Private Tour: Istanbul's Jewish Heritage

Istanbul, Turkey

Discover Istanbul's Jewish culture on this private half-day tour. Visit the Galata Tower, one of the most prominent landmarks in the city on the European side.You will also visit  the synagogues of Neve Shalom, Ashkenaz and Ortakoy.

Highlights include:

Galata Tower:
One of the city's most striking landmarks is the Galata Tower, whose huge, cone-capped form dominates the skyline on the Galata side of the Golden Horn. This tower was the apex of the fortifications of Genoese Galata. Originally known as the Tower of Christ, it was built in 1348 in connection with the first expansion of the Genoese colony. Entrance inside the tower is not permitted, you will be able to view from the outside only.

Neve Shalom Synagogue:
Neve Shalom is the central and largest Sephardic synagogue is Istanbul and was completed in 1951 due to a rapid increase in the Jewish population in the Pera and Galata areas.

Ashkenaz Synagogue:
Located near the Galata Tower, the facade of the building is especially imposing, with three oriental arches and octagonal rosette windows. Inside, the floors are of marble, the lofty dome is painted with stars, and the elaborately-worked ark, of dark wood, blends eastern European and Arabesque styles. It is the only active Ashkenazi Synagogue open to visits and prayers.

Ortakoy Synagogue:
Ortakoy or Etz Ahayim Synagogue is located on the coast near the Bosphorus Bridge. The synagogue was rebuilt in 1941 after having been totally destroyed by fire.

Please note: You MUST provide your full passport details at time of booking. This information is required in order to obtain permission to enter the Synagogues. You are also required to fill in forms upon arrival at the Neve Shalom Synagogue. Tour itineraries and durations are dependent on times arranged by the Jewish Rabbinate.

USD $60.00

Traveler Reviews

Review by: MARCIA S	June 2011
FIrst I want to give the highest praise for our delightful,knowledgeable helpful, sweet, chic,friendly tour guide, Mine pronounced Meenay (hope her name is correct) This is a must see for anyone interested in Jewish Heritage. Our tour was half a day and fine for us.we had read of one dissatisfied traveller's opinion and were concerned. We were so interested in the three Synagogues we saw. Each with a different story. at Neve Shalom the Rabbi himself met with us. The tour for two was so well organized with our guide and driver. I don't know how much you want to read but The tour as set is wonderful and then we were given options of certain sites to see. A tour is a must as it is difficult to get from one area to another unless someone really directs you and takes you. It was surprising to learn that the Neve Shalom Synagogue ( I am pretty sure that is the one) does not have dues but is supported by contributions. Mine told us a great deal of information about the Jewish Community (24,000 Jews) and 16 active Synagogues as well as about Istanbul itself especially since we had just arrived the day before. Be prepared to do some walking on cobblestone streets...some of the fun about this through streets with much to see en route._br/_ THe security is very tight as we appreciated and as it is necessary so plan ahead to send your passport information at least a week or more ahead of your tour. _br/_ Marcia and Richard Schaefer Delmar (near Albany) New York

Review by: Jill S, United States of America	June 2009
We felt that we were taken. The guide knew very little of what she was doing.

Review by: Nat K, United States of America	September 2008
Jewish history in Istanbul seems limited....the synagogues were important for us to see and the guide made them as interesting as possible.