Upon your arrival at Istanbul airport our transferman will be ready to meet and transfer you to your hotel. Time at leisure, stay overnight in Istanbul.
No meals
 

JEWISH DISTRICTS OF ISTANBUL

After meeting with your guide at the hotel you will visit the Galata Tower in the Galata Region where you will enjoy a magnificent view of Istanbul. The Bosphorus, Marmara Sea and the Golden Horn can all be viewed from one point. We then continue to the Jewish Museum (open Monday to Thursdays between 10:00am & 16:00pm) in Karakoy Street just nearby the old Tunnel where you can see the example of Muslim and Jewish religions living in successful coexistence in Turkey. This special museum is unique in that it is the only museum in a Muslim country in the world. Continue on to the Neve Shalom Synagogue or the Askenazy Synagogue. After lunch, we drive to Balat where we will see the Star of David appearing on the facade of some of the buildings in the area and then to the Ahrida Synagogue which was built in 1412. After tour you will be returned to your hotel. Stay overnight in Istanbul.
Breakfast & Lunch
 

HIGHTLIGHTS OF ISTANBUL

Today, we will explore some of the most famous landmarks and see why Istanbul is one of the most fascinating cities in the world, so enriched in history. We visit the world renowned Blue Mosque built in 1616, take note of the rare beauty of its Iznik tiles and six minarets. Hagia Sophia, built in the 6th century by Emperor Justinian is the largest and most magnificent church in the Christian world. After lunch, we go on to explore the worldly splendours of Topkapi Palace, overlooking the Bosphorus, which was the house of the Ottoman sultans for almost 400 years, one of the oldest and largest remaining palaces in the world. Many of the Ottoman diplomats and court physicians were Jews and you’ll have the chance to walk in their footsteps as you explore the lavish chambers and courtyards that comprise the palace, including the legendary harem, along with the precious contents of the palace – imperial thrones, jewels and costumes. The most famous inhabitant of the treasury is the pear-shaped 86 carat Spoonmaker’s Diamond, one of the largest in the world. Finally, a visit to the wondrous Grand Bazaar that was built at the command of Fatih Mehmet, shortly after the Conquest. It contains 4399 shops, 2195 workshops, 497 stalls and 18 fountains. At the tour’s end you will be transferred back to the hotel. Stay overnight in Istanbul.
Breakfast & Lunch
 

BOSPHORUS CRUISE & IZMIR

This morning you will check out of your hotel. Before embarking on the ferry we will take a visit to the Egyptian Bazaar known as Spice Market to taste the hundreds of lively colored spices. Sail along the European and Asian shores enjoying a majestic view of Ottoman palaces, fortresses, Ottoman wooden houses, known as Yalis and the suspension bridges. After lunch you will be transferred to the airport to take a flight to Izmir known in ancient times as Smyrna with a 400-year-old Jewish community. Arrive in Izmir and transfer to your hotel. Stay overnight in Izmir.
Breakfast & Lunch
 

After breakfast we visit Beth Israel Synagogue which dates back from 220 B.C. Drive to Sardis, the ancient capital of Lydia. Here you will find the remains of one of the world's oldest Synagogue, the Sardis Synagogue, first built in the 3rd century BC. After the tour we return to Izmir where you can enjoy a meal in the wonderful Kordon district offering the most delicious tastes of the Aegean.
Breakfast & Lunch
 

EPHESUS

After breakfast we will have a full day to explore the wonderful city of Ephesus, one of the best-preserved cities of antiquity. It is also the site of the temple of Artemis, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. You can stroll down the main marble road passing by Roman terrace houses, the library of Celsius and the baths to the theatre where Greek and Roman drama performances and classical concerts still take place today. Inside the Ephesus museum you will find many of the most precious relics uncovered in the ongoing excavations of the area now protected from the elements. After the tour we return to your hotel. Stay overnight in Izmir.
Breakfast & Lunch
 

FLY HOME

Today you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Istanbul. Arrive in Istanbul and transfer to your hotel or connect with your flight home.
Breakfast

• 6 nights in 4 star hotel accommodations, including breakfast.
• All sightseeing tours as mentioned in the itinerary.
• All admission fees to the visited sites.
• Qualified, professional English speaking guide.
• Domestic flight tickets from Istanbul to Izmir (return).
• All meals listed in the itinerary.
• All transfers mentioned in the itinerary.
• Transportation with air conditioned, non-smoking vehicle.
• All local taxes.

• International airfares.
• Airport taxes.
• Any VISA needed for Turkey.
• Tips to guide, driver, hotel staff etc.
• Optional tours.
• Items of a personal nature.
• Drinks with meals (except the drinks served with breakfast) and medical services.