How to Plan Your Full-Day Guided Tour of Gobustan and Absheron in Baku?

If you’re planning a trip to Baku, Azerbaijan and want to explore the natural beauty and historical sites outside of the city, then the Full-Day Guided Tour of Gobustan and Absheron is a perfect choice for you. This full-day tour is packed with exceptional experiences that provide an insight into Azerbaijan’s rich history, culture and natural wonders. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to plan your tour to Gobustan and Absheron in Baku.

Experience

The tour comprises a comprehensive experience of cultural and natural wonders. Beginning with a visit to an industrialized oil well near the Bibi-Heybat Mosque, the tour proceeds to Gobustan Museum of Petroglyphs, which houses ancient rock drawings and petroglyphs that reflect the culture, economy, and world outlook of the ancient Azeri people. The next stop is the Mud Volcanoes, a collection of almost 400 active volcanoes, which offer an impressive spectacle of boiling mud bubbles and explosions. The tour guide will provide you with essential information about these unique features and the mythology and folklore surrounding them. After enjoying the mud volcanoes, you’ll be taken to a local restaurant for some traditional Azerbaijani food. Try out some of the flavorsome dishes and take in the country’s colorful ambience. The afternoon session of the tour commences with a visit to Ateshgah Temple, known for its history as a former holy place of fire worshippers in the Zoroastrian religion. To round off the full-day tour, the guide will take you to the Yanardag Burning Mountain, named so because of the natural flames caused by gas seeping through cracks in the earth. With this splendid tour, you get to experience the best of Baku’s natural and cultural sites.

Highlights

The Full-Day Guided Tour of Gobustan and Absheron highlights some of the most impressive landmarks in Azerbaijan, including:

• The first industrialized oil well in the world
• Ancient rock drawings and petroglyphs in Gobustan
• Mud volcanoes
• The fire temple of Ateshgah
• The burning mountain of Yanardag

Itinerary

The following is an itinerary for the Full-Day Guided Tour of Gobustan and Absheron:

1. Pickup from your accommodation in Baku
2. Visit an industrialized oil well near the Bibi-Heybat Mosque
3. Visit Gobustan Museum of Petroglyphs
4. Trip to the Mud Volcanoes
5. Stop at a local restaurant for lunch
6. Visit the Ateshgah Temple
7. Visit the Yanardag Burning Mountain
8. Drop off at your accommodation in Baku

Booking and Cost

To book the Full-Day Guided Tour of Gobustan and Absheron, visit GetYourGuide, one of the most popular tour companies in Azerbaijan. At the time of writing, the tour costs about $70 per person. The price includes transportation, guided tour, and lunch at a local restaurant. Make sure to book at least a day before the tour commences. Book the tour here.

Book Your Tour Now

Baku is a beautiful and vibrant city that offers a unique blend of modern and ancient architecture. However, exploring nearby sites through a guided tour provides an insight into Azerbaijan’s rich history, culture and natural wonders. The Full-Day Guided Tour of Gobustan and Absheron is a perfect opportunity to experience the best of both worlds. So, plan your tour with the itinerary mentioned above and book through GetYourGuide for a memorable experience.

Frequently Asked Questions About Baku

Baku, the capital city of Azerbaijan, is an intriguing mix of old and new, with a rich history and a modern, cosmopolitan feel. Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQ) about this beautiful city:

1. What is the best time to visit Baku?

The best time to visit Baku is during the spring and fall months (April -June and September – November), when the weather is mild and pleasant. Summers in Baku can be hot and humid, while winters can be cold and snowy.

2. What is the local currency in Baku?

The local currency in Baku is the Azerbaijani manat (AZN). You can exchange foreign currency at banks, exchange bureaus and many hotels in the city.

3. What are the top attractions in Baku?

Baku has many historic and modern attractions to offer visitors, including:

• The Old City (Icheri Sheher)
• The Flame Towers
• The Heydar Aliyev Center
• The Maiden Tower
• The Baku Boulevard
• The Azerbaijan Carpet Museum
• The Baku Museum of Modern Art
• The Yanar Dag Fire Mountain

4. What is the Old City of Baku?

The Old City of Baku, also known as Icheri Sheher, is the historic core of Baku and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is a walled city with narrow streets and alleys, which houses several historic sites, including the Palace of the Shirvanshahs, Maiden Tower, and the Juma Mosque.

