AZERBAIJAN

Due to it’s excellent location in the South Eastern Caucasus mountains on the South Western shore of the Caspian Sea Azerbaijan was once considered to be a major trade stop on the famous Great Silk Route. The country offers it visitors a look back through 3,000 years of history beginning with the Persians, then moving on to the Romans and the Greeks. The country is studded with Bronze Age remains, medieval minarets, beautiful mosques and archeologically reflecting the countries wealth of history. Some fine examples of medieval period architecture can be found in Baku, where the Maiden Tower & the Palace of the Shirvan Shahs. Azerbaijan has a multi-cultural heritage, which is reflected in both the Islamic, & Russian ways of life and the country has an excellent musical & literary heritage.

We consider the best time to visit Azerbaijan is between April & October, when it is warm and dry. But beware July & August can be extremely hot with temperatures often reaching 100 degrees.

The countries main export is oil and gas, were the Caspian Region is rumoured to hold approximately 100 billion of oil and as much natural gas. Since its discovery it has accounted for over £500 million worth of related business in the Oil & Gas market and turned Baku into a thriving hub of commerce. Azerbaijan's other major export is textiles and the country is famous for its exotic carpets and shawls.

Worldmark's range of travel services include:-

Due to our extensive overseas network we are able to offer any client a full range of services. These can be purchased individually or as part of a package.

* Discounted fares with British Mediterranean Airlines.
* Discounted hotels.
* Business Invitations / Supports.
* Private car transfers.
* Sightseeing & Guided Tours
* Rail & Air tickets
* Chauffeur & Car Hire

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Baku

An attractive city which has been built around a beautiful harbour and peninsula, which offers a good climate. It can be found sitting on the coast of the Caspian Sea and is the main port of the Southern part of the Apsheron Peninsula.

The first mention of the city is recorded back in the 9th century but some historians believe that the city dates back to the 5th or 6th century. The heart of the city is the "old Town" and is the most popular part of the city with its alleyways, twisting cobbled streets and caravanserais. The 12th century Maiden's Tower is one of the cities most impressive sights especially when you climb to the top and sample the views out over the city. The cities other pride and joy is the 15th century Palace of Shirvan Shahs with it's domes, arches and mosaics. Visitors are encouraged to explore this site of archaeological beauty.

Baku has developed into a bustling cosmopolitan city offering good quality hotels, excellent restaurants and centuries of history to explore.

We can offer discounted rates at the following hotels:-

Park Hyatt,Radisson SAS,Hyatt Regency,Grand Hotel Europe,Absheron Hotel and the Crescent Beach.

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Other destination suggestions:-

Astashgah Temple

The Temple of the Fire worshippers has stood for thousands of years on a site so rich with natural gas & oil that flames seem to erupt from the ground at will which makes for an interesting visit. Visitors to this Interesting temple can inspect ancient Sanskrit & Hindi inscriptions, as well being able to visit the larger religious complex at Surakhany. The surrounding area o the Apsheron Peninsula also hold some interesting archaeological sites with several medieval castles in Ramana, Nardaran & Mandakyany, an ancient oil field, a botanical garden and 15th century mosque at Mandakyany.

Gobustan

A large open-air museum with some outstanding examples of Neolithic rock drawings, with over 4000 inscriptions dating back 12,000 years.

Kuba

A very pretty little town dating back to the 18th century. Travellers can visit the 16th century fortress, the 19th century mosques and bathhouse.

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Travel Warning / Information

Travel to the Western Region of Nagomo Karabakh and the Azerbaijan-Armenia border region in general should be avoided.

Street crime can often take place after dark in the centre of town around the western bars and clubs. Use officially marked taxis, which you should not share with strangers. Visitors should also avoid public gatherings or a political nature.

Carry a photocopy of your passport at all times. The police are conducting document checks at night, mainly after 2300 hours. If approached by the police be co-operative.

Azerbaijan hosts a large expatriate population and there is extensive foreign investment, mostly in the oil industry. Visitors are generally welcomed and encounter few serious problems.

You should not attempt to enter or leave Azerbaijan via the land borders with Russia (ie Dagestan) as this is closed to foreign nationals who do not hold a current visa.

You should also consult the Foreign Office before making any travel plans for any travel updates.

We strongly recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling.

This information is correct and current as of 10/5/04 and was provided by the FCO Update service.

Health Information

There have been recent reports of a few cases of diphtheria and rabies in the remote rural areas of Azerbaijan. There were a small number of malaria cases in the south of the country during the summer of 2002. You should not drink tap water as it may be contaminated but bottled water is readily available. Medical facilities outside Baku are very limited. Seek medical advice about precautionary measures before travelling.

We recommend that all travellers check with their GP prior to departure or refer to the Department of Health’s website.

All travellers to Azerbaijan require not only a visa but an offical Ministry approved invitation prior to applying for their viss.Worldmark Travel can provide official Ministry approved invitations which can take 10 days.

Please contact this office for further costs, further details and application form.

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E-Mail Worldmark.uk@hrgworldwide.com

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