The Jewish Heritage

"Consequently, a visitor to districts such as Galata and Kuzguncuk will find synagogues, churches and mosques nestling side by side. Religious festivities tent to highlight this unique harmony. The respect and affection of the neighborhood residents for each other results in mutual participation in various religious and social functions, which an outsider can only view with wonder and surprise. The Christmas celebrations, for instance, draw a throng of local visitors both Muslim and Jewish to the city's various Catholic churches".

 

I. Karmi; Jewish Sites of Istanbul

Welcome to incomparable Istanbul. Our representative will escort you to the hotel located in the historical Sultanahmet district of this 2600 year old city. (-/-/D)

The first stop of the day is Galata, a Jewish neighborhood home of the Galata Tower built by the Genoese in 1303. We visit the Ashkenazi Synagogue and then the Shalom Synagogue which is the biggest synagogue in Istanbul. It was constructed by the Sepharadic Jews in 1951. In the afternoon, we will visit the Hippodrome, the Blue Mosque and the St. Sophia Church. (B/L/D)

Today we begin in the Balat district, dating back to 1492. This is the oldest Jewish neighborhood in Istanbul, and the Star of David embellishes the facades of many of the buildings in this area. The next stops are the Ahrida Synagogue and the Yanbol Synagogue which date back to the Byzantine period. In the afternoon we will visit the legendary Topkapi Palace and the historic Covered Bazaar. (B/L/D)

Bosphorus - Istanbul

 

After breakfast, we drive to the airport for our flight to Izmir. Located on the Aegean sea, Izmir is Turkey's third largest city. The Jewish community in Izmir is around 2000 years old. The Beth Israel Synagogue, Seniors Synagogue, Castle of Alexander and the Agora are not to be missed. (B/L/D)

After breakfast, we drive to the lonian cities of Miletus and Priene. Next on the agenda is a visit to Ephesus, with its theater, agora, baths, the library of Celsus and the site of the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. We return to Izmir. (B/L/D)

This morning, we drive to Sardis, also known as the capital of ancient Lydia. The synagogues in this area date back to the 3rd century BC. We return to Izmir at the end of the day. (B/L/D)

After breakfast we drive to the airport for our flight to Istanbul. After we drive at our hotel the rest of the day is yours to explore Istanbul. (B/-/-)

The whole day is at your leisure to do as you please in this city of past glories and dreams. (B/-/-)

We escort you to the airport for your return flight to the USA. (B/-/-)