• Morning: Arrive Heydar Aliyev Intl Airport → taxi/transfer to hotel (30–45 min). Check-in.
• 12:00–15:00: Light lunch, then Icherisheher (Old City) — Maiden Tower, Shirvanshah’s Palace. (Allow 2–3 hrs).
• 15:30–17:00: Walk Baku Boulevard (Caspian Sea promenade), visit Carpet Museum.
• Evening: Dinner in Nizami / Fountain Square. Night stroll to see Flame Towers lit up.
• Transport: Taxi or rideshare (affordable).
• Tip: Carry local cash for small shops; many places accept cards.

• 07:30: Breakfast → join a half-day guided tour or private car to Gobustan (petroglyphs) — 1–1.5 hrs.
• 11:30: Continue to nearby mud volcanoes (short drive).
• 14:00: Return toward Baku; stop at Ateshgah (Fire Temple) and Yanardag (Burning Mountain) at sunset if time permits.
• Evening: Return to Baku (~19:00).
• Costs: Shared tour ~ $30–60; private car more.
• Tip: Mud volcano sites are dusty — bring a hat and sunscreen.

• 09:00–12:00: Visit Heydar Aliyev Center (architectural highlight).
• 13:00: Lunch, then visit Baku Museum of Miniature Books or Modern Art.
• 16:00: Shopping at Nizami Street; tea at a local teahouse.
• Evening: Optional Caspian Sea sunset boat ride or cultural show.

• Option A — Gabala: Drive 3.5–4 hrs one-way; cable car at Tufandag, Nohur Lake stop.
• Option B — Shahdag: Mountain activities (winter: skiing; summer: zipline/ATV). Many tours include hotel pick-up early (07:00).
• Return: Late evening.
• Tip: If you prefer less travel, book an overnight in Gabala.

• 06:00: Drive/transfer to Sheki (approx 4–5 hrs).
• 11:30: Visit Sheki Khan’s Palace, traditional crafts, Caravanserai.
• Evening: Overnight in a restored guesthouse (Sheki has charming local stays).

• Morning: Optional short excursions: Lahij (mountain village) — copper craftsmen, stone streets (if you’re adventurous and time permits).
• Afternoon: Return to Baku (evening arrival).
• Tip: Lahij involves mountain roads; good footwear recommended.

Buffer day for shopping, missed sights, or relaxation before your flight.