Juma Mosque

This intensive full-day journey is engineered for those who expect access to the historical core, artisan heritage and pristine landscapes of Azerbaijan within one sharply structured, high-value itinerary. It begins with a direct departure toward the ancient city of Shamakhi, where guests are led into the monumental Juma Mosque, a landmark from the 8th century and one of the oldest Islamic sites in the Caucasus. Notable for its earthquake-resistant structure and classical Islamic design, the mosque presents a profound introduction to the region’s spiritual architecture and resilience.

From there, the route ascends into the Caucasus Mountains toward Lahij, a high-altitude village known for its deep-rooted artisan culture. Visitors walk through narrow, stone-paved streets lined with wooden homes and handcrafted balconies. In this environment, master coppersmiths demonstrate live metalworking using centuries-old techniques still practiced without compromise. Guests engage directly with workshops producing intricate copperware, engraved silver, handwoven carpets and carved woodworks while absorbing the over 1,000-year history embedded in every alley.

Following Lahij (Lahic), the journey intensifies in Gabala, a region where natural elevation meets elite recreational design. The itinerary includes a stop at Lake Nohur, framed by dense forests and silent ridges ideal for panoramic photography and peaceful immersion.

Yeddi Gozel Waterfall

The tour continues to Seven Beauties Waterfall, a hidden, multi-tier cascade located in a dense gorge, raw, untouched, and cinematic in scale.

Tufandag Mountain Resort

The experience advances to Tufandag Mountain Resort, featuring a state-of-the-art cable car ascent to Caucasus summits. The views here are absolute no obstructions, no interference. Just vertical impact.

Sheki

After completing all site visits, the route concludes in Sheki, one of the country’s most culturally preserved cities, where guests are dropped off at their hotel. The total experience spans 10–12 hours, guided by seasoned professionals delivering clear, informative insights at each stop. Transportation, site access and transitions are handled with high-level coordination to ensure no time is lost and no detail is missed. This is the definitive one-day cultural and nature-focused highlands tour in Azerbaijan built for travelers who require both performance and substance. Perfect for those who refuse standard sightseeing and demand direct access to heritage, artistry and landscape at the highest level possible.

Palace of Shaki Khans

The second day of the itinerary focuses entirely on the cultural powerhouse of Sheki, offering a concentrated exploration of Azerbaijan’s most architecturally and historically significant city. The program opens with access to the iconic Sheki Khan Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the finest preserved examples of 18th-century Azerbaijani architecture. Renowned for its intricate stained-glass windows, detailed frescoes and symmetry-driven design, the palace stands as a central highlight of the country’s artistic and royal legacy.

Abad Ceramics And Applied Art Center

The experience continues at the ABAD Ceramic Arts Centre, where modern interpretations of traditional Azerbaijani pottery are showcased through live demonstration. Guests observe artisans working with clay using local methods and can engage directly in the creative process.

Sheki State Art Gallery

This hands-on segment is followed by a visit to the Sheki Art Gallery, featuring a compact yet carefully selected collection of both classical and contemporary works including local miniature and folk art styles unique to the region.

Guests then step into the Craftsmen’s House, a fully operational workshop where the renowned Shebeke technique is practiced in real time. These handcrafted stained-glass windows are produced using only wood and colored glass no glue, no nails reflecting the highest standards of precision and generational expertise. This live encounter offers insight into a fading art that is still practiced with full integrity in Sheki.

Sheki Karvansaray

The journey continues through the Caravanserai Complex, a grand Silk Road-era inn reimagined as a functioning cultural site. Visitors walk through original stone courtyards once used by traveling merchants and are free to explore restored chambers, a restaurant with local cuisine and artisan spaces.

Church of Kish

The final heritage site is the Kish Albanian Church, dating to the 1st century AD and directly linked to the ancient civilization of Caucasian Albania. Surrounded by mountain backdrops, this architectural relic delivers historical impact and regional context with guidance from experienced cultural interpreters. An optional local wine tasting is available for guests wishing to conclude the tour with a taste of Sheki’s artisanal viticulture. From here, guests return by private transfer to Baku or are dropped off at the Georgia border via Balakan, depending on their onward travel. Every stop is purpose-driven, content-rich and built for those who prioritize meaningful exploration over passive tourism. The total tour duration is approximately 10 to 12 hours, including all transfers, guided site visits, and in-depth commentary by a professional guide.