DAY 1 ISTANBUL Arrive
Istanbul airport. Meet and greet. Transfer to
hotel.
DAY
2 ISTANBUL (B-L) 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-L) 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-L) 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 - IZMIR (B-L) 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.
DAY
6 IZMIR - PRIENE - MILETUS - EPHESUS - IZMIR (B-L)
Early morning departure for a visit to
two of the ancient Ionian cities with synagogues,
Priene and Miletus. Visit the ancient city of
Ephesus and its Celsus Library, the theater, the
Roman baths, the Temple of Artemis (one of the
Seven Wonders of the ancient world). Return to
Izmir for overnight.
DAY
7 IZMIR - SARDIS - IZMIR (B-L) 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,
the Gymnasium and the new excavation area. Return
to Izmir for overnight.
DAY
8 IZMIR - END (B) Transfer to Izmir airport
for departure.
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