MILAN FLORENSIYA TURU - LAKE COMO-LAKE GARDA

With something almost Northern European in the air, yet exuding Italian style, Milan is Italy's most cosmopolitan city. The capital of Lombardy is both hardworking and glamorous - powerful in businesses from finance to fashion and, of course, football. But what gives Milan its certain something is its status as the epicentre of Italian fashion and interior design. International fashionistas, designers, supermodels and paparazzi descend upon the city twice a year for its spring and autumn fairs: Milan, which has carefully guarded its reputation for flair, drama and creativity, is Italy's natural stage. This is certainly one of the best places in Italy to shop, or windowshop. Milan is the main industrial, commercial and financial centre of Italy and as such, is unsurprisingly business-like in appearance. At first glance, it lacks the wow factor, but if you take time and are determined to explore Milan’s streets, you’ll access its aesthetically appealing gems – and they do exist. Cut through the modern metropolitan bustle, and you will stumble across impressive churches and palaces, the pretty Navigli area, the chic Brera district and lively university quarter, and no need to mention a landmark such as the Duomo, or that the city is impressively home to Leonardo da Vinci's 15th century masterpiece The Last Supper. Milan cannot be faulted when it comes to having a good time. The Milanese know how to party – and they don’t waste time getting started. Nightlife tends to kick off at 6pm; enjoying an aperitivo in which locals unwind with post-work drinks and nibbles before heading home is the rule rather than exception. So whether you’re looking for cut-price fashion, an alternative city break or a chance to paint the town red, Milan has undoubtedly got it covered.

Florence is as vital and beautiful today as when its wool and silk merchants and bankers revolutionized the economy of 13th century Tuscany, and the art of Dante and Michelangelo stunned the world. Florence was the centre of the Italian Renaissance. The fruits of the city’s rebirth are still evident in its seemingly endless array of museums, churches and palazzi. With its historic centre classified as a UNESCO World Heritage site, the Duomo, the elegant and beautiful cathedral, dominates the city and is an unmistakable reference point in your wanderings. The River Arno, which cuts through the oldest part of the city, is crowned with the Ponte Vecchio bridge lined with shops and held up by stilts. Dating back to the 14th century, it is the only bridge that survived attacks during WWII. Standing by the river at night, when the city is illuminated with a myriad twinkling lights, is unforgettable. But more remains of Florence’s incomparable heritage than stones and paint, the city’s indomitable spirit has also survived the centuries, ensuring Florentine life today its liveliness and sophistication.

Tour Baku by Newly Renovated Caspian Sea Cruise Ship Mirvari

First-time travelers to Baku often ask this question:

Can I sail on the Caspian Sea?

The answer is definitely yes. 

If you’re interested in sailing (literally) - if you mean a sailing boat or a yacht - yes.

Or if you want to travel across the Caspian Sea by ferry from Baku to Turkmenbashi, Turkmenistan, or Aktau, Kazakhstan, again, yes.

But these answers don't really cut it for people who just want to see the city from the sea and enjoy the fresh sea breeze.

So, if you're among those looking for a half-hour sea tour around Baku, you're in the right place.

In this post, you'll learn about touring on the Caspian Sea Cruise at Baku Bay, including:

About the passenger ship;

Itinerary and schedule;

Ticket prices and more.

Let’s dive right in.

Caspian Sea Tour from the Beautiful Seaside National Park

The cruise ship tours on the Caspian Sea have resumed in November 2024 after a two-year hiatus.

Heretofore, boat tours on Baku Boulevard (Seaside National Park) had been suspended due to the drop in sea level.

Once, the passenger ship departed from Sadko Bridge, but now it departs from the pier in front of the Baku Sea Terminal (Bakı Dəniz Vağzalı).

So, if you want to take a Caspian Sea cruise ship, you'll need to go to Baku Sea Terminal.

It’s 800 meters on foot from Sadko Bridge and very close to the Crescent Bay on the Boulevard as well.

The Baku boat trip, departing from the sea terminal and passing around the White City, takes more than 30 minutes.

And it's available every day from 2 pm to 9 pm, including holidays, unless there’re bad weather conditions.

Note 1: For more details about the schedule of the Baku boat tour, it’s best to check the official Baku Boulevard website, as the working hours may vary in summer and winter.

About the Baku Cruise Ship “Mirvari”

Mirvari (operating since 2013) is the largest passenger ship on Baku Boulevard, with a capacity to carry 450-460 passengers at a time.

The ship has 3 decks.

After the renovation, the first deck is also available for passengers to take close-up pictures of the blue waters of the Caspian Sea.

There's also a lovely restaurant where you can enjoy your meal while listening to classical music.

Along with the passenger seats on the second deck, there is a café where you can enjoy hot coffee or tea with a snack or sweets.

By the way, you're welcome to bring your own food - there are no rules about that.

And lastly, the VIP lounge and extra passenger seats are on the 3rd deck.

Note 2: Sadly, the smaller passenger ship, Shafag (which had 60 seats), is out of service now. 

Caspian Sea Cruise Baku Price and Tickets

As of 2025, prices for the Caspian Sea Cruise "Mirvari" are 5 AZN (about 3 USD) for standard and 10 AZN (around 6 USD) for VIP. 

For kids under 6, boarding the ship is free.

You can buy your tickets from the box office at the pier.

I mean the box office where it says “Tickets” (Kassa).

Buying tickets in advance is not possible yet.

Final Note: When I first took a tour in November 2024 on the "Mirvari" after its renovation, they were offering a rich breakfast for 30 AZN (18 USD) on weekends from 11 am to 1 pm as well. Hope this service is still valid.

That’s it.

In the end, I want to mention that it'll absolutely be worth taking a short sea trip at Baku Bay and it must be on your itinerary of the best things to do in Baku.

The prices are affordable, and the view is scenic. 

You won’t lose anything at all, I promise.

Have a great Caspian Sea tour.