Perched beside the oil-rich Caspian Sea, compact, hospitable Azerbaijan is astounding in its scenic variety. Painted moonscape deserts, snow-capped Caucasian peaks, subtropical forests and flower-filled grasslands all lie within a few hours' drive of Baku, the artistically-vibrant, cosmopolitan capital with its UNESCO-recognized walled Old City. Since the first edition in 1999 this map-packed book has become the definitive guide for visitors and residents alike. Now in its expanded and fully-updated 4th edition it's more practical than ever. Practical information – Visas, getting to Azerbaijan, where to stay, where to eat - Sights and excursions – Discover bubbling mud volcanoes, linguistically-unique stepped villages, ruined castles, a flaming hillside and fire-temple, iron-wood forests, water that ‘catches fire', ‘magical' rocks kissed smooth by superstitious wish-seekers. On foot, by car, 4WD, bus, train or horse be among the first tourists to explore delightful Azerbaijan since Noah sailed across the country 5000 years ago, his Ark carving a great gash through Nakhchivan's Snake Mountain. - 190 maps – Includes even more maps, illustrated with over 160 sketches and diagrams. As well as showing hotels, restaurants, bus stops etc, these maps also include landmarks at key unsigned junctions to help motorists and hikers. - History, language, cultural tips - Excursions to neighbouring Georgia Perched beside the oil-rich Caspian Sea, compact, hospitable Azerbaijan is astounding in its scenic variety. Painted moonscape deserts, snow-capped Caucasian peaks, subtropical forests and flower-filled grasslands all lie within a few hours' drive of Baku, the artistically-vibrant, cosmopolitan capital with its UNESCO-recognized walled Old City. Since the first edition in 1999 this map-packed book has become the definitive guide for visitors and residents alike. Now in its expanded and fully-updated 4th edition it's more practical than ever. Practical information – Visas, getting to Azerbaijan, where to stay, where to eat - Sights and excursions – Discover bubbling mud volcanoes, linguistically-unique stepped villages, ruined castles, a flaming hillside and fire-temple, iron-wood forests, water that ‘catches fire', ‘magical' rocks kissed smooth by superstitious wish-seekers. On foot, by car, 4WD, bus, train or horse be among the first tourists to explore delightful Azerbaijan since Noah sailed across the country 5000 years ago, his Ark carving a great gash through Nakhchivan's Snake Mountain. - 190 maps – Includes even more maps, illustrated with over 160 sketches and diagrams. As well as showing hotels, restaurants, bus stops etc, these maps also include landmarks at key unsigned junctions to help motorists and hikers. - History, language, cultural tips - Excursions to neighbouring Georgia Mark Elliott has been visiting Azerbaijan regularly for the last 15 years and has driven, hiked, ridden and hitched back into virtually every corner of the country to research the fourth edition of this guide. Introduction Fascinating Azerbaijan has an incredible wealth of scenic contrasts, is famous for caviar and carpets and has curiosities from bizarre mud volcanoes to perpetually-burning fire temples. Baku, the cosmopolitan capital, oozes historical interest from the core of its UNESCO-recognized walled Old City to its grand, century-old ‘oil boom' architecture. Its hospitable people are highly cultured, there's a vibrant art and music scene, several colourful markets and an ever-expanding choice of dining and entertainment possibilities. Just an hour or two's drive beyond the city amazingly varied landscapes encompass painted deserts, vineyards, orchards, oak woodlands, snow-capped peaks, iron-wood forests, hilltop castles and magnificent canyons. Azerbaijan clearly has a bright tourist potential. But as yet few Westerners seem to have noticed. Indeed in many areas you may still be among the first foreign visitors locals have seen in generations. Things are gradually changing, however, as comfortable new and renovated accommodation options sprout in an ever wider range of lovely rural settings, aimed primarily at Baku weekenders. With a horse or four-wheel-drive vehicle and/or lots of time the adventurous can explore Azerbaijan's least known but most spectacular regions in and around the soaring High-Caucasus mountains. This guide gives you an unparalleled depth of background information and all the practical tips necessary to appreciate and make the most of this beautiful, varied and under-estimated land. Used Book in Good Condition