Explore Azerbaijan: An Honest Review of the 7-Day Tour

Azerbaijan, that spot where the East seems to meet the West, well, too it’s quickly turning into this really interesting spot for folks looking to see something a bit different. That country has got a history that’s deep and old, plus a mix of cultures that make things quite interesting, actually. Seeing all that Azerbaijan offers can feel a bit much if you’re just winging it, which is why a structured tour, that kind of “Azerbaijan Explore Azerbaijan in a 7-Day Tour” deal, might just be what you want, you know? Here’s my experience, which is pretty detailed, breaking down what you might like, what could be better, plus whether I feel that tour is worth your time plus cash.

First Impressions and Baku’s Allure

Touching down in Baku, you might almost be struck by how it is both old and shiny fresh at the same time, I mean, it is really quite something. Hey, that place has skyscrapers that look like flames next to neighborhoods that look like they’re straight out of the Middle Ages. Our tour kicked off right there, you see, with stops at spots such as that walled part of the town, that’s known as Icheri Sheher. We went to the Palace of the Shirvanshahs too, plus the Maiden Tower – really old stuff that tells some stories, arguably. Something to keep in mind? Expect those cobblestone streets, too it’s something that might be rough if you are wearing unsuitable shoes, you know? I will say, it is absolutely amazing how the old mingles with the contemporary.

Gobustan and Mud Volcanoes: A Geological Playground

A day was set aside to check out Gobustan, I think that’s something like an hour’s ride from Baku, to get to mud volcanoes plus some rock carvings that are super old, by the way. That’s Gobustan National Park if you wish to see it yourself. Frankly, the carvings showed different scenes from back then. Think dancing people, plus animals – dating way back, wow. Now, those mud volcanoes? Kinda strange plus fun, like teeny tiny volcanoes bubbling away, okay? The tour guides were pretty knowledgeable there, basically giving the story of everything. However, be ready for, oh, a bit of wind out that way, I mean it does get really rather windy there, which seems to be common.

Sheki: A Silk Road Gem

That trip to Sheki, well that part needed a decent drive, yet let me say, it was more or less totally worth it, honestly. Sheki is this place up in the mountains that feels like a step back in time, alright. Something really worth checking out is the Sheki Khan’s Palace; the decorations on it are absolutely something, really. Very detailed paintings plus bits of stained glass work. We hung out at a spot that makes Sheki halva – which is this yummy treat, more or less — plus watched someone create it. Note here that that travel time is lengthy, so perhaps take a book, like yours, to keep you busy.

Local Life and Cultural Immersion

Something that I appreciated with that tour was those moments when it took the time, clearly, to connect us with some locals. We checked out village markets that were teeming, you see, with just-picked fruit, local types of cheese, that kind of thing. A family welcomed us for a meal at their home one night – such an event, seriously. Something to think about here is how open that you are for doing new stuff. Come ready to try new food plus meet different faces. To be honest that’s where the nice travel memories happen anyway.

Accommodation and Meals

Hotels did vary from place to place. Too it’s almost that in Baku they looked swanky; in Sheki, maybe not that grand, but nice. Meals included some traditional fare; I am thinking of things like plov (which is really something, like rice) and kebabs that everyone knows. Sometimes the food repeats itself often and this could be a concern if like yours is not an adventurous tummy, still. However, if that is you let them know so it gives them the opportunity to deal with any of your issues.

What Could Be Better?

OK, a few tweaks could seriously make that whole deal better, actually. How about less driving some days? Azerbaijan seems really spread out. Spending less time inside buses would probably be nice, arguably. Then too, I feel that letting people wander alone, and giving options would definitely make it more individual to one. Oh yeah, maybe more detail on exactly what things do cost to anticipate some hidden costs, like tips, more or less. Also just some down time.

Is This Tour Worth It?

Overall? Yeah, I think that tour makes tons of sense if seeing highlights conveniently matters, seriously. That 7-day ‘Azerbaijan Explore Azerbaijan’ bit covers plenty – history, nature plus some cultural things. Adjustments could improve it a bit, but I walked away feeling like I definitely glimpsed all those interesting facets of Azerbaijan so it delivered there, without a doubt. What would I say? Really worth doing!