Two Capitals of Kazakhstan

Travel to Kazakhstan: Astana and Almaty Cities Tour

During this short tour of Kazakhstan you will visit its both capitals - the current one Astana and the ‘southern capital’ Almaty.

You will begin your Kazakhstan tour by acquainting with Astana - the young administrative centre of the country which became the main city only in 1997 and since then has been growing at a phenomenal speed amid the harsh northern steppes of Kazakhstan. Bold futuristic architecture, broad avenues, a great variety of luxurious hotels, ultramodern museums and one of the world’s biggest trade centers, Khan-Shatyr - Astana has something to surprise even the most experienced traveller.

Alma-Ata, on the contrary, is located in the south of the country, surrounded by the ranges of the Tien Shan Mountains. This is Kazakhstan’s largest city, and its atmosphere and climate are very different from those in Astana: Almaty is rich in trees and historical monuments. Apart from architectural and cultural attractions in Almaty proper, you will visit Big Almaty Lake in the territory of the Ile-Alatau National Park, the largest high-altitude sports complex Medeu famous with its huge skating rink, the Chimbulak ski resort and Kok Tobe Park spreading over a hill with the same name.

Discover the two main cities and must-see travel destinations of Kazakhstan in one trip!

• Itinerary
  Services & Cost
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Tour Program:
Day 1.	Astana, arrival. Arrival in Astana. Meet at the airport and further transfer to the hotel for accommodation and rest. After breakfast start of the sightseeing tour in Astana. Visit the following sites: Independence Square, where all modern sites are located (Palace of Independence, Palace of Peace and Reconciliation, National Museum, Hazret Sultan mosque). After that proceed to visit another modern masterpiece and the symbol of Astana - the Baiterek Monument. 97-meters tower will be able to demonstrate its guests panoramic view of the city. In the evening visit the shopping center of Khan Shatyr - one of the new symbols of capital, the first and only lifestyle center of Astana. Return to the hotel. Rest and overnight.
Day 2.	Astana - Almaty (evening flight). Breakfast at the hotel. Meet the guide and driver. In the morning we make a day trip to Alzhir - Memorial Museum of Victims of Political Repressions, located in 45 km to the west from Astana. Return in Astana in the afternoon and visit Nur Alem center - the first scientific and hi-tech museum in Kazakhstan. In the evening transfer to the airport and further flight to Almaty. Transfer to the hotel on arrival, accommodation and rest.
Day 3.	Almaty city tour. Breakfast at the hotel. Meet the guide and start the sightseeing tour around the city (10:00-20:00). Visit the following sites: Park of 28 Panfilov soldiers; the Ascension Cathedral - Russian Orthodox wooden church that magically withstood a strong earthquake in XX century; museum of musical instruments. Further visit of another tourist site of Almaty - Green Bazaar (food tasting including). After lunch time continuation of the city tour: visit Ili Alatau mountains and the local National Park - main attraction of this place is Medeo skating rink, located at the height of 1,690 meters. Another attraction of the same place is Shymbulak - a popular mountain resort with high-level equipment and infrastructure. The last point of Almaty city tour will be Kok Tobe park, located at the height of 1100 meters on the green hill. From here it will be possible to take a ride on comfortable cable car and within 10 minutes admire the magnificent panoramic view of the city. Further transfer to the hotel in Almaty. Rest and overnight.
Day 4.	Almaty - Big Almaty Lake - Almaty (road transfer, 30 km in both directions). After breakfast transfer out of the city to visit a beautiful mountain reservoir in the Ili Alatau National Park, located on the altitude of 2511 meters, named Big Almaty Lake. En route we drive across the city’s main sites: the Railway Station, Abai Square and Palace Republic, Opera and ballet theatre, Astana Square, Sport Palace, Central Stadium, Kazakh Circus, Wedding Palace, Auezov Drama Theatre, Almaty Towers, and Nurlytau Business Center. Further transfer to the region of the lake after the sightseeing. Slight hiking in the surroundings on arrival. On the back to the city visit the complex of “Sunkar” (local falcon farm) and watch the demonstrative show there with participation of the birds. Further transfer to the hotel - en route visit the Park of the First President. Overnight in Almaty.
Day 5.	Almaty, departure. Transfer to the airport. Departure from Astana .

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Cost includes: Accommodation at the hotels of 3* / 4* / 5* (mentioned below, or in similar, but of the same category) in double/twin rooms with breakfasts, including early check-in at the hotel in Almaty on day 1 - check-in after 06:00. Check-in at other hotels - at 14:00; check-out - at 12:00; Entrance fees at museums and historical parks mentioned in the program, including ecological fees and cable car to Kok-Tobe Hill; Visit of Falcon farm and watching hunting birds show; English speaking local guides for city tours; Transportation services on comfortable air-conditioned vehicles (sedan cars or minibuses - depending on the number of tourists in a group); Mineral water for each day of the tour;

Cost does not include: International flights; Internal flight of Astana-Almaty destination - from 100-120 USD/per person (subject to change); Visa and visa invitation fee to Kazakhstan; Meals (except mentioned); Additional costs (upon request): Visa invitation to Kazakhstan - 65 USD/per person (if necessary); Supplement for meals on half board basis (4 lunches) - 65 USD/per person/for the whole tour; Supplement for meals on full board basis (4 lunches and 4 dinners) - 160 USD/per person/for the whole tour.

Hotels
We choose the most conveniently located and reputable hotels for our customers to stay at. The list of the hotels we offer is below. However, due to seasonal conditions and group size this list is subject to change.

The tour comes with the following accommodation:

City	Hotels 3*	Hotels 4*	Hotels 5*
Astana	Ibis Hotel 3* or similar	Kazzhol Hotel 4* or similar	Rixos Hotel 5* or similar
Almaty	Kazakhstan Hotel 3* or similar	Kazzhol Hotel 4* or similar	Rixos Hotel 5* or similar

Transportation
On this route will be used the following type of transport (depending on the number of people in a group):

"Toyota Camry" (up to 2 seats)	"Hyundai Grand Starex" (up to 6 seats)	"Mercedes-Benz Sprinter" (up to 14 seats)

Hyundai Grand Starex Hyundai Grand Starex Hyundai Grand Starex Hyundai Grand Starex Hyundai Grand Starex Hyundai Grand Starex Hyundai Grand Starex

 

Useful Information on Traveling in Kazakhstan

General Information. Climate in Kazakhstan. How to Dress in Kazakhstan. Cuisine in Kazakhstan. Cost of Food in Kazakhstan. Visa, Permits and Safety Recommendations. Clearing Customs in Kazakhstan.

Currency in Kazakhstan. Currency in Kazakhstan. Photographing in Kazakhstan. Souvenirs of Kazakhstan. National holidays in Kazakhstan. Telephone codes in Kazakhstan.

Photos of the tour:

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