Travel to Azerbaijan is different from her neighbors, Georgia and Armenia, as Azerbaijan has significant wealth thanks to oil and gas. Nestled between the Caucasus Mountains and the Caspian Sea, this mystical Land of Fire is a fascinating country to explore. Standing at the crossroads of several tremendous empires, Azerbaijan has been a part of several of the Achaemedian, Sassanid, Ummayid, Oughur Turkic and not least, the Russian and Soviet empires. Rich deposits of natural gas, its Caspian coast, and a strategic gateway to both Europe and Asia, have made it much sought after for centuries.
Azerbaijan is one of the few countries worldwide on which the Zoroastrian faith has had such a profound and lasting impact. Visit ancient temples of fire-worship and explore the ancient petroglyphs that exist on the outskirts of Baku. Relatively unknown is the critical role Azerbaijan played in establishing the Nobel brothers in the oil industry – one of whom went on to found the Nobel Prize Foundation. Our Exeter International Extraordinary Experience offers an exclusive tour of the Nobel family’s home in Baku, recently restored to its former glory. Peel back the layers of this ancient and mysterious land with Exeter International.
For custom luxury travel and tours to Azerbaijan, please contact one of our travel experts, or read on below for more information about where to go and when, along with our Insider's Guide.
The best time to visit Azerbaijan is April, May, June and September. July and August can be very hot and winters are harsh with temperatures dropping sharply. We would recommend avoiding the dates of the Baku Grand Prix (typically in July).
Baku, located on the edge of the Caspian sea is a city that has been transformed from its dowdy former self to a beautiful city full of contrasts. The ancient old town with honey toned buildings contrasts sharply with the modernity of the Flame Towers, the city’s new enduring symbol. High end designer shops are next to world-class museums. We recommend three full days in Baku to explore.
For those with a deeper interest we recommend flying to Naxcivan which is located in the territory of Azerbaijan separated from the main part of the country by Armenia. Here you should visit the Momina Khan Monument, the open air museum, the carpet Museum (not a store), and the Garabaghlar Mausoleum.
Alternatively, a visit to the town of Lahij, where traditional craftsmen still create handmade goods, or to Sheki, a former stop on the Silk Road and home to Khan’s Palace.
Our team of travel experts can customize a unique program for you for travel in Azerbaijan based on your exact preferences and interests.
Azerbaijan is featured in our Exeter Explorer small group tour of the Caucasus region – Armenia, Georgia and Azerbaijan in September 2020. Enjoy traveling with a group of like-minded people.
Azerbaijan, Georgia and Armenia perfectly complement each other and we can customize a vacation to the Caucasus region just for you, based on our Essential Caucasus itinerary.
