Kazakhstan: Where Europe and Asia Meet

Your adventure in global travel has begun as you head to Almaty, Kazakhstan. As your plane descends, look out your window to see lakes, valleys, and forests. A local guide will be waiting to greet you at the airport and transfer you to a local hotel. 

The afternoon is yours to explore. Take a dip in the hotel infinity pool, walk along the city streets, or discover a nearby nature path. In the evening, you’ll meet with your group and guides for authentic Kazakhstan cuisine — an excellent opportunity to ask questions about your upcoming schedule! 

Almaty is a colorful place where culture and history are rich and diverse in this bustling city. It’s the perfect location to learn about the humanities.  As you explore Almaty today, notice the unique interaction of European life and Asian traditions. During the tour, you will visit the city center and its business district,  Panfilov Park, Central National Museum, Green Market, Kok-Tobe hill, and Republic Square. Stop to listen to street music or watch street art. Amid all of your explorations, enjoy a relaxing lunch at a local restaurant. For the final leg of the tour, you will reach the highest altitude of the city to enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding area.

Saddle up for an adventure and cultural day. You’ll start at the equestrian club in the Alatau mountains. Enjoy traditional tea and desserts as your horse is prepared. Enjoy a horseback riding trek through the spectacular Butakovsky Gorge. Breathe in the fresh mountain air and soak up the views of the mountainous landscape. You’ll likely spot apple orchards, mountain ash, aspens, spruces, and barberry. Following this, you will head to a nearby village via shuttle where you will be welcomed into the home of a local to share a traditional meal. 

You’ll start the day driving to Tamgaly gorge. On the way, look out your window to see horsemen, poppy fields, and grazing camels. When you arrive at the Tamgaly site, view six petroglyphic galleries with more than 4000 rock carvings. A guide will educate you on Kazakhstan’s past culture as you see ancient stone artwork. Halfway through the walk, you will stop by a gorge to enjoy a picnic lunch before continuing. Be sure to ask how the history of Kazakhstan’s people has influenced their present citizens. 

Today you will plunge into the traditional lives of Kazakh people and immerse yourself into their nomadic lifestyle. These individuals much honor the traditions and customs of their ancestors as you learned about yesterday. A principal value of the Kazakh society is hospitality. Enjoy learning their national traditions, playing their national games, and touring their homes. Next, you will engage in a cooking class to learn how to make traditional Kazakh cakes. Yum, what a delicious lunch! Your day will be completed with a fire dance with the village locals. 

You’re off to the dock to board a riverboat. Depart from land as your captain steers through the current, and enjoy four hours of snacking, shows, and sightseeing. Listen to traditional Kazakhstan music as belly dancers perform. Enjoy an unlimited buffet of rice, chicken, beef, salads, pasta, and fish. Finally, climb to the very top of the ship for open-air views of the shoreline and capital city.  

It’s been an exhilarating and busy week in Kazakhstan, but the time has come to say goodbye. Enjoy one final breakfast with your group and guides. Converse about your favorite memories and what you learned. Next, head to the airport for your departure flight home.