Kyrgyzstan & Uzbekistan & Kazakhstan Tour Departing from Antalya

TIME ZONE

Throughout our tour, in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, which we will visit, there is a difference of +2 hours, and in Kyrgyzstan +3 hours compared to Türkiye time. For example, when it is 12:00 in Türkiye, it will be 14:00 in Almaty, Tashkent, Bukhara and Samarkand, and 15:00 in Bishkek.

FOOD CULTURE

Uzbek cuisine; has been shaped by the influence of Silk Road culture and stands out with its traditional flavors centered around meat and dough-based dishes. While rice, lamb, vegetables and spices form the foundation of the cuisine, dishes are generally hearty and focused on sharing. Plov (Pilaf), Manti, Lagman and Samsa are among the best-known dishes of Uzbek cuisine.

Kazakh cuisine; stands out with its meat- and dairy-based structure, bearing the traces of nomadic Turkish culture. While horse and mutton have an important place in traditional cuisine, pastries and fermented dairy products are widely consumed. Beshbarmak, Kazy (horse sausage), Baursak and Kumis are among the principal flavors representing Kazakh cuisine.
Kyrgyz cuisine is especially famous for its handmade dough dumplings, Lagman, the famous noodle dish of Central Asia, and Beshbarmak, the country's traditional dish, and we recommend that you try them. Dried fruits, honey and nuts are also of very high quality and reasonably priced.

ABOUT THE TRAIN JOURNEY

*During the intermediate journeys we will take on Uzbekistan's famous Afrosiyob high-speed train, departure time changes may occur, and this situation is entirely under the control and decision of the local authorities and the National Railways administration. The local administration has the authority to impose restrictions regarding its operations and schedules or the use of the train.

ELECTRICAL OUTLETS

The electrical outlets used in Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan are generally compatible with those in Türkiye. However, since different types of outlets may be encountered in some older facilities, it is recommended that you carry a plug converter (adapter) so that you can use your electronic devices without any problems.

SHOPPING
*There are shopping opportunities in shopping centers located in city centers, small stalls selling souvenirs and traditional markets.

TOURS and ACTIVITIES

*All City and Cultural Tours stated in the program are included in the price.
*The Agency reserves the right to change the tour route when deemed necessary, provided that the content remains the same.
*Excursions or tours that are not permitted to be visited or attended for any reason by local authorities or due to other reasons will not be carried out. The Agency cannot be held responsible for the inability to carry out these excursions or tours.

ACCOMMODATION
*During periods such as fairs, congresses, concerts, events, sports tournaments, etc., hotels may be used at distances exceeding the specified kilometers.

*Triple rooms may be provided depending on hotel availability, and the bed provided for the 3rd person in such rooms may be smaller than standard beds. Triple rooms consist of 1 large bed and 1 additional bed. Since additional beds consist of beds referred to as folding beds and coach beds, participants are deemed to have declared that they accept the possible crowding in the rooms and the bed type in reservations for the 3rd person and/or children.

*Child discounts are valid for children staying with 2 adults and belonging to the age group specified in the pricing section.

*Breakfasts taken at the hotel among the services included in the tour program are served in accordance with the breakfast culture of the country visited.

*Our agency reserves the right to change the names of the hotels, provided that their category remains the same, due to possible problems and technical issues reported to us by the hotel management.

CLOTHING and ESSENTIAL ITEMS

For the Autumn and Winter Period:
We recommend choosing clothing that will allow you to move comfortably during the autumn and winter months while also keeping you warm. In case weather conditions may vary, it will be useful to carry layered clothing, a light raincoat and an umbrella. We also recommend that you bring comfortable walking shoes, personal care products, a camera, a video camera, chargers for these devices, spare memory cards and portable chargers.

ABOUT AIR TICKETS and FLIGHTS
*Before the tour date, flight times and the reservation number information for the air tickets are shared by our agency. Since this is a group reservation, even without your ticket, you can complete your baggage and customs procedures at the specified time and counter with only your passport. Our check-in procedures are carried out by our agency.

*During registration, the name appearing on the passport, date of birth, passport number and identification number must be entered into the system. Air tickets are issued according to this information. No-show fees arising from the cancellation or changes of air tickets due to incorrect information will be charged to the guests.

