Discover Jewish Heritage in Istanbul Full-Day Private Guided Tour

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6 hours (approximately)
Pickup offered
Offered in: Portuguese and 4 more

Discover the rich history of Istanbul’s Jewish heritage with your carefully curated Jewish Heritage Tour. Experience a meaningful and immersive journey through historic sites and cultural highlights, guided at a comfortable pace by the knowledgeable professionals. A key highlight is the Ahrida Synagogue, one of the city’s active and historic synagogues. Visits are by appointment only, Monday to Thursday, and we handle all arrangements, submitting visitor names and passport details to the synagogue in advance. Passport details are required after booking, as all synagogue and museum visits need Chief Rabbi approval. A mandatory €45 per person donation is included and transferred by us. This is more than a tour, it’s a journey into history, culture, and community. Reserve your spot today and create unforgettable memories!

What's Included

Expert Guide with Deep Knowledge of Jewish Heritage and History
Bottled Water Provided in the Vehicle
Parking
Exclusive Vito Minivan Transfer with Driver

Meeting and pickup

Pickup points
You can choose a pickup location at checkout (multiple pickup locations are available).
Pickup details:

Pick-up and drop-off services are provided from centrally located hotels within the city of Istanbul. After the tour is booked, we will contact you to confirm your pick-up location.

OR
Meeting point
Neve Shalom Synagogue

The meeting point is in front of the Neve Shalom Synagogue on Büyük Hendek Street, Beyoğlu (Galata). Alternatively, hotel pick-up or another central meeting point can be arranged. We will contact you after booking to confirm details.

End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Itinerary

Duration: 6 hours (approximately)
  • 1
    Neve Shalom Synagogue

    Neve Shalom Synagogue is Istanbul’s largest Sephardic synagogue, serving the community during Shabbat, High Holidays, weddings, and bar mitzvahs. Built in 1951 on the site of a former Jewish school, it stands as a central landmark of Jewish heritage in Galata.

    45 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • The Quincentennial Foundation Museum of Turkish Jews (Pass by)

    The Jewish Museum in Istanbul showcases the rich heritage of Turkish Jews, highlighting their traditions, interactions with Muslim culture, and the historic journey from Spain to Turkey. Unlike typical Western museums, it offers a unique, immersive perspective on Jewish life in Turkey.

    Admission ticket free
  • Galata Tower (Pass by)

    Galata Tower is a historic Genoese tower in Istanbul’s Beyoğlu district. Originally built as a watchtower atop the old Galata walls, it now serves as a museum and exhibition space. The tower remains an iconic symbol of both Beyoğlu and Istanbul.

    Admission ticket free
  • Askenazi Synagogue (Pass by)

    The Ashkenazi Synagogue, located near Galata Tower in Karaköy, is Istanbul’s only active Ashkenazi synagogue open to visits and prayers. Founded in 1900 by Austrian Jews, it is the last of three Ashkenazi synagogues, representing just 4% of Turkey’s Jewish population. Visits are by appointment on weekday mornings.

    Admission ticket free
  • (Pass by)

    The Italian Synagogue, located in Istanbul, was founded by the city’s Italian-Jewish community. It remains a beautiful and historic place of worship, reflecting the unique traditions and heritage of Italian Jews in Turkey.

    Admission ticket free
  • 2
    Kamondo Stairs

    The Kamondo Stairs are a stunning, Art Nouveau inspired staircase in Istanbul, built in the 1860s by the prominent Kamondo family to help their children access school. A unique blend of architectural beauty and Jewish heritage.

    30 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • 3
    Balat

    Balat District, located on the European side of Istanbul along the Golden Horn, was historically the heart of the city’s Jewish community. Its charming streets are lined with colorful terraced houses and historic mansions, offering a vibrant glimpse into Istanbul’s cultural heritage.

    1 hour 30 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • Yanbol Synagogue (Pass by)

    Yanbol (Bulgarian) Synagogue was built by Sephardic Jews who migrated from Yambol, Bulgaria, in the 15th century. Constructed in the 18th century and renovated in the late 19th century, it is now open only for Shabbat services due to the smaller local Jewish community.

    Admission ticket free
  • 4
    Ahrida Synagogue

    Ahrida Synagogue is one of Istanbul’s oldest synagogues, dating back to the 1430s. Built by Romaniote Jews from Ohrid, it is famous for its unique boat-shaped tevah (bimah) and rich history. The synagogue also holds significance as the place where Sabbatai Zevi, founder of the Sabbatean movement, once prayed.

    40 minutes • Admission ticket free

Additional info

  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Specialized infant seats are available
  • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
  • All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Supplied by Alea Holidays

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Tags

Half-day Tours
Bus Tours
Private and Luxury
Private Sightseeing Tours
Cultural Tours
Historical Tours
Ports of Call Tours
Shore Excursions
Port Pickup
Short term availability

Cancellation Policy

All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.

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