Izmir and Sardes Jewish Heritage Tour

2 Days Izmir and Sardes Jewish Heritage Tour - Izmir Kafifekale, Beth Israel Synagogue, Kemeralti, Asansor, KonakSauare, Clock Tower, Sardes Synagogue, Sardes Gmynassium, Sardes The Temple of Artemis

2 Days Izmir and Sardes Jewish Heritage Tour

Spend 2 days exploring Jewish heritage in Izmir and Sardis. Follow the historical synagogues, the traces of the Jewish community and experience the rich cultural heritage. Book for an unforgettable Jewish history journey!

Duration:

2 Days

Departing:

Istanbul

Time:

05:00 am

Pickup Point:

Istanbul

Highlights:

Izmir Kafifekale, Beth Israel Synagogue, Kemeralti, Asansor, KonakSauare, Clock Tower, Sardes Synagogue, Sardes Gmynassium, Sardes The Temple of Artemis

Price For Per Person

1 Pax

322,- €

2 Pax

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3 Pax

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4 Pax

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5 Pax

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6 Pax

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7 Pax

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8 Pax

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9 Pax

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10 Pax

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11 Pax

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12 Pax

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  • Fly from Istanbul to Izmir
  • Meet with the guide and Drive to Izmir
  • Dario Moreno Street
  • Dario Moreno House
  • Asansor (Elevator)
  • Beth Israel Synagogue
  • Clock Tower
  • Konak Square
  • Kemeralti Bazaar
  • Havra Steet (Synagogue Street)
  • Lunch Break
  • Agora
  • Izmir Castle (Kadife Kale)
  • Then drive Sardes
  • Sardes Agora
  • Sardes Synagogue
  • The Temple of Artemis (Diana)
  • Drive to Kusadasi. It will take about 2 hrs
  • Overnight in Kusadasi
  • Drive to Sardes (It will take about 2 hrs)
  • Sardes Ancient City
  • Sardes Acropolis
  • Gymnasium
  • Synagogue
  • Baths
  • Judge Construction
  • Houses
  • The main Street
  • Graveyards
  • Bintepe
  • After the Sardes tour, drive to Izmir Aiport
  • Arrival in Istanbul and Transfer to your hotel

05:00 Early morning transfer to Istanbul airport
07:00 Direct Flight from Istanbul to Izmir.
08:10 Arrive at Izmir Airport, meet your guide, and drive to Izmir Jewish district.
09:00 Arrive at Dario Moreno Street and Visit Beth Israel Synagogue.

Visit the Jewish Districts in Izmir:

We will drive to Karatas, our first stop will be Dario Moreno Street and Asansor (Elevator):

One of the most famous streets of İzmir, Dario Moreno Street, is named after Dario Moreno, who is known to have fallen in love with Izmir. The real name of Dario Moreno, known to be born in 1921, is David Arugete. David Arugete, a Turk of Jewish descent, is known as a pianist, painter, and theater actor.

Known as the most beautiful street in the city, Dario Moreno Street has a magnificent view of İzmir. Like medicine for those looking for a "resting area" with its cute cafes, Dario Moreno Street can also offer various coffee options. It is possible to see Greek houses on Dario Moreno Street, which smells like nostalgia.

Moreno Street, a beautiful street for those interested in historical buildings, can enchant people with its fragrant flowers.

Then we walk to Asonsor (Elevator): The Historical Elevator is the best structure to catch the unique view of Izmir Bay with its promenade at the top. The elevator was built in 1907 by Jewish businessman Nesim Levi to overcome the topographical barrier between hill neighborhoods above sea level.

The last stop on Asansor Street will be Beth Israel Synagogue. It was opened to worship in 1907. Bet Israel is Izmir's largest, most magnificent ceremonial synagogue. However, the temple differs from the traditional Izmir style with its building style and seating arrangement.

It was not built with a central plan but has been a double practice of Teva from the very beginning. Due to the location of the building plot, the Ehal is placed on the south wall instead of the east wall. It has large arched windows on all its borders, and above each is the 6-pointed Star of David.

The lower floor of the synagogue was reserved for men, and the upper floor for women. Today, the Bet Israel Synagogue is used only on Friday evenings, Saturday mornings, public holidays, and ceremonies such as Bar Mitzvah and weddings.

Then we will drive to Konak Square and visit the clock tower. Izmir Clock Tower, the symbol of Izmir, is the Ottoman Sultan Sultan II. It was built in 1901 as part of the 25th-anniversary celebrations of Abdulhamid's accession to the throne.

This commercial square started from the Hisar Mosque built in Izmir in 1592 and has grown increasingly. Since the 19th century, inns and covered bazaars have been in the Kemeralti Bazaar, the liveliest trade point in Izmir.

However, the shops here were referred to as small businesses that local people were interested in. Options such as blacksmith, coal maker, nail maker, spice and straw bazaar were previously located in Kemeralti Bazaar. Commercial shops in different areas were also found at various points.

Havra Street, named after the many synagogues in its vicinity, was a lively shopping center where Kosher (Halal) food was produced and sold. According to their beliefs, the Jews of Izmir used to obtain a significant part of their food needs, such as meat, fish, chicken, yogurt, cheese, and eggs from Havra Street. Most Jews in Izmir were active traders, agents, translators, and artisans.

