Escorted Tours 2023-2024

Baiterek Tower, Nur-Sultan Day 1: UK to Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan Depart the UK on your overnight flight to Nur-Sultan, via Istanbul. Day 2: Nur-Sultan B/L/D Upon arrival, you’ll be met and transferred to your hotel for a morning of leisure. After lunch, embark on a walking tour, starting at the National Museum of the Republic of Kazakhstan. Later, observe the Nur Alem monument, before enjoying a welcome dinner. Day 3: Nur-Sultan B/L Set off on a city tour, first visiting the majestic Palace of Peace and Accord. From here, go on to the Baiterek Tower, before visiting the Khan Shatyr Entertainment Centre. Day 4: Nur-Sultan to Almaty B/L Today, fly to Almaty and enjoy an afternoon tour, including visits to the iconic Independence Square, the Ascension Cathedral, Panfilov Park, and the enchanting Museum of Kazakh Musical Instruments. Day 5: Almaty B/L/D After breakfast, venture to the national park, Ile Alatau with a scenic drive to the Medeo skating rink. Continue up the mountainside to the alpine resort of Shymbulak, before lastly stopping at Kok Tobe and enjoying a scenic cable car ride. Day 6: Almaty B/L After a morning at leisure, visit the only falcon farm in Kazakhstan, and delight in a spectacular show with falcons and eagles. Day 7: Almaty to Karakol, Kyrgyzstan B/L/D Today, travel to Karakol on the eastern tip of Kyrgyzstan with a stopover at the Charyn Canyon. Venture into “Valley of Castles”, before reaching the Charyn river and the eco-village. Continue onward to Karakol for an evening of leisure. Day 8: Karakol B/L/D Begin your tour at the Dungan Mosque, then visit the striking Holy Trinity Orthodox Cathedral. Later, drive to Jety-Oguz canyon where you can enjoy a light hike, before 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, visit the Museum of Nikolai Przhevalsky. Next, visit Cholpon-Ata before, continuing your journey to the lush mountains of Chon Kemin. Day 10: Chon Kemin to Bishkek B/L/D On the way to Bishkek, make a stop near Tokmak city to visit the medieval city Balasagun and marvel at its famous Burana tower. After this, take a look at a collection of Balbals, Turkic ancient tombs. Day 11: Bishkek and Ala Archa National Park B/L/D After breakfast, embark on a city tour, visiting the Manas Monument and the State History Museum. After, take a walking tour around main Ala Too Square to watch 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 Ala Archa National Park situated in the Tien Shan mountains. Finish with dinner and a traditional folklore show, before returning to your hotel. Day 12: Bishkek to the UK B After breakfast, transfer for your return flight home via Istanbul, or continue on to your chosen extension. Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan Explorer Tour highlights ✔ Wander Bishkek, Karakol and Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan’s Capital ✔ Marvel at Medeo’s skating rink and venture to the alpine resort of Shymbulak ✔ Journey through the Tien Shan mountains to the stunning Almaty Lake ✔ Experience a spectacular Falcon show ✔ Visit the Ancient Petroglyphs of Cholpon-Ata 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. Meal plan: 11 breakfasts, 10 lunches and 7 dinners Accommodation: Nur-Sultan, 4 H Hilton Garden Inn Almaty, 4 H Novotel Almaty Karakol, 4 H Karagat Hotel Chon Kemin, 3 H Ashu Guest house Bishkek, 4 H Plaza Hotel Flights: London Heathrow to Kazakhstan, returning from Kyrgyzstan with Turkish Airlines (via Istanbul). Regional departures available from Manchester, Gatwick & Birmingham Tour pace: Intermediate Nur-Sultan Kazakhstan  Almaty Karakol Chom Kemin Bishkek Kyrgyzstan < <    Coach Air Nights 2 2 3 2 1 2 Departures & from prices 2 May 23 £2,699 30 Apr 24 £2,789 23 May 23 £2,749 21 May 24 £2,799 4 Jul 23 £2,699 2 Jul 24 £2,599 22 Aug 23 £2,589 20 Aug 24 £2,399 5 Sep 23 £2,299 3 Sep 24 £2,299 • Upgrade to a Private Tour from £949 • Tipping paid locally $44 P R I V A T E T O U R U P G R A D E S F R O M £949 No Single Supplement Rooms available with no single supplement. Once sold, single supplement starts from £449 Extend your tour Shymkent, Otrar & Turkistan Mini Tour, 5 nights, B&B from £929 Tashkent city stay, 4 nights, 4 H from £739 35 Hundreds more escorted tours are available on our website www.mercuryholidays.co.uk Central Asia