*Our agency is not responsible for any losses arising from payments made to hotels and airlines in cases where you are unable to participate because you arrive late for the flight or are unable to catch the flight due to reasons related to your own circumstances.

*Our agency is an intermediary institution between the airline and the passenger and is subject to the Hague Protocol of 28.09.1955. There may be a risk of delays on scheduled and charter flights, or times may change before the existing tour and flight. Routes may change depending on the city where the plane will land. All times must be confirmed 48 hours before the departure dates. Our agency is obliged to notify you of these changes as soon as possible. Our passengers purchased the tour knowing and accepting that flight details may change.

*Children between 0-2 years of age do not pay airport taxes and airport service fees.

FLIGHT DURATIONS

Antalya ✈︎ Izmir ⏱︎ 1 hr 5 min
Izmir ✈︎ Almaty ⏱︎ 6 hr 20 min
Samarkand ✈︎ Izmir ⏱︎ 5 hr 25 min
Izmir ✈︎ Antalya ⏱︎ 1 hr 5 min

TRANSPORTATION and LOCAL TRANSPORTATION SERVICES
*Seat belts must be fastened during the journey. Passengers between 0-4 years of age are required to bring a “child car seat.” Our agency cannot be held responsible for traffic fines or sanctions imposed in case of failure to comply with the rules.

*All vehicles provided by local vehicle service providers for transportation and transfer services are inspected in accordance with the rules and conditions of Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan. Vehicles that pass inspection provide service as long as they are comfortable and flawless, regardless of their model or age.

*Including the tours specified in the program, our Agency is not responsible for the inability to carry out the tours in question in cases where local authorities do not permit visiting or entering a place at the relevant day and time, or where the tour becomes impossible due to roads being closed because of an event or due to weather conditions. Some tours may be carried out by public transportation or on foot, within the available possibilities, at locations with closed roads or where vehicle access is not permitted.

*During your journey, seat numbers are assigned and fixed according to the order of reservation. Even if the assigned seat numbers are the same in the numbering system, their direction, location or position may differ. Seating is arranged in accordance with the vehicle conditions of the country concerned.

ABOUT TRAIN JOURNEYS

LOST ITEMS, OFFICIAL DOCUMENTS, PASSPORT and IDENTITY DOCUMENT LOSSES
*When leaving the hotels where you stay during your journey, please make sure that you have taken all your belongings. In cases where forgotten belongings are found, the expenses incurred in delivering them to the country and/or person are borne by the owner of the belongings.

*In the event that your passport is lost or stolen, you should be aware that the Agency representative/guide must continue the Tour Program as undertaken by the agency for the other traveling guests; therefore, they will act on their own responsibility in all arrangements related to passport procedures, return or joining the tour in the country where the loss/theft occurred. Our Agency accepts no responsibility for any difficulties or problems that may arise in this regard.

*The Agency is not responsible for items forgotten, lost or stolen during the tour

HEALTH
*We do not expect you to encounter any health-threatening problems in meals taken at good restaurants and hotels in the region. Nevertheless, we recommend that you be careful about eating and drinking when you are not with the group, consume only bottled water, avoid ice, milk and dairy products, consume meat and fish products that you are sure are well-cooked, and choose fruits such as bananas and pineapples that can be peeled.

*We strongly recommend that you obtain reports and invoices from the healthcare units where you receive treatment for any health problems or injuries that may occur due to reasons beyond your control. This will be beneficial if you need them for insurance procedures.

PAYMENT METHOD
*You can make your payments through the banks clearly specified on our website, and when deemed necessary, you can also make them with your Credit Card.

*In the event of cancellation-refund, payments are refunded in the same currency and amounts in which they were made during tour registration.

