Novruz Holiday in Azerbaijan 5 Nights/6 Days

Novruz is widely celebrated in our country as the symbol of winter's leaving and spring's coming.

Novruz is celebrated on the first day of spring. The first day of spring on the calendar is determined by the annual circling of the sun.

According to scientists, the holiday has an ancient history. Scientific researches relate the Novruz holiday with the period of the prophet Zardush that dates 3500-5000 years back.

This holiday was celebrated in ancient Babylon for 12 days beginning in Nisan (March, April) 21. each of the 12 days had its ceremonies and enjoyment. According to the first inscription, the holiday of Novruz was established in 505 B.C.

DAY 1- 18 of March

Welcome to Baku International Airport and Transfer to hotel.

Free time

DAY 2 - 19 of March

OLD CITY TOUR

Icheri Sheher (Old City), the historical center of Baku, is where most traditional street festivities take place. Though early in the morning, the narrow streets are full of people. Tents are set up to offer souvenirs and picture opportunities in national costumes. Families are standing in lines by the manghals, enveloped in kebab smoke. A stage stands in front of the Maiden Tower6for dance performances, and crowds are eager for the show to start. Something looks different though, something right in front of our eyes. A square behind Gosha Gala Gapi, the main city gates, has become a fairground with a traditional Novruz wrestling show. Too many odd things are for sale, mostly items that have nothing to do with Novruz, such as Indian scarves and extravagantly bushy choban hats.

DAY 3- 20 of March

Absheron Peninsula tour

Tour starts from BibiHeybet mosque to Gobustan and volcanoes. You will also have a chance to visit quite a unique site where 300 of the planet's estimated 700mud volcanoessitGobustan, Azerbaijan and theCaspian Sea. Many geologists as well as locals and international mud tourists trek to such places as the Firuz Crater, Gobustan, Salyan and end up happily covered in mud which is thought to have medicinal qualities.

Gobustan is an open-air museum littered with Neolithic rock drawings. Just 65km south of Baku.Gobustanhas some 4000 inscriptions that go back 12,000 years (with some 2000 year old Latin graffiti to boot). AfterGobustanwe will drive to Fire tample (ATESGAH).AteshgahFire –Worshippers Temple The unique Atesgah Fire Temples one of Azerbaijan’s most remarkable sights. It stands on the site of a natural gas vent that was sacred toZoroastriansfor centuries, though this temple was actually built by 18th – century Indian Shiva devotees. During of the Baku –Absherontour you will taste local meals and tea. Transfer to the hotel and overnight in Baku.

DAY 4: 21 of March 

Sheki Tour

After reaching the Sheki city, you will visit the Sheki Khans Palace. Palace was built in the year 1762, and in the construction of the building, no nails and glue were used. Inside of the Palace is decorated with beautiful paintings with the special philosophical meanings. Windows of the palace were made with Shebeke style. Each window is consisting of 5000 pieces of wood and glasses.

After the Palace, you will visit the Craftsmen House. It is the building which was used by the Russian Empire as a prison. Now in the building, craftsmen of Sheki are selling handmade souvenirs. Also, you will also see the workshop of Shebeke and meet with the craftsman who is doing it in Sheki. Inside of the Palace fortress walls, you will visit the Museum of the History.

Next destination will be the Upper Caravanserai, built in the 18th century and used as a hotel. Ancient hotel is also being used as a 3-star hotel now. If you wish you will visit the Sweet Shops of Sheki to buy some traditional halva or bamiye.

Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes

Church of Kish – As the last destination, you will visit the Kish Albanian Temple. Temple was built between 1-5th centuries and used as the moon temple first and then as a church after the people of Albania accepted Christianity. 

DAY 5 -22 of March

Breakfast and departure to Shahdag ."Shahdag Winter and Summer tourism complex" offers you to take the advantage of different services. Enjoying the mountain scenery, here you are welcome to ski and get the portion of adrenaline.

DAY 6 - 23 of March

Breakfast

Departure to the airport, end of Novruz holiday in Baku.