Yulia - Travel Expert
- A rare itinerary between Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, from the Kazakh steppes to Samarkand.
- Two nights on board, on the Astana–Almaty and Almaty–Tashkent routes.
- A great balance between natural landscapes, major cities, and the Silk Road.
Astana
Flight to Astana on request.
Welcome at the airport and transfer to the hotel (early check-in and breakfast).
After some rest time, discover Astana. On the right bank of the Ishim, explore the historic centre: Constitution Square, the First President’s Museum, old merchant houses, and a stroll along the river.
Then head to the left bank, the modern city imagined by Kisho Kurokawa: National Museum, Hazret Sultan Mosque, the Peace and Accord Pyramid (panoramic view).
Walk along the Water Green Boulevard with the Nazarbayev Centre, the national concert hall, and the Khan Shatyr, before finishing with the Baiterek Tower and its view over the capital.
Overnight at the hotel (B&B)
Astana
Breakfast at the hotel, then depart for the Borovoe Natural Park (around 3h30 by road).
Nicknamed the “Kazakh Switzerland,” this region surprises with its striking contrast to the surrounding steppe: pine forests, sculpted rock formations, peaceful lakes, and granite mountains make for an unexpected backdrop. According to an old legend, a mythical camel is said to have transformed here into a winged tulpar to escape people.
Panoramic stops at Khan Asuy Pass, the Imanaevsky springs forming a small waterfall, then at the clearing of Abylai Khan at the foot of the Kokshetau Mountain. The guide shares stories and traditions connected to this region.
Around 15:00, return to Astana and transfer directly to the station. Overnight train departure to Almaty.
Overnight on board. (B&B)
Almaty
Arrive in Almaty in the early afternoon. Transfer to the hotel (rooms available after 14:00) and time to freshen up.
First glimpse of the former capital: stop at Medeu Dam, a protection structure against mudflows, then pass by Republic Square and the Independence Monument.
At the end of the day, drive to the nearby gorges to attend a falconry demonstration at the Sunkar Centre. Eagles, falcons, and vultures soar across the sky: an immersion in a powerful and moving age-old Kazakh tradition.
Overnight at the hotel.
Almaty
Breakfast, then a day trip to the Charyn, Moon and Black Canyon canyons.
Millions of years old, Charyn amazes with its vertical cliffs and mineral shapes reminiscent of natural fortresses. After about three hours of travel, take a walk in the “Valley of Castles”, among rock faces sculpted by wind and time.
Return to Almaty, passing by the station, greetings with the local team, then depart on an overnight train to Tashkent.
Overnight on board. (B&B)
Tachkent
Arrive in Tashkent in the early afternoon. Transfer to the hotel and check-in.
A two-millennia-old city that has become a major regional capital, Tashkent blends Islamic heritage, Soviet urban planning, and Uzbek modernity.
Discover Khast Imam Square, the city’s spiritual centre, followed by an exterior view of Kukeldash Madrasah (16th century). Pass by Chorsu Bazaar, the former caravan crossroads of the Silk Road: spices, dried fruits, traditional breads, and street specialties accompany the visit.
Panoramic tour including the earthquake memorial, Independence Square, Theatre Square, and Amir Temur Square. If time allows, take the metro, famous for its decorated stations.
Overnight at the hotel (B&B)
Samarcande
Breakfast, then depart by high-speed Afrosiab train to Samarkand.
Arrive in the middle of the morning. Check in at the hotel (rooms available after 14:00).
Major crossroads of the Silk Road, Samarkand has seen Alexander the Great pass through, the Arab armies, Genghis Khan, and then Tamerlane, leaving behind a culture shaped by Iranian, Mongol, Indian, and Eastern influences.
Visit Registan Square and its monumental madrasas, the Bibi-Khanum Mosque, then the Siab Bazaar. Discover the Shakhi-Zinda necropolis, a complex of mausoleums spanning from the 11th to the 19th century.
Overnight at the hotel (B&B)
Samarcande
Continue the exploration with the Gur-Emir Mausoleum, the resting place of Tamerlane and his descendants, the Afrosiab Museum and its 7th-century frescoes, then the Ulughbeg Observatory.
Visit a silk carpet workshop and discover the Meros centre, where artisans carry on the traditional craft of making Samarkand paper.
Overnight at the hotel (B&B)
Samarcande
Transfer to the international airport for your return flight. (B&B)
Additional overnight stay, return flight departing from Tashkent on request.
- Accommodation in 3* hotels in a double or twin room, breakfast included
- City tax
- Transfers between airports and stations;
- Astana / Almaty and Almaty / Tashkent train tickets (4-bunk compartment);
- High-speed train tickets from Tashkent / Samarkand (economy class)
- French-speaking local guides during visits in each city.
- Admission tickets to the sites mentioned on the itinerary;
- Environmental taxes in Kazakhstan;
- The travel journal in electronic version.
- International flights
- Photo and video rights;
- Personal expenses;
- Single room supplement ;
- 4* hotel supplement ;
- Private compartment on overnight trains: from €90 per person
- First-class supplement for the Tashkent / Samarkand journey: from €35 per person
- Tips for the guide, drivers, and porters at hotels, etc.
- A printed travel journal sent by post (+ €12)
