Activity: The tour of the Heydar Aliyev Center

Date: 11:00-13:00 Monday 25 May 2026

Price: 25 CHF / person

Description:

The tour of the Heydar Aliyev Center offers a captivating journey through one of the world’s most innovative and iconic pieces of modern architecture, combined with a deep dive into Azerbaijani culture, history, and art.

The center houses several significant permanent collections that cover different facets of Azerbaijan:

Heydar Aliyev Museum: This museum is dedicated to the life and legacy of Heydar Aliyev, the former president of Azerbaijan. It uses interactive, multimedia displays, personal artifacts (including cars, uniforms, and gifts from world leaders), and documents to chronicle his life and key milestones in Azerbaijan’s 20th-century history.

“Mini Azerbaijan” Exhibition: Visitors can marvel at miniature models of the country’s most significant architectural and historical landmarks, offering a comprehensive overview of Azerbaijan’s heritage in one hall.

“Pearls of Azerbaijan” Exhibition: This collection is an excellent introduction to the country’s rich culture. It showcases national treasures such as traditional musical instruments, national costumes (like the Kelaghayi silk headscarf), traditional crafts (such as carpet weaving and copper craft), and samples of the country’s traditional cuisine (like Dolma and Lavash).

Classic Car Exhibition: For car enthusiasts, this unique gallery displays a collection of rare, vintage cars manufactured in various countries, with some models dating back to the late 19th century.

Activity: Fuad’s tour

Date: 11:00-13:00 Tuesday 26 May 2026

Price: 32 CHF / person

Description:

Fuad is a renowned historian, orientalist, and leading expert on the history and architecture of Baku. A graduate of Baku State University, Harvard, and the University of Toronto, his passion for the city’s storied past turned what started as a hobby into captivating tours and a popular historical TV series, ‘Baku’s Secrets’.

Fuad’s tours are not just walks; they are a lively, interactive story-telling performance. He is celebrated for his unique ability to bring history to life, sharing fascinating human-interest stories and revealing the secrets of our city’s past through a wealth of rare, archival photographs.

Activity: National Carpet Museum

Date: 11:00-13:00 Wednesday 27 May 2026

Price: 6 CHF / person

Description:

A tour of the Azerbaijan National Carpet Museum in Baku is a rich cultural experience that goes far beyond just looking at carpets. It is a journey into the history, art, and traditions of Azerbaijan, all housed within a stunning architectural marvel.

World’s Largest Collection: The museum houses the world’s largest collection of Azerbaijani carpets, with over 10,000 items in its total collection.

Regional Schools: The main exhibit is organized to showcase the evolution of Azerbaijani carpet weaving and its seven major regional schools (such as Guba, Shirvan, Ganja, Gazakh, and Karabakh). You will see how each region developed its own unique style, distinguished by patterns, colors, and materials.

Diverse Types: The collection includes examples of both:

• Pile Carpets: The intricate, knotted carpets that are often centuries old.
• Flat-Woven Carpets: Including beautiful Kilims, Sumakhs, and Palas, which showcase different weaving techniques.

Symbolism and Meaning: A key part of the tour is learning the profound meaning behind the motifs and colors, such as the buta (fire or fertility symbol), cross patterns, and the “Tree of Life,” which reflect local culture and ancient beliefs. Audio guides are often available to explain these fascinating details.

Activity: Tea Ceremony & Sweet Tasting 

Date: 11:00-13:00 Thursday 28 May 2026

Price: 28 CHF / person

Description:

“Chaykhana” in the Old City: A Traditional Azerbaijani Tea Ceremony & Sweet Tasting

Step into the timeless atmosphere of Baku’s Old City (Icherisheher) for an authentic Azerbaijani tea ceremony, a profound symbol of hospitality and community.

Experience the ritual of being served freshly brewed, strong black tea, often enhanced with local spices like cardamom or cinnamon. The tea is traditionally poured from a samovar into elegant, pear-shaped glasses called armudu, designed to keep the tea hot.

Your tea will be presented with a lavish spread of classic Azerbaijani sweets. Indulge in local favorites such as Pakhlava, Shekerbura, and rich fruit jams (murebbe) like fig or walnut. This is more than a refreshment; it’s a centuries-old tradition that fosters conversation and warmth.

Activity: Yoga

Date: 07:30-08:30 Monday 25 May

Duration: 1 hour

Price: free

Description:

Start your convention day feeling energized, focused, and calm with an hour of gentle yet invigorating yoga. This session is designed for all levels, from complete beginners to experienced practitioners.

We will focus on mindful movement, stretching, and breathwork to release tension and prepare your mind for a productive day of sessions.

Unformal/natural material clothes dress code.

Activity: Morning run

Date: 07:30-08:30 Tuesday 26 May

Duration: 1 hour

Price: free

Description:

Experience the city while revitalizing your body and mind.

Lace up your shoes and join your fellow delegates for an invigorating 5-kilometer (3.1 mile) run/walk along the stunning Baku Boulevard (Seaside National Park).

This is not a competitive race—it’s a chance to enjoy the fresh Caspian Sea air, soak in the panoramic views of Baku’s modern and historic skyline, and energize yourself for the day’s agenda. Whether you run, jog, or walk, all fitness levels are welcome!

Running shoes.

Activity: Good Morning Muaythai

Date: 07:30-08:30 Wednesday 27 May

Duration: 1 hour

Price: free

Description:

Get ready to kick-start your day with a burst of energy at the highly anticipated Good Morning Muaythai session, returning to the SportAccord Convention for its 12th consecutive edition! Join us for an exhilarating morning workout that will invigorate your body, mind, and spirit, setting the perfect tone for a day filled with excitement and inspiration.

