Turkey Jewish Heritage with a Private Journey
About This Tour
Explore Turkey's rich Jewish heritage with a personalized journey. Discover synagogues, historic quarters, and cultural gems on this private Jewish Heritage tour in Turkey.
Discover the Rich Tapestry of Turkey's Jewish Heritage with a Private Journey
Embark on an exclusive exploration of Turkey's Jewish heritage with our private tour. Uncover centuries of history, visit synagogues, and immerse yourself in the captivating cultural legacy of this diverse and storied land.
This tour promises a captivating exploration of Turkey's Jewish heritage, offering insights into centuries of history and cultural richness.
Itinerary
1
Day 1 — Arrival in Istanbul
Welcome to Istanbul, Turkey! Whether you arrive at Istanbul Airport or Sabiha Gokcen Airport, our staff will be there to greet you. They will assist you with the transfer to your hotel, ensuring a smooth journey from the airport to your accommodation. After arriving at the hotel, you will check in and have the rest of the day at your leisure. Overnight stay in Istanbul.
Visiting:
Istanbul
2
Day 2 — Full Day Byzantine, Ottoman Relics Istanbul City Tour
Hotel Pick-up (08:00 - 09:15): Your day begins with a personalized pick-up from your hotel or specified location between 08:00 and 09:15. Our friendly team ensures a comfortable start to your adventure.
Hagia Sophia: Also Called the Church of Divine Wisdom, it is a masterpieceof grandeur and proportion. Coveted by the Islamic East and Christian West, the Hagia Sophia is one of mankind's greatest treasures.
Blue Mosque ( Sultanahmet Mosque): No one has been to Istanbul at least once can ever forget the feeling of awe and wonder at seeing the Blue Mosque for the first time.
Hippodrome and Obelisk: The vast Hippodrome, known as At Meydani or " plaze of the horses" stretches between Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque.
Shopping Opportunity
Grand Covered Bazaar ( Kapali Carsi): The Oldest and the largest covered market place in the world is situated in the center of the city.
LUNCH
Topkapi Palace: Topkapi Palace was the main residence of the Sultan and his court. It was initially the seat of government as well as the imperial residence. Even though access was strictly regulated, inhabitans of the palace rarely had to venture outsince the palace functioned almost as an autonomous entity a city within a city. Audience and consultation chambers and areas served for the political workings of the empire.
17:00 PM is the end of the tour, then participants will be transferred back to their hotel and full day Byzantine,Ottoman Relics Tour will be ended.
Hagia Sophia: Also Called the Church of Divine Wisdom, it is a masterpieceof grandeur and proportion. Coveted by the Islamic East and Christian West, the Hagia Sophia is one of mankind's greatest treasures.
Blue Mosque ( Sultanahmet Mosque): No one has been to Istanbul at least once can ever forget the feeling of awe and wonder at seeing the Blue Mosque for the first time.
Hippodrome and Obelisk: The vast Hippodrome, known as At Meydani or " plaze of the horses" stretches between Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque.
Shopping Opportunity
Grand Covered Bazaar ( Kapali Carsi): The Oldest and the largest covered market place in the world is situated in the center of the city.
LUNCH
Topkapi Palace: Topkapi Palace was the main residence of the Sultan and his court. It was initially the seat of government as well as the imperial residence. Even though access was strictly regulated, inhabitans of the palace rarely had to venture outsince the palace functioned almost as an autonomous entity a city within a city. Audience and consultation chambers and areas served for the political workings of the empire.
17:00 PM is the end of the tour, then participants will be transferred back to their hotel and full day Byzantine,Ottoman Relics Tour will be ended.
3
Day 3 — Explore Istanbul's Jewish Heritage
Breakfast at the Hotel :After breakfast, embark on a fascinating tour of Istanbul's Jewish heritage.
Jewish Quarter of Balat: Explore the charming old Jewish Quarter of Balat. Observe the Star of David adorning the facades of historic buildings.
Visit Etz Ahayim Synagogue: Discover the rich history of the Etz Ahayim Synagogue, built over 500 years ago.
Afternoon Visit to Pera Hill: Journey to Pera Hill for an afternoon exploration. Visit Jewish Synagogues of Ashganazi and Neve Shalom.
Return to the Hotel: After a day of cultural immersion, return to your hotel.
Enjoy your enriching day exploring Istanbul's Jewish heritage!
Jewish Quarter of Balat: Explore the charming old Jewish Quarter of Balat. Observe the Star of David adorning the facades of historic buildings.
