels, from family-friendly to five-star
  • Season: usually mid-December to March or early April, depending on snow
Forested mountains seen from the Tufandag cable car station in Gabala

Tufandag Mountain Resort, Gabala

A year-round resort above Gabala with four cable cars and ten ski slopes, from beginner to expert, plus ski school and rental. Two five-star hotels sit at the resort. Ski operations run through the winter months, snow permitting; we confirm dates each season.

Winter programmes

  • Shahdag Snow Day: a private day from Baku with lift passes, equipment rental and a lesson arranged before you arrive. AG-T17
  • Winter Weekend at Shahdag: two days and one night at a resort hotel, with time for skiing and snow play. AG-T18
  • Family Snow Days: gentle slopes, children's lessons, tubing and warm lunches, paced for young children. Built into AG-T17 and AG-T18 on request.
  • VIP Winter Escape: three days with a private 4×4 and chauffeur, a five-star resort stay and private instruction. AG-T19

Good to know

  • Snow, lift operations and activities depend on weather. We confirm what is running a few days before you travel.
  • The mountain road is serpentine in its final section. Our providers use vehicles fitted for winter conditions; allow up to 4 hours from Baku.
  • Ski passes, rental, lessons and activities are charged at the resort's own rates. We book them for you; our coordination fee is shown separately.
  • Baku itself stays mild in winter and is ideal for museums, food and evenings out.

June to September

Summer: cool mountains and the Caspian coast

When Baku is hot, the mountains are fresh. Gabala, Quba and Shahdag offer forest air, lakes, waterfalls and long evenings, while the Caspian coast has beaches and resorts close to the city.

  • Summer
Nohur Lake surrounded by forest near Gabala
Photo: Moonsun1981 / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0

Mountains, forests and lakes

  • Gabala: the Tufandag cable cars, the mountain coaster and mountain swing, quad bikes and archery; Nohur Lake with its boats and lakeside restaurants; the Yeddi Gozel Waterfall.
  • Shahdag: summer cable cars, the 2.6 km Shahdag Coaster, a zipline (minimum age 14), horse riding, mountain biking, a resort lake with catamarans and many children's activities.
  • Quba and Laza: orchards, forest drives and the marked Laza–Kuzun trail past twin waterfalls.
  • Goygol: mountain lakes in the West, best from late spring to autumn.
  • Ilisu: a steep hour's walk to the Ilisu waterfall, in the forested north-west.
Sandy beach on the Caspian coast of the Absheron Peninsula

The Caspian coast

The Absheron Peninsula has public beaches and resort clubs 30–60 minutes from central Baku, including the Sea Breeze resort at Nardaran, with its beach, pools and summer events. Kitesurfing runs from May to October. Further north, Nabran combines forest and sea.

  • Beach season: roughly June to September, busiest in July and August

Summer programmes

  • Gabala Summer Weekend AG-T20
  • Northern Highlands, 3 days AG-T21
  • Private Mountain Picnic AG-T33

Good to know

  • July and August are the busiest months in the mountains. Book hotels early.
  • Baku's midsummer days reach around 30 °C. We plan sightseeing for mornings and evenings.
  • Swimming is not permitted in some protected lakes, including Goygol and the lakes of Hirkan National Park.

For the curious

Adventure and rare experiences

We only list activities we have confirmed are offered in Azerbaijan by established providers. Safety rules, age limits and weather decide what is possible on the day.

Green mountain pastures and cliffs near Lerik
ExperienceWhereSeasonNotes
Hiking and trekkingLaza–Kuzun trail, Khinalig area, Goygol, Hirkan, IlisuSpring–autumn (Laza trail all year)Marked trails and guided treks. Multi-day high routes need a guide; some border-zone routes need permits.
Mountain coaster and ziplineShahdag; coaster also at TufandagAll yearZipline minimum age 14
Horse ridingShahdag, Sheki area, riding clubs near BakuAll yearBeginners welcome at clubs
Quad bikes and off-road toursShahdag, Tufandag, AbsheronAll yearChildren's quads at the resorts
Mountain bikingShahdagSummer
Snowmobile and snow tubingShahdagWinterWeather-dependent
Yacht charter and sailingBaku Bay and marinasSpring–autumnWith licensed captain
KitesurfingAbsheron and Khizi coastMay–October
Shooting rangesBaku, GabalaAll yearInstructor-led; age limits apply
KartingBaku (indoor)All year
StargazingShamakhi Astrophysical ObservatoryClear nights, best in summerEvening visits by arrangement
BirdwatchingGizil-Agach National Park, AbsheronSeptember–MayWinter wildfowl and spring migration
CavingLerikAll yearDemanding access; a local guide is strongly advised
Hot-air balloonGabala areaWeather-dependent, at sunriseOffered by a local operator; flight format and conditions confirmed on request

Available on request, subject to confirmation: tandem paragliding and river rafting are offered only occasionally by small operators. We confirm the provider, safety standards and conditions before offering them.

