Day 1: Almaty Arrival
• Airport Welcome: Meet your professional driver at Almaty airport for a smooth, private transfer to your hotel. Relax and refresh for the journey ahead.
Day 2: Almaty City & Alpine Wonders
• Republic Square & Independence Monument: Witness the modern political heart of Kazakhstan.
• Park of 28 Panfilov Guardsmen: Immerse yourself in history at this lush park featuring the colorful wooden Zenkov Cathedral.
• Medeo & Shymbulak: Experience the thrill of ascending to 3,200 meters via cable car to enjoy the crisp mountain air and panoramic Zailiyskiy Alatau views.
Day 3: Charyn Canyon Exploration
• The Valley of Castles: Discover the 12-million-year-old canyon. Experience the awe-inspiring vertical cliffs and wind-sculpted rock formations that mimic ancient fortress walls.
• Scenic Nature Walk: Enjoy a guided walk through the maze of the canyon followed by a traditional lunch in a local cafe.
Day 4: Issyk Gorge & The Golden Man
• ISSYK Museum-Reserve: Uncover ancient history with a visit to the Saka burial mounds and the famous "Golden Man" exhibit.
• Lake Issyk: Revel in the turquoise beauty of this mountain lake, nestled 1,756 meters above sea level, and learn about the region’s dramatic natural history.
Day 5: Almaty – Tashkent
• Historical Almaty: Revisit the old city parts, including the Museum of Folk Musical Instruments and the Memorial of Glory.
• Flight to Tashkent: Cross the border into Uzbekistan for an evening arrival and check-in at your hotel in the capital.
Day 6: Tashkent – Bukhara (Train)
• Citadel Ark & Samanids Mausoleum: Explore the 4th-century palace-fortress and the jewel of 9th-century architecture.
• Poi Kalon Complex: Witness the iconic Kalon Minaret, a survivor of the Mongol era, and the spiritual heart of the city.
Day 7: Bukhara Environs
• Bahauddin Naqshbandi Complex: Visit one of Islam's most sacred pilgrimage sites.
• Sitorai Mohi Hosa: Wander through the "Star-like and Moon-like" summer residence of the last Emirs of Bukhara.
• Chor Bakr Necropolis: Experience the somber elegance of the "Town of the Dead."
Day 8: Bukhara – Gijduvan – Samarkand
• Gijduvan Pottery Workshop: Experience a hands-on visit to a sixth-generation family workshop, learning the secrets of traditional ceramic geometric patterns.
• Drive to Samarkand: Travel the ancient trade routes to reach the legendary capital of Tamerlane’s empire.
Day 9: The Heart of Samarkand
• Registan Square: Stand in the center of the world's most famous Islamic architectural ensemble.
• Shakhi-Zindeh Necropolis: Walk the "Path of the Living King" through stunning blue-tiled mausoleums.
• Local Broadway: Soak in the evening atmosphere of souvenir shops, teahouses, and workshops.
Day 10: Samarkand – Tashkent (Train)
• Ulughbek Observatory: Discover the medieval scientific genius of Central Asia.
• Siab Oriental Bazaar: Engage your senses at a traditional bazaar filled with Uzbek sweets and spices.
• Carpet Factory: Watch master weavers create intricate silk carpets using traditional hand-knotting techniques.
Day 11: Tashkent Sightseeing & Departure
• Independence Square & Tashkent Metro: Ride one of the world's most beautiful subways and explore the city's grandest squares.
• Old City & Hast Imam: View the 8th-century Othman Quran, the oldest in the world, before your final airport transfer.
Hotel:
• Tashkent: Hyatt
• Bukhara: Wyndham
• Samarkand: Hilton Garden Inn
• Almaty: Rixos
