31 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.

Baku is known for sightseeing, historic sites, and museums. Your trip includes some of its best attractions: make a trip to Baku Boulevard, steep yourself in history at Baku Old City, take in the spiritual surroundings of Heydar Mosque, and examine the collection at Heydar Aliyev Center.

To see where to stay, photos, traveler tips, and more tourist information, read our Baku trip planner.

The Route module can give you travel options from your home to Baku. Expect a daytime high around 10°C in December, and nighttime lows around 3°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 16th (Wed) to allow time to fly to Nakhchivan.

Nakhchivan, an autonomous Azerbaijani republic, remains a region of breathtaking landscapes, quaint villages, and a cuisine distinct from the rest of the country.

Kick off your visit on the 17th (Thu): steep yourself in history at Alinja Castle, admire the landmark architecture of Nakhchivan Khans' Palace, and then don't miss a visit to Mausoleum of Momine Khatun.

To see reviews, ratings, photos, and tourist information, refer to the Nakhchivan trip planner.

Getting from Baku to Nakhchivan by flight takes about 3 hours. Other options: take a bus; or drive. In December, Nakhchivan is slightly colder than Baku - with highs of 5°C and lows of -5°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 17th (Thu) early enough to travel to Gobustan.

Gobustan Rock Art Cultural Landscape (UNESCO Heritage) covers three areas of a plateau of rocky boulders rising out of the semi-desert of central Azerbaijan, with an outstanding collection of more than 6,000 rock engravings bearing testimony to 40,000 years of rock art.

On the 18th (Fri), make a trip to Mud Volcanoes and then get a new perspective on nature at Gobustan State Reserve.

To see maps, other places to visit, where to stay, and more tourist information, refer to the Gobustan tour planner.

You can do a combination of flight and train from Nakhchivan to Gobustan in 4.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or do a combination of bus and train. Plan for a bit warmer temperatures traveling from Nakhchivan in December, with highs in Gobustan at 10°C and lows at 3°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 18th (Fri) to allow time to travel to Khizi.

Khizi's swirling pink mountains are quite simply an extraordinary sight to behold.

Start off your visit on the 19th (Sat): explore the striking landscape of Alti Aghaj National Park, get engrossed in the history at Mikayil Mushfig House Museum, and then take in the awesome beauty at Candy Cane Mountains.

For ratings, where to stay, more things to do, and more tourist information, go to the Khizi online driving holiday planner.

Traveling by car from Gobustan to Khizi takes 2 hours. Finish your sightseeing early on the 19th (Sat) to allow enough time to travel to Khinalig.

This picturesque village is located at over 2,000 m (6,500 ft) above sea level and it is said to be connected with the story of Noah: according to legend, when Noah saw this high, flat terrain, he dropped anchor and told everyone to leave the Ark.

Start off your visit on the 20th (Sun): admire the sheer force of Laza Waterfalls and then see the interesting displays at Khinalig Village.

To see maps, reviews, traveler tips, and other tourist information, you can read our Khinalig sightseeing planner.

Traveling by car from Khizi to Khinalig takes 3.5 hours. Cap off your sightseeing on the 20th (Sun) 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.

Kick off your visit on the 21st (Mon): take an in-depth tour of Mountain Jews Museum, browse the exhibits of Guba Genocide Memorial Complex, and then stroll through Nariman Narimanov Park.

To find photos, ratings, maps, and other tourist information, use the Gusar journey site.

You can drive from Khinalig to Gusar in 1.5 hours. Expect a daytime high around 8°C in December, and nighttime lows around -2°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 21st (Mon) so you can drive to Gabala.

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

Explore the numerous day-trip ideas around Gabala: Shamakhi (Yeddi Gumbaz Mausoleum & Juma Mosque). Next up on the itinerary: do a tasting at Savalan ASPI Winery, ski along the peaceful trails at Tufandag Winter Summer Resort, get in on the family fun at Gabaland, and contemplate the waterfront views at Nohur Lake.

For traveler tips, maps, and other tourist information, refer to the Gabala trip itinerary builder website.

You can drive from Gusar to Gabala in 5.5 hours. Expect a daytime high around 8°C in December, and nighttime lows around -2°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 24th (Thu) so you can 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.

Kick off your visit on the 25th (Fri): make a trip to Sheki Fortress, then take an in-depth tour of Sheki Khans' Palace, then admire the landmark architecture of Sheki Karvansaray, and finally take in the architecture and atmosphere at Church of Kish. Here are some ideas for day two: take in the dramatic scenery at Ilisu Waterfall, then shop like a local with Aliovsat Sweets House, then relax in the rural setting at Bio Garden, and finally admire the striking features of Winter Palace.

For more things to do, maps, photos, and tourist information, you can read our Sheki itinerary maker site.

You can drive from Gabala to Sheki in 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus. In December in Sheki, expect temperatures between 8°C during the day and 0°C at night. Finish your sightseeing early on the 26th (Sat) so you can 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.

Take a break from Ganja with a short trip to St. John's Church in Goygol, about 36 minutes away. There's still lots to do: contemplate the waterfront views at Lake Goygol, pause for some serene contemplation at Ganja State Puppet Theatre, browse the different shops at Ganja Mall, and don't miss a visit to Nizami Ganjavi Mausoleum.

For where to stay, other places to visit, and other tourist information, use the Ganja online itinerary planner.

Drive from Sheki to Ganja in 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train. Expect a daytime high around 9°C in December, and nighttime lows around 0°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 31st (Thu) to allow time to fly back home.