Day 1 – Arrival in Astana (Nur-Sultan) & Architectural Wonders

• Arrive at Nur-Sultan International Airport and transfer to your hotel

• Afternoon walking tour of Astana’s futuristic landmarks: Bayterek Tower, Palace of Peace and Reconciliation, and the sleek Khan Shatyr tent mall

• Visit the National Museum of Kazakhstan to understand the country’s deep history and nomadic heritage

• Evening stroll along the Ishim River embankment

• Overnight in Nur-Sultan

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Day 2 – Soviet Echoes & Local Culture in Astana

• Visit President’s Residence (Ak Orda) from outside and the dramatic Hazrat Sultan Mosque, one of Central Asia’s largest

• Explore lesser-known Soviet-era neighborhoods and the abandoned Kazakhstan Pavilion from Expo 2017

• Optional visit to a local bazaar for traditional crafts and snacks

• Evening at leisure or enjoy a cultural performance at the Kazakhstan Opera House

• Overnight in Nur-Sultan

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Day 3 – Transfer to Almaty & Mountain Introduction

• Morning flight or scenic 1.5-hour drive to Almaty, Kazakhstan’s cultural capital

• Afternoon visit to Kok Tobe Hill for panoramic city views and the unusual Giant Apple Statue, a symbol of Almaty’s fruit-growing history

• Explore the Soviet-era architecture of the city center, including the former Lenin Square

• Dinner at a traditional Kazakh restaurant featuring beshbarmak or kuyrdak

• Overnight in Almaty

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Day 4 – Tian Shan Mountains & Nature Escape

• Day trip to the Medeu Ice Skating Rink and Shymbulak Ski Resort area, set in breathtaking mountain valleys

• Short hikes through alpine meadows, spotting eagles and wildflowers native to the Tian Shan range

• Visit the nearby Big Almaty Lake, a stunning turquoise reservoir nestled among rugged peaks

• Return to Almaty for final evening or transfer to airport for departure

• End of tour