What's included

SunExpress ANTALYA-İZMİR-ALMATY/SAMARKAND-İZMİR-ANTALYA flight tickets, airport taxes and check-in fees
KYRGYZSTAN-UZBEKISTAN international flight tickets and taxes
All transfers and all city and cultural tours by air-conditioned private vehicles
Entrance fees to museums, archaeological sites and national parks included in the program
Famous AFROSIYOB high-speed train tickets between Tashkent-Bukhara and Bukhara-Samarkand
Breakfast after arrival at the airport on the first day
7 breakfasts, 1 lunch and 7 dinners
7 nights' accommodation in select 4-star hotels
Visit to Magic City Amusement Park
Visit to Tashkent Mall City shopping center and illuminated water shows
Free time for shopping at Kazakhstan’s “Green” Bazaar, Kyrgyzstan’s “Osh” Bazaar and Uzbekistan’s “Siyob” Bazaar
Tour of traditional Kazakh yurts and equestrian shows, including lunch
Kyrgyzstan Night with dinner accompanied by traditional music and folk dances
Uzbekistan Night with dinner accompanied by traditional music and folk dances
All accommodation tourist taxes
All city entrance fees and customs duties
All highway and parking fees
Turkish-speaking guide and local guide services + agency representative accompaniment

Not included

Overseas departure tax fee (Guests can obtain it via the Mobile APP, relevant banks and GİB.)
All lunches other than the specified 1 lunch, beverages consumed with meals, and all kinds of hotel extras
Entrance fees to museums, archaeological sites and national parks that guests may wish to visit outside the program at their own request

Tour Program

Antalya - Izmir – Almaty

We meet at Antalya Airport in the morning. After completing our check-in and baggage procedures, we depart for Izmir on a SunExpress flight. Following our approximately one-hour journey, we arrive at Adnan Menderes Airport and collect our baggage. After meeting in the evening at the International Terminal of Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport, we begin our unforgettable journey to Almaty, the former capital and largest city of Kazakhstan, one of the most important stops along the Silk Road throughout history and the heart of the Turkic world, on a scheduled direct SunExpress flight.

Almaty

After our arrival in the early morning, we complete passport control, customs, and baggage procedures, then meet our guide and private vehicle waiting for us at Almaty International Airport and begin the day with a delightful breakfast. (Included.) Following breakfast, we head to the Huns Ethnographic Village, where we will gain an insight into the deep-rooted nomadic culture of Central Asia. Located at the foothills of the Tian Shan Mountains, this unique cultural center offers us the opportunity to closely experience the lifestyle, traditions, and daily life of the Turkic communities that ruled the steppes for centuries. Accompanied by traditional yurts, handicrafts, folk music, and presentations about nomadic culture, we embark on a pleasant journey into the past and enjoy the pristine natural surroundings. During our program, we watch traditional Kazakh equestrian performances and folk dances, while learning about the important role horses have played throughout Turkic history. This way of life, shaped across the vast plains of Central Asia, remains an integral part of the cultural identity of the Kazakh people even today. At noon, we have the opportunity to taste the finest flavors of Kazakh cuisine during our local lunch served in traditional yurts. After lunch, we return to Almaty city center and ascend Kok-Tobe Hill, one of the city’s most important landmarks. From this unique viewpoint, located approximately 1,100 meters above sea level, we admire the wide boulevards and skyscrapers of modern Almaty on one side and the magnificent silhouette of the Tian Shan Mountains, covered with snow for most of the year, on the other. During our free time at Kok-Tobe, considered one of the city’s finest photography spots, we enjoy the breathtaking views and have the opportunity to capture unforgettable moments. We then proceed to a special demonstration area where we will become acquainted with the ancient Central Asian tradition of falconry. During this centuries-old tradition practiced in the Kazakh steppes, we watch performances featuring trained eagles and falcons and learn about one of the most impressive legacies of nomadic Turkic culture. Following our sightseeing tour, we transfer to our hotel and settle into our rooms. Free time is provided for you to rest after the long overnight flight. In the evening, we enjoy dinner at a local restaurant, where we have the opportunity to taste the finest flavors of Kazakh cuisine. After dinner, we return to our hotel and spend the night at our hotel in Almaty. *Breakfast will be served at our hotel after airport pickup, and dinner will be served at a local restaurant. Included in the price! *Lunch will be served in traditional Kazakh yurts during the excursion. Included in the price!*

