BAKU INTRODUCTION
Baku, far more than just the capital of Azerbaijan, sits as the historical, cultural and business center of this West Asian country. Aptly nicknamed the City of Winds, Baku’s location on the western shore of the Caspian Sea subjects it to strong winds throughout the year while also gracing the city with gorgeous seaside views. With a population of over 2 million people, Baku is the largest city on the Caspian Sea and in the entire Caucasus region.
Baku offers attractions for everybody: Sunny beaches provide a prime spot to unwind, while elegant theatres and quirky museums will satisfy the cultured tourist. Modern architecture creates an otherworldly contrast with Old City quarters, while beautifully designed parks provide the perfect place to unwind in a serene environ. Trendy cafes and nights clubs attract young people, and delicious cuisine will satisfy taste buds of every type. The city offers dozens of pedestrian-friendly streets and entertainment centres for the comfort of its residents and visitors. No matter your age or sphere of interest, Baku’s diversity and festive vibe are hard to resist.
| Official Language |
Azerbaijani, a Turkic language |
| Also Known As |
City of Winds |
| Currency |
Azerbaijani Manat |
| Time Zone |
UTC+4 |
| Area |
2,140 km² |
| Best known for |
Fire of Temple, Gabala |
CLIMATE: BAKU
Azerbaijan is between the Caspian Sea coast and the southern Caucasus Mountains, which apart from creating a beautiful diverse landscape, has resulted in a whole diversity of climates.
Weather in Azerbaijan ranges from subtropical in the central, eastern and southern regions, to a tundra climate in the highest altitude areas, to continental in isolated Nakhchivan. The southeastern regions are by far the wettest, the central and coastal areas the sunniest and the mountain zones the most temperamental. Although summer is unusually long around the coast and autumn doesn’t get the time it deserves, Azerbaijan has been favored with four distinct seasons
AVERAGE TEMPARATURE:
In June, average temperatures range from 5° Celsius in the highlands to 27°C in the lowlands and coastal areas. In January, the temperature hovers around -10° Celsius in the highlands and +3° in the lowlands.
The hottest days in summer can see temperatures soar to 45°С, while in Winter Mountain temps may drop to minus 40° С at night.
It is advisable to carry a water proof jacket with a cap or an umbrella in case of sudden showers.
Though you will find most items in Baku, it might be a good idea to bring certain personal items from home. Remember also to bring any medicine you are taking. as well as a pair of comfortable walking shoes. Your list should include:
Mosquito repellent, Sunscreen, Sun glasses, Foldable umbrella, Pain killer’s Antiseptic lotion or spray, traveller's first aid kit, Drug prescriptions, Photocopies of official documents
ACCOMMODATION:
Hotels in most countries do not guarantee early check-in and subject to availability and the discretion of the Management. The type of room Double / Twin / triple sharing will be allocated depending upon the number of adults staying and availability of rooms.
HOTEL CHECK-IN:
Rooms will be allocated subject to availability on arrival and where possible will comply with your request. Standard check-in time in most of the countries is after 2pm and Standard check-out time is 12 pm. While checking in at every hotel, please be seated in the Lobby after collecting your baggage till the distribution of the room keys. Please do not gather at the Reception.
MEDICINE:
We highly recommend you to carry sufficient medicines along with you on tour. While packing, distribute them evenly in different bags to ensure that you have some medicine with you in case there is any delay in getting baggage or loss. However you do get medicines on tour but your doctor’s prescription for the same is a must.
CO TRAVELLERS :
Your co-travelers can be any individual, right from a professional C.A or Doctor to a teacher, a teenager, an artist, a politician, businessman, people of any religion, from any region, any language etc. When you return from your dream holiday, we assure you that there will be additions to your friends list
TIMINGS:
You are requested to strictly adhere to the timings as per the itinerary or as per the instructions of the local guide/tour manager.
CHECK –IN –BAGGAGE:
The free baggage allowance is 30 Kgs. per person. In case of excess weight, excess baggage charges are applicable.
CABIN BAGGAGE:
Only one carry/hand bag is allowed inside the cabin, whose linear dimension should not exceed 115 cms or 45” and maximum weight 7 Kgs. Articles such as compressed gases, sprays, batteries, lighters, matches, pins /hairpins, razors, blades etc., are not allowed in the cabin bag but can be packed in the check-in bag after checking with the Airlines.