Since its debut in Dubai in 2010, the Good Morning Muaythai sessions have become a cherished tradition at the convention, drawing delegates from across the globe to experience the unique blend of fitness, culture, and camaraderie. Led by the dynamic and renowned former muaythai world champion, Stephan Fox, who also serves as the AIMS President, Secretary General of IFMA and SportAccord Council member, this session promises to be nothing short of electrifying.

Activity: 3×3 basketball

Date: 07:30-08:30 Thursday 28 May

Duration: 1 hour

Price: free

Description:

Team up, compete, and have fun on the Boulevard courts!

Bring your competitive spirit to the beautiful Baku Boulevard for an action-packed hour of 3×3 basketball. This fast-paced, half-court format is a fantastic way to engage, collaborate, and energize yourselves before the main convention sessions.

We will run four quick 15-minute sessions to ensure everyone gets a chance to play and rotate. Whether you’re a seasoned player or just want to run the court, come enjoy a high-energy, team-building activity in the fresh air.

Athletic shoes and comfortable clothing.

Activity: Post Event Excursion – Gobustan Rock Art & Mud Volcanoes

Date: Friday 29 May 9:00-14:00

Duration: Half-day tour (4-5 hours)

Price: 37 CHF

Description:

Discover Azerbaijan’s most extraordinary blend of ancient culture and raw natural power on this half-day guided excursion. Form the mysterious petroglyphs of Gobustan to the bubbling landscaps of its mud volcanoes, this tour offers an unforgettable glimpse into the country’s deep history and geological marvels.

Highlights:

• Gobustan Rock Art Cultural Landscape (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
  • Explore thousands of ancient petroglyphs carved into rocky cliffs, dating back over 40,000 years. Learn about prehistoric life, rituals, and the fascinating evolution of human creativity.
• The World’s Mud Volcanoes
  • Witness one of the most surreal sights on Earth — Gobustan’s mud volcanoes, which make up nearly half of the planet’s total number. Watch the Earth’s surface bubble, burble, and breathe in this unique natural phenomenon.
• Bibi-Heybat Mosque (Optional Stop)
  • Visit this beautiful reconstruction of a 13th-century mosque overlooking the Caspian Sea, an important spiritual and architectural landmark.

Travel details:

• Location: 60-70 km southwest of Baku
• Travel time: Approximately 1 hour each way
• Tour duration: Half day tour (4-5 hours)

What to wear:

• Closed-toe walking shoes or sturdy sneakers with non-slip soles
• Hat, sunglasses and sunscreen recommended for outdoor exploration

Guided tour:

• Led by professional guides offering expert insight into Azerbaijan’s ancient past and unique landscapes.

Price & booking:

• Cost: CHF 37.00 per person
• Group size: minimum 10, maximum 20 participants

Activity: Post Event Excursion – A Guided Tour through Meysari Winery: Vineyards, Cellars & Organic Wines

Date: Friday 29 May 8:00-17:00

Duration: Full-day tour (6-9 hours)

Price: 72 CHF

Description:

 Located in the scenic village of Meysari in the Shamakhi region, this experience takes you to Azerbaijan’s first EU-certified organic winery – where tradition meets innovation in every glass. Discover the art and science behind organic viticulture as you follow the grape’s journey from vine to bottle.

Tour highlights:

• Scenic Vineyard Walk – Stroll through the sun-drenched vineyards and learn about organic grape cultivation.
• Winery Production Visit – Explore the modern facilities where traditional techniques blend with cutting-edge technology.
• Descent into the Cellars – Step into the cool, aromatic cellars where wines mature to perfection.
• Exclusive Wine Tasting – Sample a curated selection of Meysari’s finest organic wines, guided by expert sommeliers.
• Local Lunch at Abgora Restaurant – Enjoy authentic Azerbaijani cuisine paired with the estate’s signature wines.

Travel details:

• Travel time: Appromately 2 hours drive from Baku (about 120 km)
• Tour duration: Full day tour (6-9 hours)

Price & booking:

• Cost: CHF 72.00 per person
• Group size: minimum 8, maximum 12 participants

Activity: Post Event Excursion – Naftalan Wellness 2 days Escape

Date: Friday 29 May, departure at 8:00

Duration: 2-days tour 

Price: 214 CHF

Description:

​Nestled in the heart of Azerbaijan, Naftalan is world-famous for its rare therapeutic oil, celebrated for its powerful anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties. A journey to Naftalan is more than relaxation — it’s a true wellness retreat.

Signature experience: The Naftalan Oil Bath

Immerse yourself in a warm Naftalan oil bath, a unique therapy cherised for its healing benefits in treating arthritis, joint pain and skin conditions.

• Duration:  8-10 minutes follow by gentle cleansing and a relaxation period

Note: Guests are typically asked to remove all clothing or wear minimal disposable covers (such as dark or old undergarments) for the oil bath, as the oil can permanently stain fabrics.

Explore the Naftalan History Museum

Learn about the fastinating history and curative legacy of this ‘Black Gold’, from its discovery to its modern medical use.

Stay in comfort at Garabag Hotel

Enjoy an all-inclusive wellness stay combining accommodation, full-board meals, professional medical supervision and a personalized treatment plan – all within the elegant Garabag Hotel.

Getting there:  Naftalan lies approximately 4 hours by car from Baku, making it a perfect wellness getaway after exploring Azerbaijan’s capital.

Enhance your exxperience with a guided tour that showcases both the healing traditions and cultural heritage of this remarkable destination.

Travel details:

• Travel time:  Approximately 4 hours drive from Baku
• Tour duration:  2 days

Price & booking:

• Cost:  CHF 214.00 per person
• Group size:  minimum 6, maximum 10 participants

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