sign in sign up
<<
Home , Azerbaijani cuisine, Gobustan (town), Maiden Tower (Baku), Mugham Festival, Nizami Street, Old City (Baku)

LEADING PARTNERSHIP OF DMC’S IN AND CENTRAL ASIA COUNTRIES GENERAL DESCRIPTION

Official English country name: Republic of Political system: Democratic, constitutional, legal, secular & unitary republic Area: 86600 sq. km Population: 9 600 000 people (by 01.02.2015) Capital and largest city: Languages: Azerbaijani (official), Russian and English (widely used) Religion: Islam (mostly 86%), Judaism, Christianity Currency: Azerbaijan Manat Location: South Caucasus, western coast of the , between and Russia Border countries: Russia, Georgia, Armenia, Iran and Turkey Time zone: GMT + 4 Main sights to visit: Baku, , Qobustan Preserve, Ateshgah , Yanardaq, , Xinaliq, Shamakhy, Lahij, Qebele, Sheki, Mingechevir, Gandja,.

LEADING PARTNERSHIP OF DMC’S IN EASTERN EUROPE AND CENTRAL ASIA COUNTRIES ARRIVAL/DEPARTUE

BAKU AIRPORT: Heydar Aliyev International Airport Baku TRAIN: From Baku Central Station trains to multiple directions in Azerbaijan and International trains

GANJA AIRPORT: Ganja International Airport TRAIN: Ganja railway station

GABALA AIRPORT: Gabala International Airport

NAKHCHIVAN AIRPORT: Nakhchivan International Airport

LEADING PARTNERSHIP OF DMC’S IN EASTERN EUROPE AND CENTRAL ASIA COUNTRIES TRANSPORT

Transfers / transport services throughout Azerbaijan with professional drivers and modern vehicles:

• Comfortable buses (20-72 pax) • Minibus (10-19 pax) • Minibus (6-10 pax) • Minivans (up to 6 pax) • Comfortable cars of E, C, S class (2-3 pax)

LEADING PARTNERSHIP OF DMC’S IN EASTERN EUROPE AND CENTRAL ASIA COUNTRIES HOTELS

In Baku and its suburbs operates more than 250 modern hotels and guest houses, some of which are well-known international brands such as Hyatt , Sheraton, Hillton, Absheron Marriot, Kempinsky, Radisson SAS, Fairmont, Four Seasons etc. We work with all of them and will be happy to provide you with all the necessary information about pricing and availability for the period of your stay.

We realises the reservation of the best hotels in Baku and other regions of Azerbaijan. In accordance with your wish there is will be armoured the hotel accomodation, meetings, excursion service, influence in registration of exit visa, and VIP services.

LEADING PARTNERSHIP OF DMC’S IN EASTERN EUROPE AND CENTRAL ASIA COUNTRIES RESTAURANTS

Azerbaijan National Azerbaijan takes great pride in its national cuisine. The abundance of fresh and local , fruit, , and have inspired Azerbaijani cooks to invent new and distinctive national dishes. Even the most sophisticated chefs visiting Azerbaijan will appreciate the exquisite taste of these dishes. The restaurants of Baku and other towns offer its guests a wide choice of national dishes. are fiercely proud of their national cuisine, and hope that you will enjoy it. Listed below are tours that offer a sampling of the traditional dishes of Azerbaijan cuisine.

