ROMA NAPOLI FLORENSIYA

Modern and old, past and present go side by side, all the time. Whether you are in Rome for 3 days, 3 weeks or 3 months, be prepared to step into the world’s biggest open air museum. Rome will seduce you and it will hardly leave you indifferent. It will surprise you, since has so much to offer to any visitor, and it’s beauty is just been merely blurred by time passing by. Rome is one of world's most photogenic cities - not surprising when you remember what's here - The Vatican, the Trevi Fountain, St Peter's Square, Spanish Steps, Colosseum... Whether you spend your time sightseeing, or lazing in cafés watching the world go by, it will be your turn to feature in your very own Roman Holiday. If you can plan to stay as long as a week, you won't run out of things to do and you'll still feel like you're leaving too soon.

Naples is the regional capital of Campania and the third-largest city of Italy, after Rome and Milan, with a population of 967,069 within the city's administrative limits as of 2017. Its province-level municipality is the third-most populous metropolitan city in Italy with a population of 3,115,320 residents, and its metropolitan area (that stretches beyond the boundaries of the Metropolitan City of Naples) is the second-most populous metropolitan area in Italy and the 7th-most populous urban area in the European Union. First settled by Greeks in the first millennium BC, Naples is one of the oldest continuously inhabited urban areas in the world. In the ninth century BC, a colony known as Parthenope or Παρθενόπη was established on the Island of Megaride. In the 6th century BC, it was refounded as Neápolis. The city was an important part of Magna Graecia, played a major role in the merging of Greek and Roman society, and was a significant cultural centre under the Romans. It served as the capital of the Duchy of Naples (661–1139), then of the Kingdom of Naples (1282–1816), and finally of the Two Sicilies until the unification of Italy in 1861. Naples is also considered a capital of the Baroque, beginning with the artist Caravaggio's career in the 17th century, and the artistic revolution he inspired. Due to poverty and lack of opportunity, waves of Italians emigrated from Naples in the late 19th and early 20th century, with most going to the United States, where they settled in industrial cities. Between 1925 and 1936, Naples was expanded and upgraded by Benito Mussolini's government. During the later years of World War II, it sustained severe damage from Allied bombing as they invaded the peninsula. The city received extensive post-1945 reconstruction work. Since the late 20th century, Naples has had significant economic growth, helped by the construction of the Centro Direzionale business district and an advanced transportation network, which includes the Alta Velocità high-speed rail link to Rome and Salerno and an expanded subway network. Naples is the third-largest urban economy in Italy, after Milan and Rome. The Port of Naples is one of the most important in Europe. In addition to commercial activities, it is home to the Allied Joint Force Command Naples, the NATO body that oversees North Africa, the Sahel and Middle East. Naples' historic city centre is the largest in Europe and has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A wide range of culturally and historically significant sites are nearby, including the Palace of Caserta and the Roman ruins of Pompeii and Herculaneum. Naples is also known for its natural beauties, such as Posillipo, Phlegraean Fields, Nisida, and Vesuvius. Neapolitan cuisine is noted for its association with pizza, which originated in the city, as well as numerous other local dishes. Naples' restaurants have earned the most stars from the Michelin Guide of any Italian city. The best-known sports team in Naples is the Serie A club S.S.C. Napoli, two-time Italian champions who play football at the San Paolo Stadium in the southwest of the city, in the Fuorigrotta quarter.

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.