Tours/Turkey/Full-Day Private Guided Jewish Heritage Tour in Istanbul
Full-Day Private Guided Jewish Heritage Tour in Istanbul
5.0(9)Turkey8 hours
TRIPADVISOR5.0(9)
+4 photos
At a glance
Duration
8 hours
Price from
$899 / person
Rating
5.0 / 5 · 9 reviews
Languages
EN
Group
Private
Cancellation
See policy below
Hotel pickup
Available
Confirmation
Instant
Prices checked on Sep 12, 2026
Description
We ensure that each Jewish Heritage Tour leaves you with treasured memories. Our itinerary combines explorations of Jewish history in Asia Minor; important local sites of interest; cultural delights, and the company of like-minded travelers. You’ll enjoy ease, camaraderie, and in-depth educational content with our knowledgeable guides.
Visiting Ahrida Synagogue can be done only with appointments on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. We send a request letter to management with passport details and full names of visitors as an official Travel Agency latest one week before than tour date.
The visitors have to share passport details after booking this tour. Visiting the Synagogues and the Jewish Museums requires permits from Chief Rabia and you will need to present your passport during the visits.
Also Ahrida Synagogue is a functional Synagogue and is not a museum. They charge donation 25USD per person. When we send our guest passport reservation, we send donation via bank.
Tour Options
Full-Day Private Guided Jewish Heritage Tour in Istanbul
Pickup included
Itinerary
Admission not included60 min
Ahrida Synagogue was built by Romaniotes (Greek Jews), dating back to the 1430s, from the city of Ohrid (called 'Ahrid' in Greek) in what was then the Ottoman Empire and is now North Macedonia. Neve Shalom is said to have moved to Constantinople more than 550 years ago Sephardi Jews arrived in the Ottoman Empire from the Iberian peninsula beginning in 1492, and soon were a larger group of Jews in population than the Romaniotes. The Romaniotes of Istanbul, as in many communities, including Thessaloniki became assimilated into the Sephardic culture and adopted the Sephardic liturgy as well as the language of the Sefardim, Judezmo. The Ahrida synagogue building, one of the two ancient synagogues in Istanbul's Golden Horn. Ahrida Synagogue is known for its boat-shaped tevah (the reading platform, known in Ashkenazi communities as a bimah). It is also the only synagogue in Istanbul at which Sabbatai Zevi, founder of the Jewish Sabbatean movement, prayed.
Pass by
Yanbol Synagogue was built by Sephardi Jews who moved from the Bulgarian town of Yambol to Istanbul during the 15th century. The synagogue is also known as the Bulgarian Synagogue owing to the origin of the community. It was constructed in the 18th century. However, it underwent repairs during the end of the 19th century thus the structure today is not the original. Today, the synagogue is only open for Shabbat services due to a decrease in the Jewish community in the area.
120 min
Balat district is in the old city on the European side of Istanbul, on the western shore of the Golden Horn. Historically, it was the center of the Jewish community in Istanbul.
As in neighbouring Fener, Balat's back streets are lined with colorful small stone two and three-storey terraced houses and a few grander mansions. It is one of highlights of Istanbul to visit. Many of the houses have been repainted in bright colours to give a distinctive feel to the neighborhood.
45 min
Neve Shalom is the central and largest Sephardic synagogue of Istanbul. It is open to service especially on Shabbats, High Holidays, bar mitzvahs, funerals and weddings.
The synagogue was built in response to an increase in the Jewish population in the old Galata neighborhood in the late 1930s. A Jewish primary school was torn down in 1949 for that purpose and the synagogue was built on its ruins. The construction completed in 1951.
Admission not included90 min
Jewish Museum in Istanbul includes sections on the intermingling cultures of Jewish and Muslim Turks and ethnographic articles that depict the traditions of Turkish Jews, as well as the historical accounts of the Jewish odyssey from Spain to Turkey. So It is totally different museum than other museums in western countries.
Pass by
The Galata Tower is an old Genoese tower in the Galata part of the Beyoğlu district of Istanbul, Turkey. It was built as a watchtower at the highest point of the (lost) Walls of Galata district. the tower is now an exhibition space and museum of Tourism Ministry. It is a symbol of Beyoğlu and Istanbul.
45 min
A gorgeous, Gaudí-esque stairway constructed in Istanbul by a prominent Jewish family. Kamondo Family had built these stairs for their kids in 1860s to go to the school.
Admission not included60 min
Chora is best presented as a place that illustrates the shared roots of Judaism and Christianity. It offers inside;
-The Jewish origins of Christianity
-Biblical figures revered in both traditions
-Jerusalem and the Temple's significance.
-The continuity between the Hebrew Bible and the New Testament in Byzantine Art
Chora is very famous with mosaic and frescoes Late Byzantine Art. It was converted to mosque in 2020. Main gallery is functional mosque. Because of that it is closed on Fridays. Corridors of Chora where we can see mosaics and frescoes used as museum and can be visited. by paying admission fee which is 20EURO per person
Highlights
Private Minivan with driver
Proffesional Guidance who has enough knowledge about Jewish Heritage
Parking
What's included
Included
Private Minivan with driver
Proffesional Guidance who has enough knowledge about Jewish Heritage
Parking
Not included
All drinks and meals are excluded
Admission fee of Ahrida Synagogue ( 25USD per person)
Admission fee of Jewish Museum 9USD per person
Admission fee of Chora Museum
Pickup Locations & Times
We can pick up our guests from their hotels in city center
Traveller Ratings
5.0
9 reviews
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Important Information
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Specialized infant seats are available
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
This tour can be done only on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. Because of Shabbat, Synagogues do not give appointments to visit on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Full-Day Private Guided Jewish Heritage Tour in Istanbul take?
Full-Day Private Guided Jewish Heritage Tour in Istanbul lasts about 8 hours. The itinerary has 8 stops.
How much does Full-Day Private Guided Jewish Heritage Tour in Istanbul cost?
Prices start at $899 per person for this Turkey experience, booked through Viator with the price shown before checkout. There is 1 booking option, so the final price depends on the option you choose.
Can I cancel Full-Day Private Guided Jewish Heritage Tour in Istanbul for free?
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, pickup is offered. We can pick up our guests from their hotels in city center Pickup points include CONTACT_SUPPLIER_LATER, LOC-6eKJ+or5y8o99Qw0C8xWyJC46rhY8qAGqm8KGEJ1Gco=, LOC-6eKJ+or5y8o99Qw0C8xWyB6PAH+hAcrSet3iRouR1cg=.
What languages is Full-Day Private Guided Jewish Heritage Tour in Istanbul offered in?
The experience is available in EN.
Is this a private or a group tour?
It is a private experience: only your party takes part. Up to 15 travellers can book together.
Is the tour suitable for children?
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller Specialized infant seats are available
Will my booking be confirmed immediately?
Yes, bookings are confirmed instantly.
Reviews(9)
R
Randy_and_Free
September 10, 2024
Prepare to have your eyes opened
These are difficult times for a Jewish Heritage tour in Turkiye, with most synagogues closed to the public for fear of a repeat of the bombings perpetrated by foreign terrorists in past years. Nevertheless, Zerrin put together a wonderful tour of Jewish neighborhoods, the Jewish Museum, and access to the largest synagogue in Istanbul. She is historically and culturally knowledgeable, filled with regional perspective on the long and rich history from 3rd century BCE through modern days, interlaced with influences of political power and foreign nation states. I came away significantly enlightened and a little embarrassed by my knowledge gaps regarding the significant role that Turkiye has played in fostering and protecting Jewish heritage and people through the centuries. Highly recommended.
Operator response
Thank you Randy for nice review regarding our tour to Jewish Heritage. It was a pleasure guiding you. Best Regardss. You are more than welcome anytime.
8
890marietai
January 1, 2024
Istanbul and its heritage
The city is the same, Istanbul. The attraction is different, the Jewish Heritage. And the agency. The agency is the same - Travel.Concierge. Again great performance, interesting facts told like fairytales by their guide. Great experience due to Travel.Concierge's professionalism and friendliness!
