Jewish Heritage Day Tour from Istanbul – Galata, Balat & Synagogues

Jewish Heritage Day Tour of Istanbul's Synagogues and Quarters

Our Jewish heritage tour of Istanbul traces more than five hundred years of Jewish life in the city, from the hillside lanes of Galata to the old houses of Balat on the Golden Horn. This full-day daily excursion combines historic synagogues with one of the world's great monuments, Hagia Sophia, under the guidance of an English-speaking expert.

Shore Excursion for Cruise Passengers in Istanbul

This Jewish Heritage Day Tour also works as a shore excursion from the Istanbul cruise port — a popular choice for passengers who have one day ashore. As a private excursion it is fully flexible — pickup is right at the pier, the pace follows your group, and we make sure you are back on board well before departure. Tell us how many hours your ship stays in port and we will confirm that the full programme fits comfortably. Simply share your cruise itinerary and the date you are in Istanbul, and we will reserve your places.

• Galata quarter and the Genoese Galata Tower of 1303
• Neve Shalom Synagogue, the main house of worship of the community today
• Ashkenazi Synagogue in the Galata neighbourhood
• Hagia Sophia, a 6th-century UNESCO World Heritage monument
• Ahrida and Yanbol synagogues in Balat, both founded in the 15th century
• Jewish Home for the Elderly on the Golden Horn

Galata was for centuries a lively, multicultural port district where Jewish merchants and craftsmen lived alongside Genoese, Greek and Armenian neighbours. Neve Shalom, opened in 1951, is the largest synagogue in Istanbul, while the Ashkenazi Synagogue recalls the Central European families who settled here in the 19th century. Across the water, Balat became home to Sephardic Jews welcomed by the Ottomans after their expulsion from Spain in 1492. Ahrida, with its boat-shaped bimah, and the more modest Yanbol were both founded by communities arriving from the Balkans, and in Balat you can still spot the Star of David on some building facades.

This Istanbul day trip suits travellers interested in faith, history and the multicultural story of the city. As a daily tour from Istanbul it lasts about eight hours, with travel between the districts in an air-conditioned vehicle and a return transfer to your hotel at the end of the day. Entrance fees for the sites in the itinerary are covered, while lunch is at your own expense. Please dress modestly for synagogue and mosque visits and bring your passport, as synagogues usually check identity at the door.