Azerbaijan Tours and Travel for 2025 and 2026

YPT tours to Azerbaijan

YPT’s Azerbaijan tours will make you discover a land of fire and hospitality. The Republic of Azerbaijan is uniquely located on the boundary of Eastern Europe and West Asia. The capital city, Baku, tells the tale of centuries of empires, who came to the region as rulers and traders. From Caucasian Albania and the Persian and Russian empires to today’s independent state, Azerbaijan has a fascinating history.

Azerbaijan is one of the three Caucasus states. Azerbaijan, Georgia and Armenia are each distinctive and unique countries, which has caused ethnic tension between Azerbaijan and Armenia over the Nagorno-Karabakh – Republic of Artsakh which ceased to exist on the 1st January 2024 after a bloody conflict. Yet, despite this darker side of the country, it remains beautiful, historical and modern thanks to its huge oil industry.

GROUP TOURS TO AZERBAIJAN

Currently, we offer one yearly group tour to Azerbaijan. The tour not only focuses on the capital city Baku but goes beyond into Absheron, Ivanovka and Shaki. We are strong believers in experiencing a country to its fullest.

Complete Caucasus Tour: Azerbaijan, Georgia and Armenia – June 11th – 19th / 21st, 2025 – €1495 / €1695 / €2495

Complete Caucasus Tour: Azerbaijan, Georgia & Armenia

INDEPENDENT TOURS TO AZERBAIJAN

Azerbaijan and the Caucuses have always been a favourite for YPT, not only for their complex history with links to the Persian empires, Qajar Empire and Imperial Russia, but also for how the collapse of the Soviet Union has affected its current geopolitics.

Azerbaijanis are proud of their cultural heritage and identity which is perfect to experience on independent and bespoke Azerbaijan tours. Prices depend on the number of people and what level of accommodation you desire, but YPT can arrange everything you need for perfect independent Azerbaijan tours.

Example of an Azerbaijan Itinerary (4 Days)

Day 1 – Baku (Azerbaijan)

Arrive at your own leisure into Baku – the capital city of Azerbaijan is well connected with many European and Asian countries. Private transfer to our centrally located hotel.
Pre-tour meeting will be held at the lobby of our hotel at 6:00pm to discuss the tour itinerary and to meet your guide.
You’ll head out to explore Baku – the largest and capital city in the Caucasus region. The city has been influenced by the Persian and Russian empires before the discovery of oil influenced its architectural appearance as a modern city.
Dinner at a local restaurant – we recommend trying plov, a traditional rice dish, or Kufta Bozbash, a delicious meatball broth dish.
You’ll have the opportunity to head out for drinks. We recommend trying Xirdalan beer or Azeri wine. Despite being a nation of Shia Muslims, the Russians have left their mark with their love of alcohol.
Overnight stay in Baku.

Day 2 – Baku – Absheron – Baku

Early morning start with breakfast at the hotel before we explore and discover Baku cultural heritage.
We’ll begin our tour starting off with Baku Old City, locally known as the Inner City. The fortified, historical centre is an UNESCO world heritage site and was often featured in Soviet era movies including Diamond hand, Amphibian man and Aybolit-66. We’ll see the ancient landmarks of the medieval caravanserai, Palace of the Shirvanshah and Maiden Tower.
You’ll have some time to explore the Old Town, perfect for photo opportunities
and to pick Soviet relics.
Lunch at a local restaurant – we recommend trying the popular local dish Azeri Dolma, grape leaf stuffed filling of meat and rice.
We’ll continue to the land of fire, a burning mountain! We’ll ascend into the hills around Baku to Yanar Dag. Similar to the Gates of Hell in Turkmenistan, this is a natural gas fire which burns continuously on a hill near the Caspian Sea. The flames steadily burn 3 metres into the air feeding off natural gas under the rock. Legend has it that the blaze was ignited by a shepherd discarding a cigarette in the 1950’s and it continues to burn to this day.
Next, we’ll head to the Absheron Peninsula and visit the Fire Temple, a castle-like religious temple used as a Hindu, Sikh, and Zoroastrian place of worship. The site is heavily used by worshippers who pilgrim from North India.
At Heydar Aliyev Centre, designed by the famous Iraqi-British architect Zaha Hadid, you’ll have some time to take advantage of the viewpoint, where you can admire the Baku skyline.
After a busy day, we’ll head back to the hotel to relax and freshen up before heading out for dinner at a local restaurant followed by drinks.
Overnight stay in Baku.