Almaty – Bishkek

After having breakfast at our hotel, we set out to explore Almaty city center. Our first stop is Panfilov Park, one of the city’s most important green spaces. Named after the Panfilov soldiers who went down in history for their heroism during World War II, this park is one of Almaty’s landmarks, reflecting both its historical importance and the city’s peaceful atmosphere. Located within the park, the Ascension Cathedral (Zenkov Cathedral), considered one of Almaty’s most remarkable buildings, is our next stop. Although built entirely of wood, this impressive structure has managed to survive to the present day and is regarded as one of the tallest wooden cathedrals in the world. With its colorful architecture and elegant details, the cathedral is among the most photographed buildings in Almaty. Continuing our city tour, we visit the Green Bazaar, where we can closely observe daily life and local culture in Kazakhstan. As we stroll among the stalls filled with fresh fruits, nuts, spices, local products, and traditional Kazakh delicacies, we witness the vibrant life of the region. Guests who wish may shop here and sample local products. After enjoying our time at the Green Bazaar, we begin our journey to Kyrgyzstan. During our pleasant drive across the Kazakh steppes, we have the opportunity to admire the vast plains of Central Asia and the impressive scenery of the Tian Shan Mountains. After approximately four hours of travel, including breaks along the way, we arrive at the Korday Border Crossing, one of the most important crossing points between Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan. Following the completion of our passport and customs procedures, we enter Kyrgyzstan, a land of steppes, highland pastures, and epic tales, where nomadic Turkic culture is still very much alive under the shadow of the Tian Shan Mountains, and continue our journey toward the country’s capital, Bishkek. After arriving in the capital in the late afternoon, we check in to our hotel. At the designated time, we meet our guide in the hotel lobby and head to a restaurant for a traditional dinner accompanied by music and local dances. Following an enjoyable evening during which we sample the unique flavors of Kyrgyz traditional cuisine and watch traditional dance performances, we return to our hotel for an overnight stay in Bishkek. *Breakfast will be served at our hotel, and dinner will be served at a local restaurant. Included in the price! *Lunch will be taken independently during the journey and is not included in the price.*

Bishkek – Tashkent

After breakfast at our hotel, we begin our city tour. Our first stop is Ala-Too Square, regarded as the heart of Kyrgyzstan. This expansive square, which has witnessed the country’s development since independence, is one of the capital’s most important gathering points, with its government buildings and monuments. During our walk around the square, we see the magnificent Manas Statue, built in honor of Manas, the national hero of the Kyrgyz people and the main character of the Epic of Manas, considered one of the world’s longest epic poems. Manas, one of the important symbols of the common cultural heritage of the Turkic world, holds a very special place in the history and identity of the Kyrgyz people. Continuing our city tour, we see the National Philharmonic Building, which draws attention with its impressive architecture bearing the traces of the Soviet era, as well as the monumental structures surrounding it. We then continue our walking tour in Oak Park, one of the city’s oldest and most pleasant parks. Following our sightseeing, we transfer to our hotel and check into our rooms. After a journey lasting an entire day, we have free time to rest. After our free time, we visit Victory Square, built in memory of the Kyrgyz soldiers who lost their lives during World War II. Following a photo break at this important square, which sheds light on Kyrgyzstan’s recent history, we head to Osh Bazaar, one of the liveliest and most colorful spots in the city. During our visit to Osh Bazaar, one of the places that best reflects daily life in Bishkek, we have the opportunity to see and shop at stalls filled with spices, dried fruits and nuts, traditional handicrafts, local clothing, and regional delicacies, gain a closer understanding of Kyrgyz culture, and purchase souvenirs for our loved ones. Reuniting afterward, we take Uzbekistan Airways flight HY778 to Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan. Upon arrival in Tashkent, we transfer to our hotel in the vehicle waiting for us, check in, and have dinner at the restaurant reserved in advance for us. *Breakfast will be served at our hotel, and dinner will be served at a local restaurant. Included in the price! *Lunch will be taken independently during the excursion and is not included in the price.*