All ages

Family travel, paced for children

Azerbaijan is an easy country for families: distances are manageable, children are warmly welcomed, and there is plenty to do in every season. We plan family days with shorter drives, flexible meal times and a rest in the afternoon when needed.

In Baku

  • The Boulevard: gardens, fountains, fairground rides, carriage rides and Little Venice boats.
  • Baku Zoo: reopened in 2021 after reconstruction, with a petting zoo and pony rides.
  • Kinderland at Deniz Mall: a children's city of role-play professions for ages 4–14, next to indoor play and trampoline areas.
  • Heydar Aliyev Center: the Mini Azerbaijan models and classic cars.
  • Museum of Miniature Books: small, free and surprising.
  • Baku Eye: the seafront Ferris wheel, weather permitting.

In the mountains

  • Gabala: cable cars, the mountain coaster, Nohur Lake and the Gabaland amusement park.
  • Shahdag: a children's adventure park, trampolines, children's quads and, in winter, ski lessons for children and snow play.
  • Sea Breeze: beaches, pools and summer entertainment on the Absheron coast.

How we plan for families

  • Vehicles with child seats, requested in advance
  • Hotels with family rooms, connecting rooms or apartments
  • Realistic days: no more than 3–4 hours of driving for young children, unless you choose otherwise
  • Restaurants with children's options and a relaxed atmosphere
  • Old City visits with a carrier rather than a pushchair; flat promenades for pushchairs

Family programmes: Family Baku Day AG-T14 · Family Azerbaijan, 5 days AG-T24

At the table

Food and gastronomy

Azerbaijani food is generous, seasonal and shaped by the Silk Road: saffron rice, herbs, fruit, lamb and fresh bread, with tea poured throughout the day.

Azerbaijani chicken plov with saffron rice and dried fruit

Dishes to know

  • Plov: saffron rice with herbs, dried fruit and meat or fish; the centrepiece of any celebration. Shah plov is baked inside a crisp lavash crust.
  • Dolma: vine leaves or vegetables filled with meat, rice and herbs. The tradition of making and sharing dolma is inscribed by UNESCO (2017).
  • Qutab: thin flatbreads filled with greens, meat or pumpkin, cooked on a griddle.
  • Dushbara: tiny dumplings in broth, a Baku favourite.
  • Piti: lamb and chickpea stew slow-cooked in a clay pot, a speciality of Sheki.
  • Lavangi: chicken or fish stuffed with walnuts and herbs, from Lankaran.
  • Sweets: pakhlava, shekerbura and Sheki halva, especially around Novruz in March.
Tea in an armudu glass beside a branch of lilac in Quba

Tea culture

Tea is served in pear-shaped armudu glasses, often with homemade jams, lemon and sweets. A tea house is where conversations happen, whether in the Old City or a mountain village.

Food experiences we arrange

  • Taste of Baku: a morning at the Yashil Bazaar, a cooking masterclass and tea in the Old City. AG-T15
  • Old City dinner: a traditional restaurant with a menu chosen in advance. AG-T04
  • Regional tables: lunch with a family in a mountain village, piti in Sheki, tea and citrus in Lankaran.
  • Vineyards of Shamakhi and Gabala: winery visits with tastings are available for adult guests who wish to include them; every programme also has an alcohol-free version. AG-T16
  • Fine dining in Baku: reservations at hotel restaurants and leading independent restaurants.

Halal and dietary needs: halal meat is the norm in Azerbaijan, but alcohol is widely served. Tell us your requirements, and we will choose restaurants accordingly and confirm them in advance. Vegetarian, allergy-aware and children's menus can also be arranged.

Rest and restore

Wellness and spa

Calm mountain lake at Maralgol in Goygol National Park
Photo: Ilkin M-zade / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0

Spa hotels in Baku and the mountains

Several of Baku's leading hotels have full spas with pools, hammams and treatment menus, and the mountain resorts of Gabala and Shahdag add fresh air and quiet. A wellness stay can be two nights or a full week.

Traditional hammams

The Old City still has historic bathhouses. Some have separate days for women and men, so we confirm timings for your visit. Many guests prefer the private hammams of the hotel spas.

Medically supervised programmes

Azerbaijan also has medical-wellness centres, including a doctor-led wellness retreat in Gabala and the sanatoria of Naftalan, known for therapeutic oil baths. These are medical programmes, not spa treatments: they are prescribed and supervised by the centre's own doctors, and suitability depends on your health.

Important: ALVERA GLOBAL does not give medical advice and makes no claims about treatment outcomes. We can arrange travel, accommodation and an initial consultation with the centre. Please speak to your own doctor first, especially if you are pregnant or have a medical condition.

Hot springs

Masalli Istisu in the south has an outdoor hot pool and treatment rooms, open from May to October.

Programme: Wellness and Nature, 4 days AG-T28

Moments to remember

Couples, honeymoons and special occasions

Whether it is a honeymoon, an anniversary, a proposal or a milestone birthday, we plan the setting and look after the details, discreetly.

