Sample Itiniraries

Sample Program Azarbaijan Incetive — Baku for 40 pax

	Morning Activities 08:00 — 13:00	Lunch 13:00 — 14:00	Afternoon Activities 14:00 — 19:00	Dinner Evening Activities 19:00 — 00:00
Day 1 2 Nov 2020 Mon	Azerbajdzhan General Desription of the Region Azerbajdzhan Visa Requirements Azerbaijan Climate/Weather Forecast	Arrival to Baku airport	Visit and Degustation in Tovuz Baltiya Naigo and Ko Wine shop	Wagon with horses — transfer (Hotel-Restaurant) Welcome Traditional Dinner at Caranansary Multan Traditional dance show
Day 2 3 Nov 2020 Tue	10:00 Old Town of Icheri Sheher Excursion 12:00 Cruise at Kaspian bay — transfer to the restaurant	13:00 Lunch at Shafa Fish House on Seaside	14:30 Bibi Abyat Mosque visit 15:30 Сarpet weaving Master Class at Carpet Museum 18:00 Fire Temple of Baku visit	OPTIONAL: Evening visit to Burning Mountain Yanardag 19:30 Dinner at Local restaurant
Day 3 4 Nov 2020 Wed	13:30 Traditional Tea ceremony and lunch 15:00 Visit Yashil Bazar in Baku Retro car transfer to restaurant OPTIONAL: Ethnic Costumes for dinner ENTERTAINMENT: National Music Ensemble		10:00 — 13:00 Conference at Heydar Aliyev Center	Afternoon free time 20:00 Farewell dinner at Chanag Gala Restaurant
Day 4 5 Nov 2020 Thu	Departure from the hotel to the airport

HOTEL ACCOMMODATION

Hyatt Regency Baku 5*

Located in the historic part of Baku, this 5-star hotel features indoor and outdoor swimming pools with a hot tub. Free Wi-Fi is offered at Hyatt Regency Baku.

The elegant, air-conditioned rooms of this hotel have classic-style interiors and warm-coloured decor. All rooms come complete with a flat-screen TV, a minibar and a private bathroom with free toiletries.

The classy Mezzo Restaurant serves European and Azerbaijani cuisine and includes a shaded summer terrace. Guests can also enjoy drinks in the Lobby Lounge or relax in the Armaiti Cafe.

Armati Spa Club and Armaiti Spa Centre offer steam rooms and 3 spacious spa suites with a wide range of body and beauty treatments. Guests can work out in the fitness centre and play lawn tennis, table tennis or squash.

Fairmont Baku, Flame Towers 5*

Fairmont Baku, Flame Towers designed to exceed five-star standards and services, brings 299 superbly appointed guest rooms and suites, 19 serviced apartments and an array of Fairmont Gold options.

Take advantage of all Baku has to offer with one of Fairmont Baku, Flame Towers' special hotel packages. Planning a shopping trip or hoping to rekindle a romance? Let us take care of all the details — from breakfast and parking passes to champagne and roses.

Located in the iconic modern landmark Flame Towers, SPA at Fairmont Baku is set over two floors, 3,500 meters in total; the lower level of the spa is reserved for revitalization and features all things active, and the upper passive area is for relaxation, each beautifully reflected in the décor. Rich tones of warm amber and bronze, tactile materials and highlights of crystal create an extraordinary backdrop. The Spa also features the largest Hamam in the region and breathtaking views of the Caspian Sea. The unique Sky Garden with large Sun Deck and Poolside Sauna offer guests unique views of the Caspian Sea and creates a stunning spa feature.

From seasonally inspired menus to dining experiences that will satisfy any craving, see what our chefs are preparing just for you.