COACH:
Seat numbers in the coach are allotted on the booking priority, first come first serve basis. Seat numbers 1, 2, 3 and 4 in each coach are reserved for the Tour Leader / Guide and are Premium seats. Further seat allocation is done as per the booking priority and the same is informed by the Tour Leaders on tour.
You need to book as early as possible to get the first seats in the coach. However, for selected World Tours, seat number 3 , 4 are reserved as premium seats which can be booked subject to availability and at an additional cost. Premium seats cannot be availed if the tour is full.
The road journey is completely dependent on the tour itinerary and number of places covered. The driving distance varies for each tour. You get sufficient halts during the journey.
TOUR LEADER:
The tour leader will assist you throughout the tour and this is one of the USP's of Travelpeoples. However, they are not responsible for baggage or any kind of personal belongings.
The Tour Leader will preferably communicate or give instructions on tour in Hindi and English.
For World Tours, we have 1 Tour Leader for the entire group whereas for Indian Tours, 1 Tour Leader with 1 or 2 Tour Assistant depending upon group size.
VALUABLE ITEMS:
Always carry all your valuables in your hand/carry bag and always deposit them in the hotel safe whenever not using.
TRAVEL DOCUMENTS:
It is your responsibility to carry the Air Tickets and Passport safely throughout the tour. Carry 6 Photographs & at least 3 sets of Xerox copies of passport, ticket & visa always in your baggage. Always use the safe box provided in the room or at the reception for keeping your original documents and extra currencies, when not required.
BAGGAGE ITEMS:
Carry minimum amount of clothes (light cotton recommended) as it is easy to handle. Include swimming costume, shorts/ Bermudas, T-shirts, Cap, as you will have beach activities. A pair of slippers is recommended along with your regular /sports shoe.
INSURANCE:
Though it is not compulsory, it is advisable to take travel insurance popularly known as Overseas Medical Insurance for the period of travel. This policy covers expenses arising out of sickness, accident while on tour, death, permanent disablement, total loss of baggage checked in by the International Airline, loss of passport etc. The insurance is included in the tour price for those aged up to 59 years for the duration of the tour. Guest above 59 years of age will have to pay the difference on the insurance premium as applicable
RULES:
All Tours are as per the RBI, Customs & Immigration Rules.
CUSTOMS:
Duty free allowance, is Upto Rs .45, 000/- . Over and above Rs .45, 000/- the duty will be approximately 36%.
TOUR ITINERARY:
Is prepared according to the Airlines Flight Schedule and Surface Transportation. In case of any delay in Flight or Surface Transportation, the Tour program may be modified at our discretion in the interest of the passengers. No refund will be provided for any unutilized sectors or services and in the cancellation of any event by the organizers.
SHOPPING:
Our Tour Leader will provide information about the shopping areas on tour; however s/he will not suggest/recommend / promote any particular shop, area etc. to you
CREDIT CARD ( SHOPPING & PERSONAL USE):
Yes, you can use Internationally accepted Credit Cards for shopping and personal expenses but kindly cross check with your Bank before effecting any transaction. We are not responsible/liable for any loss, fraud, damage, cheating etc., if any, occurs in such cases
FOREX (FOREIGN EXCHANGE):
A minimum amount of US$ 500 to be purchased with an authorized money changer or at any Bank dealing with Forex. An individual going abroad as Tourist is permitted to purchase a total of US$ 10,000, in any one calendar year. Out of US$10,000, one can purchase US$ 3000 in the form of currency & the balance US$ 7,000, in the form of Travelers Cheque.
You can carry cash but we advise you to carry American Express Travelers Cheque s as it is accepted around the world. It is safer than cash and if lost or stolen can be replaced worldwide, usually within 24 hours. Travelers Cheque s also enable you to budget, track and control your travel expenses easily. Also, we have Forex Card which is a magnetic strip based Prepaid Card usually introduced in partnership with Visa International or Master Card International, which offers you a convenient and secure way to carry your foreign exchange.
FEW POINTS TO BE NOTED:
- You can carry your mobile phone on the tour but make sure to activate the international roaming facility or you can buy local Sim in each country and load the required currency.
- If you are carrying a camera, make sure to carry sufficient rolls, memory chips and batteries on the Tour.
- If you are using dentures & spectacles, carry two sets with you on the tour.
- In most of the hotel rooms they do not provide any buckets or mugs, it’s only shower and you have to take shower in the bath tub, if it is provided or in the cubicle.
- During any sightseeing if you are lost from the group, please stay where you are and we will try to locate you. Suppose even after sufficient time, we are not able to find you then return to the hotel on your own.