Sun setting over the Caspian Sea near Baku
  • Honeymoons: a luxury hotel in Baku, a mountain retreat in Gabala or Shahdag and the old streets of Sheki, with private transfers throughout. AG-T29
  • Private dinners: a table with a view in Baku, or a private dining room.
  • Proposals and surprises: a viewpoint at sunset, flowers, a photographer and a plan B for the weather.
  • Photo sessions: a professional photographer in the Old City, on the Boulevard or in the mountains.
  • Birthdays and celebrations: cakes, decorations, private dining and entertainment.
  • Spa days for two: at a hotel spa in Baku or in the mountains.

Good to know: venues, viewpoints and restaurants are subject to availability, weather and local rules. We confirm every element in writing before you travel. Some sites do not permit commercial photography or drones without a permit.

Outdoors, done properly

Private picnics and outdoor experiences

A long lunch in a mountain meadow or by a forest stream is part of Azerbaijani life. We arrange private picnics with everything taken care of, from the setting to the clearing up.

A picnic laid out on the grass with a blanket, tea set, fruit and a parasol

What a private picnic can include

  • Transport to a scenic spot, with a chauffeur
  • Rugs, cushions, low tables or a full table setting
  • Shade and seating for older guests and children
  • Hot tea from a samovar, fresh fruit and sweets
  • A barbecue prepared by a local cook, or catering from a restaurant
  • Birthday or celebration styling on request
  • Full clean-up when you leave

Where

Forest and mountain areas around Quba, Gabala and Qusar, and selected spots near Baku. Each location is checked for access, permission and suitability before we confirm it.

Good to know

  • Picnics and open fires are not allowed everywhere. In national parks and managed sites, including the Gobustan mud-volcano area, picnics are prohibited or restricted. We only use permitted locations.
  • Outdoor plans depend on the weather; we always prepare an indoor or covered alternative.
  • Catering and equipment come from local providers we coordinate.

Programme: Private Mountain Picnic AG-T33

Snow-covered ski slopes and lifts at Shahdag beneath limestone peaks

Discreet by design

VIP and private travel

For families, executives and guests who value privacy, we plan every part of the visit and remain on hand throughout. You have one point of contact who knows your preferences.

What our VIP service covers

  • Private planning with a dedicated coordinator
  • Airport VIP and fast-track services through the airport's official providers
  • Premium chauffeur-driven vehicles: executive sedans, SUVs and luxury vans
  • Five-star hotels, suites and private residences
  • Private guides and interpreters in your language, subject to availability
  • Restaurant and private-dining reservations
  • Tailored experiences, from private museum visits to mountain escapes
  • Family handling: nannies, children's activities and connecting rooms on request
  • Real-time support during your stay

How we work with VIP guests

  • Discretion is standard. We share your details only with the providers who need them.
  • We work with established, licensed providers. We do not own hotels or vehicles, and we never promise exclusive access we cannot guarantee.
  • Every arrangement is confirmed in writing before you arrive.

Programmes: Premium Azerbaijan, 5 days AG-T25 · VIP Winter Escape AG-T19

Work, well organised

Business travel, MICE and delegations

Baku hosts international conferences, exhibitions and delegations throughout the year. We coordinate the practical side of business visits so that you can focus on the meetings.

The Ismailiyya Palace, seat of the Academy of Sciences, beside the Old City wall in Baku
Photo: Frokor / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0

For executives and delegations

  • Airport meet-and-greet and VIP services
  • Chauffeurs on standby for the whole visit
  • Business hotels close to your meetings
  • Interpreters for meetings in Azerbaijani, Russian, Turkish, English and Arabic, subject to availability
  • Business dinners and private dining rooms
  • Short cultural programmes between meetings: Old City walks, evening tours, a half-day at Gobustan

For conferences, exhibitions and incentives

  • Venue sourcing and liaison, including the Baku Convention Center and Baku Expo Center
  • Hotel room blocks and ground transport for groups
  • Gala dinners and group experiences
  • Incentive programmes in Baku, Gabala or Shahdag
  • Programmes for accompanying spouses and families

Major recurring events include Baku Energy Week (early June), the Azerbaijan International Travel and Tourism Fair (April) and the Formula 1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix (September in recent years). Hotels fill quickly during these weeks, so we advise booking early.

Programme: Executive Baku AG-T30

Accommodation

Where to stay

We recommend accommodation by what you need, not by commission. The hotels named below are examples of what exists; naming them does not imply a partnership.

