HOT DEAL! TÜRKİYE AND DUBAI FROM LOS ANGELES

Departure from Los Angeles on an international flight to Istanbul with Turkish Airlines. It is recommended to arrive at the airline’s check-in counter at the airport at least 3 hours in advance to check your luggage. Overnight flight.

Welcome to Turkey! Arrival on an international flight at Istanbul Airport (IST). Opened in April 2019, it is the largest in Europe and one of the largest in the world. After disembarking, you'll go through immigration and collect your luggage, then head to our meeting point (check your voucher), where our team will welcome you. Following this, you’ll meet our drivers for the transfer to the hotel. Arrival and check-in. Free time to relax.

At the scheduled time, departure to enjoy the excursion “PEARLS OF THE GOLDEN HORN AND THE BOSPHORUS” (includes lunch at a traditional local restaurant): Visit the former Jewish quarter in Balat and the Greek quarter in Fener, where you will admire the magnificent views of the Golden Horn. Then visit the Cathedral of St. George, the main seat of the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate. Continue to the Suleiman the Magnificent Mosque, designed by the Ottoman architect Mimar Sinan, which features the largest dome of all the mosques in Istanbul. Next, head to the Spice Bazaar, a charming place filled with color and aroma, the ideal spot to purchase teas, herbs, nuts, traditional sweets, and of course, spices. The tour concludes with a boat cruise along the Bosphorus, the strait that divides the city between Europe and Asia, where you will enjoy stunning views of Ottoman fortresses, palaces, mansions, and the bridges connecting both sides of this vibrant city. Transfer to the hotel. Overnight stay.

Free Day. In the morning, an optional excursion “JEWELS OF CONSTANTINOPLE” is suggested (includes lunch at a traditional restaurant): Delve into the historic center of the city, where you can observe the variety of remnants from the different empires that shaped modern Istanbul: the Roman Hippodrome, the center of social life in Constantinople for thousands of years, where you can also see the Obelisk of Theodosius, the Obelisk of Constantine, and the German Fountain; the Blue Mosque, featuring over 20,000 handmade ceramic tiles brought from Iznik; the Basilica Cistern, which boasts over 300 marble columns rising above the water; and we’ll conclude with a panoramic view of the Topkapi Palace and Hagia Sophia. Our tour will finish at the Grand Bazaar, one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world, where haggling is a tradition.

Accommodation.

At the scheduled time, we will begin our journey to Ankara, where we will enjoy a panoramic tour of the capital of Turkey and visit the Mausoleum of Atatürk, the founder of the Republic. On our way to Cappadocia, we will stop at Salt Lake, a perfect spot to capture stunning photographs of its bright waters and natural surroundings. We will also explore a Caravanserai, an ancient lodging along the Silk Road, which will allow us to immerse ourselves in the history of trade routes. At the end of the day, upon our arrival in Cappadocia, we will transfer to the hotel for dinner and accommodation.

Today we will visit this wonderful region with its fascinating and unique landscape, formed by volcanic lava over 3 million years ago. We will explore the Göreme Open-Air Museum, a monastery with chapels carved into volcanic rock and adorned with 13th-century frescoes. We’ll also visit the stunning valleys of the region, known for their “otherworldly” scenery. We’ll take in the views of the iconic geological formations of the area, the famous “Fairy Chimneys.” We will stop to enjoy the incredible panoramic views of some of the renowned valleys with spectacular volcanic rock formations.

Next, we will visit an underground city in Cappadocia, one of the many impressive engineering feats built by ancient local communities to protect themselves from attacks throughout history. At the end of our tour, we will visit a carpet center to learn about the artisanal production of these true treasures. Then, we’ll stop by a gem and jewelry center featuring exclusive designs from the region. After the visit, we will return to the hotel for a delicious dinner and accommodation.

Optional programs in Cappadocia (not included):

• Turkish Night: A presentation of folk dances in a traditional cave with local drinks.
• Jeep Safari: An adventure through the mystical valleys of the region with stops for the best photos.
• Hot Air Balloon Ride: Early in the morning to admire one of the most beautiful landscapes on earth.

At the scheduled time, departure to Pamukkale, where we will visit the ancient city of Hierapolis and the famous Cotton Castle, a natural wonder characterized by its stunning waterfalls and stalactites, as well as its natural pools. The name "Hierapolis" comes from Greek and means "sacred city," reflecting the presence of numerous temples and places of worship in the area. One of the main attractions of Hierapolis is its magnificent theater, which still retains much of its structure and could accommodate thousands of spectators at its peak. The city is famous for its natural hot springs, known for their healing properties, making it a popular destination for health tourism. The mineral-rich waters have created the impressive terraces and cascades of Pamukkale, which translates to "Cotton Castle" in Turkish. Both Pamukkale and Hierapolis are recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites due to their historical significance and natural beauty. Additionally, the region is known for its cotton production, and we will have the opportunity to explore locally made textile products. Dinner at the hotel and accommodation.

