Jewish Heritage Sites

Duration & Operating Schedule

This full-day tour lasts approximately 7 hours and operates daily, with pier pick-up at 8:30 or 9:00 AM from the Istanbul cruise ship port. Complimentary pick-up and drop-off will be provided by a private van or minivan for your comfort.

Jewish Heritage in Istanbul

After the conquest of Istanbul by the Ottomans, hundreds of thousands of Jews who had been exiled from Spain and Portugal were invited to settle within the Ottoman Empire. Many established themselves in neighborhoods such as Galata, Fener, Balat, Ortaköy, and Kuzguncuk. On this tour, you will walk through the first settlements of the Jewish community, exploring intriguing streets full of colorful life while hearing both inspiring and, at times, sad stories of their history.

Synagogues & Museum Visits

Your journey includes visits to several significant sites of Jewish heritage in Istanbul. You will explore Neve Shalom Synagogue, the city’s largest and most active synagogue; the Jewish Museum of Turkey, which preserves and shares the community’s history; and the historic Ahrida Synagogue, one of the oldest synagogues in Istanbul. Depending on the day, visits may also include the Ashkenazi Synagogue. (Please note: access to synagogues requires prior registration.)

Grand Bazaar

The tour concludes with a visit to the Grand Bazaar, one of the world’s oldest and largest covered markets, featuring over 4,000 shops. (Please note: The Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays; additional time will be spent at other nearby locations.)

Important Notes

To confirm synagogue visits, please provide your passport details at least 24 hours before the tour, as registration is required with the community.

Meeting Point & Duration

The meeting point can be arranged at the cruise ship port, hotel, rail or bus station, a monument, or any central address, depending on your preference. Please note that the duration of the tour may be affected by weather or traffic conditions.