Fascinating Azerbaijan has an incredible wealth of scenic contrasts, is famous for caviar and carpets and has curiosities from bizarre mud volcanoes to perpetually-burning fire temples. Baku, the cosmopolitan capital, oozes historical interest from the core of its UNESCO-recognized walled Old City to its grand, century-old ‘oil boom’ architecture. Its hospitable people are highly cultured, there’s a vibrant art and music scene, several colourful markets and an ever-expanding choice of dining and entertainment possibilities.
Just an hour or two’s drive beyond the city amazingly varied landscapes encompass painted deserts, vineyards, orchards, oak woodlands, snow-capped peaks, iron-wood forests, hilltop castles and magnificent canyons. Azerbaijan clearly has a bright tourist potential. But as yet few Westerners seem to have noticed. Indeed in many areas you may still be among the first foreign visitors locals have seen in generations. Things are gradually changing, however, as comfortable new and renovated accommodation options sprout in an ever wider range of lovely rural settings, aimed primarily at Baku weekenders. With a horse or four-wheel-drive vehicle and/or lots of time the adventurous can explore Azerbaijan’s least known but most spectacular regions in and around the soaring High-Caucasus mountains.
This guide gives you an unparalleled depth of background information and all the practical tips necessary to appreciate and make the most of this beautiful, varied and under-estimated land.
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