We start our full day tour in the centuries-old Jewish neighborhood, GALATA, with its tower built by the Genoese in the 13th century. We visit NEVE SHALOM SYNAGOGUE, ASHKENAZ SYNAGOGUE and ITALIAN SYNAGOGUE. We also visit the JEWISH MUSEUM situated in ZULFARIS SYNAGOGUE built in the 18th century. We drive to BALAT, the old Jewish settlement along the GOLDEN HORN, visit to AHRIDA SYNAGOGUE, built in the 15th century. If required, kosher lunch in a kosher restaurant. And then, we visit the JEWISH CEMETERY, where the martyrs of Neve Shalom are buried. Our last stop at Ortakoy, first disembark point of Sehparads, welcomed by the Ottoman Sultan, and visit to ETZ-AHAYIM SYNAGOGUE.

Tour strength: Moderate activity.  All of the synagogues in the Galata region are quite closed to each other so we cover them on foot.

Best time to visit: Monday - Thursday
All of the Synagogues are closed on Saturdays (Shabbat day) and Sunday.

Jewish Museum Hours:
Monday to Thursday 10:00 - 16:00
Friday & Saturday10:00 - 14:00
Saturday and special days closed

VISITING PROCEDURE FOR A SYNAGOGUE IN TURKEY: Special permission has to be obtained from the secretary of the chief Rabbi in Istanbul either by fax or e-mail. Passport numbers, where and when issued, validity and permanent home address have to be provided before hand. All of that information can be written in a letter headed of a hotel and faxed to the Chief Rabbis office is also acceptable if the clients are staying in a hotel in Istanbul. I also get the permission on behalf of my clients when the clients e-mail me all of that information mentioned above in advance. Clients are also asked to carry their passports when they visit the synagogues.