Jewish Heritage Tour

Istanbul, Priene, Miletus, Ephesus, Sardis, Izmir

Tour Date: Guaranteed Year-around

DAY 1: En Route

Depart the U.S.A. on your flight to Turkey.

DAY 2: Arrive Istanbul

Arrive Istanbul airport. Meet and greet. Transfer to hotel.

DAY 3: Istanbul

Morning visit to a Jewish neighborhood, Galata. You will see the Galata tower built by the Genoese in 1303. Visit the local synagogues, Neve Shalom and the Askenazy Synagogue. After lunch, visit the Hippodrome, a 3rd century site, where chariots raced during the Roman period. Visit the Blue Mosque, famous for its blue tiles and six minarets. Visit St. Sophia, a world heritage site built in the 6th century.

DAY 4: Istanbul

Depart from hotel for a visit of the Balat neighborhood where you will see the star of David appearing on building facades. Visit the 15th Ahrida and the Yanbol Synagogues. Visit the Jewish home for the elderly along the Golden Horn. After lunch visit the Topkapi Palace, its priceless collection of jewels, and the Grand Covered Bazaar.

DAY 5: Istanbul

Take a visit to the Egyptian Spice Market, and Bosphorus boat tour, viewing the beautiful palaces and the European and Asian shorelines. After lunch drive over the bridge to the Asian side to visit the synagogues in Kuzguncuk and Uskudar. Then take in the panoramic view of the city from the highest hill in Istanbul, Camlica Hill.

DAY 6: Istanbul - Izmir

Transfer to Istanbul airport for morning departure to Izmir. Transfer to hotel. Visit one of the local synagogues in Izmir, where the Jewish community dates back more than 2000 years. Visit the castle of Alexander the Great and the Agora.

DAY 7: Izmir - Priene - Miletus - Ephesus - Izmir

Early morning departure for a visit to two of the ancient Ionian cities with synagogues, Priene and Miletus. Visit the ancient city of Ephesus and its Celsus Library, the theater, the Roman baths, the Temple of Artemis (one of the Seven Wonders of the ancient world). Return to Izmir for overnight.

DAY 8: Izmir - Sardis - Izmir

Morning departure to Sardis, the capital of ancient Lydia. View the significant ruins of the Acropolis. Visit the Temple of Cybele and Diana, which later became a church. See the golden river Pactalos and the Royal Road. Then visit the reconstructed Synagogue, the Gymnasium and the new excavation area. Return to Izmir for overnight.

DAY 9: Izmir

Transfer to Izmir airport for departure.

Breakfast Lunch Dinner