12 days in Azerbaijan Itinerary

A truly contemporary city criss-crossed by history, Baku offers everything from the modern elegance of the Flame Towers to the medieval UNESCO-listed Old City at its core.

When in Baku, make a side trip to see Gobustan State Reserve in Gobustan, approximately Gobustan away. Next up on the itinerary: take in the local highlights with Walking tours, examine the collection at Heydar Aliyev Center, explore the ancient world of Ateshgah - Fire Temple, and take in panoramic vistas at Flame Towers.

For more things to do, maps, where to stay, and other tourist information, you can read our Baku driving holiday planner.

Use the Route module to find suitable travel options from your home destination to Baku. In January, plan for daily highs up to 8°C, and evening lows to 2°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 17th (Fri) early enough to go by car to Gusar.

Azerbaijan's "northern gates" promise breathtaking Caucasus Mountain scenery, home to some of the country’s highest peaks, a classy ski resort, traditional rustic villages, and tasty Lezgi cuisine.

Start off your visit on the 18th (Sat): tour along fresh powder with Shahdag Mountain Resort, then identify plant and animal life at Tengya Alty Gorge, and then walk around Nariman Narimanov Park.

For photos, ratings, reviews, and tourist information, read Gusar trip itinerary planning website.

Traveling by car from Baku to Gusar takes 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus. Traveling from Baku in January, you can expect nighttime temperatures to be slightly colder in Gusar, with lows of -3°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 18th (Sat) to allow enough time to drive to Gabala.

If you're fed up of the concrete jungle, take a trip to Gabala for the perfect getaway.

Kick off your visit on the 19th (Sun): get outside with Tufandag Winter Summer Resort, then get in on the family fun at Gabaland, and then get your game on at Gabala Shooting Club. Here are some ideas for day two: take in the spiritual surroundings of Gabala City Mosque, then explore the activities along Yeddi Gozel Waterfall, and then see the interesting displays at Gabala Archaeological Center.

To see more things to do, maps, other places to visit, and more tourist information, read our Gabala trip planner.

Traveling by car from Gusar to Gabala takes 5 hours. January in Gabala sees daily highs of 7°C and lows of -3°C at night. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 20th (Mon) to allow time to drive to Sheki.

Sheki is Azerbaijan’s true travel gem, a small city off the forested slopes of the Greater Caucasus Mountains rich in Silk Road history and renowned for its fascinating architecture, food, and friendly residents.

On the 21st (Tue), admire the sheer force of Ilisu Waterfall, then take an in-depth tour of Sheki Khans' Palace, then make a trip to Sheki Fortress, and finally pause for some serene contemplation at Church of Kish.

To see ratings, where to stay, other places to visit, and tourist information, read our Sheki tour planner.

You can drive from Gabala to Sheki in 1.5 hours. In January, plan for daily highs up to 7°C, and evening lows to 0°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 21st (Tue) early enough to drive to Ganja.

Famous as the birthplace of legendary poet Nizami, Ganja is a truly ancient city still bearing traces of the myriad kingdoms and empires that ruled over it in the past.

Ganja is known for historic sites, parks, and shopping. Your plan includes some of its best attractions: explore the wealth of natural beauty at Lake Goygol, walk around Khan's Garden, take in the spiritual surroundings of Imamzadeh Mausoleum, and don't miss a visit to Nizami Ganjavi Mausoleum.

To see other places to visit, traveler tips, more things to do, and more tourist information, go to the Ganja trip itinerary planning website.

Getting from Sheki to Ganja by car takes about 2.5 hours. Other options: take a train. Expect a daytime high around 9°C in January, and nighttime lows around 0°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 24th (Fri) so you can travel back home.