10 Days Best of Turkey Tour from Los Angeles

Your journey into history begins today at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). Upon arrival, check in for your flight using the e-tickets provided by Viaggio in una nazione. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the award-winning service, delicious meals, and entertainment on board as you soar overnight toward the magical city of Istanbul.

Welcome to Istanbul! Upon landing at Istanbul International Airport (IST) and clearing customs, look for the Viaggio in una nazione representative holding a sign with your name at the exit gate. You will then be transferred comfortably to your hotel.

After check-in, the rest of the day is at your leisure to relax after your long flight or start exploring the city at your own pace.

After breakfast, around 8:30 AM, you will be picked up from your hotel for a full-day guided tour of Istanbul’s most iconic Byzantine and Ottoman landmarks. First, visit the magnificent Santa Sofia, a masterpiece of architecture that has served as a cathedral and mosque throughout centuries of history. Next, head to the Moschea Blu, celebrated for its stunning blue Iznik tiles and six towering minarets, a hallmark of Ottoman design. You will then continue to the Ippodromo, once the heart of Byzantine social life, to admire the Obelisk of Theodosius, the Serpent Column, and the German Fountain.

After these explorations, enjoy a lunch break at a local restaurant to savor traditional Turkish cuisine. In the afternoon, discover the opulent Palazzo Topkapi, the former residence of Ottoman sultans. Walk through its grand courtyards and treasuries, with the option to visit the Harem section. Conclude your day at the vibrant Gran Bazar, one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world. Immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere as you browse through spices, carpets, jewelry, and ceramics. At the end of the tour, you will be transferred back to your hotel around 5:00 PM. The rest of the evening is yours to relax or explore more of Istanbul at your leisure. Overnight in Istanbul.

You will be picked up from your hotel around 4:00 AM and transferred to the airport for your flight to Kayseri or Nevşehir, departing between 6:00 – 7:30 AM. Upon arrival, our representative will meet you at the airport and transfer you to Cappadocia, where you will meet your guide to begin your full-day tour. Your first stop will be Valle di Devrant, famous for its unique fairy chimneys and animal-shaped rock formations. Next, you will explore Valle di Pasabag (Monks Valley), home to some of the most striking mushroom-shaped pinnacles in the region.

Afterward, visit the pottery town of Avanos, where you will see traditional pottery-making techniques that have been passed down through generations along the banks of the Red River. Following lunch at a local restaurant, continue to the Museo all'aperto di Zelve, an incredible site featuring ancient cave dwellings, churches, and monasteries carved into soft volcanic rock. Towards the end of the day, stop at Uchisar Castle for panoramic photographs of the breathtaking Cappadocian landscape. While entry into the castle is not permitted, the surrounding area offers spectacular views.

After the tour, you will be transferred to your hotel for check-in and relaxation. The rest of the evening is free for you to unwind or explore at your leisure. Overnight in Cappadocia.

For extra evening activities, you can choose one of the following optional experiences: a Spettacolo serale turco in Cappadocia con cena, a thrilling Cappadocia ATV Tour, a scenic Equitazione in Cappadocia tour, or attend a spiritual Cappadocia Whirling Dervish Show. Please note these are available at an additional cost, and only one can be chosen due to time constraints.

You may begin your day with an optional Cappadocia Hot Air Balloon ride, offering unforgettable views over the unique valleys and rock formations at sunrise. Please note that this activity is not included in the tour price and must be booked in advance at an additional cost.

After breakfast, you will be picked up around 9:30 AM to begin a full-day guided tour of South Cappadocia. Your first stop is the scenic Valle Rossa, where you will explore ancient rock-cut churches and enjoy a 5 km hike through the tranquil Valle delle Rose, known for its soft pink-hued formations. Next, visit Villaggio di Cavusin, an old Greek settlement featuring abandoned cave homes and historic churches once used by early Christian clergy.

Around noon, you will stop for lunch at a local restaurant. The tour continues to Valle dei Piccioni, famous for its countless pigeon houses carved into the cliffs. In the afternoon, explore either the Città sotterranea di Kaymakli o il Città sotterranea di Ozkonak—fascinating underground complexes that once sheltered early Christians during times of persecution.

After the tour, you will be transferred back to your hotel to rest. The remainder of the day is yours to enjoy at leisure. Overnight in Cappadocia.

After breakfast, check out from your hotel. At around 9:30 AM, you will be picked up to begin your full-day Green Tour of Cappadocia. The first stop is Esentepe (Göreme Panorama), where you will enjoy a stunning panoramic view of Göreme and its enchanting valleys. This viewpoint is perfect for capturing the unique landscape of fairy chimneys and cave dwellings.

