Sheki was once a major node on the Silk Road, where merchants from Venice, Persia, and India met to trade silk, spices, and stories. Today, it is one of Azerbaijan most beautifully preserved historic cities, with UNESCO recognition and a unique luxury hospitality scene.
Day 1: Arrival in the Khans City
Begin with a 4-hour scenic drive from Baku in our Mercedes V-Class. Arrive at Sheki Palace Hotel (a restored 18th-century caravanserai) for late lunch. Afternoon: private after-hours tour of the Sheki Khans Palace with its legendary shebeke stained glass windows held together without a single nail.
Day 2: The Silk Masters
Morning: private masterclass with a kelaghayi silk artisan, where you create your own piece using ancient natural dye techniques. Afternoon: visit Kish Temple, one of the oldest Christian churches in the Caucasus. Evening: private dinner at a traditional restaurant featuring Sheki Piti, a slow-cooked lamb dish unique to this city.
Day 3: The Caucasus Foothills
Drive to Lahij village, where 7th-generation copper smiths still work in their ancient workshops. Lunch in a private courtyard with locally-sourced organic ingredients. Return to Baku in the evening.
Why Sheki Now
Mass tourism has not yet discovered Sheki at scale. The artisan workshops remain authentic, the hotels are owned by Baku families, and prices are remarkably reasonable for the quality. Within 3-5 years, this will change.