Intourist Hotel Baku Autograph Collection

A brilliant blend of style and substance awaits guests of Intourist Hotel Baku Autograph Collection, a 5-star destination nestled in the heart of Baku city center. Settle into spacious, elegantly appointed hotel rooms and suites and enjoy an array of thoughtful amenities, including luxury bedding, complimentary Wi-Fi and 24-hour room service. Awaken refreshed and dine with us at Intourist Restaurant & Bar or visit on-site fitness center; hotel is home to a serene day spa, offering bespoke treatments like massages and facials. Located only minutes from central Baku, we provide a superb vantage point from which to enjoy the capital city of Azerbaijan; Old City, the Palace of the Shirvanshahs and Baku Eye are all nearby. The hotel also features a flexible indoor-outdoor event space, enhanced by thoughtful service and delicious catering. No matter your reason for visiting Azerbaijan, we're confident you'll be delighted with your stay at Intourist Hotel Baku Autograph Collection.

DAY 1 — 2nd November 2020, Monday

Azerbajdzhan General Desription of the Region

A country of Transcaucasia north of Iran. The region was settled by the Medes before the forth century B.C. and was a separate kingdom after the death of Alexander the Great. Ceded to Russia by Persia in 1813 and 1828, the territory was a constituent republic of the USSR from 1936 to 1991 (It joined the USSR Dec. 30, 1922). Azerbaijan declared independence Aug. 30, 1991, and became an independent state when the Soviet Union disbanded Dec. 26, 1991.

Capital: Baku; Time Zone: GMT +4; Currency Manat (AZM) 1 USD ~ 4600 AZM

Electricity 220 V, 50 Hz (double pins european plug)

Main cities Sumgait, Giandja, Nakhychivan

Languages Azeri (official), Russian

Religions Islam (mostly 86%), Christianity, Judaism

Export Oil & gas, iron, copper, fruit, vines, cotton, silk, carpets

Area 86,600 sq. km (33,400 sq. mi.)

Population 7.600.000

Azerbajdzhan Visa Requirements

Visa upon arrival at international airports of Azerbaijan can be obtained only by citizens of Turkey, Israel, Qatar, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Japan, China, South Korea, Malaysia and Singapore. For citizens of Russia and the CIS (except for Turkmenistan), a visa is not required to Azerbaijan. Citizens of other countries must obtain a visa prior to arrival, through the consulates of Azerbaijan in their country or to issue an electronic visa through our travel agency. To apply for a visa, contact our managers at least 4 weeks before arriving in Azerbaijan.

Azerbaijan Climate/Weather Forecast

The Climate of the Apsheron Peninsula where Baku is situated is moderately warm with hot dry summer and short mild winter. Being situated in the same latitude with Greece and Italy, Apsheron is distinguished by higher average annual temperature and less quantity of precipitation. The Caspian Sea does not freeze in this latitude, therefore the Baku seaport functions all the year round. The average annual temperature of Baku and that of the Earth come together to the tenth portions (14.2ºC). The average temperature in July is +26ºC (75 F), in January it is +3ºC (32 F). The precipitation is from 180 mm to 300 mm a year. The southwestern part of Great Baku is a more arid part of Azerbaijan. The precipitation here is less than 150 mm a year. Strong northern winds «Khazri» and southern winds – «Gilavar» are typical here.

Arrival to Baku airport

Heydar Aliyev international airport (formerly Bina) is the busiest in the Caucasus. Thanks to the EBRD and the German Government, it has had investment in upgrading navigation aids that have improved safety for air traffic (the airport was the scenario for several accidents, the last serious one with an Azal cargo Boeing 707-323C in 1995).

The airport had a lot of construction work in the 1980's, but the collapse of the USSR resulted in the suspension of the works, with the two main terminals being left incomplete. Increased traffic led to a second runway being opened for wide-bodied aircraft in 1995. The current international terminal was opened in 1993 with precarious conditions. In June 1999, after construction work that seemed to eternalize, the renovated passenger facilities were finally inaugurated.

There are the following airlines operating in Azerbajdzhan: BA, Lufthansa, Aeroflot, Swiis Air, Iran Air, Turan Air, Imair, Turk Hava Yollary; «Baku» airlines, Russian airlines: Russia, Airflot, Pulkovo airlines.