Day 3 – Baku – Ivanovka – Shaki

Early morning start with Breakfast, today we’ll discover how oil influenced the largest and capital city of Azerbaijan.
The Baku skyline is clearly dominated by the Flame Towers, which honours Zoroastrianism and their ancient devotion to fire. You’ll have the opportunity to admire the beautiful scenery and take pictures.
Martyrs’ Lane, locally known as Alley of Martyrs, is a cemetery and memorial complex for the victims of Black January – a violent and brutal crackdown on Azerbaijani nationalism and anti-Soviet sentiment ordered by Mikhail Gorbachev.
We’ll take the scenic route to Ivanovka which has the last kolkhoz (collective farm) and also the only village populated by ethnic Russians in Azerbaijan.
You’ll have a genuine Soviet experience and join the local villagers for lunch at kolkhoz canteen. You’ll have the opportunity to ask questions about life during the Soviet Union and after it collapsed.
Our journey will continue towards the Greater Caucasus mountain range to Shaki, a vital trading centre during the Silk Road.
In Shaki, we’ll visit the Palace of Shaki Khans, which is on the UNESCO World Heritage Site. You’ll get to appreciate the architectural beauty and learn about its fascinating history. We’ll also visit the medieval fortress, and the artisans’ house. You’ll have the opportunity to explore the beautiful city and interact with the friendly locals.
Check into our hotel freshen up before heading out for dinner. We’ll visit a local restaurant, we recommend trying the shashlik alongside Azeri wine.
Overnight stay in Shaki.

Day 4 – Shaki – Baku

After breakfast, we’ll have a last stroll of Shaki to capture some pictures and purchase gifts.
Transfer back to Baku or continue onwards to Georgia.

BESPOKE AZERBAIJAN TOURS

As part of our travel packages in the Caucasus, we can offer bespoke and independent tours to Azerbaijan. These can be done as full Azerbaijan tours or be combined with Georgia and Armenia. For more information on the following programs, simply get in touch.

Azerbaijan Culture Tour

Discover Azerbaijan cultural heritage which includes the UNESCO world heritage site historical centre. Other sites include the medieval caravanserai, Palace of the Shirvanshah and Maiden Tower. No cultural tour is complete without visiting the ancient Fire Temple. Simply tell us your interests and we are able to create a bespoke cultural tour.

Soviet architecture and monuments Tour

Azerbaijan is full of Soviet relics, monuments, brutalist architecture, and abandoned buildings. Although many are hard to find, due to the recent developments, we are still able to show you great patriotic war memorials and statues and mosaics all over the country. At YPT, we know the best hidden locations for all things Soviet!

Azerbaijan Wine tour

Since 2012, Azerbaijan has been increasing its grape growth as well as develop winemaking. Each year, this has been increasing opening up a market for international trade. We can offer specialised wine tasting tour in Baku and Meysary.

Azerbaijan, Georgia and Armenia tours

We are able to include all three countries from the South Caucuses. Your bespoke tour can start in Azerbaijan and continue onwards to Georgia and Armenia. Please get in touch for more details.

Nature and hiking

The Caucasus Mountains in Azerbaijan offer many trekking opportunities for all levels. Hiking along the Chiragli – Javadkhan peak trail, Kish – Bash Goynuk trail and Gumukh – Gashgachay trail. These trails take you along some the most beautiful natural scenery Azerbaijan offers.

Filming in Azerbaijan

Through our media arm Pioneer Media, we can make arrangements for productions, journalists, or others to film within Abkhazia from big-budget to guerrilla productions.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT TRAVEL TO AZERBAIJAN

Do I need a visa to travel to Azerbaijan?

Citizens of around 20 countries can enter Azerbaijan visa free. While citizens of approximately 100 countries to apply for an e-Visa online. The online e-Visa takes around 3 days to process. This option eliminates the need to visit a Azerbaijan embassy or consulate in person.

What’s the best time to visit Azerbaijan?

Spring to September would be the best time to visit Azerbaijan, when temperatures are mild and there are less chances of rain. Winter can be cold, but can be a good option for those who enjoy the beautiful snowy landscape.

Is Azerbaijan safe for tourists?

Azerbaijan is mostly a safe country. You probably won’t notice anything nor feel threatened at any time, but precautions should always be taken in Baku, like in any other city, avoid displaying your passport, large sums of cash and valuables.

What currency do they use in Azerbaijan?

The currency in Azerbaijan is the Azerbaijani Manet. We recommend checking the exchange rate prior to the tour. There are ATMs available in all the big cities and most businesses will accept credit cards, however, it is recommended to have cash, especially in the rural areas where ATMs can be hard to find and credit cards may not be accepted. Euros and US dollars can be easily exchanged.

Are there any health precautions I should take before visiting Azerbaijan?

There are no compulsory vaccines to enter Azerbaijan. However, travellers are advised to check with their healthcare provider for vaccinations. Common recommended vaccinations include hepatitis A and B, Poli, and routine vaccinations.

Is it possible to use a SIM card for mobile communication in Azerbaijan?

You can get a SIM card when arriving at the airport, also they are sold in mobile provider stores, and alternatively, you can get an ESIM on Airalo. There is WiFi in most hotels, restaurants and cafes. Note that in most rural areas the signal could be weak.

Why travel to Azerbaijan with Young Pioneer Tours?

We know where to find the most of the beaten track spots, we not only know some very cool places, but also how to save money and make the most of a trip to Azerbaijan. By travelling with us, you’re sure to find YPT’s ethos of good times, jam- packed itineraries, great food discoveries and a healthy dose of partying.