Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan offers a truly unique journey, where urban sophistication meets the awe-inspiring natural splendour of Central Asia's largest country. Modern cities blend seamlessly with untouched landscapes and a vast, open country to create a trip suited to both adventurous and comfortable travellers.

Almaty, Kazakhstan's cultural capital, charms visitors with chic cafes, buzzing shopping centres and mountain views, along with unforgettable day trips to remarkable canyons and beautiful lakes. Astana, meanwhile, impresses with futuristic buildings, ultra-modern architecture and a distinctly trendy atmosphere.

Kazakhstan rewards visitors differently depending on the season, from mild shoulder months to crisp winter snow.

The best option for comfortable trips in Kazakhstan, allowing you to discover the great distances of this vast country's natural beauty, are privately driven transfers, taxis and expertly guided day tours. For getting around within cities, it's highly advisable to use private vehicles or local taxis.

Travenza tip: Day trips to the canyons and lakes involve long drives on unpaved roads in places, so build in rest time either side rather than stacking two in one day.

If you're the sort of traveller who enjoys superb mountainous scenery, buzzing new-world cities, lakes as pure as crystal, and grand canyons and natural landscapes that take your breath away, then Kazakhstan is surely a must for a truly unusual holiday experience.