Travellers from Europe have the best air access to Azerbaijan. There are flights between Baku and Frankfurt, Kiev, London, Amsterdam, Moscow, St Petersburg and Zurich several times a week. Most other flights serve cities in Russia and the Middle East, usually once a week.

The airport is approximately 25 kilometres east from downtown Baku (travel time: approx. 40 minutes), one kilometre off the Baku-Mardakan road. If you are coming from Baku you will see the access road on your left, in front of an open air market. The central building is the domestic and CIS terminal (use the left entrance for Nakhchivan flights). To the left side is located the international terminal, and in front of it, across the often chaotic parking lot, you'll find the airport hotel. Most flight arrive at night so it is prudent to have an hotel booking.

Avoid taxis offered by drivers in the customs area, they will cost much more than those just outside the airport building. Choose a licensed car with a TAXI sign. The trip from the airport to the centre of the city costs about 20 manat (less than 20 Euro).

Flight time from Moscow: 3 hours.

Flight time from St-Petersburg: 3 hours 40 minutes.

Wagon with horses — transfer (Hotel-Restaurant)

Start the unbelievable evening and Feel the atmosphere of authentic Baku, traveling in a wagon with horses through the old city

Visit and Degustation in Tovuz Baltiya Naigo and Ko Wine shop

Azerbaijan is a country that preserves the ancient traditions of viticulture and winemaking. In the Tovuz region, located in the west of Azerbaijan, winemaking was developed in the 7th century. In Soviet times, Azerbaijan was one of the largest wine-producing republics. On the territory of this country, more than 300 thousand hectares of vineyards were cultivated.

One of the main wineries in Azerbaijan today is the Tovuz cognac and wine factory. The company has reserves of high-quality cognac spirit aged in oak barrels of 100-year-old oak in an amount of at least 10 thousand decalitres. There are cognac spirits, the age of which varies from 5 to 50 years. Stocks are constantly replenished by harvesting from their own vineyards, which are 25 thousand hectares.

Cognac, pomegranate and quince wines produced here are successfully sold in 75 countries of the world. Now Ukraine has its own brand boutique «Tovuz Wine» at ul. Sribnokilskaya, 3 -, which represents the culture of Azerbaijani winemaking — «Tovuz Baltic». Visitors will have the opportunity to taste before purchasing products.

The Tovuz Baltiya company presents the best names of cognacs from the Tovuz region of Azerbaijan, as well as pomegranate wines and quince wines. Cognacs are made according to traditional technology from selected cognac spirits. Cognac spirits are aged in a new barrel, after which this oak packaging is no longer used. The company buys bottles for wine and cognac in the Czech Republic and France.

The assortment of the company consists of cognac Tovuz «V.S., aged at least 5 years, cognac» Tovuz «V.S.O.P. aged not less than 10 years, cognac «Tovuz» H.O. aged from 3 to 30 years.

The real pearl of the product range of the enterprise is a unique pomegranate wine, quince wine, quince and pomegranate champagne. It is bottled under the name «Tovuz» variants — semi-dry and semi-sweet. This wine has a healing effect: it improves appetite, lowers blood pressure, increases hemoglobin level and reduces the harmful effects of radiation.

The company «Tovuz Baltia» considers the continuation and development of traditional technologies of viticulture and winemaking in Azerbaijan, existing for more than ten centuries, as the main goal of its activity. The company «Tovuz Wine» has repeatedly been awarded honorary diplomas for the quality of its products.

We bring to your attention:

White Wines

Red wines

Fruit Wines

Champagne

Vodka

Whiskey

Cognac

Welcome Traditional Dinner at Caranansary Multan

Here you will not only eat plentifully and tasty, enjoying kutabs, meat, dolma, pilaf, seasonal fruits, fresh herbs and vegetables, but you will also be spectators of a special show program with a performance by a group of musicians on folk instruments, with an incendiary belly dance and «fakir» swallowing fire and walking barefoot over sharp sabers.

