Be enriched by the Jewish culture and heritage of Turkey.  Superior  accommodations is the basis of this tour with an array of cultural, spiritual and shopping opportunities.

Highlights

Istanbul’s Neve Shalom and Ahrida Synagogue built over 500 years ago, shopping in the Grand Bazaar, touring Topkapi Palace, Ephesus, the Beth Israel Synagogue in Izmir and one of the world’s oldest synagogues in Sardis. Instead of “schlepping” from place-to-place, Istanbul and Izmir is your home base on the Jewish Heritage Tour. Accommodations are at Hilton Hotels with only breakfast included, so you are can dine at the restaurants of your choice.

Arrive in Istanbul on Monday

Depart from Izmir on Sunday

Intra-Turkey flight: Day 5 Thu. Istanbul to Izmir TK 332  17:00PM-18:00PM

Itinerary

B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner . Where indicated.

1. Sun. Departure to Turkey

2. Mon. Istanbul

Upon your arrival in Istanbul, Turkey's cultural capital, you are met with a friendly 'merhaba' (hello) and escorted to your hotel. Relax in your bosporus view rooms before meeting your guide for a pre-dinner orientation about the exciting events ahead. The Jewish Community in Turkey is numbered between 22, 000 and 24, 000. Although the majority is made up of Sephardis, Ashkenazi and Karaite communities also exist. Your guide will open your eyes to past and present Jewish contributions to the rich fabric of Turkey.

3. Tue. Istanbul (B)

In 1492, the Ottoman Empire opened its borders to Jews fleeing the Spanish Inquisition. Many of them eventually made their home in the neighborhood of Galata. A Jewish neighborhood for centuries, its famous tower was built in 1303 by immigrants from Genoa, Italy. Continue from here to the beautiful Neve Shalom Synagogue, and then drive to Balat with a splendid view along the Golden Horn where the Star of David appears on the facades of some buildings. Visit the beautiful Ahrida Synagogue built over 500 years ago and still in use today. Printing was introduced to Turkey by European Jewish immigrants. David and Samuel Ibn Nahmias operated the first Hebrew Printing Press in Istanbul in 1493. Learn more about Istanbul’s extensive Jewish history at the Jewish Heritage exhibition before returning to your hotel.

4. Wed. Istanbul (B)

Today explore some of Istanbul’s most famous landmarks and see why it is the only city in the world that truly bridges East and West, past and present. Visit the world-renowned Blue Mosque, built in 1616, and enjoy the rare beauty of its Iznik tiles and six minarets. Across the way, you'll visit Hagia Sophia Originally built in the 6th century by Emperor Justinian as the largest and most magnificent church in the Christian world. It is the grandeur and quality of the marble pieces and columns brought in from all over the ancient world that will strike you most upon entering. Next is the Islamic calligraphy However it is the large circular leather pendants suspended from the walls of the gallery level that immediately remind you that it was Sultan Mehmet II who converted the city and the church to Islam in 1453. Instead of destroying the Christian details, he covered them up. It was Ataturk that uncovered the Christian mosaics and made it a museum for all people to enjoy. Then it’s on to explore the worldly splendors of Topkapi Palace overlooking the bosporus, home of the Ottoman sultans for almost 400 years. The oldest and largest of the remaining palaces in the world, it was made into a museum in 1924. Many of the Ottoman diplomats and court physicians were Jews and you’ll have the chance to walk in their footsteps, as you explore the lavish chambers and courtyards that comprise the Palace and their contents including the legendary harem, imperial thrones, costumes and precious jewels. The most famous inhabitant of the treasury is the pear-shaped 86 carat Spoonmaker’s Diamond, one of the largest in the world.

5. Thu. Flight to Izmir (B)

This morning you’ll have a chance to shop for little less ostentatious jewelry in the Grand Bazaar. The oldest and largest covered marketplace in the world, you’re bound to find a little something for yourselves and those who foolishly stayed behind in its more than 3, 000 shops. Barter for colorful kilim, copper, brass, ceramics and leatherware. Then you are escorted to the airport for you flight to Izmir. Known in ancient times as Smyrna, today it is a bustling Aegean resort town.

6. Fri. Ephesus (B)

The staple of almost every Greek cruise excursion, today you will have the luxury of a full day to explore Ephesus, one of the best-preserved cities of antiquity. Under Emperor Augustus, Ephesus reached its peak as capital of the Roman Province of Asia, making it one of the five largest cities of the Roman Empire and one of the wealthiest. It is the site of the temple of Artemis, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. You will stroll the marble road past the Roman terrace houses, the Library of Celsus and the bath to the theater where Greek and Roman drama was performed and classical concerts still take place today. Inside the Ephesus Museum you’ll find many of the most famous relics of the ongoing excavations protected from the elements.

7. Sat. Beth Israel Synagogue/Sardis (B)

Although synagogue ruins dating from 220 B. C. have been found in the region, the city of Izmir has a 400-year-old Jewish community. It is abundant in synagogues, of which you will visit the most important one this morning - the Beth Israel Synagogue. In the afternoon, drive on to Sardis, the ancient capital of Lydia. Here you will visit the remains of one of the world's oldest synagogue's, the Sardis Synagogue, first built in the 3rd century BC. If you prefer to take it easy today, what better place than in this beautiful city on the sunny Aegean.

8. Sun. Izmir (B)

All too soon it is time to bid Turkey “Gule gule” (good-bye as you are transferred to the airport for your return trip home.

Flights: Listed tour prices are based on lowest airfare available. Airfares vary according to season, route, midweek/weekend flights and whether you need intra-Turkey flights. So, even different departure of a specific tour may operate with different airlines.

New York  rates are listed in our price table however add-on rates are available from most US cities. Please note that land only rates do not include domestic and international flights.

No Hidden Costs: Everything (except for lunch and dinners) is included all visits, entrance fees and transfers.

Rates/Dates

Rates are per person in double room and based on lowest airfare available.

Land only rate does not include :

Domestic or international flights.
Add airport taxes
Business Class Upgrade Available
Rates Available From Most U.S. Cities
Passport and Visa Requirements