Discover Azerbaijan in Five Days: Culture, Adventure & Culinary Delights
I was privileged to be hosted by the Azerbaijan Tourism Board on a five-day familiarisation trip across Baku and Northern Azerbaijan, traveling with four Travel Counsellors from the UAE, alongside a 30-member group from the UAE and KSA who joined this trip.
✨ Pro Tip: It’s just a short three-hour flight from Dubai — perfect for a quick, cultural winter escape!
Day One: Immersive Arrival in Baku
Stepping into Baku felt like walking into a living tapestry — where the past meets the present seamlessly. Our first evening was spent at Şirvanşah Museum Restaurant, nestled in the heart of the Old City. Surrounded by antiques, musical instruments, and historic artifacts, we savored traditional Azerbaijani cuisine — a perfect introduction to the country’s rich heritage and flavors. The crisp winter air added to the magic, making every stroll through the Old City feel like a storybook moment. “Our tour guides were simply amazing — they entertained, educated, and ensured we didn’t miss a single moment of Azerbaijan’s fascinating history.” We learned about the oil barons of the 19th century, whose discoveries transformed Baku from a small town into a modern, bustling city. Their stories and the guides’ passion made history come alive in the most fun way.
Day Two: Adventure in the Shahdag Mountains
The second day took us north to the Shahdag Mountains, where the cold, crisp air and breathtaking scenery were instantly refreshing. We stayed at Pik Palace, a luxurious mountain retreat with panoramic views of snow-capped peaks. The day included: *A mountain coaster ride — terrifying at first, but I did it and landed safely, laughing all the way down! *A cable car ride with views that seemed straight out of a postcard Dinner at Manzara Shahdag offered gourmet dining with a backdrop of majestic mountains, making this day one of the highlights of the trip. “I loved the mix of adventure and luxury — the mountains were exhilarating, and the hotels were beyond comfortable.”
Day Three: Palaces, Wellness & Culinary Delights
Day Three was a blend of history, wellness, and fine dining. We explored Quba Palace, a symbol of Azerbaijani opulence, and the Shabran Wellbeing Resort, where lunch focused on wellness cuisine — fresh, flavorful, and rejuvenating. Evening brought us to the Sheraton, followed by dinner at Nargiz Restaurant, where the cozy ambiance and delicious Azerbaijani dishes made the perfect ending to a serene day. “Every story shared by our tour guides added depth — from traditional culture to Azerbaijan’s incredible transformation over the centuries.”
Day Four: B2B Connections & Sporting Luxury
Day Four was a mix of business and leisure. The morning started with a B2B workshop at Hilton Baku, connecting us with tourism professionals and giving insights into emerging travel trends in Azerbaijan. Later, we headed to Dreamland to enjoy a peaceful afternoon of golf amidst scenic landscapes, proving Azerbaijan offers luxury and adventure hand-in-hand Dinner at Novbahar Restaurant featured modern Azerbaijani cuisine, a creative take on traditional flavors.
Day Five: Iconic Baku & Unforgettable Farewells Our final day showcased Baku’s architectural and cultural gems. Highlights included: The Heydar Aliyev Centre, a masterpiece of futuristic design Wandering the Old City’s cobbled streets A hands-on cooking masterclass at Gala Divari, making traditional gutab After a shopping stop at Crescent Mall, we enjoyed a farewell dinner at Sharg Restaurant. Afterwards, we went to Highland Park, taking in the glimmering city skyline and the iconic Flame Towers — a breathtaking finale in the Land of Flames. “Every moment was filled with laughter, learning, and awe-inspiring views. Azerbaijan truly leaves a mark on your heart.”
Why This Trip Was So Special
The cold weather was refreshing and invigorating. Pik Palace offered unmatched mountain luxury. Braving the mountain coaster was terrifying but exhilarating — and I survived to tell the tale! Our tour guides were incredible souls — educating, entertaining, and sharing Azerbaijan’s rich history, from culture and cuisine to the oil barons who transformed the nation. Traveling with like-minded UAE and KSA travelers made the journey even more memorable.
Travel Tip: Quick & Easy Escape
Azerbaijan is just a short three-hour flight from Dubai, perfect for culture seekers, adventure lovers, and luxury travelers. Mountains, palaces, city streets, and resorts — the Land of Flames offers a balanced mix of experiences for every kind of traveler.
A huge thank you to the Azerbaijan Tourism Board for hosting this unforgettable familiarisation trip. From mountains to city streets, from luxury hotels to hands-on culinary experiences, Azerbaijan invites exploration, indulgence, and adventure. Start your story in Azerbaijan — the Land of Flames — where culture meets adventure, and every sunset feels like a memory.