Their commercial ties extended from Persia and Syria in the East to Western European countries and especially to the principal seaports of the Mediterranean that used to have their critical Jewish communities. While on Havra Street, You will also be able to taste the dishes in the Sephardic cosine; you might want to try the boyoz, which entered the culinary culture of Izmir with the arrival of Sephardic Jews.

Boyoz, an unleavened pastry, is derived from the Spanish word "bollos," which is the plural of "bollo" meaning "small loaf."

After the lunch break, visit Kizlaragasi Inn. Although there are many historical inns in Kemeraltı Bazaar, the best preserved among them is Kızlarağası Inn. The Kizlaragasi Inn, which reflects the classical structure of the Ottoman inn architecture, has a square-planned, two-story, rectangular courtyard in the middle.

The extensive tea garden in the courtyard is the main element that reflects the majesty of the building. Inn. You can visit the shops in the Kızlarağası Inn, each of which has striking details; Sing your coffee on the Ottoman-style sand or embers at the tiny tables placed in the submassive courtyard in the middle of the inn while the Izmir sun hits the courtyard from time to time; Accompany your delicious coffee with the vitality of this inn, which has been preserved for centuries in the history of caravans and travelers.

We will continue to walk from Kemeralti Street to Agora.

Smyrna Agora, located in the heart of the historical city center of Izmir, is also one of the largest agoras in the city center in the world today. It is dated to the Roman Period (2nd century AD).

"Agora" means "town square, bazaar, marketplace." To the Hippodamos city plan, it was built close to the center, with three floors. It is considered the largest and best preserved of the Ionian agoras. It is a three-story compound structure with a staircase in front, built on columns and arches around a large courtyard in the middle.

It is understood that the relief of Goddess Vesta on the northern gate of the Agora is the continuation of the comforts of the Altar of Zeus unearthed during the early excavations. In addition, besides the statues of God Hermes, Dionysus, Eros, and Heracles, Numerous male, female, and animal statues, reliefs, figurines, marble, bone, glass, metal, and terracotta artifacts were unearthed.

Our final stop will be Kadifekale. Hellenistic and Roman Smyrna Acropolis, known today as Kadifekale and called Pagos in ancient sources. Acropolis Hill, due to its location, has a view that can keep the entire Izmir Bay under control.

The approximately 3 m thick fortification wall surrounding the Acropolis was built directly on the andesite bedrock. In the excavations and research, information about the cult and temple of Athena could not be reached.

However, it is known that there are temples, altars, or places of worship and areas belonging to gods or goddesses other than the god or goddess of the city on the hills of the Acropolis. As a matter of fact, a bowl with the inscription "For Artemis" found during the excavations indicated the existence of the cult of Artemis, at least on the hill.

End of the tour, drive back to your hotel. Overnight in Izmir.

After breakfast, We will drive to Sardes. It will take about 2 hrs drive. It was established in the Sardes/Sart Gediz basin, on the banks of the Sart Stream, and on the northern slopes of the hills to the west of Bozdağ. It is unknown whether Sardis was a village, town, or city attached to the palace during this period.

However, it was an essential settlement between 1200-1000 BC, especially between 7-6 BC. It showed significant development over the centuries, became the capital of the Lydian state, and gained great importance.

Along the way, we arrive at the ancient city of Sardes after passing through Sultaniye, a valley full of seedless raisins and olive trees.

Sardes Ancient Ruin

The ruins of Sardis are amazing to behold, surrounded by a stunning mountain backdrop. This is where money was first used. A must for archeology buffs, photographers, people interested in Judaic history (magnificent ancient synagogue), and bible study groups (one of the seven churches of the Revelation).

Could you do some research before visiting? Today's ruins are pretty impressive, with the best-preserved ancient synagogue and gymnasium being the highlights for many.

The Temple of Artemis (Diana)

A sign points south to the Temple of Artemis, just over 1km away. Today only a few columns of the once-magnificent but never-completed building still stand. Initially dedicated to the goddess Artemis, the building faces west as in Ephesus and Magnesia.

Two temple columns have survived to the present day without any damage.Nevertheless, the temple’s plan is visible and very impressive. Although the temple of Artemis, where rituals and ceremonies were held, was used for 800 years, it was never completed.

The church, made of rubble stone and brick, located next to the temple, was built in the 4th century after the abandonment of the Artemis temple and was used as a Christian place of worship until the beginning of the 600s.

After the tour, drive to Izmir Airport. Fly back to Istanbul. Arrive in Istanbul and transfer to your hotel.

What's Includes:

  • 1 Night 3-4*+ Hotel Accommodation (Kaya Prestige Hotel or Similar Hotels)
  • 1 Breakfast
  • English Speaking Guide
  • All Entrance Fees
  • A/C Vehicle
  • Taxe
  • Parking Fees

What's Excluded

  • Personal Expenses
  • Tips to Guide and Driver
  • Lunch, Dinner, and Drinks

Note: Since our guests must declare to the Jewish Community in Turkey to enter the synagogues, we must obtain passport copies at least one week before arrival.

PS: If you wish, you can do an Extention, or you may request bus tickets or transfer service to Pamukkale, Cesme, Bergama, Gocek, Fethiye, or Izmir.

*Private two days Izmir and Sardes Jewish Heritage Tour run daily and is available all year round.
*Also, documents with details and confirmations will be e-mailed after booking.

2 Days Izmir and Sardes Jewish Heritage Tour, Izmir and Sardes Jewish Heritage Tour
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