Azerbaijan Custom Tour Packages

Azerbaijan is a safe country, although one should look for pickpockets in the center of Baku. Unlicensed taxis should be avoided, as well as political gatherings and demonstrations, as these have led to violence in the past. Azerbaijan isn’t very religious, but pants for men and long dresses for women are recommended if traveling to especially rural villages. It’s best to avoid talking about Armenia, or making any negative comments about Azerbaijan’s ruler, or his father, the previous ruler.

The only area we don't recommend visiting is Nagorno-Karabakh, a region internationally recognized as part of Azerbaijan, but controlled by the Republic of Artsakh, a de facto independent state. Artsakh is not recognized by any official countries, but has strong unofficial ties with Armenia, and is defended by Armenian soldiers. People with an Artsakh stamp in their passports cannot enter Azerbaijan.

Azeri food has been influenced by the Silk Road caravans that passed through its lands, unique, delicious, and filled with history. Azerbaijan is known for its use of vegetables and fresh herbs. Mutton and beef are popular, alongside Caspian fish. Saj (flatbread) and rice Plov (pilaf) are common. We recommend Piti, an extraordinarily savory meat soup that is covered in a lump of fat, then cooked in a sealed crock. It's traditionally served with a second plate, so it can first be eaten as soup, then as a meat course. Sheki is especially known for its Piti.

As a primarily Muslim country, alcohol isn’t very traditional, although it’s served in all restaurants. Azeris prize black tea, often drinking it from a pear-shaped “Armudu” (literally “pear-shaped”) glass. These glasses cool the tea on top, keep the tea further down hot, and are easy to hold without spilling or burning oneself. Tap water is generally safe to drink, but in Baku, bottled water is recommended.