Flavors of Azerbaijan: Food & Culture Tour

This culinary journey combines Azerbaijan’s most fascinating attractions with authentic local cuisine, traditional cooking classes, wine tasting, and cultural experiences. From family-hosted meals and regional specialties in Sheki and Lankaran to historic cities and natural wonders, the tour offers a taste of Azerbaijan’s rich culinary heritage.

Day 1: Arrival in Baku, Traditional Lunch & City Tour

Upon arrival at Heydar Aliyev International Airport, meet your driver for a private transfer to a restaurant in central Baku, where your culinary journey begins with a traditional Azerbaijani lunch.

Baku Old City (Icherisheher)
After lunch, enjoy a walking tour through Baku’s UNESCO-listed historic center.
Highlights include:
Maiden Tower
Palace of the Shirvanshahs
Historic caravanserais
Ancient mosques
Narrow medieval streets

Panoramic Baku City Tour
Continue with a sightseeing drive through Baku’s main avenues, admiring its historic architecture and modern landmarks.
During the tour, you will see:
Flame Towers
Heydar Aliyev Center
Port Baku
Crescent Bay
Panoramic viewpoints overlooking Baku and the Caspian Sea
Hotel check-in. Overnight in Baku.

Day 2: Absheron Peninsula, Traditional Crafts & Local Cuisine

After breakfast, enjoy a tour of the Absheron Peninsula, combining historic landmarks, traditional crafts, and Azerbaijani cuisine.
During the tour, you will visit:
Ateshgah Fire Temple
Gala Archaeological and Ethnographic Complex
Mardakan Fortress
Yanardag (Burning Mountain)
Balakhani Village

Traditional Craft Workshops at Gala
Take part in hands-on workshops introducing Azerbaijan’s traditional crafts:
Pottery
Carpet weaving
Traditional bread baking
Blacksmithing

Traditional Azerbaijani Lunch
Enjoy a selection of national dishes, including traditional Azerbaijani kebabs.
Free time after the tour. Overnight in Baku.

Day 3:  Shamakhi, Gabala & Wine Tasting

After breakfast, set off on a scenic journey through Azerbaijan’s historic towns and mountain regions.
Along the way, you will visit:
Diri Baba Mausoleum
Shamakhi Juma Mosque
Gabala
Savalan Winery

Savalan Winery
Enjoy a guided winery visit and tasting of locally produced Azerbaijani wines.
After the tasting, continue to Sheki.
Hotel check-in. Overnight in Sheki.

Day 4:  Sheki, Traditional Cooking Class & Return to Baku

After breakfast, explore Sheki, one of Azerbaijan’s most charming historic cities, famous for its Silk Road heritage and traditional architecture.

Highlights include:
Sheki Khan’s Palace
Sheki Old Town (Yukhary Bash)
Historic caravanserais
Kish Village & Albanian Church

Family-Hosted Lunch & Cooking Class
Visit a local family for a traditional lunch and hands-on cooking experience.
Learn to prepare:
Piti – Sheki’s traditional slow-cooked meat stew
Qutab – thin flatbread filled with herbs, meat, or other ingredients
After the tour, return to Baku. Overnight in Baku.

Day 5: Lankaran & the Flavors of Southern Azerbaijan

After breakfast, travel south to Lankaran, a region famous for its subtropical landscapes, tea-growing traditions, and distinctive cuisine.

During the tour, you will visit:
Lankaran
Tea plantations
Citrus orchards
Khanbulan Lake

Traditional Lankaran Lunch
Experience the flavors of southern Azerbaijan and enjoy Lankaran lavangi, a regional specialty traditionally prepared with chicken or fish stuffed with walnuts, onions, and aromatic seasonings.
Return to Baku in the evening. Overnight in Baku.

Day 6: Gobustan, Mud Volcano Complex & Traditional Bazaars

After breakfast, visit some of Azerbaijan’s most remarkable historical and natural attractions.

During the tour, you will visit:
Gobustan National Park (UNESCO)
Gobustan Museum
Mud Volcano Complex
Bibi-Heybat Mosque

Traditional Azerbaijani Lunch
Enjoy local specialties, including:
Dushbara – traditional Azerbaijani dumpling soup
Saj Kebab – a selection of meat and vegetables cooked on a traditional saj

Baku’s Traditional Markets
After lunch, visit two of Baku’s well-known markets:
Eastern Bazaar
Green Bazaar
Browse colorful stalls offering spices, dried fruits, traditional sweets, tea, and local delicacies.
Overnight in Baku.

Day 7: Departure from Baku

Breakfast at the hotel.
Check-out by 12:00.
Private transfer to Heydar Aliyev International Airport.