Full-Day Tashkent

After breakfast, we begin our Tashkent city tour. We start exploring the Hazrat Imam Complex, which includes the Barak Khan Madrasah, the Kaffal Shashi Mausoleum, the Tilla Sheikh Mosque, and the Hast-i Imam Mosque. We listen to our guide’s explanations as we visit these famous structures, renowned for their architectural features and tiled domes, and see the 7th-century Quran written in Kufic script, which is believed to have been read by Caliph Uthman at the time of his martyrdom. After visiting the Amir Timur Museum, which has become one of the symbols of the capital with its white structure resembling the blue dome of the Gur-e Amir in Samarkand and houses more than 5,000 artifacts, we visit the mausoleums of Zangi Ata and his wife, Anbar Ana, whose stories and legends you will find fascinating. We then see Independence Square, the capital’s largest square, featuring motifs related to Uzbekistan’s modern history and national identity. Following this, we visit the Tashkent Metro, one of the oldest and largest metro systems in Central Asia, decorated like an art gallery and named after important and renowned figures, with marble finishes and large chandeliers, as well as the Museum of Applied Arts. We then proceed to Magic City Park, considered Asia’s largest entertainment and amusement park. We explore the park, featuring amusement areas, musical fountains and pools, cinemas, and one of Asia’s largest aquariums, which brings the ocean almost right before your eyes. After enjoying our time in this modern part of the city, where we can encounter more than 100 animal species, we go to our restaurant for a dinner prepared especially for us and consisting of local specialties. After a pleasant evening, we return to our hotel. Guests who wish may also go with our agency representative to Tashkent City Mall, where they can enjoy shopping freely at stores featuring world-famous brands and watch the illuminated water shows held in the artificial pond in the mall’s garden. (Included in the price!) *Breakfast will be served at our hotel, and dinner will be served at a local restaurant. Included in the price! *Lunch will be taken independently during the tour and is not included in the price.

Tashkent – Bukhara

After breakfast at our hotel, we will transfer to the famous Afrosiyob High-Speed Train Station and travel by high-speed train to Bukhara, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the important stops along the Silk Road. After approximately 1.5 hours of high-speed train travel, we will begin exploring Bukhara, a city whose history dates back to the 6th century BC, which became an important commercial center during Alexander the Great’s campaign in Asia, made significant contributions to Islamic civilization, and is famous for its handmade carpets, silk fabrics, and embroidery. We will begin our program by visiting the statue of Nasreddin Hodja, a figure widely featured in Turkish and Middle Eastern folk tales and whose fame has spread almost throughout the world, known for his lessons in justice, intelligence, and wit through his humorous anecdotes and stories. We will then continue with a visit to the Ark Fortress, whose history dates back to the 5th century. After listening to our guide’s explanations about the fortress, which contained government buildings, madrasas and mosques, as well as residential areas, we will proceed to the Taki Zargaron and Taki Telpakfurush bazaars, where we will have free time. After exploring the bazaars, we will check in to our hotel. At the time arranged with our guide, we will meet in the hotel lobby and go to a restaurant for dinner. Following a pleasant dinner, we will return to our hotel. Overnight at our hotel in Bukhara. *Breakfast will be served at the hotel, and dinner will be served at a local restaurant. Included in the price! *Lunch will be taken independently during the tour and is not included in the price.

Bukhara - Samarkand

After breakfast at our hotel, we continue exploring the city of Bukhara. Today unfolds like a cultural feast. We visit the Lyabi-Hauz Complex, a place surrounded by khanqahs that shaped social life and centered around a massive 42-by-36-meter water reservoir built in 1620. This is one of the largest surviving examples of the numerous open pools that once supplied the city with water. Surrounded by centuries-old plane trees, the complex is one of the coolest spots in the city. Following our visit, we see the Chor Minor Madrasa, whose name means “four minarets” in Persian and which was built in 1807 by a wealthy Turkmen named Khalifa Niyaz-Kul. We also visit the Magoki Attori Mosque, a unique historical monument located in the heart of the historic center listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where the architectural and cultural layers of the pre-Islamic and Islamic periods coexist, as well as the tombs of Bahauddin Naqshbandi and his mother. After a photography break, we meet up and transfer to the famous Afrosiyob high-speed train station. We then travel by high-speed train to Samarkand, the Pearl of the Silk Road, where scholars, armies, religions, and cultures converged. Upon arrival, we go to a local restaurant for dinner. We enjoy six-meter-long skewers of shashlik kebab, ceremonially brought out with music and dancing to welcome our guests, along with a wide variety of local delicacies. After a delightful evening, we return to our hotel. *Breakfast will be served at our hotel, and dinner will be served at a local restaurant. Included in the price! *Lunch will be taken independently along the way during the tour and is not included in the price.*

