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Join Saga’s unforgettable 12 night adventure to the Central Asian Steppe and legendary Tien Shan Mountains on our exclusive new tour ‘Where Steppe and Mountain Meet’.

With a short flight time of just 6 and a half hours, the secrets of these fascinating countries are more accessible than ever.

Beginning in Astana the capital of Kazakhstan, firstly take a tour of the old town dating from the Russian Empire. Then it’s on to the new part of the city with its dazzling skyscrapers, cutting-edge government buildings and eye-catching architecture, including the Palace of Peace and Accord – a 77-metre-high glass pyramid designed by British architect Norman Foster.

Next fly into Bishek, capital of the Kyrgyz Republic, set at the foot of the Tien Shan Mountains, marvel at the stunning alpine scenery with snow-capped mountains, dense pine forests and glacial rivers.

From here it’s on to Lake Issyk-Kul, the second largest alpine lake in the world and encircled by the Tien Shan Mountains, with a stop en-route in the ruined city of Balasagun, once prosperous due to its location on the silk route.

Guests then spend two nights in Karakol before heading to Almaty and Charyn State National Park to wonder at the vastness of Charyn Canyon, around 200m deep in places, guests descend into the canyon on foot for a walk between the sheer, towering walls to admire their gasp-inducing scale.

Catch the overnight train to Shymkent, one of Kazkhstans most modern and dynamic cities, with an included visit to Aksu Canyon and ‘the valley of the eyes’, before finally exploring the neighbouring city Turkistan.

Stuart Douglass-Lee, Holiday Creator for Saga Travel commented:

“Our customers are always looking for something new for their next adventure and following the success of our tour of Uzbekistan I was challenged with creating something equally unique.

“The secrets of these fascinating countries are still unravelling and I wanted to give our guests the chance to discover them.

“I think this tour appeals to the adventurous and with 16 included excursions and visits, and really shows off the extraordinary culture and awe-inspiring natural beauty this region has to offer.”

For details call free on 0800 300 500 or visit saga.co.uk/mountainmeet

12 nights (inc. 1 in flight) from £2399 based on April 13 or Oct 12, 2017 departures from London Heathrow. Other departures are available on May 11, 18, Aug 31, Sep 14, 28, 2017, Apr 5, 26, May 3, 17 2018. Departures on 27 Oct 5, 2017 April 19 and May 10 2018 are available exclusively for solo travellers. Price is per person including, UK door to door travel service, return flights and transfers, 34 meals: 12 breakfasts, 11 lunches and 11 dinners, Saga tour manager, welcome drink reception, porterage at all hotels, 16 excursions, optional travel insurance and additional cancellation rights, or a discount if passenger has own insurance.

This tour can also be combined with Uzbekistan: Heart of the Silk Route to form a 22 night tour from £3849pp.

Editors: Saga has created four new holiday ‘Time to’ styles: Go for it, Stay & Explore, Discover and Unwind. Each style helps guests decide on a holiday that feels right for them. Where Steppe and Mountain Meet is Discover (Pace 2).

Contact Press Officer Jessica Myers email jessica.myers@saga.co.uk or call 01303 776133

Saga is a leading provider of products and services primarily tailored for customers over the age of 50 in the UK. The Saga brand has been carefully developed over the past 60 years to become one of the most recognised and trusted brands among UK consumers aged over 50. Saga is synonymous in the UK with the over 50s market and is recognised for its high quality products and services. These include cruises and holidays, home and motor insurance, savings and share dealing and the UK’s award winning Saga Magazine.