What’s new?
be inspired
why gil travel
Middle East
Western Europe
Eastern Europe
Latin America
Asia/ South Pacific/ Africa
North America
Oceana
What’s new?
be inspired
why gil travel
Middle East
Western Europe
Eastern Europe
Latin America
Asia/ South Pacific/ Africa
North America
Oceana
Suitable for Family, Group, Senior
OVERVIEW
Embark on an intensive and illuminating 7-day journey to Azerbaijan, a land where Jewish communities have maintained a distinct and peaceful presence for over 2,500 years, flourishing at the crossroads of Europe and Asia. This mission offers an accelerated look at the unique heritage of Azerbaijani Jewry—particularly the Mountain and Ashkenazi communities. Your journey begins in the vibrant capital, Baku, where you will immediately connect with the largest contemporary community. Key visits will include the functioning Ashkenazi Synagogue and the magnificent Mountain Jewish Synagogue, along with the Jewish Heritage Museum, providing essential context on the community’s remarkable cultural traditions and long history of peaceful coexistence within this Muslim-majority nation.
The core of the experience will be dedicated time in both the capital and the region’s most unique Jewish enclave. You will venture north to Quba (Guba) to visit the legendary “Red Village” (Qırmızı Qəsəbə), considered the last entirely Jewish town outside of Israel and a unique global treasure of Mountain Jewish heritage. In the Red Village, you will explore the ornate Six-Dome Synagogue, the world’s first Museum of Mountain Jews, and walk through the historic Jewish Cemetery overlooking the Gudyalchay River, ensuring a profound community encounter with its residents. In Baku, the itinerary balances heritage sites with Azerbaijan’s broader cultural wealth, including the UNESCO-listed Old City (Icherisheher), the futuristic Heydar Aliyev Center, and the ancient petroglyphs of Gobustan on the Absheron Peninsula. This 7-day journey offers a vital and moving look at the enduring spirit of one of the world’s most ancient and harmonious Jewish communities.
This program is expertly designed for families and seniors, featuring a comfortable pace, accessible transportation, and high-quality accommodations. We understand the importance of dietary requirements, and there will be kosher options available throughout the trip, including catered meals and access to local kosher-certified products in Baku.
Highlights*
*Some experiences are subject to minimum group size
Arrive at Heydar Aliyev International Airport (GYD) in Baku. Transfer to your hotel and check in. In the late afternoon, take an orientation walk near the Caspian Sea boulevard. Conclude the day with a Welcome Dinner featuring Azerbaijani cuisine.
Dedicate the morning to exploring Baku’s contemporary Jewish life. Visit the magnificent Mountain Jewish Synagogue and the functioning Ashkenazi Synagogue. Continue to the Jewish Heritage Museum to understand the community’s unique 2,500-year history. In the afternoon, explore modern Baku, including the iconic Flame Towers and the panoramic view from the Highland Park.
Explore the UNESCO World Heritage site of Icherisheher (Old City), visiting the Maiden Tower and the Palace of the Shirvanshahs, understanding the city’s role on the Silk Road. The afternoon includes a key Community Encounter with local Jewish leaders or activists to discuss current life, heritage preservation, and the future of the community.
Take a scenic drive north to the city of Quba (Guba). Upon arrival, immediately proceed to Qırmızı Qəsəbə (Red Village), the legendary all-Jewish settlement. Begin your immersion by visiting one of the active synagogues, such as the Six Dome Synagogue. Check into your accommodation in Quba/Red Village area.
Spend the entire day in the Red Village. Continue your visits to other local synagogues and walk through the historic Jewish Cemetery, a poignant site reflecting centuries of life here. Engage in a profound, scheduled Community Encounter with residents and elders to hear firsthand accounts of their unique, enduring traditions in this isolated location.
Drive back to Baku. Upon arrival, explore the historical religious sites of the Absheron Peninsula that provide context to the region’s ancient spiritual environment. Visit the Ateshgah Fire Temple (a former Zoroastrian site) or Yanar Dag (the “Burning Mountain”). Conclude the day with a Farewell Dinner to reflect on the journey.
Enjoy a final Azerbaijani breakfast. Depending on your flight schedule, you may have time for some last-minute shopping at the Yasil Bazaar (Green Market) or a final stop at the Baku Jewish Cemetery. Transfer to Heydar Aliyev International Airport (GYD) for your departure, concluding your journey through the Jewish heritage of the Caucasus.
Accommodation
We’re at the heart of Baku’s business district, overlooking the Caspian Sea. Baku Boulevard is on our doorstep, providing scenic coastline strolls past restaurants, museums, and nightlife.
Located in one of the most charming regions of Azerbaijan, the Quba Palace Hotel is a five-star hotel that combines elegance, comfort and high quality of service. Surrounded by magnificent mountains and dense forests, the hotel creates a unique atmosphere of tranquility and exclusivity, harmoniously blending with the beautiful natural landscape.
*Star rating standards vary from country to country.
This experience is fully customizable. We will create your personal dream experience!
Start your adventure here
Discover more
Search for something…
Contact us by sending a message
We always aim to reply within 1 business day.
Get updates on new programs, travel tips, and new inspirations!
