ALMATY & ASTANA GRAND TOUR Seagull Global

Two Capitals, One Country

Grand Tour Overview

Kazakhstan's two great cities could not feel more different. Almaty, the former capital, sits in the green folds of the Tian Shan foothills — tree-lined boulevards, mountain lakes and a relaxed Central Asian pace. Astana, the purpose-built capital on the northern steppe, is a showcase of 21st-century architecture, all glass, steel and bold civic symbolism. This grand tour gives you both in one trip.

Spend your first days wandering Almaty's cathedrals, bazaars and hillside viewpoints, with a day trip into the Tian Shan foothills to Big Almaty Lake. Then fly north to Astana for the Baiterek Tower, Khan Shatyr, the Hazrat Sultan Mosque and the National Museum — a complete picture of where Kazakhstan has been and where it's heading.

Zenkov Cathedral & Panfilov Park Big Almaty Lake Day Trip Baiterek Tower & Khan Shatyr Hazrat Sultan Mosque

2 Cities

Kazakhstan's Former & Current Capitals, One Seamless Trip

Your Route

Grand Tour Route

Almaty Arrival → Almaty City Tour → Big Almaty Lake → Fly to Astana → Astana City Tour → Departure

Almaty

Almaty City Tour

Big Almaty Lake

Fly to Astana

Astana City Tour

Departure

Almaty

The Mountain-Ringed Southern Capital

Big Almaty Lake

Alpine Waters in the Foothills

Baiterek Tower

Astana's Iconic Landmark

Khan Shatyr

The Transparent Tent of the Steppe

Day by Day

Your Itinerary

DAY 01

Almaty Arrival & City Orientation

01

Arrival in Almaty, airport pickup and transfer to your hotel
Afternoon walk through Panfilov Park and the wooden Zenkov Cathedral
Browse the Green Bazaar for local produce, spices and street food
Sunset cable car ride up Kok-Tobe hill for panoramic views over the city and foothills

DAY 02

Big Almaty Lake & Mountain Foothills

02

Morning drive up into the Tian Shan foothills, stopping at Medeu, the world's highest-altitude skating rink
Continue to Big Almaty Lake, a turquoise alpine lake at roughly 2,500m elevation
Optional cable car up to Shymbulak ski resort for further mountain views
Free evening back in Almaty; explore the Arbat pedestrian street and cafés

DAY 03

Fly to Astana & First Impressions

03

Morning domestic flight from Almaty to Astana (approx. 1h15)
Transfer to your hotel in the capital's futuristic Left Bank district
Ascend the Baiterek Tower for skyline views and the presidential handprint
Explore Khan Shatyr, the transparent tent-shaped shopping and entertainment complex

DAY 04

Astana Landmarks & Museums

04

Visit the Hazrat Sultan Mosque, Central Asia's largest, and admire its scale and detail
Tour the National Museum of Kazakhstan, including the famed Golden Man exhibit
Walk Nurzhol Boulevard past the Ak Orda Presidential Palace and the Palace of Peace and Reconciliation
Visit Nur Alem, the spherical pavilion from Astana's Expo, now a museum of future energy

DAY 05

Departure

05

Free morning at leisure, or optional souvenir shopping on Nurzhol Boulevard
Transfer to Astana International Airport for your onward or international flight

Package Includes

Domestic Flight Almaty → Astana
4 Nights Hotel Stay (2 Almaty, 2 Astana) with Breakfast
All Airport Transfers & Ground Transport in Both Cities
English-Speaking Guide in Almaty & Astana
Entrance Fees & Cable Car Tickets as Listed

Package Excludes

International Flights
Travel Insurance
Lunches & Dinners (Except Where Noted)
Tips & Personal Expenses
Alcoholic Beverages
Optional Charyn Canyon Day Excursion

Good to Know

Payment & Cancellation Policy

Tour Cost

USD 1,300 total group price for 02 Adults (USD 650 per person), covering the Almaty–Astana domestic flight, 4 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast, all transfers and ground transport, English-speaking guides in both cities, and listed entrance fees. Fitness level: easy — mostly city walking and sightseeing with light hillside stops. Bank transfers may incur extra charges.

Travel insurance should be arranged separately. Astana winters are extremely cold (below -20°C); April–October is more comfortable for sightseeing.

Cancellation Policy

30–20 days before departure25%
20–10 days before departure50%
10–5 days before departure75%
Less than 5 days / no-show100%

The Seagull Difference

Why Choose Seagull Global

Domestic Flight Handled

Almaty–Astana connection booked and timed around your sightseeing, no separate arrangements needed.

Well-Located Hotels

Centrally placed stays in both cities, close to the sights and easy to walk from.

24/7 Support

Round-the-clock assistance via phone, email and WhatsApp from our Negombo office.

Small Groups Only

Kept intentionally small so every guide and vehicle stays personal across both cities.

Visual Journey

Tour Gallery

Questions

Frequently Asked

Is the domestic flight included?

Yes, the Almaty–Astana domestic flight on Day 3 is included in the package price and booked as part of your itinerary; only your international flights to and from Kazakhstan are excluded.

Do I need a visa for Kazakhstan?

Requirements vary by nationality, and Kazakhstan offers visa-free entry to many countries for short stays. We recommend checking current requirements for your passport before booking, and can advise once we know your nationality.

When is the best time to visit?

April to June and September to October offer the most comfortable temperatures in both cities. Astana's winters are severely cold, while Almaty stays milder thanks to its mountain setting.

What is the cancellation policy?

Cancellations 30–20 days before departure incur 25% of the total cost, 20–10 days 50%, 10–5 days 75%, and less than 5 days or a no-show is charged at 100%. Bank transfers may carry additional charges.

How do I confirm my booking?

Fill out the booking form below or message us on WhatsApp. Our team will send a detailed quotation and confirm availability within hours.

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