After landing, the group will check into the [Grand Hotel Almaty](https://www.google.com/search?q=Grand+Hotel+Almaty+Almaty+Kazakhstan+for+9+nights+10days.+For+10+pax+official+site) and enjoy a welcome brunch at the stylish [Cafe Central](https://www.google.com/search?q=Cafe+Central+Almaty+Kazakhstan+for+9+nights+10days.+For+10+pax+official+site), sampling local pastries and fresh tea. A gentle walk to Republic Square follows, where travelers can admire the iconic Kazakh-stela and soak up the city's rhythm before a brief orientation meeting at the hotel lobby.
In the early afternoon, the group will wander to Panfilov Park, where the striking wooden Zenkov Cathedral stands amid lush greenery, offering a chance for photos and a brief reflection. Afterwards, a short taxi ride brings them to the Almaty Central Mosque, where they can admire its elegant turquoise dome and sip traditional kymyz at the courtyard tea house. The stroll will conclude with a leisurely walk along Arbat Street, sampling local street-food bites and picking up souvenirs before returning to the hotel for a brief rest.
As twilight deepens, the group will board the cable car to Kok-Tobe Hill, where the setting sun bathes the Tien Shan silhouettes and the city lights begin to sparkle. They'll dine at the hill-top [Alatau Restaurant](https://www.google.com/search?q=Alatau+Restaurant+Almaty+Kazakhstan+for+9+nights+10days.+For+10+pax+official+site), sampling authentic grilled beshbarmak while a live Kazakh folk ensemble fills the air with traditional melodies, and finish with a relaxed walk around the illuminated Kok-Tobe Ferris wheel for panoramic night views of Almaty.
After a hearty breakfast at the hotel, the group will stroll to the [Kasteyev State Museum of Arts](https://museum.kz/), where they can admire a rich collection of Kazakh paintings and Soviet-era sculptures. A short walk leads to the historic [Abay Opera House](https://www.google.com/search?q=Abay+Opera+House+Almaty+Kazakhstan+for+9+nights+10days.+For+10+pax+official+site), offering a guided backstage tour that reveals its elegant architecture and performance legacy. The morning concludes with a leisurely coffee at the charming Central Park Café, perched beside the blooming Almaty Botanical Garden.
In the early afternoon, the group reconvenes at Panfilov Park, where they can enjoy a relaxed picnic on the manicured lawns while marveling at the intricate wooden details of Zenkov Cathedral. A short walk leads to historic Republic Square, where travelers can snap photos of the towering Kazakh-stela and sip freshly brewed kymyz from a nearby kiosk. The segment wraps up with a leisurely ride on the [Kok-Tobe cable car](https://kok-tobe.kz/), offering sweeping views of the city as the sun begins to set.
As dusk settles, the group will head to Gorky Park, where illuminated fountains and a gentle evening breeze invite a relaxed stroll, followed by a cozy dinner at the park's beloved Kokpar Café, sampling traditional beshbarmak and kumis while a local dombra player serenades the guests. The night will conclude with a short taxi ride to the Almaty Tower, where the observation deck offers a glittering panorama of the city lights against the Tien Shan backdrop.
The morning begins with a sensory stroll through the bustling Almaty Green Bazaar, where travelers can sample fresh apricots, aromatic lamb kebabs, and sip sweet kumis while chatting with local vendors. Afterwards, the group will explore the historic [Almaty Museum](https://almatymuseum.kz/), housed in a restored 19th-century building, discovering artifacts that trace the city's evolution from a Silk-Road outpost to a modern metropolis. A short walk leads to the Central State Museum of Kazakhstan, where an engaging guide will showcase interactive exhibits on Kazakh nomadic heritage, traditional crafts, and Soviet-era history.
In the early afternoon the group will wander past the grand Kazakhstan Central Concert Hall to watch a brief folk-music showcase, then stroll into the historic Al-Farabi Kazakh National University courtyard to admire its Soviet-era architecture and treat themselves to fresh pastries from the campus bakery. The itinerary caps off with a visit to the futuristic Khan Shatyr Entertainment Center, where guests can ride the indoor Ferris wheel for sweeping city views and sip chilled kymyz at the panoramic café.
After the museum visits, the group will wander down the lively Arbat Street, tasting street-food delights like shashlik and baursaks while a local dombra player fills the air with melody. The evening will close with a dinner at the intimate Khan's Palace Café, where a modern twist on classic beshbarmak is served alongside a captivating folk-dance performance in the courtyard.
After breakfast, the group will ascend via the Medeu Gondola to the legendary Medeu Ice Rink, where they can glide on the world's highest altitude rink, enjoy a quick skating lesson, and snap photos of snow-capped peaks. A short ride on the [Shymbulak Cable Car](https://shymbulak.kz/) then whisks them to the Shymbulak Ski Resort, where a warm drink at the mountaintop Alpine Café, sweeping vistas of the Trans-Ili Alatau, and a brief snow-shoe walk complete the exhilarating morning.