Arched courtyard of the historic caravanserai in Sheki
Photo: Rüfət Həsənli / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0
TypeWhereExamples and notes
Luxury hotelsBakuInternational five-star hotels on the seafront and in the city centre, including Four Seasons, Fairmont Baku Flame Towers, The Ritz-Carlton, JW Marriott Absheron and Hilton Baku
Business hotelsBakuWell-connected hotels with meeting facilities near the centre and White City
Boutique hotelsBaku Old CitySmall, characterful hotels inside or beside the walls
Serviced apartments and long staysBakuApartments for families and longer visits, with kitchens and more space
Family resortsAbsheron coast, Gabala, ShahdagResorts with pools, children's facilities and family rooms, such as Sea Breeze and the Gabala and Shahdag resort hotels
Mountain resortsShahdag, Tufandag (Gabala), QubaSki-in and mountain hotels, and Quba Palace Hotel & Golf Resort
Regional hotels and guesthousesSheki, Lahij, Khinalig, LankaranFrom restored historic hotels to simple, welcoming village guesthouses
Spa and wellnessBaku, Gabala, NaftalanHotel spas, a medical-wellness retreat and sanatoria

Getting around

Transport, guides and interpreters

Dense green forest at Qechresh near Quba
Photo: Cavad Qurbanov / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0, adapted

Chauffeur-driven vehicles

All vehicles are supplied by licensed transport providers that we select and coordinate. ALVERA GLOBAL does not operate its own fleet.

Vehicle classBest for
Standard sedan1–3 guests with light luggage
Business / premium sedanexecutives and VIP transfers
SUV / 4×4mountain roads, winter trips, Khinalig
Luxury van (e.g. V-Class type)families and small groups in comfort
Minibussmall and medium-sized groups
Coachlarger groups and delegations (on request)
  • Airport transfers: meet-and-greet at Heydar Aliyev International Airport, with flight tracking.
  • Full-day and multi-day chauffeurs: the same driver throughout your trip where possible.
  • Intercity transfers: Baku to Gabala, Sheki, Quba, Shahdag, Ganja and beyond.
  • Self-drive: we can coordinate car hire from established rental companies. An International Driving Permit is required, and Azerbaijan has a zero-alcohol limit for drivers.

Guides and interpreters

  • Licensed guides: we prefer guides certified by the Azerbaijan Tourism Board where available.
  • Languages: Arabic, English, Russian, Azerbaijani and Turkish, subject to availability on your dates. Arabic-speaking guides are in high demand in summer, so please book early.
  • Driver or guide? A driver takes you from place to place; a guide explains what you are seeing. We always state clearly which one your programme includes.
  • Interpreters: for meetings, medical appointments and official visits.

Seasons

When to visit

When to visit
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Baku city & cultureJan: goodFeb: goodMar: goodApr: excellentMay: excellentJun: excellentJul: goodAug: goodSep: excellentOct: excellentNov: goodDec: good
Skiing & snowJan: excellentFeb: excellentMar: goodApr: possibleMay: not recommendedJun: not recommendedJul: not recommendedAug: not recommendedSep: not recommendedOct: not recommendedNov: not recommendedDec: good
Mountain summer & hikingJan: not recommendedFeb: not recommendedMar: not recommendedApr: possibleMay: goodJun: excellentJul: excellentAug: excellentSep: excellentOct: goodNov: not recommendedDec: not recommended
Caspian beachesJan: not recommendedFeb: not recommendedMar: not recommendedApr: not recommendedMay: possibleJun: excellentJul: excellentAug: excellentSep: goodOct: not recommendedNov: not recommendedDec: not recommended
Spring blossom & greeneryJan: not recommendedFeb: not recommendedMar: goodApr: excellentMay: excellentJun: goodJul: not recommendedAug: not recommendedSep: not recommendedOct: not recommendedNov: not recommendedDec: not recommended
Autumn colour & harvestJan: not recommendedFeb: not recommendedMar: not recommendedApr: not recommendedMay: not recommendedJun: not recommendedJul: not recommendedAug: not recommendedSep: goodOct: excellentNov: goodDec: not recommended
Food & gastronomyJan: goodFeb: goodMar: excellentApr: goodMay: goodJun: goodJul: goodAug: goodSep: goodOct: excellentNov: excellentDec: good

●● excellent · ● good · ○ possible · — not recommended

Key dates

  • Novruz (spring equinox, around 20–24 March): the most important national holiday, with bonfires, sweets and family gatherings. Several days of public holiday.
  • Formula 1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix: held on Baku's street circuit, in September in recent years; central roads close for several days around the race.
  • Ski season: usually mid-December to March, sometimes into early April, depending on snow.
  • Pomegranate harvest: celebrated in Goychay in October or November.

Exact event dates change every year; we confirm them when planning.

Ready-made starting points

Programmes

Every programme below is private and can be changed: shorter or longer, faster or slower, more comfortable or more adventurous. Use them as a starting point. Prices depend on dates, group size, hotels and vehicles, so we quote each programme individually.

Red, white and green striped hills of the Candy Cane Mountains

On every programme we coordinate: the itinerary, private transport with a driver, hotel bookings where relevant, guides or interpreters where included, tickets and reservations, and support during your stay.

Before we confirm, we check: hotel and guide availability, opening days, road and weather conditions and, in winter, snow.

Intensity: ○ relaxed · ◐ moderate · ● full

Programmes shown: 33

Evenings and half-days

AG-T01

Old City and Palace Walk

4 hours · ○ · all year · first-time visitors, culture lovers, familiesDetails

Route: Old City gates → Maiden Tower → Palace of the Shirvanshahs → Museum of Miniature Books → caravanserai courtyards → tea in the Old City

Options: private guide in your language; add the Carpet Museum (closed Mondays)

To confirm: museum opening days

Ask about this programme
AG-T02

Baku Panorama and the Boulevard

4 hours · ○ · all year · first-time visitors, familiesDetails

Route: Funicular to Highland Park → panorama and Martyrs' Lane → the Boulevard → Little Venice → Heydar Aliyev Center exterior

Options: Carpet Museum visit; carriage ride; bay boat trip (seasonal)

To confirm: funicular runs Tuesday–Sunday; boat trips depend on wind

Ask about this programme
AG-T03

Baku Lights

Evening, 2.5–3 hours · ○ · all year · couples, families, first eveningsDetails

Route: Highland Park at dusk → Flame Towers viewpoint → Heydar Aliyev Center at night → Boulevard walk → Fountain Square

Options: dinner reservation; dessert and tea stop

To confirm: road closures during major events

Ask about this programme
AG-T04

Old City and Dinner

Evening, 3–4 hours · ○ · all year · culture lovers, couples, small groupsDetails

Route: guided evening walk through the Old City → dinner at a traditional restaurant → live music where scheduled

Options: halal and alcohol-free venue; private dining room

To confirm: restaurant booking; music programme on the date

Ask about this programme
AG-T05

Private Baku Evening

Evening, 3–5 hours · ○ · all year · couples, VIP guests, business travellersDetails

Route: built around you: rooftop view, fine dining, carriage ride, late Old City walk

Options: photographer; flowers or celebration styling

To confirm: venue availability and weather for rooftops

Ask about this programme
AG-T06

Absheron Fire Route

4–5 hours · ○ · all year (dusk timing Oct–Mar) · all travellersDetails

Route: Ateshgah Fire Temple → Yanar Dag at sunset → Baku

Options: combined ticket including the mud volcanoes (valid 72 hours)

To confirm: Yanar Dag closes at 19:00

Ask about this programme
AG-T07

Gobustan and the Mud Volcanoes

5 hours · ◐ · all year (early start in summer) · history lovers, photographers, families with older childrenDetails

Route: Bibi-Heybat Mosque → Gobustan museum and petroglyph trail → Mud Volcano Tourism Complex → Baku

Options: lunch by the sea; extend to AG-T08

To confirm: mud-volcano tracks after rain

Ask about this programme
AG-T13

Candy Cane Mountains and Beshbarmag

6 hours · ○ · spring and autumn best · photographers, short staysDetails

Route: Baku → Beshbarmag Mountain → Candy Cane Mountains, Khizi → Baku

To confirm: heat in midsummer

Ask about this programme
AG-T33

Private Mountain Picnic

Half-day add-on · ○ · May–October · families, couples, celebrationsDetails

Where: a permitted meadow or forest spot near Quba, Gabala or Qusar, added to a mountain day or stay

Includes: setting, seating and shade, samovar tea, barbecue or catering, clean-up

To confirm: location permission and weather; covered alternative prepared

Ask about this programme

Full days

AG-T08

Ancient Absheron: Full Day

8–9 hours · ◐ · all year · first-time visitors short of timeDetails

Route: Gobustan → mud volcanoes → lunch → Ateshgah → Yanar Dag

Ask about this programme
AG-T09

Shamakhi and Gabala Mountains

11–12 hours · ● · all year · nature lovers, families with older childrenDetails

Route: Diri Baba Mausoleum → Juma Mosque, Shamakhi → Tufandag cable car → Nohur Lake → Baku

Options: stay overnight in Gabala instead (see AG-T20)

To confirm: cable-car operation and weather

Ask about this programme
AG-T10

Quba and Khinalig

10–12 hours · ● · May–October · adventurous travellers, cultureDetails

Route: Beshbarmag → Quba and the Red Settlement → Qechresh Forest → Tengi Canyon → Khinalig → Baku

Options: overnight in Quba or Khinalig guesthouse

To confirm: mountain-road status before every departure; SUV required

Ask about this programme
AG-T11

Shahdag Mountain Day

11–12 hours · ● · all year · families, active travellersDetails

Route: Baku → Shahdag resort (cable cars, coaster; skiing in winter) → Laza waterfalls (summer) → Baku

To confirm: activities operating on the day; winter road conditions

Ask about this programme
AG-T12

Lahij, the Coppersmiths' Village

10 hours · ● · April–October · craft and culture loversDetails

Route: Diri Baba → Juma Mosque → Yeddi Gumbaz → Lahij workshops and lanes → Baku

To confirm: access road after heavy rain

Ask about this programme
AG-T14

Family Baku Day

6–7 hours · ○ · all year · families with childrenDetails

Route: Baku Zoo or Kinderland → lunch → the Boulevard, rides and Little Venice → Baku Eye (weather permitting)

