10 Days Best of Turkey Tour from Los Angeles

Depart Los Angeles (Overnight Flight)

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 One Nation Travel. 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.

Arrive in Istanbul – Welcome to Turkey

Welcome to Istanbul! Upon landing at Istanbul International Airport (IST) and clearing customs, look for the One Nation Travel 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.

Istanbul Classics Byzantine & Ottoman Tour

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 Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque Grand Mosque, a masterpiece of architecture that has served as a cathedral and mosque throughout centuries of history. Next, head to the Blue Mosque, celebrated for its stunning blue Iznik tiles and six towering minarets, a hallmark of Ottoman design. You will then continue to the Hippodrome, 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 Topkapi Palace Museum, 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 Grand Bazaar, 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.

Flight to Cappadocia – North Cappadocia Tour

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 Devrent Valley, famous for its unique fairy chimneys and animal-shaped rock formations. Next, you will explore Pasabag Valley (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 Zelve Open Air Museum, 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 Cappadocia Turkish Night Show with Dinner, a thrilling Cappadocia ATV Tour, a scenic Cappadocia Horseback Riding 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.

South Cappadocia Tour & Underground City

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 Red Valley, where you will explore ancient rock-cut churches and enjoy a 5 km hike through the tranquil Rose Valley, known for its soft pink-hued formations. Next, visit Cavusin Village, 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 Pigeon Valley, famous for its countless pigeon houses carved into the cliffs. In the afternoon, explore either the Kaymakli Underground City or the Ozkonak Underground City—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.

Green Cappadocia Tour – Flight to Izmir

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 Derinkuyu Underground City, 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 Ihlara Valley, 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 Belisirma Village, a charming riverside settlement.

In the afternoon, the tour takes you to the awe-inspiring Selime Monastery, 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 Star Wars 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.

Ancient Ephesus & House of the Virgin Mary Tour

After breakfast, you will be picked up from your hotel around 8:30 AM to begin your full-day tour of Ephesus, 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 Temple of Hadrian, the majestic Trajan Fountain, and the iconic Library of Celsus. You will also stand in the massive Ephesus Ancient Greek Theatre, where St. Paul once preached to the Ephesians.

After lunch at a local restaurant, the journey continues to the House of the Virgin Mary, 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 Temple of Artemis, once one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Your final stop is the beautiful Isa Bey Mosque, a stunning example of early Seljuk architecture. After the tour, you will be transferred back to your hotel. Overnight in Kusadasi.

Pamukkale "Cotton Castle" & Hierapolis Tour – Flight to Istanbul

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 Pamukkale Travertines, 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 Hierapolis Theatre, the Roman Baths, and the massive Necropolis, 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 Pamukkale Antique Pools (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.

Bosphorus Cruise & Spice Bazaar Tour

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 Spice Bazaar (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 Bosphorus Cruise. 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.

Departure to Los Angeles

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 One Nation Travel.

Looking to extend your vacation? If you wish to add extra leisure days in Istanbul, Cappadocia, or Kusadasi, you can easily customize your itinerary. Simply indicate your preference for additional nights using the booking form when making your reservation.