TOUR ITINERARY:

Day 1 Arrive Istanbul (D)
Arrive Istanbul airport. Our representative will meet you after the customs and baggage claim with a sign YOUR NAME on it. Meet and greet. Transfer to hotel. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Day 2 Istanbul (B)
Morning visit to a Jewish neighborhood, Galata. You will see the Galata tower built by the Genoese in 1303. Visit the local synagogues, Neve Shalom and the Askenazy Synagogue. After lunch, visit the Hippodrome, a 3rd century site, where chariots raced during the Roman period. Visit the Blue Mosque, famous for its blue tiles and six minarets. Visit St. Sophia, a world heritage site built in the 6th century

Day 3 Istanbul (B)
Depart from hotel for a visit of the Balat neighborhood where you will see the star of David appearing on building facades. Visit the 15th Ahrida and the Yanbol synagogues. Visit the Jewish home for the elderly along the Golden Horn. After lunch visit the Topkapi Palace, its priceless collection of jewels, and the Grand Covered Bazaar.

Day 4 Istanbul (B)
Take a visit to the Egyptian Spice Market, and Bosphorus boat tour, viewing the beautiful palaces and the European and Asian shorelines. After lunch drive over the bridge to the Asian side to visit the synagogues in Kuzguncuk and Uskudar. Then take in the panoramic view of the city from the highest hill in Istanbul, Camlica Hill.

Day 5 Istanbul / Fly Izmir (B,D)
Transfer to Istanbul airport for morning departure to Izmir. Transfer to hotel. Visit one of the local synagogues in Izmir, where the Jewish community dates back more than 2000 years. Visit the castle of Alexander the Great and the Agora. Dinner at an outside restaurant in Izmir.

Day 6 Ephesus – Izmir (B,D)
Drive to Ephesus. Full day tour to the ancient city of Ephesus. Visit the House of the Virgin Mary, and then the Basilica of St. John who accompanied the Virgin Mary to Ephesus, the Celsus Library, the marble paved Arcadian Road, the Brothel, the Roman Baths, the Theater where St. Paul preached, the Temple of Artemis (one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World), and see the statue of Ephesian Artemis while touring the Archeological Museum of Ephesus in Selcuk. Shopping opportunity at Ephesus area before returning to Izmir. Dinner at the hotel.

Day 7 Sardis – Izmir (B,D)
Morning departure to Sardis, the capital of ancient Lydia. View the significant ruins of the Acropolis. Visit the Temple of Cybele and Diana, which later became a church. See the golden river Pactalos and the Royal Road. Then visit the reconstructed Synagogue, see the names of the rich American Jewish Families who supported the excavations financially. Then visit the Gymnasium and the new excavation area. Return to Izmir for overnight. Dinner at the hotel.

Day 8 Izmir Airport 
Transfer to Izmir airport for departure. End of our services.

SYNAGOGUE VISIT: Some Synagogues may not be accessible at the time of your tour. We need your passport copies by email or fax for Synagogue visit permission.