Nayan’s Family Trip to Azerbaijan: A Thrillophilia Review
Nayan and I were on the hunt for a vacation that would be exciting, yet family-friendly - especially with our little one being just 6 months old! While scrolling through travel options, we stumbled upon Azerbaijan and that was it.
He then started looking for a reliable travel agency and came across Thrillophilia. The positive reviews from other travellers, particularly families, caught my eye – everyone seemed to be talking about how effortless and enjoyable their trips had been. It sounded exactly like what we needed, so we took the plunge.
And wow, did they deliver! Every detail was perfectly planned, making our experience smooth and stress-free.
Wandering Through Baku’s Charm
Our first day in Baku was nothing short of magical. Nayan and I were so excited to start our journey, and the incredible city tour was the perfect way to kick things off. As soon as we got into the city, we couldn’t help but notice how beautiful it was - everything felt so grand yet welcoming. We visited Nizami Street, which was filled with restaurants and charming shops.
As we strolled along, I remember Nayan stopping to look at a street vendor selling local sweets. “We have to try these!” he said, grabbing a handful of them. I wasn’t sure what they were at first, but once I tasted one, I was hooked. They were chewy and sweet, with just the right amount of crunch.
Afterwards, we headed toward the Flame Towers, which looked like something straight out of a futuristic movie. The buildings were massive, and the design was just stunning. We spent a while just staring up at them, amazed by how they lit up the skyline.
Nayan was so fascinated that he started chatting with a local about the architecture. “It’s inspired by the flames of Azerbaijan’s history,” one of the street vendors explained. “The towers are meant to represent fire, which is a big part of the culture here.”
The day continued with a visit to the Heydar Aliyev Center. The structure was unlike anything we’d ever seen before - it seemed to flow, almost like waves. I could see why it was considered such an iconic building in Baku. By the end of the day, we were both so grateful for how easy and comfortable the experience had been.
Ancient Streets and Timeless Tales
The next day, we ventured into Baku’s Old City, or Icherisheher, for a trip back in time. The streets there were narrow and showcased old buildings that had so much character. It felt like we were walking through a piece of history, and every corner seemed to reveal something new and interesting. Our first stop was the Maiden Tower, which is just as fascinating as its name suggests. It’s one of the oldest structures in Baku, and standing in front of it, I could almost feel the weight of its history.
We continued our walk to the Shirvanshahs' Palace, where I couldn’t stop marveling at the intricate designs and details. It felt like stepping into a different era.
The highlight of the day, though, was when we stumbled upon a small, cosy café inside the Old City. We decided to stop for a quick break and, to our surprise, the café served the most delicious local tea. The tea was fragrant and soothing, and I could tell it was made with utmost precision.
As the sun began to set, the Old City transformed into something even more enchanting. The soft, golden light hitting the ancient stone buildings made everything feel even more special. We ended the day with a peaceful walk around the old city walls, holding hands and chatting about how much we were enjoying our time here.
Our baby had taken a little nap in the stroller, and it was the perfect moment to appreciate the beauty of the place.
Gabala's Natural Wonders
On the third day, we travelled to Gabala, where we spent some time surrounded by nature. The landscape was completely different from the bustling city – it was calm, serene, and beautiful in a whole new way. Our first stop was Nohur Lake, which was like something out of a painting.
After a bit of time by the lake, we went to the Yeddigozel Waterfall, where we enjoyed listening to the sound of the water crashing down. We walked along the trail, taking in the beauty of the forest around us. Later, we made our way to Gabala Tufandag Ski Resort, and though we didn’t ski, we took the gondola ride up the mountain for some breathtaking views.
We ended the day with a quiet dinner, reflecting on how much we’d already seen in just a few days. Gabala had been a peaceful contrast to the excitement of Baku, and it was just the escape we needed. Our baby was already fast asleep, and Nayan and I couldn’t stop talking about how fortunate we felt to be on this journey together.
I loved how Pronit from Thrillophilia created a considerate and well-planned itinerary for our family. Travelling with a baby could have been overwhelming, but he took care of every detail to make sure everything was perfectly suited to our needs. I really appreciate all the effort that went into making this holiday so enjoyable for us. Thank you, Thrillophilia!
Read More: Thrillophilia Azerbaijan Reviews