Jour 1: Baku
ITALY/BAKU (-/-/-)
A journey to Azerbaijan is an authentic experience that takes you to a land where ancient history and modernity coexist in perfect harmony. From the iconic futuristic architecture of Baku to the charming mountain villages immersed in nature, this country amazes with breathtaking landscapes, rich culture, and traditions that are still alive.
During this trip we will also explore the region on horseback, experiencing a unique adventure through valleys, plateaus, and ancient trails, just as local populations once did. It will be a special way to connect with the most authentic soul of Azerbaijan.
Between the intense flavors of traditional cuisine and the warm hospitality of a people proud of their roots, Azerbaijan is not just a destination to visit, but an exciting journey to live, discover, and remember forever.
Pick-up from Baku airport (GYD) and transfer to your hotel in the city. Dinner on your own and overnight stay.
Jour 2:
BAKU (B/L/-)
Breakfast at the hotel and departure for Gobustan, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located 60 km from Baku. The region is famous for its rock carvings, more than 7,000 in total, depicting scenes of prehistoric human life. Visit the Gobustan Museum, where modern technology brings these ancient artworks to life through interactive exhibits. Explore scenes of hunting, feeding, and burial engraved on the rocks. Afterwards, visit the mud volcanoes, one of Azerbaijan’s most unique natural phenomena. These volcanoes of varying heights continuously erupt mud and liquid, creating a lunar-like landscape. Return to Baku and visit the Bibi-Heybat Mosque, one of the most important religious sites in the country. Continue to the Old City (Icherisheher), a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where the beauty of historic Azerbaijan is clearly visible. Walk among elegant early 20th-century buildings once inhabited by wealthy Azerbaijani oil barons. Visit the Shirvanshahs’ Palace, the Maiden Tower, the ruins of St. Bartholomew Church, the ancient Hammam, and historic mosques, all testimonies of the city’s rich cultural heritage. Return to the hotel. Dinner on your own. Overnight at the hotel.
Jour 3:
BAKU/GABALA (B/L/-)
After breakfast, departure for Gabala (250 km), one of the most important cities along the Silk Road. Along the way, stop in the village of Mereze to visit the Diri Baba Mausoleum, a Sufi whose body, buried here in 1402, remained miraculously intact. The sanctuary was built using a natural cave in a cliff and over the centuries has become a pilgrimage site. Next stop at the Juma Mosque in Shamakha, originally dating back to 744 but rebuilt several times due to various factors. Lunch en route. Arrival in Gabala, a renowned tourist city thanks to its beautiful nature. Here it will be possible to take the cable car up to about 1,920 meters, from where you can admire the view of Mount Yatmış Gözəl. Dinner on your own. Overnight at the hotel.
Jour 4:
GABALA/BAYRAMKOHA (B/L/D)
Today our horseback adventure begins. Breakfast at the hotel and departure by car to the village of Bayramkoha. Upon arrival, meet the guides and assign the horses. First introductory horseback ride within the village. Lunch in a local village house. After lunch, official start of the horseback tour: departure towards the village of Hacialili. During the day we will cover حوالي 8–10 km. Arrival at Hacialili village. Accommodation in a local house, dinner and overnight stay.
Jour 5:
BAYRAMKOHA/DZIXLI (B/L/D)
Today we will cover حوالي 20 km. Breakfast in a rural house with organic products and departure on horseback towards the village of Savalan. After حوالي 8–10 km, arrival in the Savalan Valley, a charming place surrounded by nature. Continue to the Savalan winery, where we will be welcomed for a unique experience related to Azerbaijan’s modern winemaking traditions. Guided visit of the vineyards, winery, and production process. Followed by wine tasting accompanied by a typical lunch. In the afternoon, back in the saddle towards the village of Dizaxli. Along the way, we will cross fascinating natural landscapes. After حوالي 8–10 km, arrival at the village. Accommodation in a local house, traditional dinner. In the evening, a convivial moment around the fire, tasting wine offered by the Savalan winery and sharing the day’s experiences. Overnight in a rural house.
Jour 6:
DZIXLI/CHUKHUR GABALA (B/L/D)
Breakfast in a rural house. Then departure for another full day on horseback towards the village center, with a stop at a traditional local tea house. Here we will have the opportunity to meet locals and play traditional board games such as domino and backgammon (nərd). After this authentic interaction, departure on horseback towards the village of Chukhur Gabala. Along the way, ascent to Mount Komrad, a unique place where for centuries Christians and Muslims have gathered to pray together. Picnic lunch at the foot of the mountain. Visit of the sanctuary and mausoleum located on the mountain. Continue the ride along ancient trails, crossing rivers, forests, and plains. During the route, we will also pass by the walls of the ancient city of Gabala, capital of the ancient state of Caucasian Albania. Arrival at Chukhur Gabala village. Accommodation in a local house, care of the horses and tea break. Traditional dinner and overnight in a rural house.
