Monday 7^th September – Kyzylorda, Kazakhstan – Baikonur

Morning

• Arrive into Kyzylorda city – located in south-central Kazakhstan, and former capital of the Kazakh ASSR from 1925 to 1927.
• We recommend booking FlyArystan departing Astana at 9:55am and arriving into Kyzylorda at 11:30am on flight FS7315, or alternatively you can book FlyArystan departing Almaty at 7:50am and arriving at 9:40am on flight FS7115. Flights not included in tour cost.

Afternoon

• We’ll meet at Kyzylorda Airport for pre-tour meeting and meet our driver to transport us directly to Baikonur (250km journey)
• On arrival in Baikonur we’ll check into our hotel to freshen up
• Pre-tour meeting to discuss the itinerary and to do document verification and receive permits from Roscosmos
• Go out for dinner and drinks
• Overnight in Baikonur

Tuesday 8^th September – Baikonur

Morning

• Breakfast at hotel
• We’ll begin with sightseeing the city itself which include important historic landmarks
• Visit the Baikonur city museum – this covers not just the spaceport but the development of the town itself. From its origins as the secret city of Leninsk in the 1950s through its growth alongside the world’s first space launch complex. It details how the city was built to support the Soviet space program, the experiences of the engineers, workers, and families who lived here, and how the community evolved from a closed military settlement into a functioning city. Displays include historical photos, documents, models, artefacts, and local cultural item.

Afternoon

• Lunch at a local café
• Visit the International Space School – we’ll meet students from the next generation of engineers, scientists, and astronauts. The school offers educational programs focused on astronautics, rocketry, and space science, closely linked to the nearby Baikonur Cosmodrome. Here students study the fundamentals of spaceflight, satellite technology, and the history of human space exploration in one of the world’s most iconic space cities.
• Visit the local post office for your chance to send out a post card from the first spaceport in the world!
• Visit the Gagarin Gazebo – one of the most symbolic and quietly famous landmarks in Baikonur. Before Yuri Gagarin’s historic launch, Gagarin stopped at this spot to relax with fellow cosmonauts, taking a few quiet moments before heading to the rocket. The gazebo has become a ceremonial stop for nearly every crew launching from Baikonur.
• Dinner, drinks and overnight in Baikonur

Wednesday 9^th September – Baikonur: Rocket Launch

Morning

• Breakfast at hotel
• We’ll transfer to Checkpoint 7 – we’re in proper Roscosmos territory now – welcome to the spaceport!
• Visit the Museum of Baikonur Cosmodrome History – opened in 1968 on the 50th anniversary of the Great October Socialist Revolution, this museum offers a fascinating look into the birthplace of the space age. Located within the grounds of the Baikonur Cosmodrome, the museum traces the history of Soviet and Russian space exploration from the launch of Sputnik 1 in 1957 to the missions that carried Yuri Gagarin into orbit. Exhibits include original spacecraft components, models of historic rockets, space suits, mission control equipment, and personal memorabilia from legendary cosmonauts, offering a rare insight into one of the world’s most significant space launch facilities.
• Visit the Buran Orbital Space Shuttle – You’ll get an up-close look at the legendary Soviet Buran shuttle, the USSR’s answer to the US Space Shuttle program. This rare, fully preserved spacecraft represents decades of pioneering engineering in reusable orbital vehicles. You’ll also learn about the ambitious missions planned for the Buran program, its historic test flights, and its role in the broader story of space exploration from Baikonur Cosmodrome.
• Visit Gagarin’s and Korolev’s Historical Cottages – Step into the personal spaces of two of the most iconic figures in space history. Yuri Gagarin’s cottage offers a glimpse into the life of the first human to orbit Earth, with preserved interiors and personal artifacts that highlight his remarkable journey from a small-town pilot to global hero. Nearby, Sergei Korolev’s cottage celebrates the “Chief Designer” of the Soviet space program, showcasing his life, work, and the visionary ideas that made the USSR a pioneer in space exploration.
• Launch Time To Be Announced – Watch a Soyuz Rocket Launch – Experience the thrill of a live launch as the Soyuz rocket carries the Progress MS-33 cargo spacecraft into orbit. Timing is subject to final scheduling by mission control, but being present at the launch site offers a once in a lifetime opportunity to feel the power, precision, and excitement of human spaceflight up close.

Afternoon

• Lunch at a café
• Visit Gagarin’s Launch Site and Launch Complex – Step onto the historic pad where Yuri Gagarin began humanity’s journey into space. Explore the launch complex that hosted the world’s first crewed spaceflight, learn about the engineering behind the Vostok program, and gain a firsthand perspective on the scale and precision required to send humans beyond Earth. This site offers a unique glimpse into the origins of human space exploration.
• Exit the spaceport back to Baikonur city for dinner, drinks and overnight

Thursday 10^th September – Baikonur – Kyzylorda

Morning

• Breakfast at hotel
• Meet the Representatives of JSC “TsENKI” – gain a rare behind the scenes insight into the operations of Baikonur Cosmodrome with a meeting of officials from JSC “TsENKI,” the company responsible for managing ground support, cargo handling, and infrastructure for spacecraft launches.
• Begin our drive back to Kyzylorda and drop off at either the airport or railway station.
• We recommend booking your return flight with FlyArystan departing 7:55pm on flight FS7318 to Astana, which also has a connecting flight onwards to Almaty arriving at 12:50am on flight FS7338
• Tour concludes

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