LEADING PARTNERSHIP OF DMC’S IN EASTERN EUROPE AND CENTRAL ASIA COUNTRIES TOURS

Baku City Tour, 3 hours Tour usually starts in the main square of the capital - "Freedom Square" located in the city center near the Government House and Seaside Boulevard, or from the hotel where tourists are accommodated. City tour of Baku includes: passage through the main streets and avenues of the modern part of Baku, acquaintance with the architectural and sculptural monuments of the city (XIX- XX c.c.). Visiting the Mountain Park view on the panorama of Baku and Baku bay. Walking tour and acquaintance with the history and architectural heritage of the city (XIX- XX c.c.): ( shopping ),“Fountain Square”, monument, and Rasul-Zade street.The tour price includes: transport service, guide service, entrance fees to the museums, drinking water 0.5 liters for each person. Sightseeing excursion on “Land of Fires”: -Visiting “Yanar Dag” State Natural Reserve (natural gas exit). Flames shoot into the air 10 feet (3.0 m) from a thin porous sandstone layer at the base of a 30-foot-wide scarp (9.1 m) below a hillside known as Yanar Dag . -Atashgah Fire-Worshippers’ Temple (XVII c.) is located within Baku in Surakhany village (9 miles from Baku). The historical roots of the monument go back to the days when Azerbaijan state was only taking shape and establishing itself, and Zoroastrism, in which the main role in rituals belonged to fire, was a dominant religion in the country.-entrance). - Survey of the oldest oil fields in Balakhany settlement (XIX- XX c.) Tour, 5-6 hours, (65km. from Baku) Gobustan (the territory of Gobu) is famous for its archaeological monuments. Travel 30 miles southwest of Baku along the Caspian shore to the volcanic desert where rocks are covered with carvings, standing amidst the scattered stones and mountains. There are more than 6,000 rock carvings left by the artists of the Paleolithic period. They depicted customs of ancient tribes, hunting scenes and dances and their everyday life. The range of themes is wide and the vividness with which they were executed can evoke envy in modern artists. The oldest petroglyphs date to the XVIIIth century B.C. Long after you have left Gobustan you will remember the drawings that came down to us from the remote past. Return to Baku city and on the way to Baku visit to “Bibi-Heybat” mosque (XII c.) and survey panorama offshore oil port and offshore oil platforms.

LEADING PARTNERSHIP OF DMC’S IN EASTERN EUROPE AND CENTRAL ASIA COUNTRIES HIGHLIGHTS I

Old Baku "Icheri Shaher" is in the most ancient part of a fortified city, the whole complex of unique ancient constructions. In December 2000, the Old City of Baku, including the of the and was classified as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. The historical-architectural memorial estate includes: the city walls and gates(ХII-XVIII сс..), the Ensemble of Shirvanshakhs Palace (XV c.), the unique “Maiden Tower”(VI-XII cc.), Mohammed Ibn Abu-Bakr Mosque (1078), other mosques, karavansarays (XIV-XVII cc.) , ancient narrow streets and houses of XIV- XIX cc.

LEADING PARTNERSHIP OF DMC’S IN EASTERN EUROPE AND CENTRAL ASIA COUNTRIES HIGHLIGHTS II Absheron peninsula and Gobustan region Absheron peninsula juts into the Caspian Sea and unites on its territory the whole Baku district , with its villages, and also includes the satellite towns as Sumgayit and Hyrdalan. It extends on 60 km eastward into the Caspian Sea, and reaches a maximum width of 30 km. The landscape is mildly hilly with gently undulating plains. The territory of the Absheron peninsula is divided by ravines and characterized by frequent salt lakes. Since ancient times, Absheron was well known as an area of oil production. Absheron is also known for its flowers, horticulture, mulberries and figs. The northern coast has wide beaches which are very popular in the summer season.

LEADING PARTNERSHIP OF DMC’S IN EASTERN EUROPE AND CENTRAL ASIA COUNTRIES HIGHLIGHTS III Shahdag Winter Summer Tourism Holiday Complex ranges from winter lows of -20°C to pleasant summer evenings of 20°C. An incomparable location for one of the world’s largest national parks, and within it, one of the region’s largest ski resorts. Breathtakingly beautiful, a haven hidden from time, Shahdag is an experience not soon forgotten. With no less than 19 ski slopes planned, suitable for a wide range of experience levels, the Shahdag Mountain Resort presents world- class skiing at a breathtaking 2500 meters above sea level. The Resort’s own ski school offers experienced private instructors for beginners as well as advanced skiers. In addition to skiing, the slopes also provide exciting opportunities for snowboarding and snow mobiling. Tufandag Winter Summer Tourism Holiday Complex lends its name from Mount Tufandag, a mountain peak of the range, located in Gabala region of Azerbaijan. The elevation of the peak is 2007 meters above sea level. Located 4 kilometres distance from city of Gabala, the largest tourism holiday complex in the country. The resort can be found at the foot of Caucasus Mountains with stunning views of untouched mountains and crystal clear mountain creeks providing visitors with an absolute unique experience throughout the year.

