Airport - Astana

Arrival in Astana. Meeting at the airport, transfer to the hotel. Rest. Dinner in local restaurant. Accommodation at the hotel. Meals: no

Astana sightseeing

Breakfast.

Astana, before called Tselinograd and the center of Chrutsjows “Virgin Lands Campaign”, has been the capital of Kazakhstan since 1997. That new status, and the moving of the political elite from Almaty to Astana, has since then led to an increase of the population from some 50,000 to over 550,000 within 15 years!

The city simply acts like a magnet for the unemployed from villages and towns in the neighborhood, and building on a grand scale is still taking place.

On the right bank of the river Yesil, which cuts the city in two, one can still find the old-styled houses and buildings. It is however on the left bank that the miracle of Astana is taking place. Today you visit and learn about the residence of President Nazarbaev called “Ak-Orda”, the building “Triumph of Astana”, the “Palace for Peace and Unity” – built after a design of Norman Foster – and the mosque “Nur-Astana”. Meals: breakfast

Astana sightseeing - Almaty

After breakfast you will continue your exploration of Astana. The first visit is to the open-air museum “Atameken”, where on 1.7 hectares many architectural and other Kazakhstani showpieces are built in miniature.

On to the tower “Astana-Baiterek” along a watergreen boulevard, which translates indeed into “tree of life”. You continue to another Astana masterpiece, the relaxation center “Khan Shatyr”, or “new city under a roof”.

After these excursions it’s time for a transfer to Almaty by evening flight. Arrive Almaty. Meet your local guide and transfer to hotel.

Meals: breakfast

Almaty sightseeing

Breakfast. Almaty sightseeing: visit: Panfilov Park, Zenkov Cathedral church, Memorial complex devoted to the World War Two and eternal flame. Continue sightseeing at green bazaar – a place where you can buy souvenirs, central Mosque, Republic Square with three main symbols of Kazakhstan and Obelisk devoted to the independence.

Lunch in restaurant.

Then back to Almaty to visit the top of Kok-Tobe hill (by cable car) where you can enjoy unforgettable panorama of Almaty from the observation desk. Accommodation at the hotel.

 Meals: breakfast

Almaty-Medeo-Almaty (50 km)

Breakfast. Drive to Medeo Gorge. Stop at the huge Medeo dam (1733m), from the top enjoy the view of the largest high mountain skating rink in the world – Medeo, surrounded by marvelous mountains of Trans-Ili Alatau. After visit Shymbulak ski resort and will take gondola to enjoy amazing view.

Back to Almaty for lunch.

Continue sightseeing. Visit President Park of 1st President, then drive to Mega Park Mall.

Accommodation at the hotel. Meals: breakfast

Almaty – Airport (20km 40 min)

Breakfast. Check out from hotel. Transfer to Airport. End of the tour. Meals: breakfast