Turkey 7 days

7 days Turkey Jewish Tours to Istanbul and Cappadocia:

A Taste of Turkey

Turkey is an exotic, almost indescribable blend of East and West.  A crossroad of the Silk Trade, it has always welcomed and engaged with travellers from every corner of the globe.  Its capital, Istanbul (once Byzantium) stands among other world-class cities, like Rome, Jerusalem, and Athens, evoking the sense of millennia of history and culture. Outside Istanbul, Turkey is packed with many more wonders, such as soaring balloons showing you the otherworldly rock formations of Cappadocia, Uchisar Castle, the Underground City, and the Valley of Love — with its natural “Fairy Chimneys.” Wherever you go, Turkey takes you on a magic carpet ride around the world and across the centuries.

Explore Our 11 days Jewish Tours to Turkey

Day 1 Monday Arrival in Istanbul

Upon arrival in Istanbul’s international airport, transfer to a city that exemplifies the true meaning of “East meets West.” As the only city in the world built on two continents, Istanbul is divided into a European and an Asian side. In the afternoon, begin the Turkish adventure with a brief walk to Sultan Ahmet Square, taking in the splendid Byzantine structure of the world-famous Hagia Sophia, (first built as a church and later converted to a mosque) and the Topkapi Palace. Return to the hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure. Sura Sophia Hagia Hotel.

Day 2 Tuesday Istanbul

Today is fully reserved for the Jewish sights of Istanbul. Though Sephardic Jews predominate in Turkish Jewish history, Istanbul also boasts an Ashkenazic element. The full day tour will include the Ashkenazic synagogue as well as several Sephardic Synagogues, with focus on the Galata area and the main Neve Shalom synagogue, with its attached Jewish Museum. You will also visit Jewish areas as Balat and Ortakoy, and the cemetery, located on one of the highest hills in the city. Return to the hotel in the late afternoon. At sunset, enjoy a cruise on the Bosphorus, as the light of the setting sun paints Istanbul in an array of gorgeous hues. Sura Sophia Hagia Hotel. (B)

Day 3 Wednesday Istanbul – Cappadocia

This morning, visit the exotic Topkapi Palace Museum with its extensive collections. Later, transfer to the domestic airport and check-in for the short flight to Cappadocia. Upon arrival, enjoy the magical landscapes created by lava and soft rocks, characteristic of the Cappadocia region. Check-in at the unique luxury hotel. Kayakapi Premium Caves Hotel. (B)

Day 4 Thursday Cappadocia

Optional early morning hot air ballooning. This is a rare and unforgettable opportunity, allowing you to soar over the natural landscape of Cappodocia. For those not choosing this option, watch the colorful balloons glide over the landscape as the sun rises. Either way, you will enjoy a sight never to be forgotten. Return to the hotel, where breakfast is waiting. Next, embark on a full day tour of the region. Visit the Goreme area, formerly home to a vast complex of monasteries. Continue to the highest point in the region, known as Uchisar Castle, and the nearby Pigeon Valley, offering great views of the town’s natural formations. After Lunch, visit the Kaymaki Underground City, the Valley of Love, with its natural Fairy Chimneys, best seen in the afternoon. Return to the hotel in the late afternoon. Pending availability, enjoy an evening performance of the Sufi Whirling Dervishes. Kayakapi Premium Caves Hotel. (B)

Day 5 Friday Cappadocia – Istanbul

Enjoy the early morning at leisure while taking in the magic of the sun rising in the horizon, or choose a second opportunity for an air balloon ride. Later, time to leave Cappadocia behind as you transfer to Kayseri airport for the flight to Istanbul. Upon arrival, transfer to the Galata and Taksim area, epicenter of modern day Istanbul, and home to the Istanbul Jewish community. Check-in at the famous hotel, a favorite choice for many (Zsa Zsa Gabor, Ernest Hemingway, and Agatha Christie, to name a few). Room 101 is preserved as a museum to the memory of Turkey’s modern leader, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk. In the late afternoon, tour Taksim Square and enjoy a stroll back to the hotel along lively Istiklal Street. Pera Palace Hotel. (B)

Day 6 Saturday Istanbul

Enjoy a full day of leisure, or join an optional tour to the historic Grand Bazaar, with its labyrinth of covered alleys and colorful shops. Later, visit the famed Spice Market, and sample the many tastes of Turkey, from sweet to spicy to in between. A delightful insight to Turkish cultural richness. Return to the hotel in the afternoon. Pera Palace Hotel. (B)

Day 7 Sunday Cappadocia

Transfer to the Istanbul international Airport and check-in for the return flights to the USA.