Upon arriving in Almaty, Kazakhstan’s largest city and former capital, you will start with a short city tour to get a feel for this vibrant metropolis. Visit the lush Panfilov Park, home to the colorful Zenkov Cathedral, an architectural gem built entirely of wood. Continue to the Central Mosque, one of the largest in the country, and visit the world-renowned Medeo Skating Rink, part of the highest sports complex in the world, set against the stunning backdrop of the Tian Shan mountains. After enjoying lunch in Medeo, take a cable car ride to Kok-Tobe, the highest point in the city, where you will enjoy panoramic views of Almaty and its surroundings. Overnight at the luxurious Ritz-Carlton Almaty, offering unparalleled comfort and breathtaking views of the city and mountains.

This morning, catch a flight to Kzyl Orda and take a scenic drive to Baikonur, the city that is synonymous with space exploration. Spend the day visiting the Baikonur Cosmodrome Museum, where you will explore fascinating exhibits that include models of historical rockets, spacecraft, and personal artifacts from Soviet space pioneers like Yuri Gagarin and Sergei Korolyov. Learn about the history and milestones of the Soviet space program that made Baikonur world-famous. After your day of exploration, relax at the hotel.

Today offers an unforgettable experience—witness a live rocket launch at Baikonur, the site where human space exploration began. Feel the ground tremble beneath your feet as a "Soyuz" rocket blasts into the sky, an awe-inspiring moment for space enthusiasts and travelers alike. After this spectacular event, visit the historic launch sites, including Gagarin's Start, the launchpad from which Yuri Gagarin made his historic spaceflight, and explore the memorial houses of Gagarin and Korolyov, who played key roles in space exploration history.

Embark on a comfortable train ride to the ancient city of Turkestan. As you travel across the beautiful Kazakh landscape, enjoy a full lunch on board while taking in the panoramic views. Upon arriving in Turkestan, visit the magnificent Mausoleum of Hodzha Ahmed Yassavi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Central Asia’s most important religious monuments. In the afternoon, explore the medieval bathhouses of Turkestan, experiencing a glimpse of life as it was centuries ago.

Today, travel to Uzbekistan via the Kazakh-Uzbek border. On the way, stop at the museum in the village of Shaulder and visit the ancient Otrar ruins, a significant archaeological site once known as the capital of the region and the birthplace of the great medieval philosopher Abu Nasr al-Farabi. Upon arrival in Uzbekistan’s capital, Tashkent, enjoy a brief city tour featuring ancient sites and significant landmarks, including traditional markets and bustling bazaars.

Leave early for a flight to Urgench, then travel to the museum-like city of Khiva, one of Central Asia’s most well-preserved ancient cities. Wander through the old town, Itchan Kala, a UNESCO World Heritage Site surrounded by walls of mud bricks. Highlights of the day include a visit to the Djuma Mosque, with its forest of wooden columns, the Kunya-Ark Fortress, once home to Khivan rulers, and the Tash Hauli Palace, a stunning example of Islamic architecture with intricate tilework and mosaics.

Begin your journey to Bukhara, crossing the expansive Kyzyl-Kum Desert and the great Amu Darya River. Stop along the way for a scenic picnic lunch and meet with local experts on Karakul sheep, a breed native to Central Asia. Upon arriving in Bukhara, check in and relax, preparing for the next day of exploration in this monastery city known for its religious significance and historical architecture.

Spend the day exploring Lyabi Hauz Place, one of Bukhara’s most iconic spots, featuring a large pool surrounded by 17th-century madrassas. Visit the Poi-Kalyan complex, including the towering Kalyan Minaret, and the Ismail Samani Mausoleum, the oldest Islamic monument in Central Asia. End the day with dinner at the Nodir Divan Begui Madrasah, where you will be treated to a traditional folk show.

On your final day in Bukhara, visit the Royal Mosque of Bolo Khauz and the Sitorai Mokhi Khosa, the summer residence of the Emir of Bukhara. Continue to the spiritual Bahauddin Naqshband ensemble, a pilgrimage site known for its intricate blue tilework and architectural splendour.

Travel to Samarkand via the historic city of Shakhrisabz, birthplace of the great ruler Tamerlane. Here, visit the impressive ruins of the Ak-Saray Palace, once a symbol of Tamerlane’s power. After lunch, continue your scenic drive to Samarkand.

Spend the day discovering the wonders of Samarkand, known for its stunning blue-tiled buildings. Visit the magnificent Bibi-Khanym Mosque, famous for its immense blue dome, and explore Registan Square, the heart of Samarkand with its three madrasahs. Later, visit the Gur-Emir Mausoleum, the final resting place of Tamerlane.

On your final day in Samarkand, visit the necropolis of Shakhi-Zinda, a complex of beautifully tiled mausoleums. Explore the Ulugbek Observatory, one of the largest astronomical observatories of its time, and visit a traditional paper-making factory to see ancient craftsmanship at work.

Travel back to Tashkent, stopping at Bakhmal village to learn how cotton honey is produced. After arriving in the capital, enjoy a farewell dinner and take time for any last-minute sightseeing or souvenir shopping.

After a final breakfast, check out of your hotel and head to Tashkent International Airport for your onward journey, concluding your incredible two-week adventure through Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan.