Description

Half Day Morning Jewish Heritage Tour in Istanbul
Galata – Fener – Balat

Available all year long Except  Sundays and Jewish High Holidays !

• Reservation is required !
• A copy of your passport picture page is needed in advanced for Synagogue visit permits.
• Passport or Id is required during the tour to enter the synagogues.

Synagogue Visits In Istanbul

Jewish heritage in Istanbul spans more than 2,500 years, making it one of the oldest continuous Jewish communities in Europe and the Middle East. Jews first arrived during the Byzantine period and flourished under the Ottoman Empire, especially after Sultan Bayezid II welcomed Sephardic Jews expelled from Spain in 1492.

Istanbul became a major center of Jewish life, culture, and trade, with vibrant communities in neighborhoods like Balat, Haskoy, and Galata. The city is home to historic synagogues such as Ahrida (15th century), Neve Shalom, and Etz Ahayim, as well as the Jewish Museum of Turkey, which documents centuries of coexistence and contribution.

Today, Istanbul’s Jewish population is smaller but still active, preserving its traditions, schools, and cultural institutions as part of the city’s diverse multicultural fabric.

The Ashkenazi Synagogue ;
Located near the Galata Tower, it is the only active Ashkenazi Synagogue open to visits and prayers. Founded by Ashkenazim of Austrian origin in 1900, it is the last remaining synagogue among a total of three built by Ashkenazim. Visits con be made during weekday mornings and for Shabbat services on Saturday mornings.

The Ahrida Synagogue ;
Located in Balat near the Golden Horn, built by Jews of Ohri (Macedonia) more than 550 years ago and recently renovated during the Quincentennial Celebrations in 1992, the Ahrida Synagogue is known foremost by its boat-shaped bimah. It can only be visited during weekday mornings.

Half-Day Morning Synagogue Visits in Istanbul

09:00 Pick up from the Hotel or Cruise port.
* Exploring Galata and Karakoy Quarter
* Visiting 500 Years Jewish Museum of Turkiye
* Visiting Neve Shalom Synagogue
* Jewish Neighborhood
* Grand Ashkenazi Synagogue from outside.
* Visiting Schneider Tempel
* Camondo Steps
* Drive through Golden horn
* Visit Fener and Balat Jewish Quarter
* Tea / Coffee Break in a Local Patisserie in Balat Area
* Visiting Ahrida Synagogue ( Oldest Synagogue of Istanbul )
* Visiting Yanbol Synagogue
* Local Markets or Spice Bazaar Visit. ( Optional )
* 13: 30 Pm End of the Tour and Return Back to the hotel or cruise ship

Half-Day Morning Synagogue Visits in Istanbul

2 Guest and More = 250 Usd per person
1 Guest = 400 Usd per person

• This is a Private Half Day Tour Available All Year Long !!!
• Included Entrance Fees and Donations for all the Synagogues and Sites
• Tour Includes Private Transportation & Guidance Service in English.
• Early Reservation is Required.
• Special Authorisation is Required From the Rabbinate.
• For more info please send us an E-mail
• Also 24 / 7 you can contact Us by Whatsapp at +90 544 220 10 22

Here you can see our other Jewish Heritage Tours in Istanbul ;

• Half-Day Afternoon Jewish Heritage Tour in Istanbul

• Half Day Morning Jewish Heritage Tour in Istanbul

• Full-Day Jewish Heritage Tour in Istanbul

• Half Day Jewish Heritage-Half Day Bosphorus Tour

• Half Day Jewish Heritage Tour-Half Day Sultanahmet in Istanbul

Contact : Mr. Alp
Whatsapp: +90 544 220 10 22