Sheki is one of the oldest cities in Azerbaijan. It was founded in the 8th century BC. e. The city is known for impressive mountain views of the Greater Caucasus and numerous architectural monuments. This is a city of multicolored stained-glass windows in the palace of Sheki khans - shebek, old caravanserais, silk scarves - kalagai, sweet Sheki halva and very sincere and hospitable people! And all this splendor of historical sites surrounded by green mountain forests. And there are legends about the humor of the Sheki people.

This excursion begins with a visit to the Diri Baba mausoleum, which means a living old man. This is a two-story mausoleum-mosque, built in 1402 on a site carved into a steep rock. Then we will visit the oldest mosque in Azerbaijan and the second in the entire Caucasus - Juma mosque (VIII - IX centuries) in the city of Shemakha (the city of the motherland of the Shemakhan queen from the fairy tales of A.S. Pushkin).

Next, we will have wonderful views of the surroundings. There will be vineyards on both sides along our path in the Shamakhi region. And a picturesque mountain pass with breathtaking views. High mountain ranges covered with dense forest, the vaults of which form an arch directly above our head. On the way, we will stop for a small halt at the beautiful Nohur Lake. The lake is famous for its clear water, it is surrounded by wooded hills. Here you can rent boats and catamarans to go for a ride on the lake or take a horse ride along the picturesque coast.

Then we will get to Sheki - one of the most ancient cities of Azerbaijan. It was founded in the 8th century BC. e. The city is known for impressive mountain views of the Greater Caucasus and numerous architectural monuments. With the formation of the Great Silk Road, Sheki became an important transit point on its way. The antiquity of the city of Sheki is evidenced by the numerous historical monuments scattered throughout the Shekinks region. The pearl of Sheki is the Khan's Palace of the 18th century, a two-storey palace built without a single nail. The facade of the palace is decorated with drawings depicting scenes of hunting and war, as well as geometric and plant patterns. In the center there is a huge stained-glass window made of multi-colored glass mosaic. The palace windows are assembled from pieces of colored glass.

We will visit the ashagi (lower) and yukhars (upper) caravanserais. Usually, caravanserais were built in the form of castles with one gate, the closure of which, in case of danger, turned them into an impregnable fortress. We will visit the Shekihanovs' house - a two-storey building built in the second half of the 18th century. The house belonged to the relatives of the Sheki khans. Medieval baths. The underground hamam (bathhouse) preserved in Sheki was built in the 19th century. It is located in a semi-basement, which is why it got its name "underground". For a long time it was abandoned, now it is being reconstructed. In Sheki, still grooms, continuing age-old traditions, come to wash in an old bath the day before the wedding. We will visit the Museum of Folk and Applied Arts. The factory of the famous Sheki silk.

Sheki is the birthplace of the Soviet soldier Akhmediy Dzhabrailov, who was awarded the title of National Hero of France during the WWII. At your request, you can visit the house-museum of Akhmeda Dzhabrailov. We will have lunch in Sheki with a special local dish piti - a rich soup that is best prepared in this region. Piti is prepared in clay pots, which should be simmering in the oven for at least 8 hours. Next, we will have a tasting of Sheki honey baklava and the opportunity to purchase it in local family pastry shops.

Then we will visit a Christian church in the village of Kish. An ancient Albanian temple, a unique monument of antiquity, created in the 1st century AD. It is assumed that the temple was founded by the Apostle Elisha, who brought Christianity to Albania (Caucasian Albania is a state that existed on the territory of Azerbaijan from the 1st century BC to the 5th century). And also the remains of the impregnable fortress Gelersen-Gerersen ("You come and see" of the XII century.) At present, its picturesque ruins can be seen on the bank of the Kish River, which is 4 kilometers from Sheki. The fortress is located on the top of the Garatepe mountain. For many years, she faithfully guarded the approaches to the city from foreign invaders.

Tour duration is 2 days.
At your request, the duration of the excursion can be extended up to 3 days or more. What is included: Guide and driver services. What's not included: Accommodation, meals and museum tickets. Excursion cost: for a group of up to 7 guests - 280 $, up to 7 guests - 300 $, up to 17 guests - 500 $.