Operator response
Dear Marietta, thank you very much regarding our service as Travel Concierge Turkiye. We have been trying to be best in our field. Best Regards
U
U9673SLmarinat
August 21, 2023
knowledgeable and flexible
Zerrin was absolutely fabulous...she was with us for the whole 10 days of our trip. Very flexible when we needed changes made, extremely knowledgeable. You can choose to have a very history filled tour or a slightly more relaxed one. She listens to the client and adjusts accordingly. We have also recommended her to many of our friends who have traveled with children who told us that she was super accomodating with them as well.
Operator response
Thank you for your perfect review. We are really happy to hear that . It was a pleasure to guide you.
5
513vadimu
August 13, 2023
Unique and unforgettable experience
Simply amazing! Zerrin unveiled to us a storied and wondrous tale of Jews in Istanbul to in a way that only an expert and passionate guide can. Each stop on the tour was carefully curated to paint a picture of Jewish life in Istanbul. We felt the joy and melancholy of each temple, delighted in Zerrin's narrative, and were left astonished by the footprint that Jewish community left in this grand city. This tour was a unique experience for us to connect with our heritage and, most definitely, one of the most cherished memories of our trip to Turkey.
Operator response
Dear Vadim, Thank you very much for nice review regarding our service and guidance. Jewish Heritage in Istanbul and Turkey is very important part of history. But not well known. Thank you for booking with us!
R
rakushka
August 13, 2023
Great tour!
Thanks, Zerrin, for the lovely tour! Your knowledge and experience as a tour guide is very impressive. Zerrin planned our day in Istanbul perfectly, was able to get us into locations of interest quickly, and shared interesting stories with us that we otherwise would not hear anywhere. Thank you Zerrin!
Operator response
Thank you very much for booking Jewish Heritage tour with us and nice review regarding our service. You are more than welcome any time back to Turkey. Best Regards to you and your family.
E
ElinaI_13
August 12, 2023
Thank you. Zerin!
Amazing service, reasonable prices. Zerin is very professional, knowledgeable and interesting tour guide & companion. Well organised and very efficient in responses. She is highly recommended and we will, definitely, book with her again.
Operator response
Thank you my dear. It was pleasure guiding you andcustomizing this tour for you. We are so glad you loved it. Best Regards to you and your family.
T
Tourist84077
August 11, 2023
Memorable Istanbul visit
We found Zerrin via Family Travel Concierge and we really lucky to explore Jewish heritage quarters under her guidance! She is an expert in history and culture, but also super personable, accommodating and just fun to spend time with! We are looking forward to additional trips with her in the future!
Operator response
Thank you very much for nice review regarding our service. Jewish Heritage in Istanbul and Turkey is not very well known. We have to introduce and explain this important part of history to our guests well. We have become coorperate travel agencies with Family Travel Concierge. We are so happy to be tour provider of Family Travel Concierge in Turkey.
F
familytc
August 4, 2023
Fantastic Jewish Heritage tour in Istanbul
I took this tour twice. The first time - my wife and me and the second time we brought our kids . Both tours were fantastic! Both times we got to know new facts, interesting details about daily lives of Jewish people who lived in Istanbul , visited different neighbourhoods, came to several synagogues. As the tour guide Zerrin is outstanding! I would highly recommend this tour!
1 people found this helpful
Operator response
Thank you very much for nice review regarding our service. Jewish Heritage in Istanbul is very important but unfortunately not well known by everyone. It is very precious tour and thank you for joining us.
J
juliak313
August 4, 2023
Unique experience!
It felt as a very authentic unique experience to visit synagogue per appointment, walk around and learn a lot about history of jewish community in Istanbul. It was of a major highlights of our trip to Istanbul.
Operator response
Thank you Dear Julia for nice review regarding our tour. Jewish Heritage is not very well known and precious history part of Asia Minor and Istanbul. We are so glad you joined us . Best regards to you and your beautiful daughter.
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Full-Day Private Guided Jewish Heritage Tour in Istanbul