LEADING PARTNERSHIP OF DMC’S IN EASTERN EUROPE AND CENTRAL ASIA COUNTRIES TEAMBUILDING

"Medieval masters - craftsmen and culinary specialists" Venue - "Gala" Reserve ethno park, craft shops, barbecue houses and bakeries. According to the profile of the work the reserve is established to protect historical, cultural and ethnographic monuments of one of the oldest villages near Baku city that have scientific, historical and artistic value. The goal of the is active acquaintance with the history of the origin of the village, observation of the work of local craftsmen: potters, blacksmiths, bakers and others, training in the manufacture of simple goods, and also in the of traditional regional dishes of , acquaintance with the life, ethnography and folk customs of local people. Participants are divided into several teams, 4 to 6 people in each, that start competition with one another in the process of going through all stages of the game. Each team is headed by the master- guide, appointed by the organizers of the game "teambuilding" for master-classes on the below- listed types of crafts: 1. Pottery 2. Carpet weaving 3. Blacksmithing 4. Barbecue 5. Baking of national and (flat white loaf) 6. boiling and brewing in accordance with Azerbaijani traditions On all indicated points the participants will be demonstrated and explained the work process of handicraft production, and then the tourists themselves will take active part in it.

LEADING PARTNERSHIP OF DMC’S IN EASTERN EUROPE AND CENTRAL ASIA COUNTRIES TEAMBUILDING

"Trade Mission to the Medieval Baku" Trade caravan comes from the remote country to medieval Baku - the holy city of the Deities of Fire, located in the eastern part of the South Caucasus. The purpose of the caravaneers and traders is to sell exotic goods with high profit and buy oil (white, black and brown), local handicraft goods, great lake and boiled salt, smoked fish and sturgeon , local spices and most important, to see the legendary Tower of the Goddess of Fire- "Maiden Tower". Game participants (5-6 persons in each group), like medieval merchants and pilgrims, must go through the labyrinth of old narrow streets and find trade places and adjacent buildings - caravanserais, craft and antique shops, memorial cult places, get acquaintance with local traditions and folklore, purchase the goods and souvenir-art products, they liked. Meanwhile, according to the game legend, the participants of the “Quest” are ordinary guests of the city and tourists. Having gathered preliminary data in the Internet and made visual inspection as well as got brief information from the professional guide, the participants start to fulfill the task. According to the terms of the game, the tourists will be given various entertaining tasks and logical puzzles, they will have to be smart and clever in the work with the topographic map and compass to make search of specific objects and find their purpose, to be photographed in memorable places and, at the same time, successfully pass the whole assigned route. The team-winner will be defined by the number of athered positive scores. After the estimation of final results, the competition jury announces the team - winner and awards its members.

LEADING PARTNERSHIP OF DMC’S IN EASTERN EUROPE AND CENTRAL ASIA COUNTRIES TEAMBUILDING

"Journey into Neolith" Quest game is played in "Gobustan" natural, historical and artistic reserve / 55 - 75 km. south- west of Baku /. The route of the active part of the program (about 60 km) will pass through the rough territory and on the roads of poor quality. Along the route the participants will look for and get acquaintance with ancient rock paintings on the hunting theme, mysterious signs of the Neolithic period, settlements and sites of an ancient man in the stony and rocky area, as well as inscriptions in Latin and Arabian languages, carved on the rocks of the early Middle Ages. Tourists will be offered simple tasks: - Passing through stony areas; - Choosing places for successful ambush hunting in «chase hunting" on deer, wild boars and oxen; -Manufacture of primitive hunting weapon made of improvised or natural material prepared beforehand, that was used by the primitive inhabitants of Gobustan (bow and arrows, slings, spears, darts, slingshots, etc.); - Shooting from home-made bow or throwing stones at the given target (the target is with the image of an animal); - Making fire from natural inflammable material found in the vicinities; - The competitive performance of the collective round dance composed once by primitive hunters ("Dance of " - "Yalli") to the own accompaniment on Gaval-dash stone drum. At midday or by the end of the competition - dinner in the field conditions. The team-winner will be defined by the number of positive scores.

