Private Jewish Heritage of Istanbul

Private Jewish Heritage of Istanbul
From $35.00/person to $246.00/person (Select "Individuals" below) Price varies based on number of individuals in your group
Choose Options My Cruise Itinerary
Sorry, this excursion is not available for purchase.
Summary
Shore Excursion Size ? Private
Shore Excursion Type Cultural, Scenic
Shore Excursion Duration 4 Hours
Activity Level ? Easy
Shore Excursion Leaves From ? Cruise Ship Terminal
Food/Beverage Provided Not Included. Beverages and snacks are available for purchase.
Recommended Dress Comfortable lightweight seasonal clothing. Good quality sunglasses are advised, and photo-chromatic lenses for those who wear spectacles. Please be aware that the standard of dress throughout Turkey is conservative. We recommend modest clothing to respect this fact; clothing that covers your shoulders and knees is required. Please note that short shorts for both men and women are not acceptable nor are tank or singlet tops.
Restrictions Must be able to get in/out of vehicle and walk about 1 mile. Not wheelchair accessible.

Private Jewish Heritage of Istanbul

Currently, only two percent of Istanbul's population is Jewish. The importance of their cultural heritage is much larger, and this Istanbul private tour is the perfect opportunity to learn all about it. Visit historic locations, observe important monuments, and stop at a fascinating museum. This private tour of Istanbul's Jewish history is ideal for history lovers, photographers, and anyone searching for a captivating cultural experience. Designed specifically to be enjoyed privately, this Istanbul tour offers a truly personalized day in Turkey.

Begin your Istanbul private tour with a short comfortable drive to Balat, a traditional Jewish quarter in Istanbul's Faith district. Once there, you'll observe the Ahrida Synagogue, the oldest of Istanbul's synagogues. Dating back to the 15th century, the striking building has an impressive Baroque architectural design. Another highlight in Balat is the Or-Ayahim Hospital, a beautiful historic landmark you'll also observe from the outside.

Continue your Istanbul private tour to Galata, a historic neighborhood on the northern shore of the Golden Horn. In the 11th century, this scenic quarter housed Constantinople's Jewish community, functioning today as home to several famous landmarks. First is the Neva Shalom Synagogue, whose name means "Oasis of Peace." Built to accommodate an increasing Jewish population in the late 1930s, the synagogue was built over the ruins of a former Jewish primary school. The second notable highlight is the Ashkenazi Synagogue, currently the only active Ashkenazi synagogue open to visits and prayers in Istanbul.

The last stop on your Istanbul private tour is The 500 Year Foundation Museum of Turkish Jews. This cultural center was built over the grounds of a former synagogue in the 19th century to inform people about Jewish traditions and history in Turkey. This picturesque museum is divided into three sections. The main section highlights Jewish culture and its integration with Turkish society. Paintings, photographs, and other stunning works of Jewish art can be seen in the Gallery section. Finally, the ethnography section contains articles and artifacts depicting Jewish traditions from a chronologically historical perspective.

Your Istanbul private tour of Istanbul's Jewish heritage ends with a comfortable drive back to your port. Please note: the standard of dress throughout Turkey is conservative. Modest clothing covering your shoulders and knees is required. Short shorts and sleeveless shirts (for both men and women) are not acceptable. All facilities except for the museum may only be viewed from outside.