Visit Etz Ahayim Synagogue: Discover the rich history of the Etz Ahayim Synagogue, built over 500 years ago.
Afternoon Visit to Pera Hill: Journey to Pera Hill for an afternoon exploration. Visit Jewish Synagogues of Ashganazi and Neve Shalom.
Return to the Hotel: After a day of cultural immersion, return to your hotel.
Enjoy your enriching day exploring Istanbul's Jewish heritage!
4
Day 4 — Fly to Izmir, Visit Ancient Sardis, Overnight in Kusadasi
Transfer to the Airport: Enjoy a transfer to the airport for your flight to Izmir.
Flight to Izmir: Fly to Izmir, the ancient city of Smyrna.
Private Transfer to Hotel: Upon arrival, experience a private transfer to your city center hotel in Izmir.
Visit Beth Israel Shar Ashmain Synagogue: Explore the historical Beth Israel Shar Ashmain Synagogue in Izmir.
Excursion to Sardis: Depart for Sardis, the ancient capital of Lydia. Explore the synagogue from the Roman Period in Sardis.
Transfer to Kusadasi : Transfer to Kusadasi for an overnight stay at your hotel.
Enjoy your exploration of Izmir and the ancient wonders of Sardis!
Flight to Izmir: Fly to Izmir, the ancient city of Smyrna.
Private Transfer to Hotel: Upon arrival, experience a private transfer to your city center hotel in Izmir.
Visit Beth Israel Shar Ashmain Synagogue: Explore the historical Beth Israel Shar Ashmain Synagogue in Izmir.
Excursion to Sardis: Depart for Sardis, the ancient capital of Lydia. Explore the synagogue from the Roman Period in Sardis.
Transfer to Kusadasi : Transfer to Kusadasi for an overnight stay at your hotel.
Enjoy your exploration of Izmir and the ancient wonders of Sardis!
5
Day 5 — Full Day Ephesus Ancient City Tour - Fly To Istanbul.
After a hearty breakfast, check out from your hotel and embark on a journey to Ephesus to discover the wonders of the ancient city of Ephesus.
Highlights of the Day:
Temple of Artemis: Start your journey by visiting the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Discover the ancient cult dedicated to Artemis, making Ephesus a renowned pilgrimage destination in antiquity.
The Ruins of Ephesus: Immerse yourself in the grandeur of Ephesus as you explore its ruins, including a concert hall, marketplaces, colonnaded streets, temples, fountains, libraries, theaters, and the enchanting Arcadian Way.
Lunch: Take a break and enjoy a delightful lunch, refueling for the rest of your day.
The House of Virgin Mary: Visit the House of Virgin Mary, a place with deep religious significance, believed to be the residence of the Virgin Mary during her time in Ephesus. The exact location of her passing was revealed through Anne Catherine Emmerich's vision.
As the day draws to a close, we'll transfer you to Izmir Airport. Fly to Istanbul and transfer your hotel in Istanbul. End of our service.
Highlights of the Day:
Temple of Artemis: Start your journey by visiting the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Discover the ancient cult dedicated to Artemis, making Ephesus a renowned pilgrimage destination in antiquity.
The Ruins of Ephesus: Immerse yourself in the grandeur of Ephesus as you explore its ruins, including a concert hall, marketplaces, colonnaded streets, temples, fountains, libraries, theaters, and the enchanting Arcadian Way.
Lunch: Take a break and enjoy a delightful lunch, refueling for the rest of your day.
The House of Virgin Mary: Visit the House of Virgin Mary, a place with deep religious significance, believed to be the residence of the Virgin Mary during her time in Ephesus. The exact location of her passing was revealed through Anne Catherine Emmerich's vision.
As the day draws to a close, we'll transfer you to Izmir Airport. Fly to Istanbul and transfer your hotel in Istanbul. End of our service.
Visiting:
Ephesus (Efes)
What’s included
- Private Transportation: Airport to Hotel and Hotel to Airport
- Domestic Flight Tickets: Istanbul to Izmir , Izmir to Istanbul
- Accommodation: 3 Nights in Istanbul with Breakfast
- Accommodation: 1 Night in Kusadasi with Breakfast
- Full Day Istanbul City Tour: Transportation, Guidance, Lunch Included
- Private Jewish Heritage Tour: Transportation, and Guidance Included
- Full Day EphesusTour: Transportation, Guidance, Lunch, Museum Tickets Included
- Private Ancient Sardis Tour: Transportation, and Guidance Included
Not included
- International Flights to Turkey: Please note that the package does not include international flights to Turkey. Travelers are responsible for arranging their own flights to and from Turkey
- Personal Travel Insurance: To ensure a worry-free journey, we recommend securing personal travel insurance that covers unforeseen circumstances such as trip cancellations, medical emergencies, and lost luggage.