Traditional dance show

Azerbaijani folk dances are the dance art of the Azerbaijani people. Azerbaijani folk dances have a very ancient history. This is due to the cave paintings depicted in Gobustan. The following types of dances are distinguished: heroic, everyday, labor, ceremonial. Russian folk dances. They have a characteristic pattern, due to their rhythmic structure. As a rule, the Azerbaijani dance is three-part: the first part is a circle move, the dancers hold the body high and proud, the second is a lyrical frozen in place (suzme) and the third is a circle move again — confident, swift and solemn. The third part is characterized by rhythm, an emotional outburst.

DAY 2 — 3rd November 2020, Tuesday

10:00 Old Town of Icheri Sheher Excursion

Very often Icheri Sheher is called a fortress, as a well-preserved fortress wall surrounds it. People in the territory of Icheri Sheher lived in the Bronze Age, and by the 8th-11th centuries, it was completely populated. Behind the walls, there are many unique monuments: the palace complex of the Shirvanshahs with a burial vault, a sofa, a mosque; «Gyz Galasy» ( «The Maiden's Tower»); mosques and minarets, the remains of caravanserais, baths. Buildings of the old fortress are of a special nature. Because of the lack of the territory of the building, the wall to the wall was erected here from ancient times. There are no gardens, the yards are extremely small and separated by «threads» of narrow streets, lanes and dead ends. When the Shirvanshahs moved their capital from Shemakha to Baku in the 15th century, massive buildings began in Icheri Sheher. During this period the pearl of the fortress was Built — the Palace of the Shirvanshahs. It should be noted that Baku XVII-XIX centuries did not go beyond the boundaries of Icheri Sheher. Here were located the palaces of the rulers, and residential quarters. From 1747 to 1806, there was the capital of the Baku Khanate. Only after the beginning of the oil boom, the city began to expand and goes beyond the boundaries of Icheri Sheher.

The fortress wall itself is of interest. Once Baku had two of them, and they were separated by moats, but at the beginning of the XIX century, the city grew so fast that it was necessary to demolish and build the outer wall. Remained only the inner wall. It has 25 towers and 5 gates. They say that back in the 30s. Twentieth century in the fortress there were more than 900 buildings, and by the beginning of the XXI century only half remained.

12:00 Cruise at Kaspian bay — transfer to the restaurant

13:00 Lunch at Shafa Fish House on Seaside

Daria Fish House — a family decoration with open living rooms, a children's play center and a panoramic terrace is distinguished by positive and spacious interiors with a «marine» styling. Darya Fish House's cuisine features fish specialties, seafood specialties, and traditional Azerbaijani dishes in generous home servings.

14:30 Bibi Abyat Mosque visit

Bibi-Heybat Mosque (Azerbaijan's Bibiheybət məscidi) is a mosque located on the shore of Baku Bay, in Azerbaijan. The existing structure, built in the 1990s, is a reconstruction of the mosque of the same name, built in the 13th century by Shirvanshah Abu-l-Fath Farrukhzad and destroyed by the Bolsheviks in 1936, when a fierce struggle with religion was going on throughout the territory of the USSR. The Bibi-Eybat complex, in addition to the mosque, includes tombs and tombs of revered people (including the grave of Ukeima Khanum, the descendant of the Prophet Muhammad), as before destruction, and today is a spiritual center for Muslims of the East and one of the significant monuments of Islamic architecture of Azerbaijan. The mosque was once visited by Abaskuli-aga Bakikhanov, Alexander Dumas, Khurshudbanu Natavan. The local population in the past called it «the mosque of Fatima». Using the same name, described the mosque and visited it in the 40 years of the XIX century, Alexander Dumas. At the end of the modern Baku tour we visit the world's first oil well drilled in the Bibi-eibat oil-bearing region.

15:30 Сarpet weaving Master Class at Carpet Museum

Azerbaijan National Carpet Museum was established in March 13, 1967. At the time of establishing, it was the only museum that was dedicated to the art of carpet weaving. The main purpose of the museum’s creation was to store, research, and demonstrate unique examples of the carpet weaving art, which are Azerbaijan’s national heritage. The initiator of the museum was Latif Karimov, the outstanding scientist and carpet weaver, founder of the science of Azerbaijan Carpet Art, artist and teacher, author of the fundamental work Azerbaijani Carpet.

