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 historic sites, museums, and nature. Your plan includes some of its best attractions: make a trip to Baku Boulevard, contemplate the long history of Baku Old City, squeeze the most out of the city with City Tours, and examine the collection at Heydar Aliyev Center.

To find reviews, other places to visit, ratings, and more tourist information, use the Baku holiday builder website.

The Route module shows you all the different ways you can get to Baku. In December, daily temperatures in Baku can reach 10°C, while at night they dip to 3°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 16th (Wed) so you can travel 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 3.5 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 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.

Use the Route module to find suitable travel options from Gobustan to Khizi. 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 walk around 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). There's lots more to do: glide through natural beauty at Tufandag Winter Summer Resort, take in the spiritual surroundings of Gabala City Mosque, get curious at Gabala Archaeological Center, and practice your aim at Gabala Shooting Club.

To see more things to do, where to stay, maps, and tourist information, refer to the Gabala trip planning site.

Traveling by car from Gusar to Gabala takes 5 hours. In December, plan for daily highs up to 8°C, and evening lows to -2°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 24th (Thu) 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.

Kick off your visit on the 25th (Fri): make a trip to Sheki Fortress, then admire the striking features 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 look for gifts at 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.

Ganja is known for historic sites, parks, and shopping. Your plan includes some of its best attractions: contemplate the waterfront views at Lake Goygol, pause for some serene contemplation at Ganja State Puppet Theatre, admire the landmark architecture of St. John's Church, 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 travel back home.