The Secrets of Ancient Crafts

Itinerary :

Day 1: Day 1: Baku (Arrival): Arrival in Baku. Greeting guests at the airport, transfer and accommodation at the hotel. Leisure time and overnight at the hotel.

Day 2: Baku (Old City & Carpet Factory Tour): Breakfast at the hotel. The tour starts with a visit to the Highland Park. Highland Park is located on a hill in the western part of the city. This is the best place to see the city and Baku bay. Next, the guests will visit the Old City – with its fortified walls, historic buildings and narrow cobbled streets. Guests will appreciate the main attractions of the Old Town, including the Palace of the Shirvanshahs and the famous Maiden Tower.Behind the walls the city life rages, and in the Old City everything is quiet and decorous, as it has been for centuries. Next, guests will have a trip to the Azer-Ilme factory – where modern national carpets are made. Azerbaijani carpets, the high quality and fame allows them to spread widely throughout the world, and to be in great demand today. The factory at the modern technological level contributes to the further development of the traditional art of carpet weaving in Azerbaijan, which has made an invaluable cultural and material contribution to the treasury of world civilization. Here you can see the whole process of their creation – from beginning to end. In the dye shop. The Azer-Ilme Gallery presents the best examples of unique Azerbaijani carpets and rugs. Besides it, the factory owns a shop where everyone can buy their favorite carpets, as well as women’s silk scarves. Next, there is a trip to the national restaurant (for extra charge), where the guests will taste the national dishes, as well as will have the opportunity to see the process of tandoor cooking (a special kind of bread) in a special oven of the same name. Free time. Overnight in Baku. (B)

Day 3: Baku – Lagich (visit the villages of Baskal and Lagich): After breakfast, departure from the hotel. A trip to the village of Baskal. We begin our journey to the Ismayilli region, where you will learn about the unique Kelagai manufacturing process. Azerbaijani “Kelagai” is a traditional women’s silk scarf. Moving to the village Lagich (visiting Lagich is possible only under appropriate weather conditions), which is a historical and Architectural Reserve Lagich. Lagich is a unique monument of Persian urban planning and an architectural object of the Middle Ages. It is a medieval city with cobbled streets and squares, a well-developed water supply and sewerage system. The village is inhabited by tanners, engravers, potters, blacksmiths, wood and metal carvers, passing their knowledge from generation to generation. During the tour you will also see an ancient bridge connecting two villages, a 16th century stone water supply and samples of dwellings from the 19th century with frescoes; you will also visit the local history museum, where ancient carpets and brass items are stored. Immediately upon arrival in Lagich, you will enjoy a meal at a local restaurant and get acquainted with the peculiarities of local cuisine (for extra charge). Next, you will be organized a walk through the village, you will visit the workshops of blacksmiths, engravers, potters and other artisans. You can also buy a product you like or order a thing that will be made on the spot. Dinner and overnight in the local house, where you can experience the very essence of the Caucasian family and live the life of the villagers. Overnight in Lagich. (B)

Day 4: Lagich – Sheki (Sightseeing tour of the city): Breakfast at the hotel, transfer to Sheki, one of the most famous and ancient places in Azerbaijan. Located at 700 meters above sea level, the city is surrounded by mountains and oak forests shaped as amphitheater. For a long time this ancient city was considered the center of sericulture and was an important node on the Silk Road. We will begin our tour with a visit to the 18th century Summer Khan’s Palace, famous for its amazing frescoes and outstanding glass works. Next, visit the Shebeke workshop (hand-made murals), the workshop for the production of the famous Sheki pakhlava and the weaving workshop, where the unique local “Tekulduz” technique will be displayed. Walking along the streets, you will also attend various craft workshops. Overnight in Sheki. (B)

Day 5: Sheki – Baku (Day at Leisure): After breakfast, the check-out from the hotel. Moving to Baku. Free time. Overnight in Baku. (B)

Day 6: Baku (Absheron tour, ethnographic museum Gala): Breakfast at the hotel. Excursion to the village of Gala. Gala Museum Reserve of Absheron Peninsula History. Ethnographic open-air museum “Gala” is located about 40 minutes from Baku and is a museum that was created on the site of archaeological excavations. There is a 5000 year old village which consists of a number of neighborhoods that have survived to this day. During the tour, guests will get acquainted with the ancient dwellings, with the life of the past time, traditions, methods of farming. Tour participants will be told about the way of life of people who lived here many centuries ago, and show the real objects of that time. However, the most important thing is not introduction to the museum exhibits, but the opportunity of immersion into the ancient life. In this museum, guests can bake real bread or try themselves clay sculpturing. Farewell dinner at a traditional restaurant. Return to the hotel. Overnight in Baku. (B, D)

Day 7: Baku (Departure): After breakfast, the check-out from the hotel and transfer to airport. (B)