Astana City Tour: Private Day with Lunch & Wine Tasting

Summary

Modern marvels, local flavors and stories from Astana’s heart

You’ll wander Astana’s bold streets with a local guide, climb Bayterek Tower for sweeping views, feel silk carpets beneath your feet in grand mosques, share lunch over stories—and maybe try Kazakh wine if you’re curious. Expect warmth from locals and moments that linger longer than expected.

What’s the experience like?

“You know, this city used to be all steppe,” our guide Timur said, waving his hand at the glass skyline as we zipped along in a cool van. It was early but already bright—Astana’s light is sharp, almost metallic. I pressed my forehead to the window and tried to picture it: all that emptiness before these wild shapes popped up. Timur had this way of telling stories that made me want to ask more, even when I was still half-asleep from jet lag.

The first stop was Bayterek Tower—hard to miss, it sort of glows gold against the sky. Timur explained the legend behind the golden orb (something about a magic bird?), but honestly I was distracted by the view from up top. You can see the Ishim River snaking through everything, and if you squint past the new buildings you can almost imagine what he meant about endless grassland. The wind up there is cold even in summer. I kind of liked it.

We wandered through both the Grand Mosque and Hazret Sultan Mosque—the carpets were thick underfoot and smelled faintly of incense and wool. Women in bright headscarves smiled at us; one little boy waved shyly before ducking behind his dad’s coat. Lunch came just when I started wondering if my stomach would rumble loud enough for everyone to hear—pilaf with lamb, chewy bread, tea so strong it made me blink twice. There was an option for wine tasting too (Kazakh wine is a thing! Who knew?), which I tried mostly out of curiosity. It tasted different than what I’m used to—earthier maybe? Timur laughed when he saw my face.

I didn’t expect to be so taken with Khan Shatyr—a giant tent full of palm trees and families eating ice cream under fake sunlight. There’s something weirdly comforting about seeing teenagers slouching around a mall halfway across the world. We walked over Atyrau Bridge after that; it’s shaped like a sturgeon fish, which made me smile for some reason—maybe because it felt like someone’s inside joke on a huge scale.

By late afternoon my feet were sore and my brain full of names I’ll probably forget—but there’s this feeling I keep coming back to: Astana is both brand new and deeply old at once. The people are proud but not showy about it; they just want you to see what they see every day. That sticks with me.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Full day tour of Astana landmarks

• Visit Bayterek Tower observation deck
• Explore The Grand Mosque and minaret
• Tour Khan Shatyr shopping and leisure
• Visit Palace of Peace and Reconciliation
• See Hazret Sultan Mosque interior
• Optional wine tasting session
• View Aq Orda presidential palace
• Walk across Atyrau Bridge

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included in this Astana city tour?

Yes, private transportation with hotel pickup is included.

What landmarks are visited during the tour?

The tour covers Bayterek Tower, Grand Mosque, Hazret Sultan Mosque, Khan Shatyr, Atyrau Bridge, merchant houses, Aq Orda Palace and more.

Is lunch provided on this day trip?

Yes, a traditional Kazakh lunch is included with vegetarian options available.

Can I join this tour solo or as part of a group?

The tour is private and suitable for solo travelers or groups.

Is there an option for local wine tasting?

Yes, you can opt for a wine tasting session featuring Kazakh wines from Almaty vineyards.

Are entry fees covered in the price?

The tour includes entry where required for listed attractions.

How long does the full-day city tour last?

Total duration includes travel time; expect a full day exploring Astana.

Is WiFi available during transportation?

Yes, WiFi is provided on board your private vehicle.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup in an air-conditioned vehicle with WiFi and bottled water on board; guided visits to Astana’s major sights; entry fees where needed; a traditional Kazakh lunch (vegetarian option available); plus an optional local wine tasting before heading back in comfort at day’s end.