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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 ciudad mas linda ISTANBUL sin duda alguna
Lo mas lindo de istanbul fueron las mezquitas sin duda alguna, el tour privado nos ofrecio unas maravillosas vacaciones
In Istanbul, we were picked up right at the cruise ship at the appointed time and boarded a large van for just the four of us. You can book the tour on-line ahead of time, and you can pick and choose the sights you want to see. Overall, more reasonable than the ship tours, and a lot more flexibility, this tour company is great.
This neighborhood of Istanbul was once known as the Jewish quarter of the city. Today you can still find many synagogues here, as well as a more diverse group of residents.
We really liked the guided visit to the Neve Shalom Synagogue still in use today. Several people recommended this tour and it did not disappoint.
I would like to thank Taylan for promptly putting together a tour for us. Giving us your recommendations and being reliable. Eventhough you personally were not able to show us around due to privatetour commitments you made sure we were not left aside and found us a guide that you felt comfortable wIth. We had a fantastic time, thanks to you and your thoughtfulness!
To get there from Sultanahmet, catch the tram and get off at Emininou. Exit ferry side and walk towards the bridge then straight through it to the bus station. Catch the 99 bus from Stand 9. Listen for the announcement in the bus when it says 'Balat', about the 3rd or 4th stop. I got lost, walked further away..
You can smell old İstanbul's daily life. Narrow streets and small old buildings.
Our guide was very knowledgeable and told us the stories relating to each of the sites we visited. All this was arranged over the internet, so we headed into unknown territory, but it all worked extremely well. Lunch was also included.
Jewish quarter, followed by the Greek quarter. Pay attention to the differences in housing, and a series of authentic wooden houses as well as several Synagogues and Churches.