Length : Half day Morning or Full day
Duration : 4 / 7 – 8 hours
Guide in : English
HALF DAY TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
Neve Shalom Synagogue or Ashkenaz Synagogue (upon availability) – Galata & Balat, the oldest Jewish settlement, Golden Horn
FULL DAY TOUR PROGRAM
Start after breakfast for a tour in Galata, the centuries-old Jewish neighborhood with its famous tower built by the Genoese. Visit to Neve Shalom Synagogue or Ashkenaz Synagogue (upon availability) Drive to Balat along the Golden Horn, residential area of the Ottoman Jews where the “Star of David” still appears on the facades of some buildings. Visit to Ahrida Synagogue, built in the15th century and from outside Jewish Hospital (Or-Ahayim).Visit to Zülfaris Jewish Museum of the Quincentennial Foundation and the “Oldies House” at Hasköy.The Jewish Cemetery where the martyrs of Neve Shalom are buried. Stop at Ortaköy, first disembark point of Sephardic Jews who were expelled from Spain by the religious disturbance of the Spanish King and the Queen, desperate on the ships in the middle of the sea, not being accepted by any European country except the Ottoman Sultan Beyazid Khan The Second who welcomed them offering a safe and peaceful life. Last visit to Etz Ahayim Synagogue in Ortaköy.
What is Included ?
- Private tour rates include round trip transfers from/to central hotels,
- private A/C transportation,
- English speaking professional private guide
(other languages are available on request), - Donations to synagogues, museum entrance fees,
- Lunch in full day tours ; exclude drinks.
- You can request Jewish Guides in Istanbul and Izmir upon availablity.
- SYNAGOGUE VISIT:Some Synagogues may not be accessible at the time of your tour.
* Photocopy of the passport page with photo is needed in advance (4 days) for visit permits.
* Passports required for security during the tour.