Welcome to Almaty! Your adventure begins the moment you touch down at Almaty International Airport. After a comfortable transfer to the city, we'll check into our hotel where you can refresh and prepare for a great welcome dinner, your first delicious taste of Central Asia’s charm.

Full-day exploration of Almaty's diverse districts. You’re about to witness a truly unique blend of Soviet planning and Kazakh identity. To conclude the day, we're heading to one of Almaty’s most celebrated restaurants for a truly grandiose and memorable dinner.

We kick off our adventure in Kyrgyzstan, traversing Kazakhstan’s vast flatlands and crossing into the border town of Korday. After fueling up with a hearty lunch, we dive into Bishkek, where the bustling Osh Bazaar packed with local treats sets the scene for discovering the city’s unique charm. From hidden alleys to vibrant markets, Bishkek reveals itself as a blend of modern energy and centuries-old traditions.

Our journey through Kyrgyzstan continues with a scenic overland trip through the stunning Chuy Valley. Our first stop is Burana Tower, a captivating medieval relic standing proudly beside the evocative ruins of Balasagun, a city steeped in Silk Road history. We then savor a hearty meal before venturing to Chon Kemin, a region of unparalleled beauty famed for its alpine meadows and traditional farming communities. Here, we're joined by Kyrgyz herdsmen for a truly unforgettable horseback ride: an immersion into the rhythm of mountain life as we traverse unspoiled pastures.

After breakfast, we’ll head to the countryside to witness a game of Kok Boru (polo with a dead goat!). It’s Kyrgyzstan’s national sport, where teams compete in a crazy game of strategy and skill. We’ll then drive to the charming town of Balykchi perched at 1900m high, where we’ll enjoy a traditional Kyrgyz lunch. Then onto Ornok’s 4000 year old petroglyphs. We’ll spend the night in Cholpon Ata, a picturesque resort town nestled along the shores of Issyk-Kul, the world’s second-largest saline lake, known for its stunning alpine scenery and calm waters.

The day starts with a drive to Semenovskoe and Gregoryevskiy for breathtaking views of Kyrgyzstan’s nature. Along the way, we’ll stop at multiple viewpoints and take short walks. At lunch back in Cholpon Ata, where we’ll have a unique opportunity to experience being in traditional nomadic yurts. You’ll get a hands-on chance to make your own borsak, a beloved treat and a staple of nomadic life for centuries. After lunch, we’ll begin our journey back to Bishkek, with a stop at the dramatic Chu River Canyon.

We bid farewell to Kyrgyzstan with a delightful breakfast before catching our flight to Uzbekistan. Upon arrival in Tashkent, we’ll transfer to a new hotel and immediately dive into an exciting two-part exploration of the city! We're talking vibrant sights like the iconic Chorsu Bazaar, the historic Khast Imam complex, and many other grand locations. To truly experience Uzbekistan, we're wrapping the day with a beautiful dinner before returning to our hotel for a well-deserved rest.

Today, we embark on a 4-hour train journey to Bukhara, a city steeped in 2,400 years of history. After settling into our hotel, we begin ther first part of our discovery of this fascinating Silk Road hub, following in the footsteps of Genghis Khan and Alexander the Great. You’ll be amazed by the city’s ancient craftsmanship, intricate tilework, and winding, labyrinthine streets. Despite its tumultuous past, Bukhara exudes a quiet serenity—its roots remain very much alive, seamlessly connecting it to a bygone era of splendor and cultural richness.

The second part of our Bukhara exploration continues and includes a unique experience at a hammam in operation since the 14th century. Soak in its ancient steam baths and unwind with a massage, leaving you feeling revitalized and relaxed. Following lunch, we’ll take a high-speed train to Samarkand, a journey of just under two hours. Upon arrival, we’ll cap off the day with a delicious dinner at a local restaurant, savoring the bold flavors of Central Asian cuisine in one of the region’s most iconic cities.

Today is a major highlight as we explore Samarkand, the Silk Road’s crown jewel. Be captivated by the Registan’s shimmering turquoise domes, the gilded mausoleums of Gur-Emir and Shahi Zinda, and the bustling energy of Siab Bazaar, where the scent of spices and the hum of haggling create a tapestry of sensory delight. After a flavorful Uzbek lunch, we spend the afternoon capturing the city’s timeless essence, its intricate tilework, ancient alleys, and golden-hued light. In the afternoon, we take a high-speed train to Bishkek, arriving just in time to enjoy a final dinner in the Uzbek capital.

We say goodbye to Uzbekistan and take off for Almaty. Our final visit to the capital of Kazakhstan includes Kok Tobe, the city’s highest point which we’ll reach after a scenic cable car ride.

We’ll soak up the vibrant spirit of Almaty one last time with a stroll through the pretty Arbat district. Here, you can seek out those final souvenirs and last pictures. We share heartfelt goodbyes at Almaty airport and wish you a safe and relaxed journey home!