Novruz Bairam Fest of Spring - Novruz

Duration: 5 days/4 nights

Dates of tour: 19.03.2016- 23.03.2016

Azerbaijan is one of the few places on earth, where even today one can observe elements of preserved fire cult and the ancient Zoroastrianism religion. These places where oil oozes from the earth, and natural gas breaks out like flaming torches have always attracted fire worshipers from around the world. Baku, its oil, its "burning earth" have been known far beyond its borders since ancient times. The official religion of the ancient states that Novruz (Novruz Bairam) is celebrated annually emerged in the VII century BC, such as Mann and Midia was Zoroastrianism. in Azerbaijan for five days, including 20 and 21 The spread of Zoroastrianism in the territory of the modern Azerbaijan was of March, the day of the vernal equinox. The due to spontaneously flammable sources of oil and gas. That is why holiday is celebrated in honor of the arrival of Azerbaijan still keeps a tradition related to celebrate ancient pagan fests and spring, renewal of nature. This is one of the most ancient, beloved and joyful holidays, follows old rituals. which incorporates the traditional values of the Novruz (Novruz Bairam) is celebrated annually in Azerbaijan for five days, Azerbaijani people. including 20 and 21 of March, the day of the vernal equinox. The holiday is People celebrate it all over the country and is celebrated in honor of the arrival of spring, renewal of nature. This is one of the official day off. the most ancient, beloved and joyful holidays, which incorporates the traditional values of the Azerbaijani people. Sunny Baku People celebrate it all over the country and is the official day off. Novruz holiday has always been afest of land, of awakening of nature, of moral purity. Since ancient times in Azerbaijan there large festivities arranged on Novruz, festive bazaars, cockfighes, horse racing and other folk entertainment. In the Nowruz days according to folk tradition people light bonfires, prepare a variety of sweets (shekerbura, baklava, gogal), dress up khoncha (swets collected on the tray), plant semeni, dye boiled eggs and so on. Many traditions have survived until today.

Recognized as one of the masterpieces in the world of architecture, Heydar Aliyev Center instantly Program: turned into a monument of architecture of modern Baku. No straight line was used in the design of the Day 1. Arrival for Baku center. The overall shape of the building resembles After landing at the Baku International Airport, passport control and other the undulating lines of ascent from the ground to formalities for the exit of the terminal, visitors are welcomed by employee of the sky and then a gradual descent to the ground. the company. Also, our staff can assist guests with loading luggage. OLD CITY Transfer to the hotel. The duration of the way from the airport to the hotel is approx. 35 -40 minutes. Arrival at the hotel. Check-in arrival at the hotel. Free day in Baku Guests can also take a stroll through the main streets of the city, to purchase gifts and souvenirs. Dinner at the hotel. Overnight at hotel

Old Town or as it is called Inner City is the pearl of Day 2. Fest of Spring - Novruz the cultural heritage of the Azerbaijani people, the 08:30 Drive to Baku-style breakfast. pride of every Azerbaijani, the capital of the ancient Breakfast is the most important meal, because it provides us with energy for state of Shirvanshahs, who had a thousand years of history and is a symbol of Azerbaijani statehood. In the day ahead. a small space, only 22.1 hectares, hundreds of Traditional breakfast for Baku is eggs fried with tomatoes. It is the favorite historical monuments, including 4 world and 28 dish of locals - coupled with hot domestic bread - "tandoor", fragrant national significances are concentrated. mountain honey, butter, black tea with thyme and lemon – all this turns into a delicacy. Gobustan – Echo of ancient times Next, the group will have an excursion to old city “Icherisheher” Being a historical heart of Baku the old city absorbed a vast number of historical and cultural-religious monuments. A number of the Soviet-time movies were shot here. Tourists will see the main attractions of the Old City, including the Palace of the Shirvan Shahs (XV cent), the symbol of the city - Maiden Tower (IX cent), Karvansarays, mosques etc. Old Town walls, preserved till nowadays, narrow, cobbled streets and numerous labyrinths show full flavor and historical value of Baku and its citizens. Also we will make a visit to the museum of Miniature Books - one of the rarest and richest collection of the tiny books - a private collection of Zarifa Salakhova, who collected them over 40 years from different parts of the Gobustan - one of the world's most famous world. historical and archaeological reserves, open-air In the afternoon, guests will have a chance to enjoy oriental Hamam- museum with a huge collection of priceless traditional public baths. historical artifacts. As you know, having shower and bath at home allows to refresh very quickly. But in real body becomes clean and relaxed only with the help of a Atashgah - Temple of Fire professional scrubber – “kisyachi”. Since immemorial time every city quarter in the old town had its own hamam, from simple one-domed up to a rich one, crowned with twelve domes, choose what you want. So people grew up strictly observing the tradition of ablutions - weekly ritual, and before the most important events in life. Having bath on Novruz was obligatory. In the bath the client is placed on a marble bed and scrubber starts his work. After wiping the body is rinsed with hot water and soap and the a client goes to have massage. 17:00 Return to the hotel 19:00 leaving for dinner and celebration of Novruz, where guests can participate in a variety of competitions and ceremonies. And when evening comes and fest bonfires are draped on the streets, all take up arms around them, will dance around, and then jump over the fire. After Temple of fire worshipers is an ancient religious all, it is believed the flame of bonfires cleanses, devours all evil and illnesses. building, built on the site of natural gas output. It Return to the hotel. was restored in the 18th century. In the former Overnight at the hotel. cells, where pilgrims from all over the world stayed, now the museum with unique exhibits is