5. What is the Flame Towers of Baku?

The Flame Towers of Baku are a trio of skyscrapers in the shape of flames that dominate the city’s skyline. They serve as a symbol of Azerbaijan’s modernization and economic growth.

6. What is the Heydar Aliyev Center in Baku?

The Heydar Aliyev Center is a cultural and conference center in Baku that was designed by the renowned architect, Zaha Hadid. It is a marvel of modern architecture, with a flowing, curved design that has won many accolades.

7. How do I get around Baku?

Baku has a modern transportation system that includes buses, taxis, and a metro system. The metro is the cheapest and most convenient way to get around the city, with three lines covering most of the main attractions and areas.

8. What is the cuisine of Baku?

Azerbaijani cuisine is a mix of Turkish, Persian, and Russian influences, with a focus on meat, vegetables, and traditional spices. Some popular dishes in Baku include:

• Dolma (stuffed vegetables)
• Plov (pilaf)
• Qutab (stuffed pancakes)
• Kebabs (grilled meat)
• Baklava (dessert)

9. What is the nightlife like in Baku?

Baku has a vibrant nightlife scene, with many bars, nightclubs, and restaurants that stay open until late in the night. The area around Fountain Square is particularly popular for its lively atmosphere and range of entertainment options.

10. Is Baku a safe city for tourists?

Baku is generally a safe city for tourists, with low levels of violent crime. However, visitors should be aware of pickpocketing and theft, particularly in crowded areas and on public transportation. It is also advisable to avoid political demonstrations and public gatherings. In conclusion, Baku is a fascinating city with a rich cultural heritage and a modern outlook, and visitors are sure to enjoy exploring its many attractions and soaking up its unique blend of old and new.

How to Spend Your Time as a Tourist in Baku

Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, is a beautiful city, situated on the Caspian Sea. With its rich history and culture, there’s no shortage of things to do and see. Here are some tips on how to make the most of your time in Baku.

1. Visit the Old City

The Old City, also known as Icheri Sheher, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the must-see places in Baku. It’s a walled city, built in the 12th century, and contains many historical monuments, including the Palace of the Shirvanshahs, Maiden’s Tower, and the ancient Juma Mosque. You can easily spend a whole day exploring the Old City’s narrow streets, cosy cafes, and souvenir shops.

2. Take a Walk along Baku Boulevard

Baku Boulevard, a 3.5-kilometre-long promenade stretching along the Caspian Sea, is an excellent place to relax and soak up the local culture. The Boulevard’s many attractions include several parks, the Baku Eye Ferris wheel, a musical fountain, and a little Venice. You can also hire bicycles, roller skates and enjoy the sea view while cycling.

3. Visit the Flame Towers

The Flame Towers are three skyscrapers that dominate Baku’s skyline. The towers represent flames, one of Azerbaijan’s most famous natural resources, and are spectacular at night when they’re lit up. You can admire the Flame Towers from many places around the city, but it’s worth seeing them up close.

4. Enjoy the Local Cuisine

Azerbaijan’s cuisine is a mix of Turkish, Iranian, and Russian influences, with a few unique dishes that you can only find in the country. Popular dishes include plov, a rice dish with meat, vegetables, and spices, and dolma, stuffed grape leaves with meat and rice. You should also try Azerbaijani tea, which is strong and often served with sugar cubes.

5. Experience the Mud Volcanoes

Azerbaijan has one of the world’s largest concentrations of mud volcanoes, and many are easily accessible from Baku. A trip to the Mud Volcanoes is a unique experience, with bubbling mud pools, spouting mud geysers, and other natural wonders. Be sure to dress appropriately, as it can be muddy and dusty.

6. Visit the Heydar Aliyev Center

The Heydar Aliyev Center is a contemporary cultural center designed by world-famous architect Zaha Hadid. The building’s unique design and shape are fascinating, and it’s worth visiting both during the day and the night. The center contains a museum, exhibition spaces, and a conference center.

7. Explore the Absheron Peninsula

The Absheron Peninsula, located just outside Baku, is home to many historical sites and natural attractions. You can visit the Ateshgah Fire Temple, a medieval Hindu temple, Gobustan National Park, famous for its rock art and petroglyphs, and Yanar Dag, a natural gas fire that has been burning for centuries.

Book Your Tour Now

Baku is a city of rich culture, history, and natural wonders. By following this guide, you can enjoy the best that the city has to offer, from exploring the Old City’s ancient buildings to tasting the local cuisine to experiencing the unique natural wonders of the region. So, pack your bags and enjoy your trip to Baku!