 |
|
8 Days Jewish Heritage Tour
|
|
|
Upon your arrival in Istanbul, Turkey's cultural
capital, you are met with a friendly 'merhaba' (hello)
and escorted to your hotel. Relax in your rooms
before meeting your guide for a pre-dinner
orientation about the exciting events ahead. The
Jewish Community in Turkey is numbered between 22,
000 and 24, 000. Although the majority is made up of
Sephardis, Ashkenazi and Karaite communities also
exist. (D).
|
|
|
|
In 1492, the Ottoman Empire opened its borders to Jews
fleeing the Spanish Inquisition. Many of them
eventually made their home in the neighborhood of
Galata. A Jewish neighborhood for centuries, its
famous tower was built in 1303 by immigrants from
Genoa, Italy. Continue from here to the beautiful Neve
Shalom Synagogue, and then drive to Balat with a
splendid view along the Golden Horn where the Star of
David appears on the facades of some buildings. Visit
the beautiful Ahrida Synagogue built over 500 years
ago and still in use today. Printing was introduced to
Turkey by European Jewish immigrants. David and Samuel
Ibn Nahmias operated the first Hebrew Printing Press
in Istanbul in 1493. Learn more about Istanbul’s
extensive Jewish history at the Jewish Heritage
exhibition before returning to your hotel. (B, L, D). |
|
|
|
Today explore some of Istanbul’s most famous landmarks.
Visit the world-renowned Blue Mosque, built in 1616,
and enjoy the rare beauty of its Iznik tiles and six
minarets. Across the way, you'll visit Hagia Sophia (St.
Sophia Museum) Originally built in the 6th century by
Emperor Justinian as the largest and most magnificent
church in the Christian world. Then it’s on to explore
the worldly splendors of Topkapi Palace overlooking
the bosporus, home of the Ottoman sultans for almost
400 years. The oldest and largest of the remaining
palaces in the world, The most famous inhabitant of
the treasury is the pear-shaped 86 carat Spoonmaker’s
Diamond, one of the largest in the world (B, L, D). |
|
|
|
This morning you’ll have a chance to shop for little
less ostentatious jewelry in the Grand Bazaar. The
oldest and largest covered marketplace in the world,
you’re bound to find a little something for
yourselves and those who foolishly stayed behind in
its more than 3, 000 shops. Barter for colorful
kilim, copper, brass, ceramics and leatherware. Then
you are escorted to the airport for you flight to
Izmir (B, L,
D).
|
|
|
|
Ephesus, one of the best-preserved cities of
antiquity. Under Emperor Augustus, Ephesus reached
its peak as capital of the Roman Province of Asia,
making it one of the five largest cities of the
Roman Empire and one of the wealthiest. It is the
site of the temple of Artemis, one of the seven
wonders of the ancient world. You will stroll the
marble road past the Roman terrace houses, the
Library of Celsus and the bath to the theater where
Greek and Roman drama was performed and classical
concerts still take place today. Inside the Ephesus
Museum (B, L, D)
|
|
|
|
Although synagogue ruins dating from 220 B. C. have
been found in the region, the city of Izmir has a
400-year-old Jewish community. It is abundant in
synagogues, of which you will visit the most
important one this morning - the Beth Israel
Synagogue. In the afternoon, drive on to Sardis, the
ancient capital of Lydia. Here you will visit the
remains of one of the world's oldest synagogue's,
the Sardis Synagogue, first built in the 3rd century
BC. If you prefer to take it easy today, what better
place than in this beautiful city on the sunny
Aegean (B,
L, D).
|
|
|
|
After breakfast transfer Izmir Airport and flight to
Istanbul. After arrival meet and full day free time
for shopping opportunity. (B). |
|
|
|
After breakfast transfer to airport for final
departure to home...(B)
|
BOOK NOW
top |
|
 |
