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Duration : Half day 4-5 hours || Full day 7-8 hours (approx.)
Galata Tower
Neve Shalom Synagogue
Ashkenazi Synagogue
Zulfaris Synagogue (Jewish Museum of Istanbul)
Balat
Ahrida (Ohrid) Synagogue
Jewish Cemetery
Galata Tower
Neve Shalom Synagogue
Ashkenazi Synagogue
Zulfaris Synagogue (Jewish Museum of Istanbul)
Schedule details
Jewish Heritage Tours in Istanbul, begin of Sephardic history at the Galata Quarter, a region which had been almost completely Jewish for more than 400 years. Today, Galata is known throughout the world by its huge tower, built in 1303 by the Genovese. Visit the Galata Tower, the office of the Chief Rabbinate is also located in Galata today, there are 16 Synagogues in Istanbul that are still in use.
First, visit the Neve Shalom Synagogue, used for most of the community functions today, as well as the Ashkenazi Synagogue dating from the nineteenth century and the only Ashkenazi Synagogue in Istanbul, originally built by the Austrian Jews. Stop at the Zulfaris Synagogue, which now also serves as the Museum of Turkish Jewish Museum since 2001. Its name comes from the street where it is located, which was called Zulf-u arus (present day Percemli Sokak) in Karakoy, which means “Bridal Curls” in both versions, as it was here that the brides, over the centuries, would walk by to go to the synagogue to get married. “Half day tour returning to where the tour concludes”.
” Full day tour ; You will continue to Lunch at a local Seafood Restaurant. (Lunch fee is not included) Drive to Balat, a Jewish working-class district on the shores of the Golden Horn, which absorbed most of the settlers in the fifteenth century from Spain.
Visit the recently restored Ahrida (Ohrid) Synagogue, originally built in the 15th century and is the earliest synagogue in Istanbul. The original 20-foot long oak bimah (teva), shaped either like Noah’s Ark or, like the Ottoman ship which brought the Sephardim to freedom from Spain to Turkey, can still be seen. Then visit the Jewish Cemetery before returning to where you tour concludes.
Inclusions
Pickup and drop-off included
Half Day Tour Price
Full Day Tour Price
Payment
Additional information
- Some Synagogues may not be accessible at the time of your tour. We need your full name, birthday and passport copies by email or fax in order to get the special permission for visiting the Synagogues in Istanbul.
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking, unless booked within 7 days of travel. In this case confirmation will be received within 48 hours, subject to availability.
- At time of booking, Cruise Ship passengers must provide the following details under Special Requirements: Ship name, docking time, disembarkation time and re-boarding time.
- Children 6-18 years must be accompanied by an adult
- Please enter your preferred pickup time in the Special Requirements box at the time of booking, and reconfirm 48 hours prior to the tour’s departure time.
- Ephesus requires walking long distances over uneven surfaces, comfortable clothing and closed toe, sensible walking shoes are recommended. Sunglasses and sunscreen are suggested.
- We will ensure your timely return to the Kusadasi or Izmir port for this activity. If you are not returned to the ship in time to board, we will arrange for transportation to the next port-of-call.
Make the difference between a good trip and an outstanding one !
La antigua iglesia de santa sofia aun sigue eb pie pero como mezquita pero aun dentro eata intacta…
We booked a private tour when we visited Istanbul in July. They also arranged our airport transfers. I can’t recommend them too highly. Very professional organisation, with luxurious vehicles. Everything right on time and the guide was very knowledgeable and professional.
Istanbul’s oldest synagogue, the Ahrida Synagogue also called Okhrida is said to take its name from the town of Okhrid in Macedonia, once the origin of many of Istanbul’s Jews. It is also considered among the most famous of Istanbul’s old synagogues.
The synagogue is on Vodina Caddesi, often called Kurkcu Cesme Sokagi. The original building is thought to have been built in the early 1400s, but a disastrous fire in the 1600s was responsible for extensive damage. In 1694 the sultan issued a decree calling for its reconstruction. The work was done in the Ottoman Baroque style popular at that time, as exemplified in its wooden dome.
What a great tour of the old part of Istanbul! If you are visiting Istanbul for the first time, we highly recommend you take this tour…it was well worth it!
Neve Shalom Synagogue, Istanbul
It’s always fascinating to get “under the skin” of a city — especially one with a storied history like Istanbul. Wear comfortable shoes as this is a full-day walking tour, and be prepared for a great experience.
Que hermosa ciudad me gustaria poder escribirles todo lo que vi pero la verdad crek quw no me alcanzaran las palabras lo unico que les digo es que contraten un tour privadp veran que les guata muchisimo
My children and I had a great time thank you..
We were only in Istanbul for one day, but thanks to the excellent work of our tour guide Gokhan our party of eight was able to get a real taste of the city. Can’t wait to go back and spend more time in this fascinating place.
It was an absolute pleasure being guided through this wonderful city by Cansu. Her passion for the historical significance of the city was inspiring. Her knowledge of all of the sights was remarkable. And her friendly smile and sense of humour were wonderful.
I’d highly recommend the tour to anybody who visits Istanbul.