18:00 Fire Temple of Baku visit

The Temple of Eternal Fire — Ateshgyah — is an authentic Azerbaijani exotic. It is well-known practically all over the world. It is located 30 km from the center of Baku in the suburb of Surakhany. This territory is known for such unique natural phenomenon as burning natural gas outlets (underground gas coming onto surface contacts oxygen and lights up). The temple in its present state was constructed in the 17th-18th centuries. The Baku-based Hindu community related to Sikhs built it.

However, the history of the Temple is even longer. From times immemorial, this was the holy place of Zoroastrians- fire worshippers (approximately beginning of our era). They attributed mystical significance to the inextinguishable fire and came there to worship the relic.

After the introduction of Islam Zoroastrian temple was destroyed. Many Zoroastrians left to India and there continued their worship. But in the 15th -17th centuries the Hindus-fire worshippers who came to Absheron with trading caravans began to make pilgrimages to Surakhany. The Indian merchants started erection of the temple. The earliest temple part is dated 1713. The latest — the central temple-altar was built with the support of merchant Kanchangar in 1810. During the 18th century chapels, cells, a caravanserai were added to the central part of the temple. On у can find carved inscriptions in Indian lettering there.

In the early 19th century the Temple acquired its present-day appearance. Ateshgah is a pentagonal structure with a castellation and entrance portal. In the center of a yard the altar-sanctuary executed in the form of a stone bower on which angles some more centers are located towers. In the center of an altar — a well from which beat «eternally» burning gas.

OPTIONAL: Evening visit to Burning Mountain Yanardag

One of the most famous and popular tourist places of the «eternal flame» in Azerbaijan is the mountain of Yanar Dag. Actually, it is rather a hill than a mountain, with natural gas burning on its slope from ancient times. Meter-long tongues of fire are licking the stratified earth approximately for 10 m in width, searing those who approached too close. People occupy the benches to watch the blazing hill in the evening, when the its sight is most effective.

Yanar Dag is located 25 km to the north from Baku, in Mehemmedi village. There are buses running to it from the city, so you can get there fairly cheap and easy. From the year 2007, Yanar Dag is declared a state-protected conservation area.

19:30 Dinner at Local restaurant

The best restaurants of Azerbaidjan offer as traditional and national as modern national and international meals. Depending on the theme of the trip, wishes, and purposes we will be glad to suggest the most suitable variants of lunch or dinner for you.

DAY 3 — 4th November 2020, Wednesday

10:00 — 13:00 Conference at Heydar Aliyev Center

Heydar Aliyev Center is named after Heydar Aliyev, the first secretary of Soviet Azerbaijan from 1969 to 1982, and president of Azerbaijan Republic from October 1993 to October 2003. The center is a cultural center, which is a complex building, which includes an auditorium (congress center), a museum, exhibition halls, administrative offices. The famous architect Zaha Hadid designed the project of the center and on 10 May 2012 it was opened

13:30 Traditional Tea ceremony and lunch

Drinking tea in Azerbaijan is very pleasant due to the ancient traditions of tea ceremonies. Everyone who visits the country should take time to have tea at a traditional tea ceremony.

For the Azerbaijanis, serving tea at the beginning of a meal is considered to be a symbol of hospitality and is often accompanied by serving fig, strawberry, apricot, walnut, blackberry and other jams. The advantage of this tradition is that tea drinking with many guests at the table makes conversation flow smoother. Tea is also spiced with cinnamon, cardamom leaves or ginger for adding extra flavor.

15:00 Visit Yashil Bazar in Baku

Yashil Bazaar, or the green market in Baku, is the most delicious, vibrant and diverse of the capital's markets. A true expanse for gourmets: there is everything you need, and even much more. Colors, tastes and smells: the best products and spices from different regions of Azerbaijan are brought here to the green market in Baku every day. Tasty, exotic, healthy, and sometimes expensive. The assortment includes beluga caviar, a delicacy of the Caspian Sea, which is deservedly not very cheap. In the markets of Baku, you can find caviar of different varieties and price categories.

