A trip to ​Azerbaijan​, which has declared itself a “land of fire”, will surprise with its splendour and diversity. Being by the Caspian Gulf, you will see that there is a real mix of western and eastern worlds, behind which there is an intriguing history. The cosmopolitan capital, Baku, is dazzling with its historic centre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, but outside you can see interesting 21st-century architecture. There are mud volcanoes and fiery natural phenomena in the deserts, but at the foot of the impressive Caucasus Mountains, near lush orchards, there are ancient and authentic rural villages.

Travelling to this hidden oriental treasure is easy and cost-effective, as visas are easy to apply for, there you can find advantageous accommodation offers and the flow of tourism there is relatively small.