Options: Mini Azerbaijan at the Heydar Aliyev Center (closed Mondays)

Ask about this programme
AG-T15

Taste of Baku

5 hours · ○ · all year · food loversDetails

Route: Yashil Bazaar with a local host → cooking masterclass (plov, dolma or qutab) → tea in the Old City

To confirm: class provider and dietary requirements

Ask about this programme
AG-T16

Shamakhi Heritage and Vineyards

Full day, or 2 days with an overnight · ◐ · spring to autumn · couples, food loversDetails

Route: Diri Baba → Juma Mosque → Yeddi Gumbaz → a Shamakhi winery with lunch → optional evening at the Shamakhi Astrophysical Observatory (by arrangement)

Alcohol-free version: replace the winery with a village lunch and orchard visit

To confirm: winery and observatory bookings

Ask about this programme
AG-T17

Shahdag Snow Day

11–12 hours · ● · mid-December to March · families, first-time skiersDetails

Includes coordination of: lift passes, equipment rental, a lesson with the resort ski school, snow tubing or sledging for children

To confirm: snow and lift operations; lesson times

Ask about this programme

Two to four days

AG-T18

Winter Weekend at Shahdag

2 days / 1 night · ◐ · mid-December to March · families, couples, friendsDetails
  • Day 1: Baku → Shahdag (about 3.5–4 hours in winter); afternoon lesson or snow play; evening at the resort
  • Day 2: morning skiing, snowmobile or tubing; lunch; return to Baku

Stay: Shahdag resort hotel · Options: private instructor; extra night

Ask about this programme
AG-T20

Gabala Summer Weekend

2 days / 1 night · ◐ · May–October · familiesDetails
  • Day 1: Baku → Diri Baba → Shamakhi → Gabala; Tufandag cable cars and mountain coaster
  • Day 2: Nohur Lake; Yeddi Gozel Waterfall or Gabaland; Chukhur Gabala ruins; return to Baku

Stay: Gabala resort hotel

Ask about this programme
AG-T31

The South: Lankaran and Hirkan

2 days / 1 night (3 days recommended) · ◐ · April–October · nature lovers, tea enthusiastsDetails
  • Day 1: Baku → Lankaran (a long drive); tea plantation and tea ceremony
  • Day 2: Hirkan National Park eco-route; Khanbulan Lake; lunch with lavangi; return to Baku

To confirm: current travel advice for areas near the southern border

Ask about this programme
AG-T32

The West: Ganja and Goygol

2 days / 1 night (an extra night recommended) · ◐ · May–October · culture and natureDetails
  • Day 1: Baku → Ganja (about 5 hours); Nizami Mausoleum, Javad Khan Street, the Bottle House
  • Day 2: Goygol National Park and the German-heritage town of Goygol; return to Baku
Ask about this programme
AG-T19

VIP Winter Escape

3 days / 2 nights · ○ · mid-December to March · VIP guests, couples, familiesDetails
  • Day 1: private 4×4 and chauffeur from Baku; five-star resort check-in at Shahdag; spa
  • Day 2: private ski instructor or snow activities; mountain lunch
  • Day 3: morning on the slopes; return via Quba Palace for lunch
Request this programme
AG-T21

Northern Highlands

3 days / 2 nights · ● · June–September · active travellersDetails
  • Day 1: Baku → Candy Cane Mountains → Quba and the Red Settlement; overnight in Quba
  • Day 2: Qechresh Forest → Tengi Canyon → Khinalig; return to Quba or Shahdag
  • Day 3: Laza–Kuzun trail and waterfalls; Shahdag cable car; return to Baku
Ask about this programme
AG-T22

Baku Essentials

3 days · ○ · all year · first-time visitorsDetails
  • Day 1: Old City and Palace Walk; evening Baku Lights
  • Day 2: Gobustan and the mud volcanoes; afternoon Carpet Museum and the Boulevard
  • Day 3: Absheron Fire Route; farewell dinner
Ask about this programme
AG-T23

Silk Road North-West

3 days / 2 nights · ◐ · April–October · culture loversDetails
  • Day 1: Baku → Diri Baba → Shamakhi → Lahij; overnight in Gabala
  • Day 2: Nohur Lake → Sheki: Palace of the Sheki Khans, caravanserai, halva tasting; overnight in Sheki
  • Day 3: Kish Albanian temple → return to Baku (about 4–5 hours)
Ask about this programme
AG-T28

Wellness and Nature

4 days / 3 nights · ○ · all year · couples, guests who want to restDetails
  • Days 1–2: a Baku spa hotel; gentle Old City and Boulevard walks
  • Days 3–4: a spa resort in Gabala; forest walks and Nohur Lake

Medical programmes (Gabala retreat or Naftalan) are arranged only after the centre's own medical consultation.