Afternoon free time

Baku is often called, opens to you in all its glory. The observation platform located on the highest part of the city, near the «Burning Flame Tower» shows the city with all its bright lights bordering Baku Bay reflecting the measured pace of life in the evening Baku. Further, we continue our excursion to one of the favourite places of the walk of the Baku guests of the city of all ages and social groups, a place where no one is in a hurry in the evening — «Baku Boulevard». The national park, sometimes called the «diamond necklace of Baku», stretches along Baku Bay for 16 km. At each time of the day the boulevard has its charm — in the morning you can walk in silence, feel unity with nature, go in for sports, during the day, especially on weekends, the boulevard is fully revived thanks to the small inhabitants of the capital, riding on attractions, rollerblades and bicycles, in the evening it turns in the magical world of dreams for all lovers. In addition, the original illumination and illumination of the park, fountains and other innovations give our boulevard a special charm. At the end of our excursion «Lights of Evening Baku», we will go to the most lively and central street of the city of Nizami «Torgovaya street» as it is also called from the old times. Trading is the longest of Baku's streets (its length reaches 3.5 km). It is also called the most beautiful street in Baku — it has a large number of architectural monuments, beautiful houses, cinemas, parks, many modern boutiques and shops.

Retro car transfer to restaurant

The best suggestion for the transfer from the hotel to the party is the usage of the retro cars — Chaika, which means gull, is a luxury automobile from the Soviet Union made by Gorky Automobile Plant; Volgas- is an Executive car that originated in the Soviet Union, their role in serving the Soviet nomenklatura (people on administrative positions) made them a contemporary cultural icon: Moskvitch — was a Soviet/Russian automobile brand produced by AZLK from 1946 to 1991 and by OAO Moskvitch from 1991 to 2001.

20:00 Farewell dinner at Chanag Gala Restaurant

Chanakkala restaurant was organized in 1991. It was founded in the city's most famous restaurant has always fascinated its guests with delicious meals. Excellent service and high-quality services are provided to each client. In the evening, the people dance under the melancholy music and listen to the colorful show programs. Guests can taste delicious meals of Azerbaijan, Turkey and European cuisine in our restaurant.

There are a wonderful show and banquet halls in Chanakkala restaurant. Guests can be continuously used VIP, Mugham, Show, Camelot and Tarzan halls. If you want to spend a fun time, have a good dinner, supper and listen to live music, then great, comfortable Chanakkala restaurant that located in the center of Baku, is a seeking place. Working time is from 10:00 am to the last client.

OPTIONAL: Ethnic Costumes for dinner

Best way to create a special atmosphere for dinner to use traditional costumes for every participant.

ENTERTAINMENT: National Music Ensemble

Azerbaijani music is a musical tradition of the Azerbaijani people, from Azerbaijan and Iran. It is based on folk traditions that reach almost 1000 years. Over the centuries, Azerbaijani music has developed under the monody icon, creating rhythmically diverse melodies.

Classical music

In 1920, Azerbaijani classical music went through the Renaissance, and the Baku Academy of Music was created to give classical musicians the same support as folk musicians.

Most songs tell a story about real events and Azerbaijani folklore, or they developed thanks to song contests of troubadour poets. According to their origin, folk songs are usually played at weddings, funerals and special festivals.

Regional folk music usually accompanies folk dances, which vary widely across regions. Regional moods also touch on the theme of folk songs, for example, folk songs from the Caspian Sea are lively in general and express the customs of the region. Songs about betrayal dislike them, not sadness, while the further south traveled through Azerbaijan, the more melodies resemble crying.

DAY 4 — 5th November 2020, Thursday

Departure from the hotel to the airport

Flight time from Moscow: 3 hours.

Flight time from St-Petersburg: 3 hours 40 minutes.