Classic Kazakhstan

Day 1: Astana Sightseeing Tour

Arrive at Astana International Airport, where you’ll be greeted and transferred to your hotel for early check-in. After time to relax, begin your guided afternoon tour of the capital, including the Palace of Peace and Reconciliation from outside, the National Museum and its famous Golden Man, Khazret Sultan Mosque, Bayterek Tower and a walk along Green Water Boulevard.

Day 2: Astana Sightseeing Tour – Turkestan

After breakfast, continue exploring Astana with a visit to Nur-Sultan Mosque, one of the largest mosques in Central Asia. You’ll then head to the historic old town on the right bank of the Ishim River, where Soviet-era buildings, older architecture, the Church of Constantine and Elena, and the riverside promenade reveal a different side of the city. Later, transfer to the airport for your flight to Turkestan, where you’ll be met and transferred to your hotel.

Day 3: Turkestan Town – Sauran Medieval Town

After breakfast, begin your private tour of Turkestan, one of Kazakhstan’s most important historic and spiritual centres. Visit the UNESCO-listed Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi, followed by the Hilvet Underground Mosque, associated with Yasawi’s later life and religious teachings. Later, visit a local craftsman’s workshop before spending time with a Kazakh family, where you’ll take part in a traditional tandyr-nan bread-making experience and enjoy dinner. You’ll also visit the ancient fortified site of Sauran, known for its imposing ruins and Silk Road history.

Day 4: Turkestan Town

Following breakfast, continue your exploration of Turkestan with a visit to Kumchik Ata Underground Mosque and the Uly Dala Eli Multimedia Museum, which presents the history and cultural heritage of the Great Steppe through interactive displays. After some free time, visit the Flying Theatre for an immersive journey through Kazakhstan’s landscapes and history, followed by time at Karavansaray, an entertainment and shopping complex styled as an ancient town. In the evening, watch the Kyz Zhibek and Tolegen Boats Show, a theatrical performance inspired by Kazakh epic poetry.

Day 5: Turkestan – Otrar – Akmeshit Cave

After breakfast, travel towards Shymkent, with sightseeing along the way. Visit the Mausoleum of Arystan Bab, a revered spiritual site, before continuing to the ruins of Otrar, once an important Silk Road settlement. After lunch, visit Akmeshit Cave, a striking natural cavern regarded by local communities as a sacred place. Sunlight pours through the opening above, illuminating the cave’s interior and giving it its name, meaning “white mosque”. Continue to Shymkent for your overnight stay.

Day 6: Shymkent Sightseeing

After breakfast, begin your Shymkent sightseeing tour with a visit to the Ethnographic Museum and Hilvet underground mosque. The museum’s collection reflects traditional Kazakh life, with musical instruments, clay household objects and craft displays, as well as the chance to hear instruments played and take part in a pottery masterclass. Later, visit Altyn Orda Art Gallery, created by the Beisbekov family to preserve and revive traditional Kazakh art forms. Here, you’ll see local craftsmanship and take part in a dry felt art masterclass.

Day 7: Shymkent – Almaty Sightseeing Tour

After an early breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Almaty. On arrival, begin your city tour with a visit to Green Bazaar, where you’ll sample local delicacies and see the city’s varied cultural influences at close quarters. Continue to the Park of 28 Panfilov Guardsmen, Ascension Cathedral, the Museum of National Musical Instruments and Republic Square. Later, enjoy a wine tasting at Arba Wine winery, with a guided introduction to Kazakh winemaking and selected pairings, before checking in to your hotel.

Day 8: Charyn National Park

After breakfast and check-out, leave Almaty and travel towards Charyn National Park. Visit the Valley of Castles, where wind and water have carved dramatic red rock formations into one of Kazakhstan’s most memorable landscapes. Enjoy a picnic near the Charyn River before continuing to Saty Village for a traditional home-cooked dinner and overnight stay.

Day 9: Kolsay and Kaindy Lakes

Following breakfast, visit Kaindy Lake, known for its submerged trees and mountain setting. After lunch in Saty Village, continue to Kolsay Lake and walk along its shores, taking in the calm alpine scenery. Later, return to Almaty for your overnight stay.

Day 10: Almaty – Nomad Ethno Centre

Begin with breakfast before heading to the Nomad Ethno Centre for a day focused on Kazakh nomadic traditions. You’ll be welcomed with local delicacies and the traditional shashu greeting before learning about Scythian-Saka burial mounds, nomadic war craft, horse archery, traditional weapons and the practice of hunting with eagles. Depending on preference, take part in a sword craft or archery masterclass, with horse riding also available. Lunch is served inside a traditional yurt, before returning to Almaty with time for Arbat Walking Street.

Day 11: Almaty – Departure

After breakfast, or with a packed breakfast depending on your flight time, check out and transfer to Almaty International Airport for your departure.

Our Price Includes:

• Accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis in twin or double rooms.
• Air-conditioned transportation throughout the programme.
• Local English-speaking guides in Astana, South Kazakhstan and Almaty.
• Sightseeing according to the programme.
• Entrance to museums and sites included in the programme.
• Food tasting at Green Bazaar.
• Visit to a traditional Kazakh family.
• Entertainment programme at the Nomad Ethno Centre.
• Visit to Altyn Orda Gallery with masterclass.
• Ecological fees at Charyn Canyon, Kolsay Lakes National Park and Kaindy Lake.
• 1 litre of water per person per day.

Our Price Excludes:

• International air tickets.
• Internal domestic flights, approximately £80 – £100 per person.
• Tips and gratuities.
• Single supplement.
• Alcoholic and soft beverages.
• Personal expenses.
• Photo and video charges.
• Any services not listed in the programme.