Departure to visit the House of Mary, located on a nearby hill. This site is revered as the final resting place of the mother of Jesus, who, according to Christian tradition, spent her last years in Ephesus under the protection of the Apostle John. Today, the house is an important pilgrimage site for both Christians and Muslims, who consider it sacred. Next, we will take a brief panoramic tour of Selçuk, where we can appreciate its rich history, including the Ottoman castle, the Basilica of St. John, and the Temple of Artemis, which has established Ephesus as a significant religious and cultural center in ancient times. Following this, we will visit a specialized exhibition hall showcasing leather products, where you can observe high-quality items made from lambskin, known for their lightness. At the end of the day, we will enjoy dinner at the hotel and spend the night there.

*Note: Accommodation will be in Izmir or Kuşadasi, depending on the season.

Free Day. Option to participate in the optional excursion "CHIOS – A GREEK PARADISE." At the scheduled time, we will begin our day by transferring from the hotel to the port of Įeşme. After passing through immigration control, we will board a ferry to the beautiful island of Chíos. Upon arrival, we will start our tour by visiting the charming village of Mesta, famous for its labyrinth of narrow, cobbled streets dating back to the Byzantine era. Next, we will head to Pyrgi, one of Chíos' most emblematic villages. Its houses, adorned with impressive black-and-white geometric patterns known as "xysta," provide a unique visual contrast. In addition to its architecture, Pyrgi is recognized for its rich history and enduring traditions. We will continue our visit at the Mastic Museum, where we will learn about the harvesting and production of this special resin, valued since ancient times for its many applications. To wrap up, we will enjoy a magnificent beach on the Aegean, perfect for relaxing and admiring the crystal-clear waters and serene landscape of the region. Finally, we will return to the port to take the ferry back to Įeşme. Upon arrival, we will be transferred back to the hotel. Dinner at the hotel and overnight stay.

We'll begin our journey to Bursa, the first capital of the Ottoman Empire. During the excursion, we'll enjoy a panoramic tour of this historic city, admiring the magnificent Green Mosque and the Green Mausoleum, two iconic monuments famous for their intricate ornamentation. Afterwards, we'll continue our trip to Istanbul, where we'll check into our hotel upon arrival in the city.

At the specified time, you will be transferred to Istanbul Airport to board your flight to Dubai. Upon arrival in Dubai, you will be greeted at the airport and taken to the hotel, where you can relax and accomodation.

Breakfast at the hotel. Start of the tour through the fascinating city of Dubái, beginning at Dubai Creek, the historic heart of the city. Visit the heritage district of Bastakiya, with its traditional wind-tower houses and history-filled alleyways. Continue to Al Fahidi Fort, one of the oldest structures in Dubái, home to the Dubai Museum, where you will learn about the evolution of this emirate from its origins to the present day.

Afterward, enjoy a ride on the traditional “Abra” boat across the creek, an authentic experience to appreciate local life. Visit the famous Spice Market and the impressive Gold Souk, known for their aromas, colors, and unique jewelry. End the day with free time for shopping at the spectacular Dubai Mall, one of the largest shopping centers in the world. Return to the hotel and overnight stay.

Breakfast at the hotel. Free day to enjoy Dubái at your own pace or the opportunity to join optional excursions.

An optional Abu Dhabi tour is available, starting with departure from Dubái and a panoramic drive toward the neighboring emirate, passing by Jebel Ali, one of the largest man-made ports in the world. Upon arrival in Abu Dhabi, visit the majestic Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, one of the largest and most impressive in the world, renowned for its white marble architecture and unique details. Continue to Union Square, a symbol of Emirati culture and tradition, followed by a visit to Heritage Village, where you can learn about the traditional lifestyle and history of the United Arab Emirates.

Enjoy time at Marina Mall, ideal for shopping or a stroll with views of the city’s modern skyline. At the end of the tour, return to Dubái and overnight stay.

Breakfast at the hotel. Free day to enjoy Dubái or engage in personal activities.

An exciting optional Desert Safari excursion is available, an unmissable desert experience. Departure in 4x4 vehicles into the impressive golden dunes, enjoying an adrenaline-filled ride through the desert. During the journey, there will be a stop to admire the spectacular sunset over the dunes, perfect for photos and unforgettable moments.

Arrival at a traditional Arabian camp where you will experience authentic local culture. Enjoy a camel ride, henna tattoos, and a traditional desert atmosphere. The evening continues with a delicious oriental buffet dinner accompanied by a fascinating belly dance show and traditional entertainment. At the end of the experience, return to Dubái and overnight stay.

At the scheduled time, transfer to the airport to take the Turkish Airlines flight to Los Angeles.