After descending from Shymbulak, the group will head to Almaty Tower, where a guided ascent to the observation deck provides sweeping 360° views of the city framed by the Trans-Ili Alatau peaks in the late-afternoon glow. Afterwards, they will enjoy a relaxed lunch at the historic Kokshetau Restaurant on Kok-Tobe Hill, savoring hearty lagman and fresh fruit compote while the children explore the nearby amusement area, before returning to the hotel for a short rest.
After a short rest at the hotel, the group will wander to Republic Square, where the illuminated Kazakh-stela offers a striking sunset backdrop for photos. They will then dine at the historic [Dastarkhan Restaurant](https://www.google.com/search?q=Dastarkhan+Restaurant+Almaty+Kazakhstan+for+9+nights+10days.+For+10+pax+official+site), enjoying traditional beshbarmak and kymyz accompanied by a live dombra ensemble. The night ends with a leisurely stroll along Arbat Street, where lantern-lit cafés invite guests to sip tea and soak in the vibrant local atmosphere.
After an early breakfast, the minibus will wind up the Medeu Pass Road to the crystal-clear Big Almaty Lake, where guests can stroll along the shore, soak in the turquoise reflections of the surrounding Trans-Ili Alatau peaks, and capture sunrise photos. A short detour leads to the cascading Saty-Bulak Waterfall, offering a refreshing mist and a perfect spot for a brief tea break beside the roaring stream. The morning concludes with a gentle hike along the Alatau Trail, where panoramic viewpoints reveal the rugged mountain landscape before returning to Almaty for lunch.
After a leisurely lakeside lunch, the party will head back toward the city for an afternoon of relaxation at the historic [Almaty Zoo](https://almatyzoo.kz/), where guests can observe native snow leopards and alpine ibex while children enjoy the interactive petting area. The journey then continues with a scenic drive up to Kok-Tobe Hill, where a cable-car ride offers panoramic views of the city bathed in late-day light, culminating in tea and pastries at the charming Alatau Café perched on the hilltop.
After returning from the lake, the group will unwind with a leisurely stroll along the vibrant Arbat Street, sampling local desserts at the cozy Zaman Café. As dusk deepens, they will enjoy a traditional dinner at the historic [Dastarkhan Restaurant](https://www.google.com/search?q=Dastarkhan+Restaurant+Almaty+Kazakhstan+for+9+nights+10days.+For+10+pax+official+site), where a live dombra ensemble performs folk melodies. The night will close with a panoramic view of the city lights from Republic Square, perfect for group photos.
The morning begins with a gentle ascent from the Talgar Gate into the heart of Ile-Alatau National Park, where the group will follow the Alatau Ridge Trail to the pristine Sairan Ice Waterfall, pausing to admire the frothy cascade and sip tea from thermoses. A short trek leads to the alpine meadow of Kok-Zhailau, perfect for a light snack of local cheese and fresh fruit while spotting ibex and golden eagles soaring above. The hike concludes at the scenic Muzbulak Summit viewpoint, offering sweeping vistas of the Trans-Ili Alatau peaks before returning to the hotel for a well-earned rest.
After the morning trek, the group will descend to the picturesque Alma-Ata Park, where a shaded picnic featuring kurt cheese and fresh berries awaits, followed by a brief workshop on traditional Kazakh felt-making led by local artisans. The afternoon will then continue with a gentle stroll along the park's Ili River promenade, allowing guests to unwind while watching families fly model kites against the backdrop of the nearby mountain foothills.
After descending from the peaks, the group will unwind at the atmospheric [Baiterek Sky Lounge](https://baiterek.kz) atop Kok-Tobe Hill, sipping tea while watching the city lights twinkle below. A hearty dinner of beshbarmak and refreshing kymyz will be served with live dombra music, followed by a relaxed nightcap at the cozy Khan's Palace Café, offering a final glimpse of the illuminated Almaty Tower.
At dawn the group will board a comfortable minibus for the 200-km journey to Charyn Canyon, cruising along the M-36 highway where the steppe gives way to dramatic red rock formations. Upon arrival, a guided hike through the iconic Valley of Castles will reveal towering sandstone cliffs, a panoramic Grand Canyon viewpoint, and the winding Charyn River, where guests can pause for photos and a refreshing splash before continuing the exploration.
After the morning trek, the group will descend to the Uchbulak Waterfall, where a short stroll along the misty trail leads to a refreshing plunge pool perfect for photos. The afternoon continues with a visit to the quirky Buddha's Rock formation, followed by an immersive stop at the Canyon Museum to learn about the region's geology and ancient petroglyphs, before returning to the bus for the scenic drive back to Almaty.