set up. Day 3. Modern Baku Tour, excursion to fireworshipers’ temple Atashgah and to flame mount Yanardag Янардаг 09:00 Breakfast at the hotel 10:00 City tour begins with a visit to the Upland Park. Upland Park is located on a hill in the western part of the city. This is the best place to see the city and the Baku Bay. The architecture of the capital is very eclectic; it is a combination of different styles and influences such as barocco, classicism and modern architecture, both Eastern and Western. The rout covers the downtown an shows the most interesting historical and architectural sights. The tourists will visit and see the Flag Square, a new Carpet Museum - design of the building is distinguished by its originality as the museum is built in the

form of a folded carpet; stroll through the Baku promenade, enjoy the look of Yanardag - one of the most amazing natural sights the House of Government, the Philharmonic Theatre named after M. of Absheron peninsula. It is a mountain with burnig Magomayev, the Baku Mayor's office and will visit the "Governor's garden." slope s that cannot be put out neither with rain nor Excursion to Fire temple. Fire Temple Ateshgah (literally Fire House) is located with sand, hot for the past few millennia. A in 30 kilometers from the center of Baku, in the south-eastern outskirts of the frightening and fascinating at the same time the Absheron Peninsula. fiery landscape has actually a very simple explanation: from the upper layers of the soil is Coming up next on the program guests will visit the burnig hill Yanardag. released natural gas in contact with oxygen, turning Next to this small village in the Absheron peninsula Mount Yanardagh is into a flame. situated. The word "Yanar" in Azeri language means "burning", and "Dagh" - "mountain". And this is real a burning mountain - not metaphorically, but literally. Once in Absheron it had been a lot of places where natural gas coming out from the earth to the surface ignited spontaneously, but with the start of mass extraction of oil and gas in Absheron these places started to disappear. At present, it is the only place of this unique natural phenomenon - the output of natural gas to the surface. After dinner guests return to the hotel. Night at the hotel.

Day 4. Free day in Baku Breakfast at the hotel. Free day for guests. 19:00 Farewell dinner 21:00 return to the hotel Night at the hotel

Day5. Check-out, last day in Baku Breakfast at the hotel. 12:00 check-out from the hotel. In case of late flight guests can leave their luggage at the hotel. Transfer to the hotel.

For additional information, please, contact us on:

40 J. Jabbarli Str., Caspian Plaza, Baku, Azerbaijan, AZ 1065 Tel: (+99412) 4379090, Mob: (+99450) 2291157 Email: [email protected] , Skype: tdm-victorytour www.victorytour.az , www.exploreazerbaijan.com

Tour price:

Number of tourists SGL DBL/PP 2 $893 $798 4 $717 $623 6 $650 $555 8 $618 $523 10 $596 $501 12 $581 $487 14 $571 $476 16 $563 $468

Price includes: 3* hotel accommodation Transportation services during a tour English-speaking guide services Museum entry tickets Breakfasts and dinners

The price doesn’t include: Air ticket Medical insurance Lunches Alcohol drinks Visa support

Notes: The cost of the tour includes accommodation in comfortable hotels of 3*category. With additional payment, depending on customer, hotel can be changed to a higher category.

