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The Jewish Roots In Istanbul

Istanbul, Turkey
  • 4 hours (approx.)
  • Pickup offered
  • Mobile ticket
  • Offered in: English

Overview

Discover the rich Jewish heritage of one of the world’s most culturally diverse cities on this full-day private tour of Istanbul. Accompanied by a private guide, follow Istanbul’s Jewish Route through the old Jewish quarter of Galata; visit the Ahrida and Etz Ahayi synagogues; stop by the Jewish Cemetery; and tour the Jewish Museum.
  • Full-day private tour of Istanbul’s Jewish Route
  • Explore the old Jewish quarter of Galata on a guided walking tour
  • Visit the Jewish Museum, the Jewish Cemetery, and Etz Ahayi synagogue
  • Learn more about Istanbul’s fascinating Jewish heritage from an expert guide
  • Great-value tour includes hotel pick-up and round-trip transport by private vehicle
  • This private tour can be customized to your interests and ensures you’ll receive personalized attention from your guide

What's Included

  • Proffesional Tour Guide with your preferred language.
  • Private driver with a luxury car.
  • Meals & Drinks.
  • Gratuities
  • Museum entrance ticket fees

Meeting and Pickup

Pickup points

Select a pickup point

Pickup details

Please be informed kindly that you are required to contact your agency, Travelium, at least 24 hours in advance in order to confirm excursion. If you have book this activity less than 24 hours prior to the scheduled time, please contact us immediately after booking to confirm your excursion. Please bear in mind, you will be asked to present your printed voucher and photo ID when you meet with your guide.

Operating hours
.9:30 am

Itinerary

Meet your private guide and driver at your central Istanbul hotel, and set out to explore Istanbul’s most prominent Jewish sites. The first stop is Galata, one of Istanbul’s oldest neighborhoods, and the heart of the city’s Jewish district. As you stroll around the historic district, stop to admire the landmark Galata Tower, and visit the Neva Shalom Synagogue or Ashkenaz Synagogue (depending on opening times).

Continue along the Golden Horn to the Balat neighborhood, a lively Jewish quarter during Ottoman times and still proudly proclaiming the Star of David affront some of its buildings. Here, you’ll have chance to take a peek at the Jewish Hospital, and pay a visit to the Ahrida Synagogue, built in the 15th century by the first generation of Seferad Jews.

A short drive brings you to the Hasköy district, where you can learn more about the city’s Jewish heritage at the Zülfaris Jewish Museum and visit the Jewish Cemetery. Nearby, stop at Ortaköy to see the port at which the Seferads arrived five centuries before, and learn how they were offered refuge by Ottoman ruler Sultan Bazyezid.

There’s just time for one more stop, at the Etz Ahayim Synagogue in Ortaköy, before making your way back to the center, where your tour ends with a drop-off at your hotel.

Galata Tower (Pass By)

1

Neve Shalom Synagogue

30 minutesAdmission Ticket Not Included

2

Ashkenazi Synagogue of Istanbul

30 minutesAdmission Ticket Not Included

3

Balat

1 hour Admission Ticket Not Included

4

Ahrida Synagogue

30 minutesAdmission Ticket Not Included

5

The Quincentennial Foundation Museum of Turkish Jews

30 minutesAdmission Ticket Not Included

6

ETZ Ahayim Synagogue

30 minutesAdmission Ticket Not Included

Additional Info

  • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • Stroller accessible
  • Infants must sit on laps
  • Infant seats available
  • Most travelers can participate
  • This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

Traveler Photos

Gallery picture 1 (from a traveler's review)
Gallery picture 2 (from a traveler's review)
Gallery picture 3 (from a traveler's review)

Reviews

5.0
based on 2 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

Jewish roots tour of Istanbul

Sandra_C, Jul 2023
The guide was very knowledgeable and included other places of interest as well. Would definitely recommend

If you have an opportunity to visit Istanbul, definitely book Kenan.

iknobloch, Feb 2023
Our Guide Kenan was took us to many different cultural sites. He is an expert in Jewish history. I wish I had more time to spend with him. Thank You. We will definitely be back to learn and see so much more.

From $779.83

per group (up to 7)

up to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)

Book ahead!
On average, this is booked 118 days in advance.

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