Great Azerbaijan Itineraries: How many days to spend?

The highlights in and around Baku can be easily covered in three days. However, Azerbaijan is more than just its capital. Absheron National Park, located not far from Baku, is a great place to spot the country’s unique wildlife. The country even has its own version of Stonehenge in the form of thousands of rock drawings in Gobustan.

Although it is possible to spend a fortnight or even more hiking through far-flung corners of Azerbaijan and retracing the footsteps of Silk Road caravans, not many will enjoy this experience. For this reason, we recommend a seven to ten-day trip in Azerbaijan. This duration is enough to soak up most of the country’s highlights but not long enough to bore you to death.

Azerbaijan holds a lot of promise for travelers looking for a short stay. If you can only spare an extended weekend, stick to a tour of Baku and spread around. Hemmed in on the one side by the Caspian Sea, Baku is where traditions meet modernity to form an enchanting blend. Hidden amid its towering blocks of steel-and-glass edifices is Icheri Seher, Baku’s old town, a huddle of medieval buildings buzzing with shoppers on the lookout for ceramics, traditional clothes, and carpets. The centerpiece of this town is Maiden Tower, which was constructed in the 12th century. The other highlight of Icheri Seher is its 13th-century Shirvanshah Palace.

Done with the monuments, you can then hit the local bazaar and marvel at the craftsmanship of the Azerbaijanis. Baku also has streets brimming with food stalls as well as restaurants offering some of the best culinary experiences of the country. Forget what you may, you do not want to miss out on a plate of traditional Azerbaijani plov! You definitely cannot avoid the Caspian Sea when in Baku. Spend an afternoon taking beach walks or go for a boat ride instead.

A seven-day Azerbaijan itinerary gives you more freedom to explore the country. Combine a sightseeing tour of Baku with Garasu Volcano, one of the many mud volcanoes that dot the country. Then head for the southern periphery of the city, where Gobustan is located. Gobustan is an archaeological reserve with 6,000 rock drawings that give visitors an insight into the world of ancient civilizations that flourished in the region.

Sheki city is another destination high on our list of recommendations. Nestled to the west of Baku, the city has been inhabited for over 2,500 years. It is dotted with castles and ancient bathhouses that will fill your day. The palace of Seki Khans is a local highlight. Imagine a construction that does not use a single nail!
Azerbaijan is a haven for nature lovers. The Caspian may be the biggest lake in the world, but when it comes to beauty, it is Goygol triumphs. Located in the lower Caucasus, in the northwestern part of the country, the 19 lakes that together form Goygol are a sight to behold.

Go through our guide on spending 7 days in Azerbaijan for more information. 

Similar durations for Azerbaijan:
Azerbaijan in 5 days: Unique 5-day Azerbaijan itinerary ideas
Azerbaijan in 4 days: Unique 4-day Azerbaijan itinerary ideas

Discover the lesser-known gems of the country during your ten days in Azerbaijan. Nabran, located on the Caspian Sea, is a resort town unlike any other. For nature lovers, there is Shirvan National Park, spread out over 54,000 hectares to the south of Baku. This area is made up of sand dunes and is home to gazelles, turtles, and jackals.

Next, head out to the Absheron Peninsula to see the blazing Yanar Dag. Very few travelers know that the country got its nickname (‘land of fire’) from this mountain. In addition to being a natural landmark, the fires of Yanar Dag are said to have inspired fire worship in Zoroastrianism.

Call it an end to your ten-day Azerbaijan itinerary after having explored the remote villages of Xinaliq, Quba, and Laza. Feel like a traveler on the Silk Road as you hike from one village to the other. 

For more information and inspiration, read our guide on 10 days in Azerbaijan.

Once you know how long to stay in Azerbaijan, you can get in touch with one of our travel experts for a customized trip to Azerbaijan. If you would like to book a package trip or join a group, check out our tours in Azerbaijan.