LEADING PARTNERSHIP OF DMC’S IN EASTERN EUROPE AND CENTRAL ASIA COUNTRIES ENTERTAIMENT

International Mstislav Rostropovich Festival The first Rostropovich Festival was organized in 2006, and was dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the composer Dmitri Shostakovich. The festival is held annually in December. The organizers of the festival are the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, the Mstislav Rostropovich Foundation, and the Heydar Aliyev Foundation. A great number of musicians and performers come annually to Baku to participate in the festival. World-renowned musicians and groups have come to participate such as Zubin Mehta, Enrico Dindo, Maksim Vengerov, Plamena Mangova, Sergey Krylov, and Gianluca Marciano. Notable groups have been the Maggio Musicale Fiorentino Symphonic Orchestra, and the chamber orchestras from England and Latvia.

“The World of ” International Festival In recent decades, the world's attention has been attracted to the original and traditional music of the peoples of the East, in particular Azerbaijani Mugham. The enormous importance of this musical tradition and high intercultural potential is demonstrated by UNESCO adding Azerbaijan Mugham to the list of Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity. Baku attracts eminent scholars and experts from the UNESCO Intangible Heritage to conduct vocal and instrumental performers from China, Morocco, Turkey, India, Iraq, Uzbekistan, Frances, Iran, and many other countries. In the UK mugham is called “oriental jazz.” Az a performer of “oriental jazz”, Englishman Vincent Wilkin has become famous. To the surprise of the jury of the second Mugham Festival in Baku, Wilkin performed an ancient mugham song with a jazz interpretation. The International World of Mugham Festival is a remarkable event. The first festival was held in 2009. The program's aim is to showcase traditions, achievements, and successes of the different schools of mugham in various countries.

Baku International Jazz Festival The Baku International Jazz Festival is an annual event. Azerbaijan has an interesting history with the American-born art form; the Azerbaijani people developed an attachment to jazz during the 1950s and 1960s, a time when jazz was outlawed by Soviet authorities. Thanks to the creativity of many Azerbaijani musicians, a new art form was born, fuzing an Azerbaijani musical tradition with an American one: jazz mugham. Jazz mugham is a sultry combination of and traditional American jazz. The style reached its full fame under the composer Tofik Kuliyev, vocal quartet Gaya, and jazz pianists and composers such as Vagif Mustafazadeh and Rafig Babyev. Many famous musicians from a dozen countries participate in the Baku International Jazz Festival, such as: Joe Zawinul Syndicate, Germany's Christoph Busse Trio, Herbie Hancock, Al Jarreau, Billy Cobham, Hiram Bullock, Mark Turner, etc. LEADING PARTNERSHIP OF DMC’S IN EASTERN EUROPE AND CENTRAL ASIA COUNTRIES SOUVENIERS

Finding a good souvenir is always a dilemma. If you are looking for a little treasure and are not too shy to bargain the souvenir shops in Icheri Sheher (Old City) are the best bet. Look left and look right to find hidden shops. They might have the best deals. Take a stroll through the ancient city, walk the staircase up to the top of the Maiden Tower, and walk in to a few shops. Here are my favorite gift ideas. 1. Magnets A nice souvenir that fits in everybody’s budget are refrigerator magnets. They depict the waterfront, or the maiden tower. They are available everywhere and make a good gift to give away to friends. 2. Scarfs, bags and purses Being a country on the silk route Azerbaijan flourished due to its location. Azerbaijan’s silk scarfs make an authentic gift relating to this past. The vibrant colors and patterns are intriguing and obtainable in every souvenir shop. Further items that bear national ornaments include decorated bags and purses. A reoccurring symbol you might find often on scarfs, clothing or public buildings is the Buta symbol. Buta means “fire” is the Azerbaijani national ornament. Azerbaijan has a long history of , fire worship. Therefore, this symbol relates to the sacred meaning of fire and represents a talisman providing protection from evil spirits. 3. Pottery The regional pottery is colorful and available as bowls, plates or in shape of that come as a set of three or one piece. The is the local super fruit full of vitamins that is utilized for , and dishes. 4. Crude oil paintings Oil is the main income for Azerbaijan. It brought wealth, investment and development to this country. Usually, oil paint is paint with pigments based on oil. They are in fact painted with crude oil from Azerbaijan depicting oil towers, life in the city in ancient times or even the Flame Towers. 5. Carpets The ornaments of the carpets differ by the region they are originating from and the complexity of ornaments. Main colors used in Azerbaijani carpets are red, blue, green, yellow and cream. Locally sold carpets have two main patterns: Symmetric forms in vibrant colors on local carpets from Azerbaijan and flowery patterns in fading colors from south Azerbaijan/Iran. These carpets tell stories if one can read them. Also, every village has their own patterns and by knowing them you can understand where the carpet was made.

