Escorted Tours 2020 & 2021 - 2nd Edition - Mercury Holidays

36 CENTRAL ASIA MEAL PLAN: 11 breakfasts, 10 lunches & 7 dinners ACCOMMODATION Nur-Sultan 2 nights 4 ★ Hotel Monaco, Astana Almaty 3 nights 4 ★ Novotel Almaty Karakol 2 nights 4 ★ Karagat Hotel or 4 ★ Amir Hotel Chon Kemin 1 night Ashu Guest house Bishkek 2 nights 4 ★ Plaza Hotel, Bishkek DAY 1: UK TO NUR-SULTAN Depart London on your scheduled overnight flight to Kazakhstan's capital city, previously known as Astana, now Nur-Sultan, via Istanbul. DAY 2: NUR-SULTAN B/L/D Upon arrival at the airport early this morning, you will be met by your local guide and transferred to your hotel. Enjoy a relaxing breakfast and morning before being taken on a walking tour of the city after lunch. Embark on a trip to the National Museum of the Republic of Kazakhstan and experience a full historical and cultural immersion from ancient to modern times. Replete with an incredible collection of artefacts across several themed halls and numerous interactive displays, there is much to discover at this magnificent museum. Be sure to check out the Golden Hall which houses thousands of Bronze Age ornaments, including the famed ‘Golden Man’ - a 3rd or 4th century warrior whose gold clad remains were uncovered in 1969 and remain the prevailing national symbol of Kazakhstan. After this, observe the awe-inspiring Nur Alem monument; an utterly breath- taking example of human ingenuity, this legacy of the ‘Future Energy’ Expo 2017 stands at an astonishing height of 80 meters and is the world’s largest spherical building. Tonight, enjoy a welcome dinner. DAY 3: NUR-SULTAN B/L Set off on a tour offering a new perspective on the city, including a visit to the majestic Palace of Peace and Accord - a 77-metre-high pyramid and one of Kazakhstan's most striking cultural landmarks. An imposing symbol of unity, it hosts delegates from all of the world's major religions in its circular chamber and houses a 1,300 seat opera house. From here, go on to the architectural brilliance that is the Baiterek Tower and ascend this iconic landmark for breath- taking panoramic views of the city, 90 meters up. Next, make your way to the mesmerising Khan Shatyr Entertainment Centre; with its fabulous neo-futurist design and huge variety of things to do under its tent, it is an urban paradise. Return to the hotel for a leisurely afternoon. DAY 4: NUR-SULTAN TO ALMATY B/L Take a flight to Almaty, the former capital and Kazakhstan's largest city. Once settled, the full splendour of the city will be revealed on an afternoon tour, including visits to the iconic Independence Square - the Soviet influenced old quarter, featuring the bright and quirky Ascension Cathedral, comprised entirely of wood without a single nail; Panfilov Park, named after the General who orchestrated the famous defence against the advancing German army during World War 2, and the enchanting Museum of Kazakh Musical Instruments. DAY 5: ALMATY B/L/D After breakfast, venture to the national park, Ile Alatau and set off on a scenic drive to the Medeo skating rink - nicknamed the ‘Factory of Records’ due to 138 world records having been set here. Continue your journey up the mountainside to the alpine resort of Shymbulak; at 2,260 meters above sea level, delight in a visual feast of incredible views. Today’s last stop is Kok Tobe, enjoy a cable car ride and admire magnificent panoramic view of the city. DAY 6: ALMATY B/L The final day in Almaty ends in spectacular fashion. After a morning at leisure, drive to the Tien, before returning to your hotel you will visit the only falcon farm in Kazakhstan ,where you will enjoy a spectacular show with specially trained hawks. Hunting with hawks is one of the unique features of the Kazakh way of life. DAY 7: ALMATY TO KARAKOL, KYRGYZSTAN B/L/D Today travel from Almaty to Karakol on the eastern tip of Kyrgyzstan with a stopover at the Charyn Canyon; dubbed the mini Grand Canyon, it is a fascinating contrast to the snow-peaked mountains of Almaty. Venture into “Valley of Castles” to see the canyon from the inside, before reaching the Charyn river and the eco-village with a complex of yurts and an open air cafés. Continue onward to Karakol, where you will have an evening at leisure. Journey from the enchanting natural beauty of the glacial mountain ranges of Almaty and Bishkek, to the magnificent desert canyons on the South of Issyk Kul Lake. Discover the intersection of the ancient and the modern in Nur-Sultan. Charyn Canyon, Kazakhstan KAZAKHSTAN & KYRGYZSTAN EXPLORER 12 days from £1,899pp TOUR HIGHLIGHTS ✔ Kazakhstan’s Capital Nur-Sultan ✔ Marvel at Medeo’s skating rink and venture to the alpine resort of Shymbulak ✔ Journey through the Tien Shan mountains to Almaty Lake ✔ Experience a spectacular Falcon show ✔ Charyn Canyon and the Eco village ✔ Wander the city of Karakol ✔ Visit the Ancient Petroglyphs of Cholpon-Ata ✔ Unwind at a guest house nestled in the lush mountains of Chon Kemin ✔ Enjoy a tour of Kyrgyzstan’s capital Bishkek, the gateway to Ala Archa National park PACE: To book or for further information visit your local travel agent or call us FREE on 0800 408 0556