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Baku & the Caucasus Foothills: the Day-by-Day Itinerary
Azerbaijan runs from Baku's flame-shaped skyline to timeless mountain villages in a single day's drive. Mud volcanoes gurgle beside Stone Age petroglyphs at Gobustan, fire burns from the hillside at Yanar Dag, and Sheki's khan's palace glows with stained glass.
Baku & the Caucasus Foothills is a 700 km loop (self-drive). It works best as 5–6 days; the plan below is the 6-day version for May, built from 209 verified places, with real road-routed transit times, opening hours and daylight checked.
Customize this plan → 5-day plan · 6-day plan · best time to go
6
days
860 km
distance
14.3 h
driving
38
curated stops
💡 Good to know for this plan
- Green foothills and mild Baku sea breezes — the mountain villages are at their friendliest.
- Heavy transit: day 6 (9h27) runs over 6 hours on the road. Around 6 days would keep daily driving comfortable on this route — or keep the dates and start each of those days by 08:00.
Day 1 Baku → Gobustan
🌡 6.1–28.3°C · 🌧 ~1 rain days · ☀ 14.2h light
09:00
The Palace of the Shirvan Shahshistory & sagaschurches & landmarks
Explore grand medieval architecture and historic courtyards.
50 min · Baku · Foreigners 10 manat, locals 2 manat, 2 m
open: Daily: Apr-Oct 10:00-19:00, Nov-Mar 10:00-18:00
09:50
Maiden's Towerhistory & sagaschurches & landmarks
Marvel at the towering silhouette, Baku's iconic landmark.
50 min · Baku · Foreigners 15 manat, locals 2 manat
open: Daily 10:00-19:00
10:40
National Museum of History of Azerbaijanmuseums & heritagehistory & sagas
Walk through Italian Renaissance halls preserving Azerbaijan's layered history.
50 min · Baku · 10 manat
open: M-Sa 11:00-18:00, first Monday of every month closed (– cleanup day)
12:26
Qobustan National Parkmuseums & heritage
Marvel at ancient rock art under UNESCO protection.
50 min · Gobustan · adults 2 manat; children 0.20 manat, par
open: 09:00-17:00
13:16
James Bond oil field
50 min · Gobustan
14:06
Bibi Heybət Mosque
50 min · Gobustan
18:30
Finnegan’smuseums & heritagecraft beer & pubshistory & sagas
Sip affordable beer during Happy Hour in a casual pub setting.
75 min · Baku
Overnight: Baku
e.g. Park Inn by Radisson Baku Hotel · Hyatt Regency Baku
Day 2 Around Baku
🌡 6.1–28.3°C · 🌧 ~1 rain days · ☀ 14.2h light
09:00
Jame mosque and minaret remainshistory & sagaschurches & landmarks
Trace layers of history from Zoroastrian temple to modern mosque.
50 min · Baku
09:50
Palace of Happinessmuseums & heritagehistory & sagas
Marvel at the intricate Neo-Gothic details of this opulent historic mansion.
50 min · Baku
10:40
Hamam Mehellesihistory & sagasswimming & baths
Relax in the traditional steam and warmth of an old public bath.
90 min · Baku · 10 manat and they offer two types of ser
12:10
Naftalan Bathswimming & baths
Feel the unique sensation of dipping into hot crude oil.
90 min · Baku · 20 manat for medical checkup, 20 manat f
13:40
Saint Gregory the Illuminator's Churchchurches & landmarks
Gaze at converted 19th-century church walls now housing government offices.
50 min · Baku
open: no longer open to the public.
14:30
National Art Museum of Azerbaijanmuseums & heritage
Observe centuries of art in two buildings filled with Russian and European works.
50 min · Baku
open: Tu-Su 10:00–18:00
15:20
Lavas Bistro / Fasali Cafecoffee & bakes
Taste popular Azeri/Turkish take-away food, often with a queue.
60 min · Baku · 3 manat for a kebab/pancake which will c
Overnight: Baku
e.g. Park Inn by Radisson Baku Hotel · Hyatt Regency Baku
Day 3 Around Baku
🌡 6.1–28.3°C · 🌧 ~1 rain days · ☀ 14.2h light
09:00
Azerbaijan Carpet Museummuseums & heritage
Marvel at carpets displayed inside a building shaped like woven art.
50 min · Baku · 10 manat
open: Tu-F 10:00-18:00, Sa Su 10:00-20:00
09:50
Aga Mikayil Bath House (XVIII century hamami)swimming & baths
Unwind in serene sauna and pool ambiance.
90 min · Baku · 10 manat, plus massage 10 manat
open: Daily 09:00-23:00, Women only: M F
11:20
Bukhara Caravanseraihistory & sagas
Step into a late 15th-century trading hub with grand arches.
50 min · Baku
12:10
Gasim-bek bathswimming & baths
Discover a tranquil 17th-century bathhouse near Salyan door.
50 min · Baku
13:00
Muhammad Mosquechurches & landmarks
Feel ancient stone beneath your feet in Icheri Sheher's historic mosque.
50 min · Baku
13:50
Holy Myrrhbearers Cathedral / Russian Orthodox Churchchurches & landmarks
Sense reverence in this reconstructed cathedral holding St. Bartholomew's shrine.
50 min · Baku
14:40
Gazelli Cafecoffee & bakes
Relish stylish and tasteful plates from a European cafe.
60 min · Baku · 5-16 manat
Overnight: Baku
e.g. Park Inn by Radisson Baku Hotel · Hyatt Regency Baku
See the remaining 3 days of the 6-day plan →
Route map
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