Jewish Life

$2500 ppdo, single supplement $700*

*price subject to change depending on travel dates and
group size

Day 1 Arrive in Istanbul, relax, unwind, welcome dinner.

Day 2 Visit old Jewish neighborhoods of Kuzguncuk, Ortakoy, Galata and Balat to see both ancient and modern synagogues, including the 15th century Ahrida Synagogue, and the Byzantine Yanbol Synagogue. Overnight in Istanbul.

Day 3 Visit Topkapi Palace, the Archaeological Museum with the Gezer Calendar, the oldest known Hebrew text. See the Hippodrome, Blue Mosque and Ayasofia.

Day 4 Drive to Gallipolli where the Jewish mystic Sabetay Zevy was imprisoned. Visit Troy. Overnight in Canakkale.

Day 5 Visit Pergamom. Overnight in Izmir.

Day 6 Visit Sardis and the partially restored 3rd century bce synagogue. Also see the restored Roman Gymnasium, and the Artemis Temple. Return to Izmir to visit the Victorian style Beth Israel Synagogue, and the 200 year old Senora Synagogue.

Day 7 Early morning drive to the Hellenistic cities of Priene and Miletus which have ancient synagogues and inscriptions referring to the Jewish faith. See Ephesus' great theatre, agora, baths, library of Celsus, and Temple of Artemis. Ephesus also has Hebrew signs and symbols among its ruins. Overnight in Kusadasi.

Day 8 Drive to Aphrodisias and Hieropolis where Hebrew letters and Menorahs are carved into stone attest to the presence of Jews. See the white terraces of Pamukkale.

Day 9 Drive to Konya. Visit the ruins of the Roman city of Psidia Antioch with the synagogue where Paul preached. Overnight in Konya.

Day 10 Visit the tomb of Rumi, founder of the order of Whirling Dervishes. Stop at a Caravansaray on the way to Cappadocia. Overnight in Nevsehir.

Day 11 See the lunar landscape covered with volcanic cones and underground cities in Cappadocia. Overnight in Nevsehir.

Day 12 Drive to Ankara. Visit the tomb of Molsem mystic Haci Bektash to see the Star of David carved on a pool at its entrance. Visit the Anatolian Civilizations Museum and the Ataturk Memorial. Overnight in Ankara.

Day 13 Drive to Bursa, early capital of the Ottoman Empire. Visit the tomb of King Midas, the king with the golden touch. In Bursa, visit the 500 year old Yerusch Synagogue, the Green Mosque and Green Tomb, the Great Mosque and the Silk Bazaar. Overnight in Bursa.

Day 14 Return to Istanbul. Take a cruise on the Bosphorus, and visit the Grand Bazaar. Farewell dinner. Overnight in Istanbul.

Day 15 Transfer to airport and depart for home.