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

CENTRAL ASIA 37 DAY 8: KARAKOL B/L/D Begin your Karakol city tour at the Dungan Mosque - a colourful century old wooden edifice in the Chinese Buddhist architectural style, yet built in the Kyrgyz traditional wood feathering style, instead of metal nail construction. Later, visit the striking Holy Trinity Orthodox Cathedral, before driving to Jety-Oguz canyon where you can enjoy a light hike through the magnificent canyon of red sandstone. Return to the hotel for dinner and an evening of leisure. DAY 9: KARAKOL TO CHON KEMIN B/L/D After breakfast, take a scenic drive to Chon Kemin valley along the North Shore of Issyk Kul Lake. En route, familiarize yourself with tremendous geographical feats at the Museum of Nikolai Przhevalsky. Next, visit Cholpon-Ata – an impressive site of ancient rock carvings, followed by a trip to the temple of the Scythian civilizations which existed from 900 B.C. until 400 A.D. Continue your journey to the lush mountains of Chon Kemin before arriving at your Guest House accommodation. DAY 10: CHON KEMIN TO BISHKEK B/L/D On the way to Bishkek, make a stop near Tokmak city to visit the striking ruins of the medieval city Balasagun and marvel at its famous Burana tower; formerly one of three capitals of the Karakhanid Empire, Balasogun was one of the most developed cities during the peak of the Great Silk Road era. After this, take a look at a collection of Balbals, Turkic ancient tombs before arriving at Bishkek to tonight's hotel. DAY 11: BISHKEK TO ALA ARCHA NATIONAL PARK B/L/D After breakfast, get to know the capital city on an exciting sightseeing tour. Visit Manas Monument - the main national hero of the Kyrgyz people. Next, sample the State History Museum and take a walking tour around main Ala Too Square to watch the ceremony of the changing of the Guard of Honor. Finish at the Old Square, containing the sole remaining Parliament House in Central Asia. After lunch, drive to the captivating Ala Archa National Park situated in the Tien Shan mountains. You will be in the alpine gorge through which the fast flowing Ala Archa River runs. The gorge is flanked by tall, snow-covered, peaks with steep-sided, forested, mountain slopes. In the National Park you can easily hike along the main gorge of Ala Archa and back to enjoy views of magnificent peaks of the Tien Shan. Finish with dinner at a local restaurant and enjoy a traditional folklore show, before returning back to your hotel. DAY 12: BISHKEK TO THE UK B After breakfast transfer to the airport for your return flight home via Istanbul or continue on your chosen extension. B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner FOR YOU TO KNOW: No visa is required when travelling to Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan, however travel insurance must be obtained before travel. Tips: We recommend you allow approximately 44 USD for the duration of your tour. Karakol Lake, Kyrgyzstan Bayterek Tower, Nur-Sultan Kazakh Eagle Hunter Cable Car in Chimbylak, Almaty SHYMKENT OTRAR & TURKISTAN MINI TOUR 5 nights 4 ★ B&B from £799 Immerse yourself in Central Asia's finest exhibition of vibrant Islamic architecture. TASHKENT 4 nights 4 ★ B&B from £669 A major stop on the famous Silk Road, Tashkent has a rich and interesting history ISTANBUL 3 nights 3 ★ B&B from £259 or 3 nights 4 ★ B&B from £349 Istanbul is a fascinating mixing pot of cultures, sounds and experiences. Visit our website to learn more about our extensions. EXTEND YOUR TOUR DEPARTURES & FROM PRICES 2022 DEPARTURES AT 2021 PRICES CONTACT US FOR DATES • Prices based on flights from London Heathrow to Kazakhstan with Turkish Airlines (via Istanbul) • Regional departures available • A single supplement starts from just £379 • Private Tour supplement from £899 VISIT TWO COUNTRIES IN ONE TOUR 04 May 21 £1,899 25 May 21 £2,049 06 Jul 21 £2,249 24 Aug 21 £2,249 07 Sep 21 £2,099 2 2 Nur-Sultan For full tour itineraries, please visit us online at www.mercuryholidays.co.uk/tours