This full day excursion is ideal for those who are pressed for time but still want to discover the classic ancient sites and natural wonders of Azerbaijan. After a hotel pick up from your Baku spot, your experienced guide will head you to Gobustan’s ancient rock carvings and mud volcanoes. Then, venture into Absheron Peninsula in order to get a perfect overview of the real attractions or sources behind Azerbaijan’s reputation as the Land of Fire.

Go back to as early as 40,000 years when you step into Gobustan Rock Art Cultural Landscape – a UNSESCO World Heritage Site. Admire its over 6000 mesmeric petroglyphs, stone relics etc, which represent the lifestyle of long-age dwellers, probably dating from Paleolithic era. Follow it up with a trip to the local museum nearby and next on to the region’s amazing mud volcanoes where the extraordinary eruptions of gooey black mud (sometimes accompanied by froth and bubble) make for an awe-inspiring sight. This is further cool to touch and contains therapeutic properties.

As you proceed to Absheron Peninsula, the country’s ancient rituals and deep religious roots are brought to life at Ateshgah or the Shrine of Eternal Fire which is protected as a state historical-architectural reserve. Inspect its several striking features, mainly the quadrangular pavilion with an altar burning the eternal flame. You’ll be fascinated to know that this had remained an inextinguishable natural flame for several thousands of years until its natural gas outlets completely got exhausted in 1960s. And it’s now artificially lighted up by Baku’s gas supply.

Before you make your way back to Baku, visit the astonishing Yanar Dag where you can cap off your Absheron sightseeing. Also known as the Burning Mountain, it’s a natural fire site which stretches for 10 meters along this hill. The heavy concentration of natural gas found in the region actually causes the hill to burn inexplicably, making it one of Azerbaijan’s most wondrous natural attractions.