SOVIET MODERNISM, ISLAMIC SHAPES AND CAUCASIAN TRADITIONS
APRIL 19 ⇾ APRIL 26
APRIL 19 TO APRIL 21 – BAKU
Meet-and-greet at Heydar Aliyev International Airport and transfer to our hotel of choice in central Baku.
In the company of our local guide and architecture geek Gani Nasirov, we will enjoy a comprehensive three-day architectural tour of the city, delving into its rich and diverse urban heritage, ranging from early examples of Soviet constructivism and neoclassicism to later modernist shapes.
Our urban gallivanting will naturally also include a selected compendium of USSR-era mosaics and memorials, pre-Soviet architectural wonders, post-Soviet pomp, and ancient Islamic grace.
Overnights in Baku.
APRIL 22 – ABSHERON PENINSULA
We'll spend the first half of the day touring the Absheron Peninsula: burning rocks, fire temples, secret islands, melancholic Soviet resorts, architecturally remarkable industrial towns, rickety oil drills, fishing villages, and ancient mausoleums.
In the afternoon we’ll visit the USSR-era planned city of Sumqayit and then head south for Qobustan, famous for its mud volcanoes and perfectly preserved petroglyphs: art for architecture from the earliest days of the Caucasus!
Overnight in Baku.
APRIL 23 – QAX
In the morning we’ll head for the mountains and visit the architecturally striking stone-and-wood town of Qax.
We’ll then transfer to the ancient city of Sheki, home to a UNESCO-listed historical centre.
Overnight in Sheki.
APRIL 24 – SHEKI
Full day devoted to Sheki’s old town: ancient mosques, atmospheric chaikhanas, narrow alleys, colourful markets, and labyrinthine caravansaries.
We’ll also a pay a visit to the nearby village of Kish, where we will admire a well-preserved Caucasian Albanian church and learn about the obscure culture and the traditions of the Udis, the last Albanians of the Caucasus.
Overnight in Sheki.
APRIL 25 – IVANOVKA
Today we will drive back towards Baku crossing the beautiful valleys and quaint villages of the Ismaili Province.
The list of interesting hops we’ll make along the way includes: the ancient city of Shamakhi, the Soviet observatory of Pirkuli, and the curious village of Ivanovka.
The latter is mainly inhabited by the Molokans, a religious and peaceful Russian orthodox sect following a strict traditional lifestyle: the Soviet answer to the Amish communities of Pennsylvania.
Overnight in Baku.
APRIL 26 – FAREWELL TO AZERBAIJAN
After sharing a last Azerbaijani breakfast together, we'll take care of your transfer to Heydar Aliyev International Airport.
End of the tour.
2190 €
INCLUSIONS
Double/twin hotel accommodation (breakfast included), private transport in Azerbaijan (car/minivan), all entrance fees, English-speaking guiding service, 24/7 on-site and remote assistance.
EXCLUSIONS
Single supplement, international flights, main meals (lunches and dinners), extra drinks, visa fees (if required), tips, travel insurance.
© Gianluca Pardelli | www.gianlucapardelli.com