Ask about this programme
AG-T30

Executive Baku

1–2 days, around your meetings · ○ · all year · executives, delegations, accompanying spousesDetails
  • A private early-morning or evening Old City walk
  • A business dinner or private dining room
  • A half-day at Gobustan or the Absheron Fire Route
  • A parallel programme for accompanying partners and families
Plan a business visit

Five days and longer

AG-T24

Family Azerbaijan

5 days / 4 nights · ○ · all year (best May–September) · familiesDetails
  • Day 1: arrival; the Boulevard and Little Venice
  • Day 2: Family Baku Day (zoo or Kinderland, Mini Azerbaijan)
  • Day 3: Baku → Shamakhi → Gabala; Tufandag cable cars and coaster
  • Day 4: Nohur Lake, Gabaland or a private picnic
  • Day 5: return to Baku; departure

Stay: Baku (2 nights), Gabala (2 nights). In winter, Days 3–4 can move to Shahdag for snow.

Ask about this programme
AG-T25

Premium Azerbaijan

5 days / 4 nights · ○ · all year · VIP guests, couplesDetails
  • Day 1: VIP arrival; private evening in Baku
  • Day 2: private Old City and museums; fine dining
  • Day 3: Gobustan by private car; afternoon at leisure; Baku Lights
  • Day 4: Quba Palace or Shahdag: mountains, golf or snow
  • Day 5: return to Baku; departure

Stay: five-star hotel in Baku (3 nights), mountain resort (1 night)

Request this programme
AG-T26

Heritage Azerbaijan

7 days / 6 nights · ◐ · April–October · culture lovers, second-time visitorsDetails
  • Day 1: Baku: Old City and Palace
  • Day 2: Gobustan, mud volcanoes, Ateshgah, Yanar Dag
  • Day 3: Baku → Shamakhi → Lahij → Gabala
  • Day 4: Chukhur Gabala → Sheki
  • Day 5: Sheki and Kish
  • Day 6: Sheki → Baku
  • Day 7: Quba and the Red Settlement as a day trip, or a free day in Baku; evening departure

Stay: Baku, Gabala, Sheki

Ask about this programme
AG-T29

Honeymoon Azerbaijan

7 days / 6 nights · ○ · all year · honeymooners, anniversariesDetails
  • Days 1–3: Baku: luxury hotel, private evenings, spa, Old City photo session
  • Days 4–5: Gabala mountain retreat, or Shahdag in winter
  • Day 6: Sheki: palace and old town
  • Day 7: return to Baku; farewell dinner
Ask about this programme
AG-T27

Complete Azerbaijan

10 days / 9 nights · ● · May–October · travellers who want to see the whole countryDetails
  • Day 1: arrival in Baku; evening Baku Lights
  • Day 2: Old City, museums and the Boulevard
  • Day 3: Gobustan and the Absheron fire sites
  • Day 4: Baku → Candy Cane Mountains → Quba
  • Day 5: Khinalig and the Quba forests
  • Day 6: Shahdag and Laza; overnight in the mountains
  • Day 7: a long transfer day: Shahdag → Shamakhi (Diri Baba on the way) → Gabala
  • Day 8: Sheki and Kish
  • Day 9: Sheki → Ganja; afternoon at Goygol National Park
  • Day 10: return to Baku by road (about 5 hours) or by domestic flight from Ganja, subject to schedules; departure

Stay: Baku, Quba or Shahdag, Gabala, Sheki, Ganja

Ask about this programme

Not sure which to choose? Tell us how many days you have and what you enjoy. We will suggest a route.

How to book

  1. Send a requestvia the form, WhatsApp or email. Tell us your dates, number of travellers and interests.
  2. Receive a proposala day-by-day itinerary, the hotels and vehicles we suggest, and a clear list of what is included and what needs confirming.
  3. Confirmonce you approve, we book the providers and send written confirmations.
  4. Travelour team is reachable throughout your stay.

What we may need from you: arrival and departure dates; the number of people, and their ages for a family visit; the purpose of the visit and the places or organisations you want to visit; your preferences for accommodation, transport and food.

How payment works: where possible, you pay hotels and providers directly, at their rates. Our coordination fee is separate and agreed in writing before anything is booked. We do not mix supplier costs with our service fee.

Contact: info@alveraglobal.com · WhatsApp / phone +994 10 334 46 62 · 23L Ahmad Rajabli Street, Narimanov District, Baku, Azerbaijan

Frequently asked questions

Do you run group tours?

No. All our programmes are private: just you, your family, your colleagues or your friends. That means you choose the start time, the pace and where to stop.

Can you meet us at the airport?

Yes. We arrange meet-and-greet at Heydar Aliyev International Airport and your transfer to the hotel. VIP and fast-track services are available through the airport's official providers.

Which languages do your guides speak?

We work with guides and interpreters in Arabic, English, Russian, Azerbaijani and Turkish. Availability varies by date, especially for Arabic in summer, so we confirm the language with your booking.

Is the driver also a guide?

Not usually. A driver takes you safely from place to place; a licensed guide explains the sites. Every proposal states clearly which one is included.

Can you book our hotel?

Yes. We recommend hotels to suit your needs and budget and handle the booking. Where possible, you pay the hotel directly.

