Kosherica Cruies | The Glatt Kosher Cruise and Tour Leader

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 17th 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 20th century, due to its downsizing. The community boasts today 2000 Jews and is the second largest in Turkey.

Itinerary

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 Turkey 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

Turkey 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 Kas?m A?a, 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.

Price Includes

International Flights
First tourist class hotels or the best available locally
Airport and security taxes
Comfortable air-conditioned touring coach for travelling
Breakfast and dinner daily, and supplies for making sandwiches for lunch
Professional, experienced Israeli guide
Entrance to all sites mentioned in the tour plan

Price Excludes

Travel and baggage Insurance
Evening entertainment that are not included in the tour plan
Personal expenses
Tips for local service providers: $90
Changes in air fares due to increases in fuel, airport tax and security tax surcharges
Tip for Israeli guide (Recommended: $3 per person per day)

Important To Know
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.

Insurance
We urge all passengers to purchase travel and cancellation insurance immediately upon registration for the tour. This ensures a refund of expenses in case of cancellation due to emergency, illness or bereavement.

Date And Prices

Start date	End Date	Days	Price	Single supplement	Comments
06/07/10	06/15/10	10	2490 $	430 $

Terms

More than 45 working days prior to departure: $47 per passenger registration fee only
14-45 working days prior to departure: $500 + $47 per passenger
7-13 working days prior to departure: $1000 + $47 per passenger
Less than 6 working days prior to departure: Passenger will be liable for full payment of all expenses connected to the tour (including visas, etc.)

Fridays, Shabbat and Holidays (including Chol Hamoed in Israel), and Sundays and Public Holidays abroad are not considered working days. If flight tickets have already been issued and/or any other services have already been purchased (visas, etc.) their costs will be added to the cancellation penalties mentioned above.