Holidays
in Central Asia - Tour Itineraries
An
11 day extensive tour of Kazakhstan from £POA per person The
Republic of Kazakhstan is the economic powerhouse of Central Asia, steaming ahead
after the difficult transition years after the break up of the Soviet Union. With
most tourists to the region focusing on Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan however, the
country is sadly often overlooked by visitors. Those who visit however will find
it a fascinating nation, which due to its strong ties and history with Russia,
and a considerable Russian population, has a far more European culture than its
Southern neighbours. Starting in Almaty, the cosmopolitan
and attractive former capital, visit the Zailiysky Mountains before beginning
a 6 day journey to Astana, via Shymkent, Turkestan, the Aksu-Dzhabagly National
Park and Taraz. Astana, the new capital of Kazakhstan marks the end of the journey,
and from here return to Almaty by the express overnight train. On returning enjoy
one further excursion before spending the last day free in Almaty, the "city
of Apples."
| Suggested Itinerary
in Kazakhstan | | Day 1 | This
evening depart London Heathrow on the flight to Almaty
with Air Astana, the only direct non-stop carrier to Almaty flying from the UK. |
| Day 2 | On arriving in Almaty,
the former capital of Kazakhstan, at just after 1000 you will be met by a driver
who will transfer you to the city centre and your room at the excellently located
Hotel Otrar. In the afternoon enjoy a guided tour of Almaty, including Zenkov
Cathedral, Glory Memorial, Central Mosque, Republic Square, Monument of Independence,
the Historical Museum and the Museum of Musical Instruments. | | Day
3 | Today enjoy an excursion for the city to the mountains,
first visiting the Medeo Ice Skating Ring. After enjoying lunch in the Kazak Aul
restaurant drive higher into the mountains to the 2200m Chymbulak Ski resort.
From here we can take a chair lift up the mountain and enjoy walking in the area
before returning to Almaty and the train station for the 1800 overnight train
to Shymkent. | | Day
4 | At 0900 you will arrive in Shymkent,
administrative centre of South-Kazakhstan. After breakfast we will depart Shymkent
and make the 160km journey to Turkestan, ancient
residence of the Kazakh Khans. Here visit the Mausoleum of Khoja Akhmed Yassavi.
From here we will then make an excursion to Otrar, the ruins of the settlement
which has great significance in the history of the Mongol Empire. |
| Day 5 | Today make the transfer from
Turkestan to Aksu-Dzhabagly
National Park. | | Day 6 |
Today enjoy a full day excursion of the Aksu-Canyon. |
| Day 7 | This morning transfer 100km
to Taraz, visiting the UNESCO protected Aisha-Bib
and Babadju Khatun Mausoleum en-route. On arrival in Taraz enjoy a city tour before
flying to Astana, where upon arrival you will be
transferred to your hotel. | | Day
8 | Today enjoy a city tour of the new capital of Kazakhstan, Astana.
In the evening you will transfer to the train station and board the 1900 night
train to Almaty. | | Day
9 | Upon arriving in Almaty at 0830 you
will be met at the railway station and transferred to the Hotel Otrar, where you
will stay for the next two nights. After a quick chance to freshen up depart Almaty
for a day excursion to Issyk Lake. |
| Day 10 | Today, your last full day in Kazakhstan
will be spent free in Almaty, arguably the most cosmopolitan
of central-Asia's cities. | | Day 11 | Today
enjoy a leisurely morning before transferring to the airport and boarding the
1405 Air Astana flight to Heathrow, which arrives in London at 1650. |
|
Prices | | Price
per person twin-share | £POA |
| Price per sole traveller
| £POA |
| Included in Cost
of Itinerary | | · Return flights
in economy class with Air Astana direct | | ·
All airport taxes and security surcharges | | ·
Accommodation in three-star hotels and guesthouses with breakfast |
| · Lunch on day 3 and full board on day 6 |
| · All transfers | | ·
Internal one-way flight ticket: Taraz to Astana | | ·
Train tickets in 1st class 2-berth compartment, Almaty to Shymkent and Astana
to Almaty | | · Sightseeing with English speaking
guide | | · Entrance fees on sightseeing tours |
| Not Included in
Cost of Itinerary | | Kazak
visa | | | | Please ask for details
| | Meals/services other
than those specified | own expense |
| Bookings |
| To make a booking, please take a moment to read through our
booking conditions. Then complete, sign and return our booking form with a deposit
of £100 per person. | | This itinerary and quotation
is only a suggestion. Please let us know if any changes made to this itinerary. |
| ITINERARIES MAY BE SUBJECT TO CHANGE
AT SHORT NOTICE DUE TO LOCAL CONDITIONS | | Please
note that all prices shown are subject to availability at time of booking. |
Should
you wish to inquire about any of this itinerary or require more information about
tailor-making a tour to Kazakhstan - please contact our specialist: Carl@regent-holidays.co.uk |
