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Jewish Heritage Tour of Turkey & Bulgaria

4.75

(13.420 Reviews)

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Highlights

Hagia Sophia & Topkapi Palace, Sofia Synagogue (largest in the Balkans), Grand Synagogue of Edirne, Rila Monastery (UNESCO)

Destinations

Plovdiv, Sofia, Edirne, Istanbul

Budget

From €1.860,- p.p excl. flight tickets

Tour Highlights

Explore 500+ Years of Sephardic Jewish Legacy in Istanbul, Edirne, Plovdiv, Sofia & More
Walk in the footsteps of Sephardic Jews who found refuge in the Ottoman Empire after the 1492 expulsion from Spain. This 12-day journey blends spiritual discovery with stunning UNESCO heritage, connecting you with the enduring Jewish heritage of Turkey and Bulgaria. Perfect for small private groups, this immersive tour features exclusive synagogue visits, Jewish museums, old Jewish quarters, and meaningful interactions with local communities—all with 4-star comfort and knowledgeable local guides.

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Itinerary

Arrival in Istanbul

Meet & greet at Istanbul Airport. Private transfer to hotel.
Free time for orientation walk or optional Bosphorus dinner cruise.
Overnight: Istanbul – The Artisan Istanbul MGallery 4*

Jewish Heritage of Istanbul

Visit: Ashkenazi Synagogue, Zulfaris Jewish Museum, Neve Shalom Synagogue.
Balat Quarter walking tour: Jewish homes, Ahrida Synagogue.
Explore Galata Tower area & Jewish roots of Karaköy.
Overnight: Istanbul

Istanbul Highlights

Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace.
Grand Bazaar and Spice Market visit.
Optional: Turkish Hammam experience.
Overnight: Istanbul

Edirne – Ottoman Jewish Center

Drive to Edirne (3 hrs), once the capital of the Ottoman Empire.
Visit: Grand Synagogue of Edirne (recently restored), old Jewish cemetery.
Walk through the multicultural Old Town.
Overnight: Edirne – Margi Hotel 4*

Cross into Bulgaria – Plovdiv

Border crossing. Afternoon in Plovdiv: Europe’s oldest living city.
Jewish Quarter walking tour, Chitalishte Shalom, ancient Roman ruins.
Overnight: Plovdiv – Hotel Residence City Garden 4*

Plovdiv Synagogues & Old Town

Visit Plovdiv Synagogue (one of Europe’s few working Sephardic temples).
Walk along Roman Stadium, Ethnographic Museum, and Kapana art district.
Optional wine tasting in Thracian Valley.
Overnight: Plovdiv

Bachkovo Monastery & Sofia

Morning: Bachkovo Monastery (Christian-Jewish symbiosis in art).
Transfer to Sofia (2 hrs).
Introduction walk: Synagogue exterior, Banya Bashi Mosque, St. Nedelya Church.
Overnight: Sofia – Rosslyn Central Park Hotel 4*

Day 8: Sofia Jewish Heritage

Visit: Sofia Synagogue (largest in the Balkans), Jewish Museum of History.
Jewish neighborhood exploration: Bet Am communal center, Central Market Hall.
Optional visit to Boyana Church (UNESCO).
Overnight: Sofia

Rila Monastery & Return

Full-day trip to Rila Monastery (UNESCO), Bulgaria’s spiritual heart.
Return to Sofia. Optional Shabbat dinner can be arranged.
Overnight: Sofia

Travel to Istanbul via Plovdiv

Drive to border and onward to Istanbul (6–7 hrs total with breaks).
Evening free.
Overnight: Istanbul – The Artisan Istanbul MGallery 4*

Istanbul Free Day / Optional Jewish Tour Extension

Optional: Kuzguncuk neighborhood (multi-faith community), Camondo Steps, Jewish cemeteries.
Free time for shopping or Turkish culinary tour.
Overnight: Istanbul

Departure from Istanbul

Private airport transfer included.
End of services.

Services

Included

  • 11 nights accommodation in selected 3★ or 4★ hotels
  • Daily breakfast
  • Private guide/driver for 12 days
  • Rent-a-car for the full itinerary
  • Airport arrival & departure transfers
  • All land transportation Turkey & Bulgaria
  • Border assistance
  • Tour planning and operational coordination

Excluded

  • Flights
  • Lunches and dinners
  • Entrance fees (synagogues, museums, UNESCO sites)
  • Optional Bosphorus cruise, hammam, wine tastings
  • Rila Monastery and Boyana Church entrance fees
  • Local specialist guides where required
  • Tips and personal expenses
  • Travel insurance
  • Visa fees (if applicable)
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