Back in Almaty, the group will unwind at the rooftop [Baiterek Sky Lounge](https://baiterek.kz) on Kok-Tobe Hill, sipping fragrant Kazakh tea while the city lights sparkle below. A festive dinner awaits at [Alatau Restaurant](https://www.google.com/search?q=Alatau+Restaurant+Almaty+Kazakhstan+for+9+nights+10days.+For+10+pax+official+site), where guests can taste a modern twist on beshbarmak accompanied by live dombra melodies, and end the night with a leisurely walk along the illuminated promenade of Panfilov Park.
Begin the morning with a revitalising session at [Almaty Spa & Wellness Center](https://www.google.com/search?q=Almaty+Spa+%26+Wellness+Center+Almaty+Kazakhstan+for+9+nights+10days.+For+10+pax+official+site), where guests can enjoy a traditional Kazakh banya, a soothing aromatherapy massage, and a herbal tea reception in a sun-lit lounge. Afterwards, a gentle stroll takes the group to the fragrant Zhetysu Botanical Garden, wandering among winter-blooming rhododendrons and a crystal-clear pond before pausing at the peaceful Orchid Pavilion for a quiet moment of reflection.
After the morning rejuvenation, the group will wander down to [Arasan Thermal Spa](https://arasan.kz), where they can soak in mineral-rich pools and enjoy a gentle foot massage while overlooking the city's foothills. A short walk brings them to the historic Central Park, perfect for a leisurely tea at the charming Kokpar Café and a relaxed stroll among blooming winter lilacs. The day concludes with a sunset view from the Kok-Tobe Hill observation deck, sipping sweet kymyz at the panoramic Alatau Café.
As the sun sets, the group will gather at the illuminated Almaty City Hall, marveling at its elegant neo-classical façade and the gentle glow of its historic clock tower. They will then enjoy a gourmet dinner at Medeu Palace, where modern Kazakh dishes are served alongside a live dombra performance. The evening will conclude with a leisurely stroll along the Ili River Promenade, taking in the shimmering city lights reflected on the water.
The day begins with a stroll through the modern Saryarka Mall, where travelers can browse local designer boutiques and pick up handcrafted souvenirs before heading to the vibrant Zhasyl Bazaar to sample fresh chak-chak, fragrant kumys, and sizzling shashlik from friendly vendors. After a flavorful snack, the group gathers for a leisurely lunch at [Taste of Kazakhstan](https://www.google.com/search?q=Taste+of+Kazakhstan+Almaty+Kazakhstan+for+9+nights+10days.+For+10+pax+official+site), enjoying a curated tasting menu of authentic beshbarmak, kurt kebabs, and sweet baursaks while sharing stories of the journey.
In the early afternoon the group will ascend to Kok-Tobe Hill, relax with tea and panoramic views at the Alatau Café, then wander down to the Kazakhstan Central Concert Hall for a brief folk-music showcase. A short stroll through the nearby Almaty Botanical Garden will let them admire winter-blooming rhododendrons while sampling traditional kurt and warm baursaks at the garden's cozy tea house before returning to the hotel for a brief rest.
As the sky deepens, the group will be escorted to the elegant [Dastarkhan Restaurant](https://www.google.com/search?q=Dastarkhan+Restaurant+Almaty+Kazakhstan+for+9+nights+10days.+For+10+pax+official+site) on Medeu Avenue, where a chef-curated farewell feast showcases modern twists on classic beshbarmak, lagman, and sweet baursaks, accompanied by live dombra serenades. After dinner, a leisurely stroll to the illuminated Almaty Tower observation deck offers panoramic city lights for final group photos, before ending the night with a chilled kymyz nightcap at the rooftop [Baiterek Sky Lounge](https://baiterek.kz).
In the early morning, the group gathers for a hearty farewell breakfast at [Coffee House Almaty](https://coffeehouse.kz/), savoring freshly brewed Kazakh coffee and flaky baursaks while sharing highlights of the trip. Afterwards, a relaxed walk to the newly opened Almaty City Art Gallery offers a quick glimpse of contemporary Kazakh art before a private transfer whisles the party to Almaty International Airport, where the VIP Sky Lounge provides refreshments and last-minute souvenir browsing before departure.
After checking in, the group can wander through the sleek Almaty Airport Duty-Free Plaza, sampling local chocolates and handcrafted amber jewelry while admiring the panoramic Almaty Airport Observation Deck that frames the snow-capped Trans-Ili Alatau. A short stroll leads to the Kazakh Heritage Corner inside the terminal, where traditional instruments and a brief folk-dance video provide a final cultural souvenir before boarding.
After a smooth transfer to the airport, the group can gather for a farewell dinner at [Saksaul Restaurant](https://www.google.com/search?q=Saksaul+Restaurant+Almaty+Kazakhstan+for+9+nights+10days.+For+10+pax+official+site), where contemporary Kazakh dishes like smoked horsemeat tartare and wild-berry chak-chak are served alongside live dombra melodies. The night ends with a toast of chilled kymyz at the stylish [Ritz-Carlton Almaty Sky Lounge](https://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/hotels/kazakhstan/almaty), offering sweeping views of the illuminated Trans-Ili Alatau and the city lights below.