Jewish Heritage

1st Day: You will arrive to Istanbul, the biggest city of modern Turkey. We will welcome you and you will rest in the hotel.

2nd Day: This morning firstly we will start with the biggest Synagogue of Istanbul called Neva Salom which was attacked 2 times in the last 30 years. Later on we will visit the oldest Synagogue named Ahrida. After lunch we will get on the tramway on the famous Istiklal Street. Later we will visit a very interesting Jewish Cemetery in Ulus. Finally we will see the Jewish Museum.

3rd Day: We will have an extensive tour of Istanbul. Istanbul is the only city located in 2 continents and was the capital city of 3 empires. Our first visit will be to the legendary St. Sophia which was built 1.500 years ago as the first cathedral of the world. It was the biggest and last construction of The Roman Empire. Following we will visit the famous Blue Mosque. After lunch we will visit Topkapi Palace and later you will have free time in old shopping places, the GrandBazaar and the Spice Bazaar. Overnight in Istanbul.

4th Day: We will fly from Istanbul to Izmir Airport and will drive to the oldest and biggest Synagogue of Anatolia, in the ancient city Sardis (2nd C.B.C). After lunch we will drive to Kusadasi for overnight.

5th Day: Today we will first drive south and visit the famous ancient city Miletos where the philosophers Thales, Anaximenes, Anaximendaros and Isidoros, the architect of St. Sophia in Istanbul, lived. At the theater of Miletos we will read Jewish Letters then we will drive to Ephesus. After lunch we will visit the ruins of Ephesus; where you will see the Hadrian’s, Trajan’s and the Domitian’s Temples, the huge Roman bath, the Celcus Library and the biggest amphitheater of Turkey. Overnight in Kusadasi.

6th Day: After breakfast we will go to Izmir, which is the 3rd biggest city of Turkey and will visit the Bet Israel Synagogue. Next you will have free time in the old Bazaar called Kemeralti. In the evening we will have a farewell dinner at the sea side of Izmir named Kordon. Overnight in Izmir.

7th Day: Transfer to the airport for your homebound flight.