Private Full Day Sheki Heritage and Silk Road Tour
Active
10h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
A Full Day Historical Sheki Tour offers a journey through Azerbaijan’s oldest mosques, 18th-century palaces, Silk Road caravanserais and ancient Christian churches. Explore the architectural brilliance of Juma Mosque, a landmark of early Islamic design in the Caucasus. Witness the grandeur of Sheki Khan Palace with its intricate frescoes and shebeke stained-glass artistry. Examine the strategic and trade-driven ingenuity of the Medieval Sheki Caravanserai. Discover the Kish Albanian Church, a site of continuous worship spanning millennia. This tour combines historical depth, architectural mastery and cultural significance into a single immersive experience across Azerbaijan’s most iconic heritage sites.
Available options
Private Full Day Sheki Heritage and Silk Road Tour
Pickup included
What's included
English speaking tour guide
Comfortable private vehicle for pick-up, drop-off, and all scheduled tour locations
A bottle of water per person
Detailed itinerary
1
Pick up from any designated address or arranged meeting point within Baku and depart toward Shamakhi. The first stop is the Juma Mosque, approximately 120 minutes from Baku. Dating back to 744 CE, it is the oldest mosque in Azerbaijan and one of the earliest in the Caucasus. Established under the Arab Caliphate during Maslam ibn Abd-al-Malik’s governance, the mosque introduced Islamic architecture to the region. Its rare three-hall layout includes a large central dome and two smaller lateral domes, each with a separate mihrab and entrance. The mosque remains active and integrates historical significance with ongoing worship. Travelers spend here 30 minutes with detailed guided interpretation.
2
The journey continues with a 3 hours drive to Sheki Khan Palace, an 18th-century masterpiece built bin 18th century. The two-story palace features a central hall, surrounding rooms adorned with frescoes and ornate woodwork and shebeke stained-glass windows constructed without nails. Crafted from local stone and timber, it exemplifies regional craftsmanship and architectural sophistication. UNESCO recognized the Historic Centre of Sheki, including the palace, as a World Heritage Site in 2019. Travelers spend approximately 60 minutes exploring the site with expert guidance.
3
A brief transfer brings visitors to the Medieval Sheki Caravanserai, a key 18th-century Silk Road hub. The Upper Caravanserai spans 6,000 square meters with 300 rooms, strategically positioned near the Gurjan River for commercial and defensive purposes. The site reflects trade-driven urban design and architectural ingenuity. A focused 30-minute examination reveals the caravanserai’s architectural mastery and historical significance.
4
The final stop is the Kish Albanian Church, approximately 15 minutes from the Caravanserai. Also known as the Church of Saint Elishe, it is one of the oldest Christian sites in the Caucasus. Founded in the 1st century AD, archaeological evidence shows continuous worship and cultic use dating back to 3000 BCE. The current 12th-century structure exemplifies Caucasian Albanian ecclesiastical architecture. 30 minutes are dedicated to guided exploration and detailed interpretation.
The tour concludes with a 5 hour return to Baku. The complete itinerary spans 12–13 hours, combining transit, historical exploration and guided interpretation for a comprehensive cultural and architectural experience.
What's not included
Sheki Khan Palace
Kish Albanian Church
Anything not mentioned in the inclusions
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
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Important information
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Guests must to be ready at the arranged meeting point 15 minutes prior to the scheduled pick up time.
General tour duration is 12 hours, but can take 13-14 hours in order to give you an unforgettable experience along the way.
About Azerbaijan
Azerbaijan, known as the Land of Fire, is a country rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. From its ancient fire temples and modern skyscrapers to its diverse landscapes, Azerbaijan offers a unique blend of tradition and modernity.
Top Attractions
Old City of Baku
The Old City of Baku is a UNESCO World Heritage site with ancient walls, narrow streets, and historic buildings.
Historical
2-3 hours
Free (some attractions may charge entry fees)
Ateshgah Fire Temple
A historic fire temple where natural gas fires have burned for centuries.
Historical
1-2 hours
5 AZN
Gobustan National Park
A UNESCO-listed site featuring ancient rock carvings and mud volcanoes.
Nature
Half-day
5 AZN
Must-Try Local Dishes
Plov
A rice dish cooked with meat, carrots, and spices.
Main Dish
Contains meat
Dushbara
Small dumplings filled with minced meat and served in broth.
Soup
Contains meat
Baku Piti
A rich soup made with lamb, beans, and rice.
Soup
Contains meat
Popular Activities
Hiking in Gobustan National Park
Mountain biking in the Caucasus Mountains
Spa treatments in Baku
Tea tasting in Chaykhana
Visiting museums and historical sites
Attending traditional music performances
Swimming in the Caspian Sea
Skiing in Shahdag
Best Time to Visit
April to June, September to October
These months offer pleasant weather, ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing. The landscapes are lush and green, and the temperatures are comfortable.
20-30°C
68-86°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: Azerbaijani
- Widely spoken: Russian, English
- English: Moderately spoken
Currency
Azerbaijani Manat (AZN)
Time Zone
GMT+4
Electricity
220VV, 50HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
Azerbaijan is generally safe for travelers, but it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take necessary precautions.
Important Precautions:
- • Be cautious of pickpockets in crowded areas
- • Use official taxis or ride-hailing apps
- • Be aware of your surroundings at night
Getting there
By air
- Heydar Aliyev International Airport • 20 km from Baku
- Zabrat Airport • 30 km from Baku
By train
Baku Railway Station
By bus
Baku Bus Terminal, Ganja Bus Terminal
Getting around
Public transport
The Baku Metro is efficient and affordable, covering most of the city's major attractions.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Bina Taxi, Yandex.Taxi
Rentals
Car, Bike
Neighborhoods
Icheri Sheher (Old City)
Nizami District
Day trips
Lankaran
200 km from Baku • Full day
Lankaran is known for its lush landscapes, historical sites, and the beautiful Lankaran Botanical Garden.
Sheki
300 km from Baku • Full day
Sheki is a historic city known for its beautiful architecture, including the Sheki Khan's Palace and the Sheki Caravanserai.
Festivals
Novruz Bayrami • March 20-24
Gul Bayrami • May 1-2
Pro tips
- Learn a few basic phrases in Azerbaijani to enhance your experience
- Try local dishes and visit traditional tea houses for an authentic experience
- Explore beyond the major cities to discover the country's natural beauty
- Be prepared for language barriers in rural areas
- Respect local customs and traditions, especially in religious sites
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