When is the best time to visit?

April to June and September to October are ideal for Baku and the regions. July and August are best for the mountains and the coast. For snow, come between mid-December and March.

Is skiing guaranteed in winter?

No. Skiing depends on snow and weather. The season usually runs from mid-December to March, sometimes into early April. We check conditions a few days before your trip and suggest alternatives if needed.

Is Azerbaijan suitable for young children?

Yes. We plan shorter drives, family-friendly hotels, child seats and activities children enjoy, from the Baku Boulevard to cable cars in Gabala.

Can we visit the regions in one day?

Many regions work as day trips from Baku, including Gobustan, Shamakhi and Gabala, Quba and Shahdag. Sheki, Ganja and Lankaran are better with at least one night.

Can you change a programme?

Yes. Every programme is a starting point. We adjust the route, pace, hotels and activities to suit you.

How far in advance should we book?

For most trips, two to four weeks is enough. For summer, winter holidays, Novruz and major events, book as early as possible.

What happens if the weather changes our plans?

Mountain roads and outdoor activities depend on the weather. If a plan is not safe or possible, we propose an alternative on the day.

Do you arrange VIP visits?

Yes. For VIP guests, we provide a dedicated coordinator, premium vehicles, five-star accommodation and discreet handling. Use the VIP request form so we can prepare properly.

Can you support business visitors and delegations?

Yes. We coordinate airport services, chauffeurs, hotels, interpreters, venues, business dinners and cultural programmes. Use the Business Visit request form.

Is halal food easy to find?

Halal meat is the norm in Azerbaijan, but many restaurants also serve alcohol. We choose restaurants to match your requirements and confirm them in advance.

Do we need a visa?

It depends on your passport. Many visitors apply online through Azerbaijan's official ASAN e-Visa portal (evisa.gov.az); citizens of several countries, including some in the Gulf, can currently enter without a visa. Rules change, so please check the official sources before you travel. ALVERA GLOBAL does not issue visas.

Is Azerbaijan accessible for travellers with reduced mobility?

Partly. The Boulevard, malls and modern venues are generally accessible, while the Old City has cobbled slopes and many historic sites have steps. Tell us your needs, and we will plan routes and vehicles accordingly.

How do payments work?

Where possible, you pay hotels and providers directly. Our coordination fee is agreed in writing and shown separately. We do not publish fixed prices because every programme is tailored.

Boundaries and important information

ALVERA GLOBAL LLC is a travel coordination company based in Baku. We plan itineraries and book and coordinate independent, licensed providers, including hotels, transport companies, guides, interpreters, restaurants and activity operators. We do not own or operate hotels, vehicles or attractions, and each provider is responsible for its own services under its own terms.

Opening hours, activities, seasons and road conditions were checked at the time of writing (September 2026) and can change. Weather-dependent activities, including skiing, cable cars, boat trips and mountain roads, may be altered or cancelled for safety. Guides and interpreters in specific languages are subject to availability. Medical and wellness programmes are the responsibility of the treating centre and its doctors; we give no medical advice. Hotels and venues named on this page are examples only; naming them does not imply a partnership.

We do not publish fixed prices. Supplier costs and our coordination fee are always shown separately, and where possible you pay providers directly. Please check entry requirements and travel advice for your nationality before travelling. Flight tickets are not currently part of our services.

Content checked: September 2026

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Photo credits
  1. Photo: Diego Delso / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons (Quality Image)
  2. Photo: xiquinhosilva / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons (from Flickr)
  3. Photo: xiquinhosilva / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons (from Flickr)
  4. Photo: shankar s. / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons (from Flickr)
  5. not required (courtesy "Valery Ryazanoff / Unsplash") · Unsplash
  6. Photo: Diego Delso / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons (Quality Image)
  7. Photo: Bernard Gagnon / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons
  8. Photo: Diego Delso / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons
  9. Photo: David Uriarte / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons
  10. Photo: Interfase / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons
  11. Photo: Moonsun1981 / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons
  12. Photo: İmirisil / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons
  13. Photo: Khagani Hasanov / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons
  14. not required (courtesy "Orkhan Farmanli / Unsplash") · Unsplash
  15. not required (courtesy "Zulfugar Karimov / Unsplash") · Unsplash
  16. Photo: Irada / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons
  17. Photo: Pannet / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons
  18. Photo: Ilkin M-zade / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons
  19. not required (courtesy "Leyla M / Unsplash") · Unsplash
  20. not required (courtesy "Akram Huseyn / Unsplash") · Unsplash
  21. Photo: Marco Monelli / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons (from Panoramio)
  22. Photo: Frokor / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons
  23. Photo: Rüfət Həsənli / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons
  24. Photo: Cavad Qurbanov / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0, adapted · Wikimedia Commons
  25. not required (courtesy "Shubham Singla / Unsplash") · Unsplash
  26. not required (courtesy "Etienne Dayer / Unsplash") · Unsplash