Itinerary Expand allTbilisi to Baku Day 1 (Day 14 of AXC itinerary) Overnight train to BakuSay goodbye to the group, before enjoying free time in Tbilisi. In the afternoon we transfer to the railway station for the overnight journey to Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan. Travelling in four berth, second class cabins.Sleeper train Meals included: Breakfast Day 2 Arrival; sightseeing in BakuMorning arrival into Baku, Azerbaijan's fine capital on the shores of the Caspian Sea. This is a city of huge contrast, undergoing monumental change, as money from oil and natural gas pours into the economy. Here we have a guided sightseeing tour, highlights include the Carpet Museum and the UNESCO listed old town dating back as far as the 10th century. We also visit the Palace of Shirvan-Shahs, Maiden Tower and the ancient Lezgi Mosque. The evening is free to enjoy the city’s nightlife; we recommend a stroll along the beautifully restored Baku Boulevard running along the shoreline, where there are dozens of cafes and restaurants to enjoy.Central Baku Hotel or similar Day 3 Absheron Peninsula & GobustanFull day excursion. Firstly we visit Gobustan, 30 miles southwest of Baku, famous for its 2000-year-old rock drawings, followed by a visit to the mud volcanoes. In times of heavy rain, the visit to the volcanoes is not always possible.In the afternoon we visit the Ateshgyakh Fire Worshippers Temple (18th century) located within Greater Baku in the village of Surakhany. Here people worshipped fire, seeking protection against adversity and oppression and begging it for happiness and well-being. These fires are believed to be where Azerbaijan got its name - meaning ‘Land of Fire'. We then transfer to Absheron Peninsula to observe the unique burning mountain of Yanar Dag. Here we learn about the history of oil in Azerbaijan and its use in ancient times, right up to the present.Again the evening is free to enjoy the delights of Baku, we recommend one of the rooftop bars with views across the Old Town to the Flame Towers shinning bright over the whole city.Central Baku Hotel or similar Meals included: Breakfast Day 4 End BakuTransfer to the airport. There may be time to enjoying some additional sightseeing in Baku, depending on your flight time. However, most flights from this region to the UK depart very early.
AzerbaijanAll British citizens require a visa for Azerbaijan. The easiest way to do this is via an e-visa, which is significantly cheaper than through the embassy or visa agency. Information relating to the visa application process can be found here. Please contact our Operations Team to obtain one of these visas; details of who to contact will be on your sales confirmation.To apply for the Azerbaijan e-visa through Exodus, we will require the following:1. Scan of your passport photo page (this should be a scan, in colour, rather than a photo, and all details should be legible)2. Your occupation3. Home and/or work phone number4. Mobile phone number5. Full postal addressApproximately 2 months prior to departure, we will be in touch to collect any missing information. A payment of £40 per person is also required.
AzerbaijanThere are no mandatory vaccination requirements for this trip.Recommended vaccinations for this trip are: Tetanus, Diphtheria, Typhoid, Hepatitis A.Vaccination against Meningitis is also recommended.
Hotels & sleeper trainThe sleeper train between Tbilisi and Baku leave at approximately 19:30, arriving in the Azeri capital at approximately 09:15. The train now has modernised air-conditioned 4 berth sleeping-cars, all non-smoking. There is also a dining car. Our hotel in Baku is a 3 star property and centrally located, with large modern room. A simple breakfast can be enjoyed on the top floor of the hotel, overlooking the city and the Caspian Sea beyond.
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Reviewed October 2018 Tracy WhiteThis extension is very expensive considering its short duration The extension is really for less that 48 hours, but it's advertised for 3-4 days. Day 1 is entirely still in Georgia. The train ride certainly isn't an efficient way to travel between Tbilisi and Baku and involved a 2 hour stop at the border, an hour on each side, and that included stern passport/immigration people and a search of our luggage. We arrived in Baku at 9:30 am on Day 2. Baku and the surrounding areas are very nice, and we saw many things during Days 2 and 3. Our group included 10 people. Of the 10, 8 of us had flights shortly after 4am on Day 4, and that included the main group flight. Accordingly, it's not really a 4 day extension as we were in Baku for under 48 hours. The extension is very expensive and I'd advise other travelers to avoid it and to travel to Baku with another option.What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Baku has a nice mixture of old and new architecture.What did you think of your group leader? He was helpful and provided us with much information.Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Baku is safe and would be easy for independent travel. I'd suggest doing that as the extension to the Armenia/Georgia trip is grossly overpriced for such a short time period.Is there anything else you would like to add? The destination itself is wonderful.