Football Trip to Almaty, Kazakhstan, Kairat vs. Pafos – 5 days5 Days | Private | Almaty, Charyn Canyon

00:00 Arrival at Almaty International Airport (+1)
After passing border control and collecting your luggage, you will be met by a local guide holding a nameplate. Transfer to the hotel (extra night included). Breakfast at the hotel.
12:00–18:00 Sightseeing tour in Almaty. Today, you will explore the city’s main natural attraction – the Ili Alatau Mountains.
The Ili Alatau National Park was founded in 1996. It stretches for 120 km and covers a total area of 202,292 hectares. The altitude ranges from 600 to 5,000 meters above sea level.
Medeo is an important part of the park and a significant landmark in the development of Almaty. Located at an altitude of 1,690 meters, the Medeo skating rink is the highest ice rink in the world. However, today’s main destination is Shymbulak – a mountain resort situated at 2,260 meters above sea level. In the 1950s, ski enthusiasts would climb the mountain for three hours just to enjoy a 15-minute descent. Today, it is a modern resort with advanced equipment and infrastructure. Visit Talgar Pass (3,200 m).
Lunch at Shymbulak Mountain Resort. Walk around and return to Medeo by cable car.
Continue your day by shopping at the Green Bazaar and Rahat Chocolate Market. The Green Bazaar, also known as the Green Market, is one of Almaty’s most popular attractions. It offers a perfect opportunity to experience a traditional Eastern marketplace, where you can find signature delicacies of the various ethnic groups living in Kazakhstan. Transfer to the hotel. Overnight.
Meals: breakfast

Breakfast at the hotel.
11:00 – 17:00 Sightseeing tour in Almaty. Today you will visit the city’s old center and explore key sites that highlight Almaty’s history. The first stop is the Park of 28 Panfilov Guardsmen, named after a World War II division formed from men in the Almaty region under the command of General Ivan Panfilov. The park is a favorite among both locals and visitors. Inside, you'll find the Eternal Flame, memorials to various war heroes, and the Ascension Cathedral – a Russian Orthodox wooden church that miraculously withstood a major earthquake in the 20th century. See the building of the Kazakh State Academic Theatre of Opera and Ballet.
Enjoy a short walking tour along Panfilov Street (1 hour). With workout zones, craft shops, benches, and artistic installations, this vibrant pedestrian area offers something for everyone.
Transfer to the hotel. Dinner at a local restaurant. Return to the hotel. Overnight.
Meals: breakfast

Breakfast at the hotel.
Departure to Kazakh Ethno-Village “Huns”. The ethno-village is a perfect destination for those looking to experience the nomadic heritage of the Kazakh people. Located about 35 km from Almaty in the Talgar district, it also offers a refreshing escape to the mountains, with fresh air, horseback riding, and insight into traditional Kazakh games and rituals.
From the moment you enter and take part in the welcoming ritual shashu, to horseback riding in the surrounding hills, you will be immersed in Kazakh culture, hospitality, and traditions.

You will enjoy an entertaining program that includes:

• A felt craft demonstration and a close look at yurts, with detailed explanations
• Performances of traditional rituals such as Besikke salu (cradle ceremony) or Tusau kesu (tether-cutting ceremony), still practiced in Kazakh families today
• Horse games like Kyz kuu – where a young man chases a girl on horseback to kiss her – and Atpen audaryspak – a wrestling match on horseback between two riders
• Traditional music and dance, including group participation in a flash mob
• A master class in preparing baursak, a traditional Kazakh pastry

Lunch will be served in the national style.
Optional: Guests may request a 30-minute or 1-hour horseback riding tour to explore the area and enjoy the natural surroundings.
At 16:00, return to the city. Transfer to the hotel.
Transfer to the stadium. Enjoy the game!
Transfer back to the hotel after the match. Overnight at the hotel.
Meals: breakfast, lunch

Today you will have an early breakfast before a long ride to one of the must-see destinations when visiting Kazakhstan, and Almaty in particular.
08:00 – 20:00 Tour to Charyn Canyon (lunch boxes included).
Charyn Canyon is one of the most stunning and popular natural attractions in Kazakhstan, located 220 kilometers from Almaty. Often referred to as the “little brother” of the Grand Canyon in the USA, it stretches for 154 kilometers. Despite the comparison, its beauty is entirely unique and incomparable. The canyon is surrounded by local legends about “witches”, “red wolves”, and even a “road to hell”. No one knows exactly why these stories emerged, but the place feels truly extraordinary as soon as you approach its towering cliffs and begin your walk among them.
After departing from your hotel in Almaty, a 3–4-hour drive takes you to the “Valley of Castles” — the canyon’s most famous site. The bus will stop at a parking area near the descent into the gorge. Please bring drinking water, as the walk down into the canyon is approximately 2 km and takes about 50 minutes at a relaxed pace, with short stops along the way. The guide will share insights into the canyon’s geological and cultural features.
After enjoying lunch by the Charyn River and taking in the spectacular scenery, you will return to Almaty. Overnight at the hotel.
Meals: breakfast, lunch boxes

Breakfast at the hotel. Check-out.
Transfer to Almaty International Airport for your flight back home or to continue your journey through Central Asia.
End of services.
Meals: breakfast