Visa: Visa on arrival at the international airports of Azerbaijan can only be obtained by the citizens of Turkey, Israel, UAE, Japan. For the citizens of Russia and CIS countries (except Turkmenistan) visa to Azerbaijan is not required. Citizens of other countries must obtain a visa prior to arrival via the Azerbaijani consulate in their home country or to issue electronic visas through our travel agency. To obtain a visa, please contact our managers at least 4 weeks prior to arrival to Azerbaijan.

Practical Information: Foreign exchange market information is the exchange rates can be obtained by clicking the following link: http://www.cbar.az/ Local currency: Manat Recommended currency for exchange: USD or EURO. Where to exchange currency: at the airport guide will give exact information on where and how to exchange cash in the local currency. Availability of ATMs: only in major cities. Accepting Credit Cards: only in major cities.

Climate:

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Avg. temperature 6 5 8 15 18 30 32 30 20 17 12 8 Avg. Max. 10 8 12 19 22 30 35 37 25 21 16 12 temperature Avg. Min. 3 2 4 10 13 25 30 33 16 13 8 6 Temperature Avg. Rainy days 4 5 3 3 4 3 5 4 3 4 2 5 Avg. Snowy days 0 3 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Vaccinations & Protection: Not necessarily

Power Supply and Plugs: For more information about the voltage and type of outlets used in Azerbaijan, see ref. Http://www.kropla.com/electric2.htm

Travel insurance: Travel insurance is compulsory for all our customers. You should make sure that your policy covers all medical expenses.

Baggage: Remember that you have to carry your own luggage, and do not trust him unfamiliar people. Permitted weight: 20 kg.

Clothing: Weather is changeable in Azerbaijan. In the north and the highlands can be cool, especially at night, so bring warm clothes. During the summer, hot, hats and cream for sun protection is required. You must also carry a handkerchief to visit churches and mosques.

Footwear: It is advisable to bring your most comfortable shoes. Be sure to have shoes or sneakers, to visit the rocky terrain.

Comments: Azerbaijan is a secular country, in spite of the strong Muslim and Caucasian traditions. In Baku and other large cities, most of the population speaks Russian, young people also speak English. For tourists are here, as elsewhere in the East and the Caucasus, friendly and hospitable. The country is safe and crime low. Please note that the tourism infrastructure continues to be on the stage of development and a program to be changed if necessary. You will need some extra money to cover meals, souvenirs and items of a personal nature such as laundry, etc. which are not included in the tour price. The approximate cost of USD 30 per day per person. Local food is not expensive. You can choose the national restaurants and small cafes to eat. Estimated price menu per person is 10 USD.

Hotel check-out and check-in rules: * For the convenience of the tourists it is kindly asked to inform about the early check-in or late check-out of your guests. * Depending on the hotel additional price can be charged for early check-in or late check-out. Check-in earlier than at 06:00 am: a surcharge of 100% of the daily rate. Check-in after 06:00 am but before 14:00: a surcharge of 50% of the daily rate.

* All reservations must be made in written form, with the exact spelling of guests’ name and dates of their births. * Payment of all confirmed orders must be made at least 10 days before the planned date of arrival of tourists to the hotel.

Children policy: *Children under 2 years old participate in tour for free. *Children from 2 till 12 participate in tour with 30% discount of the tour’s price.

Cancellation and penalties: * All modifications and cancellations of confirmed orders must be made in written form. * Cancellation of confirmed applications earlier than 7 days prior to arrival is not subject to penalties. * Cancellation of confirmed applications later than 7 days and more than 3 days before the planned arrival: a penalty of 50% of the total cost of the tour. * Cancellation of confirmed applications later than 3 days, or after the date of the planned arrival: penalty is 100% of the full cost of the tour.

Transfers and additional services: Price for transfer Airport- Hotel: 35 USD / one way /for a car up to 3 seats.

The cultural life of Baku is very diverse. Our consultants and guides are always happy to provide a wide range of cultural programs to brighten up leisure activities. For information about events and concerts visit the website: www.citylife.az