Turkey, Izmir & Istanbul

Turkey, acting as a bridge between Europe and Asia, poses a challenge for the common traveler. It's hard to decide whether you're in Europe or in Asia. This stems from the abundance of scenery and cultures in this huge country. Our tour focuses on Izmir and Istanbul, and the Jewish communities in these destinations. Izmir used to have one of the biggest and most important Jewish communities in the Automan Empire. Starting in the 17^th century, which is mostly comprised of descendants of exilers of Spain. Many of them reached Izmir from Thsalonniki or Istanbul. That's where the prophet of deceipt, Shabtai Zvi, was born. Father of the Shabtai movement, and the cause of a Crisis in Judiasm, who eventually established the hassidut movemt on one side, and the opposers on the other side. With the rise to power of this country, there was a 10,000 people pilgrimage from the Jews of Izmir, and many institutes of the community closed down in the 50's and 60's of the 20^th century, due to its downsizing. The community boasts today 2000 Jews and is the second largest in Turkey.

Day 1 Mon, Destination – Istanbul

Group meets in hotel in Istanbul

Day 2 Tue, Istanbul - Izmir

Today we fly to Izmir, third largest country in Turkey, and her port, located at the end of Izmir bay, is the second largest in the country, after the Istanbul port. We drive to Pergamum and visit the Acropolis and Asclepion. It was the capital of the Pergamum Kingdom and later the capital of the Asian province of the Roman Empire. The oldest ruins date back to the 5th century B.C. Famous ruins of Acropolis are the Altar of Zeus, Athena Temple, Trajan Temple, the steepest theater of the world and the library.

Day 3 Wed, Izmir

Today we visit The ruins of ancient Sardes, once the capital of the Lydian realm of Croesus, which lie on the Sart cayi (Pactole river). It is one of the Seven Churches of the Revelation.then we Visit Beth Israel Synagogue, one of the most important synagogues in Izmir, located around Karatas area in city center.  It is built at the end of XIX. century by Izmir mayor and grand vizier Kamil Pasha with the permission of Sultan II. Abdulhamit.  It has been renovated by Gizbar Avraam Rubi in 1950s. It has a Victorian style architecture. We also visit senora synagogue, is a 200 year old one built by the Ottoman diplomat Joseph Nasi for the respect of his aunt Dona Grasia.

Day 4 Thurs, Izmir

Today we visit Ephesus, The largest Greco-Roman city of the ancient times, which has a population of 200.000 inhabitants. Important historical figures lived in Ephesus such as St. Paul. Along with historical facts, mythological stories are told to take place in Ephesus; the twelve labors of Heracles have taken place around the region. It is one of the Seven Churches of the Revelation and the 3rd Ecumenic Council has also been held there. The places to be seen on the excavation site are Kurets Street, Marble Street, Hadrian's Temple, theater with 24.000 seats and Celsius Library.  Basilica of St. John and the House of Virgin Mary are nearby and open to the visitors.

Day 5 Fri, Izmir – Istanbul

The first half of the day is dedicated to touring the old market of Agora, built during the times of Abdul Hammed Alexander the great, destroyed during an earthquake in 178 A.C, and renovated by Marcus Orilios. Then we head to the airport and board a flight to Istanbul. Once in Istanbul, transfer to hotel for Shabbat prayers and meals.

Day 6 Sat, Istanbul

After morning prayers and meal, we talk a walking tour of this magnificent city.

Day 7 Sun, Istanbul

Today is an action packed day. We start with a visit to Topkapi Palace, The great palace of the Ottoman Sultans from the 15th century to the 19th century. Today, it is one of the richest museums of the world housing  the treasury of the Ottoman Royal Family. We also visit St. Sophia, whichwas built first by Constantine the Great and then rebuilt by Justinian in the 6th century. It is one of the greatest marvels of architecture of all times. Then on to Sultan Ahmet Mosque, also known as the Blue Mosque, because of the blue Iznik tiles used for its interior decoration. This mosque, facing the St. Sophia, is also famous for its 6 minarets. We visit the Roman Hippodrome, which was the scene of chariot races, sports activities, and the center of Byzantine civic life. The monuments decorating the Hippodrome are The Obelisk of Theodosius, the Serpantine Column and the Column of Constantine.

Day 8 Mon, Istanbul

Another fun filled day. We begin with a visit to Neve Shalom Synagogue, the biggest one in Istanbul, built in 1951 for the Sepharadic Jews. Then on to Galata Tower, one of the city's most striking landmarks. The tower was built as the tower of Christ in 1348.. The 66.90 m tower was the city's tallest structure when built. We then walk on Istiklal street, is a pedestrian street with an old tram line¸old buildings, modern shops and cinemas. We continue to the flower passage and the fish market. In the afternoon, we visit the grand covered Bazaar, which has endured innumerable fires and earthquakes, but still serves as the vital source of trade for both locals and visitors. With sixty-six streets and alleys, over four thousand shops, numerous store-houses, a mosque, post office, police station, private security guards and its own health center, Istanbul's Kapali Carsi is said to be the largest covered bazaar in the world. Then on to the spice Bazzar, one of the oldest bazaars in the city. Located in Eminönü, it is the second largest covered shopping complex after the Grand Bazaar. It was designed by the chief court architect Koca Kasım Ağa, but completed by architect Mustafa in 1660.

Day 9 Tue, Istanbul

Today we conclude our tour, and head to the airport, and board a flight to Israel.

If you are not joining the group flight from Israel deduct $350 from the Tour price

Important:

• There may be changes to the schedule and hotel reservations dependent upon international flights. We will make every effort to visit every place mentioned in the itinerary.
• Day of departure and arrival are included in the total days of the tour. Insurance is required for 9 days.

PRICE INCLUDES

• First class hotels
• Comfortable air conditioned touring coach
• Entrance to all sites mentioned in the tour plan
• Breakfast + Dinner + supplies for making sandwiches for lunch
• English speaking Professional, experienced Tour guides

PRICE EXCLUDES

• International Flights to and from Gateway
• Travel Insurance and Entry Visas
• Personal expenses and entertainment not in tour plan
• Tips for service providers US$90 per person
• Tip for our Tour guide ($3 per person per day)
• Changes in price due to increased fuel, airport and security taxes.
• Iternational Airport and security taxes and fuel surcharges

Deposit, Cancellation Fees & Policy:

A $500 USD Deposit per person must be received at the time of booking in order to confirm your reservation. Payment in full is due 90 days before departure.

A minimum number of participants are required to operate tour dates. If a minimum number has not been reached prior to tour departure and the tour is cancelled you will receive a FULL refund.

• 90 days before departure bookings are refundable less a $100 administration fee
• 60-90 days prior to departure: $500 + $100 per passenger
• 30-60 days prior to departure: $1,000 + $100 per passenger
• Less than 30 working days prior to departure: 100% of total - no refund
• We strongly recommend purchasing Travel Insurance.

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance encompassing both cancellation and medical insurance is very important and we can not stress that enough. We strongly recommend that our clients are adequately insured when travelling. It is crucial to purchase the travel insurance within 14 days from the 1st payment that you make for this trip (flights/cruise/tour etc). Your payment is made directly to the insurance company. We highly recommend the 'cancel for any reason' upgrade option.

Our preferred policies are Travel Safe (USA & Canadian residents), Travel Select (USA residents) and Global Trip Protection Elite (All other Nationalities).
For an obligation free quote and further details email Yonah insurance@eddiestravel.com