Samarkand

After breakfast at our hotel, we begin our tour of Samarkand, the Pearl of the Silk Road, where scholars, armies, religions, and cultures have converged. Our first stop will be Konigil village. Having served exclusively in paper production for centuries, this village offers us the opportunity to observe and experience the paper-making process together. After watching the process in detail and receiving information from the workshop staff and our guide about how paper is made from mulberry tree bark, we head to the Gur-e Amir Mausoleum, which is included on the UNESCO World Heritage List and houses the resting place of Timur, also known throughout history as both a military genius and a ruthless conqueror, and the founder of the Timurid Empire. Meaning “Tomb of the Emir,” the mausoleum was commissioned by Timur during his lifetime for his grandson Muhammad Sultan and was later used as a family burial site. Designed in the style of Timurid and Islamic architecture, the interior of the mausoleum is adorned with blue and gold mosaics, while intricate painted and tile decorations embellish the ceilings. After listening to our guide’s explanations, we proceed to Registan Square, known as a center of commerce, history, and cultural education, and home to madrasas whose name means “sandy place” in Persian. We listen to information about the square, where the Ulugh Beg, Sher-Dor, and Tilla-Kari Madrasas are located. After enjoying some free time amid the historic atmosphere of the square, which brings together not only the attention but also the culture of Samarkand and all of Central Asia, we head to Siyob Bazaar, where we take a break to shop for souvenirs and have lunch at leisure. Following our break, we visit the largest mosque in Uzbekistan and Central Asia. Built in honor of Bibi-Khanum by Timur after his campaign in India as a symbol of celebration, this mosque is among the most impressive examples of architecture with its grandeur. The Bibi-Khanum Mosque is decorated with rich tilework, calligraphy, and stone carvings. Blue and turquoise tiles are used extensively on the interior and exterior facades of the mosque, while Arabic calligraphy—particularly quotations from the Quran—appears throughout various parts of the structure. Although this historic building, an essential destination for both tourists and researchers, has suffered earthquakes and extensive damage, it continues to welcome visitors after being restored. After our guide’s explanations here, we proceed to visit the Shah-i-Zinda (“Living King”) Mausoleums Complex, whose name means “Living King.” We then visit the complex, where the tombs of important figures and scholars are located, followed by a visit to and an informative tour of the observatory commissioned by Ulugh Beg, who served as a scientist, astronomer, and ruler during the Timurid period and had it constructed between 1424 and 1429. At the structure, which contains a massive sextant—an angular measuring instrument—we listen to explanations before rounding off our day with dinner at our restaurant, accompanied by traditional Uzbek dances and a musical entertainment program. Later in the evening, we transfer to the airport to take our seats on the flight that will return us to Izmir and complete our customs procedures beforehand. *Breakfast will be served at our hotel, and dinner will be served at a local restaurant. Included in the price! *Lunch will be taken at leisure along the way during the tour and is not included in the price.

Samarkand – Izmir – Antalya

Upon our arrival at Samarkand Airport, we complete our passport and customs procedures, take our seats on the SunExpress Airlines aircraft that will take us to Adnan Menderes Airport, and begin our return journey. After arriving in the morning, we collect our luggage and prepare for our flight to Antalya. Once again completing the check-in and baggage drop-off procedures, we take our flight with SunExpress Airlines and arrive in Antalya. We say goodbye to one another, looking forward to meeting again on our next tour program. ✈︎ Flight No.: XQ965 (SunExpress) – Departure: Samarkand – Time: 04:40 – Arrival: İzmir – Time: 08:05 ✈︎ Flight No.: XQ7293 (SunExpress) – Departure: İzmir – Time: 22:00 – Arrival: Antalya – Time: 23:05

Kyrgyzstan & Uzbekistan & Kazakhstan Tour Departing from Antalya

PARTICIPATION REQUIREMENTThis tour is organized with a minimum participation requirement of 25 people. The latest cancellation notification date is 20 days before the start of the tour. The tour cancelled due to insufficient participation will be notified to you through our agency.

PARTICIPATION REQUIREMENT
This tour is organized with a minimum participation requirement of 25 people. The latest cancellation notification date is 20 days before the start of the tour. The tour cancelled due to insufficient participation will be notified to you through our agency.