JEWISH HERITAGE (07 Days)

Jewish Museum of Turkey (officially Quincentennial Foundation Museum of Turkish Jews) is a cultural center established by the Quincentennial Foundation to inform the society of the traditions and history of Turkish Jewry.

When the Jewish population in the old Pera and Galata districts increased in late 1930s, a Jewish primary school in the area was torn down in 1949 in order to build a new synagogue and the construction was completed in 1951.

The library was built to store 12,000 scrolls and to serve as a monumental tomb for Celsus. It was unusual to be buried within a library or even within city limits, so this was a special honor for Celsus.

These excavations unearthed perhaps the most impressive synagogue in the western diaspora yet discovered from antiquity, yielding over eighty Greek and seven Hebrew inscriptions as well as numerous mosaic floors.

Duration: 07 Days / 06 Nights
Sites: Istanbul, Izmir, Ephesus, Sardes
Run: Everyday

DAY 01 : Arrival in Istanbul
Upon arrival at Istanbul Airport and clearing customs, you will be met by one of our representatives who will arrange the transfer to your hotel. Onthe way, your guide will make a brief stop to the 1700-year-old ancient city walls, offering you a great photo opportunity. You will have time to relax before meeting your guide this evening for an orientation walk around Sultanahmet by night.

DAY 02 : Garden of Emperors Tour
Your day will commence with a visit to the ancient Byzantine Hippodrome where you will tour the Egyptian Obelisk, Serpentine Column, Fountain of Wilhelm II, the elegant Blue Mosque famous with its heavenly six minarets and the Hagia Sophia Museum, built during the reign of Emperor Theodosius and burned down in the fire of Nika Revolt in 532 A.D. Then you will have a visit to the Underground Cistern, which known as the Basilica Cistern during the Roman period, as there was a Stoa Basilica above the pre-existing one at the time. Lunch will be served at Topkapi Palace, in a restaurant with panoramic view of the Bosphorus, Asia & Europe. After lunch you will be guided to visit the residence and administrative center of the Ottoman Sultans. Historical tour of Istanbul will conclude with a visit to the Grand Bazaar, exploring a labyrinth of streets and passages housing more than 4,000 shops. After the tour you will be leaded back to your hotel. Overnight in Istanbul.

DAY 03 : Bosphorous Cruise and Asia Sightseeing Tour
Your tour begins with a short trip down to Eminonu to visit Spice Bazaar with mystical aromoas from various spices. You will see stalls selling fruits, vegetables, fish, flowers to name a few. Then take a leisurely walk to the harbor where you will board the Bosphorus Ferry for a cruise along the Bosphorus. During the cruise you will see the city from a different perspective, the old wooden villas, Rumeli Fortress, Ortakoy Mosque, both bridges that link Asia & Europe and much more. After lunch, you will continue on land to visit Camlica Hill for 360° panoramic views over the city, followed by a short journey back to Europe over the Bosphorus Bridge and visit Dolmabahce Palace, with more than 350 rooms.

DAY 04 : Jewish Sights in Istanbul
Today you will explore the Jewish Heritage of Istanbul visiting the Galata neighborhood, Neve Shalom Synagogue, Ashkenazy Synagogue, the Balat area, the Ahrida Synagogue and the Jewish Hospital in Haskoy. At the end of the tour the guide will take you back to your hotel, leaving you with the evening at your leisure.

DAY 05 : Flight to Izmir for Synagogues and Sardes
Check out and transfer to Istanbul Airport for departure on the domestic flight to Izmir. Upon your arrival in Izmir, you will be met by your local guide. You will travel on to visit the Bikur Halim and Beth Israel Synagogues, followed by Sardis, capital of Ancient Lydia. Finally, you will visit the famous Synagogue and Temple of Diana before heading on to Kusadasi where you will spend the fifth evening of your vacation.

DAY 06 :  Ancient Ephesus Tour and flight to Istanbul
Once you have checked-out, you will visit the remains of Artemis Temple. From here travel on to visit Ephesus Ancient City, the best preserved Greco-Roman city in the world. Here you will be able to explore the Agora, Odeon, Curetes Street, Celsius Library, Roman baths, Grand Theatre and Marble Street. After a quiet lunch break your tour will depart for the House of Virgin Mary to visit the chapel where she is said to have spent her last days. At the end of the journey you will be transferred to Izmir Airport for the domestic flight back to Istanbul. Upon arrival, you will be met at the Airport and transferred to your hotel in Istanbul for your last evening in Turkey.

DAY 07 : Transfer to Istanbul Airport
After checked-out from your hotel, we will arrange for the transfer to Istanbul International Airport for your return or onward flight.

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Please take note of the following:
* This tour can only be done on private basis.
* Please use the ''Travel Enquiry/Reservation Form'' to receive a quote on the above travel itinerary as per your preferred travel dates/month and preferred class of hotel accommodation.

What's Included: 
* Hotel accommodations in choice of preferred class
* All noted sightseeing tours on private guided basis
* Professional Tour Guide licensed by the Ministry of Tourism
* Main entrance fees to sights visited and lunches (drinks extra)
* Transportation by comfortable, air-conditioned, non-smoking vehicle with driver, fuel, road tolls and parking fees
* Domestic flights between Istanbul-Izmir-Istanbul
* Local taxes and handling services
* Tour Package Service Insurance

What's NOT Included:
* International flights to/from Turkey and personal travel insurance, any other expenses not noted in the above included section or airport tax, visa for Turkey (if required), any tips to guide, driver or staff at hotels, items of a personal nature, hotel extras (minibar, telephone/internet usage, laundry, etc), drinks with meals (except the drinks served with breakfast) and medical services.