- Visa for Turkey: Travelers are responsible for obtaining the necessary visa to enter Turkey. Ensure that you have the required travel documents well in advance of your departure. Check with the Turkish embassy or consulate in your country for visa requirements.
- Personal Expenses: While the package covers a range of services, please budget separately for personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and any optional activities or excursions not included in the itinerary.
- Museums: Entrance fees not included.You can obtain the museum entrance ticket for Topkapi Palace and Hagia Sophia from us.Avoid the extended queues at this prominent attraction too by not waiting in the long ticket lines. With your guide, you'll bypass these lines. Princes' Island Tour Bicycle, Electrical Carriage, Drinks on Ferry not included.
Tour programme
The full day-by-day plan on one page — take it with you or send it on.
Tour route
14 stops
Drag to travel the route
Destinations on this tour
Highlights
- Jewish Quarter of Balat:
- Explore the charming and historic Jewish Quarter of Balat.
- Admire the Star of David on the facades of buildings.
- Etz Ahayim Synagogue:
- Visit the Etz Ahayim Synagogue, a significant structure with a history spanning over 500 years.
- Pera Hill - Ashganazi and Neve Shalom Synagogues:
- Ascend Pera Hill for an afternoon visit to the Ashganazi and Neve Shalom Synagogues.
- Discover the rich cultural and architectural heritage.
- Flight to Izmir:
- Transfer to the airport for a flight to Izmir.
- Beth Israel Shar Ashmain Synagogue:
- Explore the historical Beth Israel Shar Ashmain Synagogue in Izmir.
- Excursion to Sardis:
- Journey to Sardis, the ancient capital of Lydia.
- Visit the Roman Period synagogue, witnessing ancient Jewish history.
- Cultural Immersion:
- Immerse yourself in the vibrant Jewish history and culture of Istanbul and Izmir.
- Private Transfers:
- Enjoy comfortable and private transfers, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable experience.
Good to know
- Airport arrival at either Istanbul Airport or Sabiha Gokcen Airport; staff will greet you and transfer you to your hotel
- Istanbul city tour hotel pick-up is between 08:00 and 09:15
- Istanbul city tour ends around 17:00 with transfer back to hotel
- Day 3 Jewish Heritage tour visits Balat Jewish Quarter, Etz Ahayim Synagogue, and the Ashkenazi and Neve Shalom synagogues at Pera Hill
- Topkapi Palace and Hagia Sophia tickets can be purchased from us so you skip the long ticket lines with your guide
- Personal travel insurance is recommended for trip cancellations, medical emergencies and lost luggage
- Check visa requirements with the Turkish embassy or consulate in your country well in advance
Pick-up & Drop-off
Our tour package offers convenient pick-up and drop-off services at both Istanbul International Airport and Sabiha Gokcen Airport. Whether you arrive at the bustling Istanbul International Airport or the dynamic Sabiha Gokcen Airport, our team is ready to ensure a seamless transition from your point of arrival to the beginning of your unforgettable journey through Turkey Jewish Heritage with a Private Journey. Experience hassle-free transportation as we welcome you to this captivating adventure.
Frequently Asked Questions 5
This private tour is specifically designed to explore Turkey's rich Jewish heritage. You will have the opportunity to visit historic synagogues, explore significant Jewish quarters, and learn about the cultural legacy of the Jewish community in Turkey with a knowledgeable private guide.
No, this is a private journey. This means your tour will be exclusive to you and your party, offering a more personalized and intimate experience as you explore the sites.
The comprehensive Istanbul city tour on the second day includes visits to some of the city's most famous landmarks: Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, the ancient Hippodrome and its Obelisk, the bustling Grand Covered Bazaar, and the historic Topkapi Palace.
To secure your booking, a 50% deposit is required. You can pay the remaining balance later. We accept several payment methods, including credit card (which includes a 2% discount), cash payment on the day of the tour, or a bank transfer.
Upon your arrival at either Istanbul Airport or Sabiha Gokcen Airport, our staff will greet you and provide a private transfer directly to your hotel to ensure a seamless and comfortable start to your trip.
Reviews (1)
5.0
1 Reviews
Christopher Y.
Hello Gamze, Thank you so much for everything. Every detail of our tour was very well organized. From the hotel we stayed at to our guide and driver, we were delighted with your entire team.