Next, you will visit the fascinating Città sotterranea di Derinkuyu, an incredible multi-level complex once used by early Christians as a refuge. With stables, kitchens, living rooms, and chapels carved deep into the earth, this ancient site provides a rare insight into the region’s history of survival and ingenuity. Your journey continues to the lush Valle di Ihlara, where you will enjoy a scenic 4 km hike along the Melendiz River. Along the way, you will discover rock-carved churches adorned with early Christian frescoes. Afterward, you will have lunch in Villaggio di Belisirma, a charming riverside settlement.

In the afternoon, the tour takes you to the awe-inspiring Monastero di Selim, a 13th-century rock-hewn religious complex that resembles a cathedral. The day concludes with a stop at Yaprakhisar, a dramatic viewpoint known for its striking volcanic formations and as a filming location for the famous Guerre Stellari movie.

At around 4:00 PM, the tour will end and you will be transferred to either Kayseri or Nevşehir Airport for your late evening flight to Izmir (via Istanbul). Upon arrival at Izmir Airport, you will be greeted by a representative holding a sign with your name, who will transfer you to your hotel. Overnight in Kusadasi.

After breakfast, you will be picked up from your hotel around 8:30 AM to begin your full-day tour of Efeso, one of the best-preserved ancient cities in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage site. As you walk along the ancient marble streets, you will visit the Tempio di Adriano, il maestoso Fontana di Traiano, and the iconic Biblioteca di Celso. You will also stand in the massive Grande Teatro, where St. Paul once preached to the Ephesians.

After lunch at a local restaurant, the journey continues to the Casa della Vergine Maria, a sacred pilgrimage site located on Mt. Koressos, where it is believed Mary spent her final years in peace. Next, you will view the site of the Tempio di Artemide, once one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Your final stop is the beautiful Moschea di Isa Bey, a stunning example of early Seljuk architecture. After the tour, you will be transferred back to your hotel. Overnight in Kusadasi.

After breakfast, check out from your hotel in Kusadasi. Around 7:30 AM, you will depart for a scenic drive to Pamukkale (approximately 3 hours), with a comfort stop halfway. Upon arrival, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before beginning your guided tour of this UNESCO World Heritage site.

First, you will walk along the world-famous Travertini di Pamukkale, literally translating to “Cotton Castle” in Turkish. These stunning white calcium terraces, formed by mineral-rich thermal waters cascading down the mountain, offer a surreal landscape perfect for photography. Just above the white cliffs, explore the ancient Greco-Roman city of Hierapolis. Highlights include the remarkably well-preserved Teatro Hierapolis, the Roman Baths, and the massive Necropoli, one of the largest ancient cemeteries in Anatolia.

You will have free time to wade barefoot in the travertine pools. During this time, you also have the option to swim in the Piscine antiche di Pamukkale (also known as Cleopatra’s Pool), where you can swim in warm thermal waters among submerged ancient Roman columns (entrance fee to the pool is extra/optional).

After the tour ends at approximately 4:00 PM, you will be transferred to Denizli Airport for your evening flight back to Istanbul. Upon arrival in Istanbul, our representative will meet you and transfer you to your hotel. Overnight in Istanbul.

After breakfast, you will be picked up from your hotel around 8:30 AM to discover the unique sights and sounds of Istanbul. Your first stop is the vibrant Mercato delle spezie (also known as the Egyptian Market). Here, you will be immersed in the exotic aromas of cinnamon, saffron, and thyme while browsing through colorful stalls selling spices, Turkish delight, dried fruits, and souvenirs.

Next, you will head to the waterfront to embark on a scenic Crociera sul Bosforo. As you sail along the strait that separates Europe and Asia, you will enjoy breathtaking views of marble palaces like Dolmabahce Palace, ancient wooden villas (Yalis), the majestic Rumeli Fortress, and the modern suspension bridges connecting the two continents.

The tour concludes around noon, and you will be transferred back to your hotel at approximately 12:15 PM. You will have the rest of the afternoon and evening free to enjoy your final night in Istanbul, perhaps with a farewell dinner or some last-minute shopping. Overnight in Istanbul.

After breakfast, bid farewell to Istanbul as you check out from your hotel. You will be transferred to Istanbul Airport (IST) for your direct return flight to Los Angeles. You will arrive at LAX on the same day, bringing home unforgettable memories of your journey with Viaggio in una nazione.

Desideri prolungare le tue vacanze? Se desiderate aggiungere altri giorni di relax a Istanbul, in Cappadocia o a Kusadasi, potete personalizzare facilmente il vostro itinerario. Vi basterà indicare la vostra preferenza per le notti aggiuntive nel modulo di prenotazione al momento della prenotazione.