LEADING PARTNERSHIP OF DMC’S IN EASTERN EUROPE AND CENTRAL ASIA COUNTRIES PARTNER: IMPROTEX TRAVEL

"Improtex Travel" begun its activity in 1991 as the first private tour operator on reception and service of tourist groups in sovereign Azerbaijan. «Improtex Travel» is a component part of the diversified holding company «Improtex Group». It works successfully and is one of leaders of private tourist business in Azerbaijan. In due , alongside with reception of foreign tourists and business visitors, the important component of firm activity was a sending of tourist groups and individual tourists from Azerbaijan abroad. In 1995 «Improtex Travel» was the first and the only private travel agency represented Azerbaijan on one of the largest international tourist exhibitions in Berlin (ITB). Now, every year Improtex Travel represented Azerbaijan in London (WTM), in Tokyo and other biggest tourism forums. So from a small travel company «Improtex Travel, Tours and Conferences» (the full name of the company) turned into large international tour operator. Its partners are the best travel agencies of the world, the known chain of hotels, leading airlines. Today «Improtex Travel» is a member of World Tourism Organization /UNWTO/, the Azerbaijan Tourism Assotiation/AZTA/, the American Association of Tourist Agencies /ASTA/, the Japanese Association of Tourist Agencies /JATA/, the International Group of Silk Route Tour Operators /SRGroup/, the General Partner and Coordinator of the Best Eastern Hotel (Russia) in Azerbaijan. Also the member of Azerbaijan Convention Bureau. In 2015 Improtex Travel passed international certification ISO 9001 (Bureu Veritas)

The company gained authority and trust of the population of the country and the foreign partners. In 2004 and 2008 "Improtex Travel" was chosen as the official accredited agent on service of Azerbaijan delegation on XXVIII Summer Olympic Games in Athens and XXIX Summer Olympic Games in Beijing. And it’s already third time as we have been chosen by NOC of Azerbaijan as official Travel Agents of XXX Olympic Games in London. More over Improtex Travel is official travel agent of National JUDO Federation of Azerbaijan.

In 2002 and 2003 «Improtex Travel» was awarded with the independent national premium «HUMAY» for merits in development of tourism, and in 2004 and 2009 the company was awarded the National premium in the field of economy and business UGUR in a nomination "The Company of the year Nomination Tourism".

Our credo is a modern service, national traditions, the international cooperation.

LEADING PARTNERSHIP OF DMC’S IN EASTERN EUROPE AND CENTRAL ASIA COUNTRIES SERVICIES

Services in Azerbaijan • Hotel Reservation • Full Visa Support • Meeting & Assistance • Bus & Car Hire Services • Guides & Interpreters • MICE • Baku City Sightseeing Tours • World Heritage Sites in Azerbaijan • Cultural & Ethnographical tours • Adventure & Eco-Tours • Guided and Tailor-made Tours • Carpet Tour • Caucasus & Silk Road Tours • Caspian Sea Cruises • VIP Service • Special Tours

LEADING PARTNERSHIP OF DMC’S IN EASTERN EUROPE AND CENTRAL ASIA COUNTRIES EMG Contacts

Tverskaya ul. 22A, office 44, Moscow, Russia Phone: +7 916 988 1265 [email protected] [email protected] www.eastmarketinggroup.com

“We provide a partnership of professional Destination Management Companies in the undiscovered Eastern European & Central Asia regions and offer travel specialists, event agencies, incentive houses, corporate companies and meeting planners worldwide direct link to our trusted and professional “EMG Partners” in the chosen country.”

LEADING PARTNERSHIP OF DMC’S IN EASTERN EUROPE AND CENTRAL ASIA COUNTRIES