Hi all, I'm planning a trip to Azerbaijan and would love your thoughts on my itinerary, especially regarding how much time to spend in Sheki and Gabala. I’ve created an itinerary, but I’m unsure whether I’m spending enough time or too much time in some places, or if I should adjust my plans.

Itinerary Overview:

March 29th (Day 1) - Baku: Arrival at 14:35. I’ll head straight to the funicular up to Highland Park to see the Flame Towers at night, and then enjoy a traditional Azeri dinner. Afterward, I'll rest up for the night.

March 30th (Day 2) -hire a private driver to take me to Shamaki, Lahich, and Gabala: I’ll visit the Diri Baba Mausoleum, Jame Mosque, and Yeddi Gumbez in Shamaki. Then, drive to Lahich (either staying in Lahich or Ismaili depending on where I sleep). If I stay in Ismaili, it’s about 4 hours in the car, but if I stay in Lahich, it’s about 3 hours.

March 31st (Day 3) - Drive to Tufandag Resort in Gabala, take the cable car, see Nohur Lake, then head to my hotel in Sheki (about 3 hours in the car). Spend the evening chilling in the old town of Sheki. Ask driver to leave me here and drive back to Baku himself.

April 1st (Day 4) - In the morning, I plan to visit Kis Village (30 mins each way). Afterward, I’ll return to Sheki to visit the Sheki Khan Palace, Karavansaray, the Street of Sweets and Potteries, and possibly the Botanical Garden. I’ll spend my second night in Sheki.

April 2nd (Day 5) - Either head directly to Baku (4.5 hours) or stop in Quba (6 hours drive). If I go to Quba, I’m thinking of exploring the Red Village and would love recommendations for other things to do around there. I’ll either spend the night in Quba or Baku (depending on timing).

April 3rd (Day 6) - I’m considering visiting Shahdag Winter Resort (45 mins from Quba), where I’ll try the cable car, alpine coaster, and other activities. However, I’m also interested in Xinaliq Village (it’s 2 hours from Shahdag and 1 hour 20 mins from Quba), though I know it’s not the best of time of year to visit. Between Shahdag and Xinaliq what do you recommend?

April 4th (Day 7) - In Baku, I’ll visit the Carpet Museum, Little Venice, Boulevard, the Old City, and Nizami Street. I’d also like to catch an Islamic opera at the opera house, if possible.

April 5th (Day 8) - On my last day, I’ll use the morning to catch anything I missed in Baku before my flight at 16:30.

Questions for the Community:

1)Sheki & Gabala: Do you think I'm spending enough time in Sheki and Gabala, or should I add more or less time in these locations? Is it realistic to visit both Sheki and Kis Village in one day, or would you recommend spreading it out more? 2) Quba & Shahdag: Once I am back in baku on day 5 via bus. Should I spend Day 5 driving to Quba via private driver and then head to Shahdag Resort, or would it be better to spend those days in Baku instead? Is visiting both Shahdag Resort and Xinaliq in one day feasible, or should I stick to just one of them?

General Feedback: Anything else I should consider, especially in terms of travel time between cities or activity suggestions? I am not interested in the trips to the petroglyphs, mud volcanos or burning mountain. Thanks in advance for your help!