Explore Istanbul: A 3-Hour Walking Tour in Jewish District

This is a private tour designed only for you and your loved ones.

Istanbul has had a vibrant Jewish community for more than 1,000 years. After the Turkish conquest of Istanbul, Sultan Mehmet II encouraged immigration to repopulate the city. Over half a million Jews persecuted in Spain and Portugal were encouraged to establish themselves within the boundaries of the Ottoman Empire. In Istanbul, the new immigrants settled mostly near Galata – a quarter on the northern bank of the Golden Horn – where a Jewish community had existed since the early days of the Ottoman Era in Istanbul. On this tour, you'll walk around Galata, exploring its intriguing streets full of colorful life. The tour includes synagogues, the Jewish Museum, Jewish Apartments, the amazing story of Abraham Kamondo, and other Jewish heritage sites.

Monday – Friday: Jewish Museum, Ashkenazi Synagogue, Schneidertemple Synagogue, and outer visits to Georgian Synagogue, Neve Shalom Synagogue, Italian Synagogue, Jewish Apartments, Kamondo Buildings.

Not allowed
Pets
Luggage or large bags

Know before you go
• Please bring copies of your passport or fax them to the number on your voucher.
• To be able to get permission to enter the synagogues you need to make reservations 4 days prior to departure, otherwise visits inside the synagogues will not be included on the schedule.
• This tour may not run during Jewish and Muslim religious holidays.
• This tour will not run on Saturdays and Sundays.

Pickup is available from centrally-located hotels within Taksim Square, Şişli, Beşiktaş, Sultanahmet, and Fatih neighborhoods in Istanbul