Jour 7:
CHUKHUR GABALA/NIJ (B/L/D)
Breakfast in a rural house. Then departure towards the historical-archaeological center of Chukhur Gabala. Guided visit to the museum located in the archaeological excavation area of the ancient capital of Caucasian Albania, with insights into the historical ruins and excavation activities. After the visit, departure towards the village of Nij. The route winds through plains, country roads, and orchards, offering authentic views of rural life. Arrival at the local house in Nij. Lunch prepared mainly with local organic products. Participation in the preparation of traditional bread baked in the tandır oven. Light tasting with freshly baked bread, butter, shor (Azerbaijani ricotta), and local cheeses. Visit of the property: interaction with domestic animals, discovery of the natural pond and fruit trees in the garden. Overnight in a private cottage at the Udi cultural complex.
Jour 8:
NIJ/SHEKI (B/L/-)
Breakfast in a rural house. Visit of churches, mosques, and the Udi cultural center of Azerbaijan. Afterwards, farewell to the horses and the riding guide who accompanied us during the tour. Departure by car towards the city of Sheki, one of the most important stops along the historic Silk Road. Lunch at a local restaurant. Then start the visit with a walk through the local bazaar, where you can discover typical products and experience the authentic atmosphere of the city. Continue to the village of Kish to visit an important early Christian church, built between the 1st and 5th century AD, when Christianity spread in the region of ancient Caucasian Albania. Return to Sheki and continue the visit of the historical part of the city, renowned for its craftsmanship tradition. Visit the famous Khan’s Palace, a magnificent example of 18th-century Azerbaijani architecture, known for its colored glass windows (shebeke) and extraordinary frescoes. Overnight at the hotel.
Jour 9:
SHEKI/BAKU (B/L/-)
Departure for Baku. On the way, stop in the village of Fazil to visit one of the only places of its kind in the world, the labyrinth museum of Fazil, an archaeology museum. After lunch, stop in Maraza (Gobustan) to visit Diri Baba. Arrival in Baku. Dinner on your own. Overnight at the hotel.
Jour 10:
BAKU (B/L/-)
Breakfast at the hotel. The day begins with a visit to the fascinating Panoramic Point, the highest point in Baku, once known as Upland Park during Soviet times. From here, you can admire a panoramic view of Baku Bay, very similar to the Bay of Naples, a twin city of Baku. Departure for the Absheron Peninsula, a fascinating place combining spiritual and natural beauty. Visit the Fire Temple of Atashgah, located in the village of Surakhani, an ancient place of worship for Zoroastrian followers, dedicated to the sacred element of fire. Then admire the spectacular Yanardag, the “burning hill,” one of Azerbaijan’s natural wonders, where natural gas emerges from the rocks creating continuous flames. On return to Baku, visit the Heydar Aliyev Cultural Center designed by Zaha Hadid, whose futuristic architecture stands out in the city skyline. Not far away, visit Yashil Bazar (literally “Green Market”), one of the liveliest and most authentic markets in Baku. Located in the heart of the city, it offers a colorful glimpse into local life and is known for its abundance of fresh products, dried fruits, spices, nuts, and traditional Azerbaijani delicacies. Return to the hotel. Overnight stay.
Jour 11:
BAKU/ITALY (B/-/-)
Breakfast and transfer to the airport in time for your flight to Italy.
Note: The above itinerary is indicative and may be subject to changes due to weather conditions or circumstances beyond our control.
Notes:
(B/L/D): B = breakfast; L = lunch; D = dinner
DURATION: 11 DAYS / 10 NIGHTS
DIFFICULTY: °°° (INTERMEDIATE)
ACCOMMODATION: hotels/rural houses
EQUIPMENT: comfortable leather trekking saddle
HORSES: Karabakh, Dilboz, Akhal-Teke, locally bred
PACE: about 4/5 hours per day on horseback, with an average of 20 km per day. All gaits are used. Good physical condition is required and the ability to feel comfortable riding in open spaces and on all types of terrain.
WHAT TO BRING: riding clothing, including waterproof gear. Water bottle, waist bag, protective helmet, insect repellent, sunscreen, swimsuit.
MINIMUM AGE: 16 years
MAXIMUM WEIGHT: 85 kg
TYPE: point-to-point riding trek with overnight stays in hotels/rural houses
ACCOMMODATION:
Night 1 and 2: Central Park Hotel Baku 3* (or similar)
Night 3: Karvansaray Hotel Gabala 3* (or similar)
Night 4, 5, 6, 7: rural house
Night 8: Macara City Hotel Sheki 4* / Sheki Palace Hotel 4* (or similar)
Night 9, 10: Central Park Hotel Baku 3* (or similar)
Any dietary restrictions can be communicated.
Departure dates on request with a minimum of 2 participants from May to September
PARTICIPANTS: MIN 4 MAX 10
SUPPLEMENTS & REDUCTIONS
Supplement for departure with 2 riders Euro 650.00 per person
Reduction per person for departure > 6 riders Euro 160.00
