In contrast to its Caucasus neighbours, Azerbaijan seems shy in boasting about their nation’s treasure chest of natural wonders, perhaps still wishing to keep them under wraps for a little longer. But for the curious travellers amongst us, knocking on its doors will quickly reveal a destination both enigmatic and endearing where semi-desert countryside shares territory with the soaring Greater Caucasus; space-age skyscrapers grow at a staggering speed alongside the enduring relics of ancient times; and a spiritual yet open-minded populace eager to show you the ways of Azeri traditions and their passion for modern progression alike. Dive into this puzzling web of delights with a customised Azerbaijan tour package from Chan Brothers Travel Private Tours and unveil the mysterious faces of Azerbaijan today.
Hills on firePrepare yourself for a bizarre introduction of Azerbaijan with a trip to Yanar Dag, which literally translates to “burning mountain”, where natural gas fire blazes and jets out three metres into the air constantly from a sandstone hill. Throughout the country, many such fires which are believed to be burning since antiquity had in turn nurtured a cult of Azeri fire-worshippers who came to be known as the Zoroastrians. For the best sighting of this unique phenomenon, arrive at Yanar Dag before dusk, take a seat at a nearby teashop, and get ready to be ignited visually by these burning flames.

Volcanic bubbles
From burning fire to bubbling mud, the next strange natural wonder that Azerbaijan has up its sleeves are its mud volcanoes, the highest concentration of such in the world. Visiting Gobustan Rock Art Cultural Landscape, rising out of the semi-desert of central Azerbaijan, is any traveller’s best bet to seeing these simmering pots of mud by way of a private car tour. Quietly bubbling all day and night with audible sounds like someone burping discreetly, this mellow volcanic activity caused by heated water and methane gas rising above the crust of the earth promises to amaze any visitor. And if you are ever so lucky, you may even catch one of them putting on a rare show shooting several metres up into the air.

Ancient Street Art
While the mud volcanoes of Gobustan Rock Art Cultural Landscape bubble for your attention, there is another incredible sight no visitor to this UNESCO-listed site should miss. Here, one of the world’s oldest collections of petroglyphs, commonly known as ancient rock engravings, awaits the avid history and archaeological fan. Dating way back to the Stone Age, over more than 6,000 petroglyphs vividly depict hunting scenes, flora, fauna and primitive lifestyles from the prehistoric period, proving that street art is not just a modern invention of our times.

For more exotic destinations in the Caucasus, see:
Discover the unique wonders of Caucasia with a customised Azerbaijan tour package from Chan Brothers Travel Private Tours today. Call 6212 9935 or email privatetours@chanbrothers.com.sg for more information.
Highlights
Every itinerary can be fully customised according to needs, special interests, personal preferences and defining style of just about anyone who wants to travel privately and exclusively.
Assemble at Singapore Changi Airport for your flight to Baku. Thereafter, proceed to your hotel for a good night’s rest.
Breakfast
After breakfast, go on a city tour in Baku. Visit Highland Park that offers a 360-degree panoramic view of Baku city. Next, head to Baku Old Town. Stop by Palace of Shirvanshahs, Maiden Tower, as well as several caravan palaces, mosques and baths. This afternoon, head to Baku Boulevard, one of the favourite recreational areas for tourists and inhabitants. Also, explore National Flag Square, a splendid architectural landmark of the city. Then, proceed to Heydar Aliyev Centre which comprises of exhibition halls, a museum and an auditorium.

Baku City
Breakfast
This morning, transfer to Sheki. Upon arrival, delight in attractions such as Sheki Khan’s Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Next, proceed to the village of Karvansaray. Then, make a stop at an Albanian church. Continue to Gabala for your overnight stay.

Sheki
Breakfast
Today, go on a tour in Gabala. First, head to Nohur Lake, located 700 metres above sea level. Then, have some fun at Gabaland Entertainment Centre, Gabala Shooting Club and Tufandag Winter-Summer Tourism Complex. You will also get to experience a cable car ride and relax in the cafes and restaurants filled with spectacular views.

Gabala
Breakfast
After breakfast, transfer to Oghuz, also known as the Switzerland of Azerbaijan. Here, you can savour fish dishes while in the Farel resort area, which is located in the scenic Khalkhal recreation zone. In the evening, transfer back to Gabala.
Breakfast
This morning, visit the village of Lahij, located in the Ismayilli region and considered one of the country’s oldest settlements. Here, you will also discover attractions such as a suspension bridge, Haji Pasha's house as well as Museum of History and Ethnography of Lahij. After lunch, spend your time at leisure. Thereafter, return to Baku.

Lahij
Breakfast
Today, proceed for a day tour to Absheron Peninsula. Visit Fire Temple Baku Ateshgah, a temple that is well known for fire-worshippers and fire adorations. It is located in Surakhani village and otherwise also known as the Temple of Eternal Fire. Next, visit Mehemmedli village. From the village, proceed to Yanardag Fire Mountain. Having glowed continuously for several thousand years by means of natural gas, this mountain is truly one of its kind and a unique wonder of nature. After lunch, spend some time at leisure in Baku. This evening, enjoy a leisure boat ride on the Caspian Sea and a Ferris Wheel ride.

Baku
Breakfast
After breakfast, spend some time at leisure before you transfer to the airport for your flight home.