Highlights:
-This is a customized 5 days package with Professional English Speaking Jews guide.
-Visit most important synagogues and learn culture of Jews
-Visit Istiklal Street (Grande Rue de Pera), once it says, a stroll along its length is a must
-Walk on the Sultanahmet historical and visit the monuments among such as Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace and Hippodrome
-Enjoy cruising on Bosphorus and see the monuments among such as Dolmabahce Palace, Rumeli Hisar, Ottoman mensions and Ortakoy moque
-Experience shopping with locals in Grand Bazaar and Spice Market
-Taste typical turkish food in local restaurants
Day 1: Arrival Istanbul
Upon arrival in Istanbul, the guide will greet you and drive to your hotel. After check-in leisure day to explore the city. Overnight in Istanbul.
(No Meal)
Day 2: Jewish Heritage Tour
Upon breakfast at the hotel depart for first visiting - "Ashkenazi Synagogue" is favoured for its imposing facade with three oriental arches and octagonal rosette windows. Inside, the floors are of marble, the lofty blue dome is painted with stars, and the elaborately worked ark of dark wood blends eastern European and Arabesque styles.
"Ahrida Synagogue" is in the Balat district, and is the oldest synagogue of Istanbul from the 1400's. The pulpit in the shape of Noah's Ark is exceptional here. "Komando Staircase" is a graceful curved double staircase built in the nineteenth century on the order of the Kamondos, the Jewish community`s most prosperous family.
"Zulfaris Synagogue" is dating from 1671 and is presently being restored as a museum of Turkish Jewish life. After lunch proceed to. "Neve Shalom Synagogue" is where the Turkish Jews attend Shabbat prayers, weddings, and funerals. Our guide explains to us about a few historical facts about the synagogue and the Turkish Jew’s history here. We view "Galata Tower" from outside which dominates Istanbul’s skyline since 1348. We wander through the daily life of picturesque Galata District viewing workshops, groceries, housewives hanging out laundry, children playing in the narrow streets or making their way to and from school. After the tour, transfer back to the hotel. Overnight in Istanbul.
(Breakfast-Lunch)
Day 3: Treasures of Istanbul
According to your tour pick-up time, meet with your guide and start your full-day tour. Explore Hagia Sophia; Meaning Divine Wisdom, Hagia Sophia was the largest building on earth barring the Egyptian Pyramids or the Great Wall of China. Today's Hagia Sophia was built by the Emperor Justinian in 537AD. It was the religious center of the city during the Byzantine period. It was used as a church for 916 years and as a mosque for 481 years, In 1934, by the order of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk it was converted into a museum and since it is open to the visitors.
Next; Topkapı Palace; As well as being the imperial residence of the Sultan, the palace was also the seat of government for the ottoman empire. It housed the ottoman sultans for nearly 400 years until the Dolmabahçe palace was built. In 1924 it was converted into a museum. Today it is famous with harem, royal treasury, and holy relics sections
Continue to with Hippodrome; Built by the Roman Emperor Septimus Severus in 203AD, during the Roman period hippodrome was the civil center for the people of the city where once 100,000 spectators could be held. Located in the heart of Sultanahmet surrounded by Blue mosque, Hagia Sophia and Topkapi palace, today it is home to The Egyptian Obelisk (Dikilitaş), The Serpentine Column (Burma sütun), The Constantine Column and German Fountain.
Next, Blue Mosque; Built by the Ottoman Sultan Ahmet I in the year 1616, it is located opposite the Hagia Sophia. Blue mosque today is one of the most famous landmarks of the old city with its famous six minarets and magnificent dome. Although it is officially called Sultanahmet Mosque, the name Blue Mosque was given to it by the visitors because of the amazing blue tiles decorating the interior walls.
Next, Grand Bazaar; With 18 entrances and more than 4000 shops it is one of the greatest bazaars in the world. It was built between 1455-1461 by Sultan Mehmet the Conqueror. Today, shops selling the same kind of merchandise tend to be congregated in their own streets or inns as it was the original Ottoman system At the end of the tour drive you back to your hotel. Overnight in Istanbul.
(Breakfast-Lunch)
Day 4: Bosphorus Cruise&Spice Bazaar
According to your tour pick-up time meet with your guide and start your half-day tour. Visit Spice Bazaar; Built-in 1664 it is on an ‘L’ shape with six gates. It was called Egyptian Bazaar during the ottoman period because shopkeepers used to sell herbs and spices brought throughout Egypt and Asia. Today still many spice shops and herb specialists are continuing their business there, You can get the mesmerizing spice smells from miles away.
Next, Cruising on Bosphorus; where you will enjoy a magnificent view. A great history, beautiful nature. The Bosphorus divides EUROPE & ASIA geographically but connects culturally & historically. The shore is lined with old wooden villas, palaces of marble, fortresses, and small fishing villages. During the excursion, you will pass the magnificent Dolmabahce Palace, Rustem Pasa Mosque, Rumeli Fortress and further along with the parks and imperial pavillions of Yildiz Palace. This cruise will be highlights of your trip in Istanbul. After tour drive you back to your hotel.
(Breakfast-Lunch)
Day 5: Departure Day
Upon breakfast at the hotel, check out and according to your flight time drive to Airport. End of the Service.
(Breakfast)