Private Tour: Jewish Heritage in Istanbul

You will meet with your professional guide at 9:00am, and start your private half-day tour Jewish Heritage in Istanbul.
First you will visit Galata, a Jewish neighborhood. Visit the Galata Tower, built by the Genoese in 1303. Then visit the Ashkenazi Synagogue . Located near the Galata Tower, the facade of the building is especially imposing, with three oriental arches and octagonal rosette windows. Inside, the floors are of marble, the lofty dome is painted with stars, and the elaborately- worked ark, of dark wood, blends eastern European and Arabesque styles. It is the only active Ashkenazi Synagogue open to visits and prayers. Founded by Ashkenazim of Austrian origin in 1900, it is the last remaining synagogue among a total of three built by Ashkenazim.
Before leaving Galata Quarter, we will see a graceful curved double staircase, known as Kamondo Staircase .The staircase was built in the nineteenth century on the order of the Kamondos, the Jewish community's most prosperous family. Further we will proceed to the Zülfaris Synagogue which was restored to become a museum of Turkish Jewish life. This synagogue was the main venue for weddings and funerals until the construction of Neve Shalom.
Then you will visit the Jewish Museum. You will see the Ottoman and Turkish influence on the Jewish community in Turkey and it is unique and the only museum of its kind in a museum country. The museum is located in Neve Shalom synagogue, where many weddings and Bar Mitzvahs’ take place today. 
At the end of your tour, you will return to your hotel.