6-Day Istanbul & Cappadocia Tour from Los Angeles – USA

Today marks the beginning of your Turkish adventure. Make your way to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) for your overnight flight to Istanbul. Relax on board and enjoy the in-flight services as you cross continents toward one of the world’s most captivating cities.

Your flight will arrive in Istanbul the following day. Get some rest during the journey to make the most of your first day in Turkey. End of services for today.

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 arrivals exit. You will then be transferred comfortably to your hotel in the historic Sultanahmet district.

After check-in, the rest of the day is at your leisure to recover from your long flight. If you feel energetic, you may wish to take a short stroll around the old city, enjoying your first glimpses of Istanbul’s skyline dotted with minarets and domes. Traditional Turkish restaurants and charming cafés are within easy walking distance of most hotels in the area.

In the evening, consider sampling your first Turkish meal at a local restaurant and getting an early night to prepare for tomorrow’s full day of sightseeing. Overnight in Istanbul.

After breakfast at your hotel, around 8:30 AM your guide will collect you for a full-day guided tour of Istanbul’s Byzantine and Ottoman treasures.

The tour begins at the magnificent Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque Grand Mosque, a monumental structure that began life as a Byzantine cathedral, later served as a mosque, and stands today as one of the most important architectural achievements in history. Continue to the iconic Blue Mosque, renowned for its striking blue İznik tiles and six elegant minarets.

From there, explore the Hippodrome, once the center of Byzantine public life, where you will see the Obelisk of Theodosius, the Serpent Column, and the German Fountain. Around 12:30 PM, enjoy a traditional Turkish lunch at a local restaurant.

In the afternoon, visit the opulent Topkapi Palace Museum, the lavish residence of Ottoman sultans for nearly 400 years. Tour its courtyards and treasuries filled with imperial artifacts (the Harem section is optional at additional cost). The day concludes at the Grand Bazaar, one of the world’s largest and oldest covered markets with over 4,000 shops. Around 5:00 PM, transfer back to your hotel. Overnight in Istanbul.

Around 4:00 AM, you will be picked up from your hotel and transferred to Istanbul Airport for your early morning flight to Kayseri or Nevsehir (departure typically between 6:00 and 7:30 AM). Upon arrival, meet your local guide and drive to Cappadocia to begin your full-day North Cappadocia tour.

Start with a visit to Devrent Valley, known for its imaginative rock formations resembling animals and figures. Continue to Pasabag Valley, famous for its mushroom-shaped fairy chimneys once inhabited by monks. Next, stop in Avanos, a charming town celebrated for its centuries-old pottery tradition along the Red River.

After lunch at a local restaurant, visit the Zelve Open Air Museum, a fascinating abandoned cave village featuring rock-cut churches, dwellings, and monastic chambers. The day concludes with panoramic photo stops around Uchisar Castle, offering sweeping views of the surrounding valleys.

Around 4:00 PM, transfer to your cave hotel for check-in. In the evening, an optional Traditional Turkish Night Show with dinner is available at additional cost. Overnight in Cappadocia.

Optional early morning hot air balloon ride over the fairy chimneys of Cappadocia, offering unforgettable aerial views at sunrise (available at additional cost and must be pre-booked).

After breakfast at your hotel, around 9:30 AM your guide will pick you up to begin the full-day South Cappadocia tour. First, explore the Red Valley, home to rock-cut churches and dramatic crimson cliffs, followed by a scenic hike through Rose Valley, named for the pink hues that color its rock formations at sunset.

Continue to Cavusin Village, known for its historic cave houses and ancient Christian churches. Around noon, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, visit Pigeon Valley for breathtaking landscape views, then descend into either Kaymakli Underground City or Ozkonak Underground City, remarkable subterranean complexes used by early Christians as refuge during periods of persecution.

Around 4:00 PM, you will be transferred to Kayseri or Nevsehir airport for your evening flight back to Istanbul. Upon arrival, our representative will meet you and transfer you to your hotel. Overnight in Istanbul.

After breakfast at your hotel, check out and prepare for your journey home. Depending on your flight schedule, you may have some free time to enjoy a final walk through Sultanahmet, pick up last-minute souvenirs, or simply relax at the hotel.

At the appropriate time, you will be transferred to Istanbul International Airport (IST) for your return flight to Los Angeles. Thanks to the time difference, you will arrive in the USA the same day, bringing with you wonderful memories of Turkey’s remarkable landscapes and rich history.

If you wish to extend your vacation with extra leisure days in Istanbul or Cappadocia, simply indicate your preference for additional nights using the booking form when making your reservation. End of tour services.