City of Civilizations Galata Tour Private

City of Civilizations Galata Tour Private

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About this experience

Highlights:

Neve Shalom Synagogue and Museum
Galata Tower
Doğan Apartments
4. Crimea Church
Workshop (Wood Carving )
Galip Dede Shopping Street
Lunch and Coffee Break
Spice Bazaar

The journey begins at and runs through the Magnifica Comunita di Galata, the birthplace of Istanbul's modern part. Once a Latin colony near ancient Constantinopolis, just across the Golden Horn, later settling for foreign missions to the Ottoman Empire and the Turkish Republic, Galata is often referred to as Europe within Istanbul and still boasts traces of different civilizations. The district 'Galata' is like an undiscovered treasure within this context. In addition to historical monuments, it harbors a delightful and colorful lifestyle. The impressive narrow streets host colorful and historical houses, unique boutique cafés, buskers, art galleries, and small souvenir shops, making this district special.

Available options

City of Civilizations Galata Tour Private

Pickup included

What's included

Transportation from/to your address via proper, comfortable vehicle

Workshop entrance fee

Professional tour guide experience in various languages

Detailed itinerary

The tour starts at Neve Shalom synagogue in Galata. The central and largest Sephardic synagogue Neve Shalom ('Oasis of peace' or 'Valley of peace'), is a synagogue that was built to serve the growing Jewish population in the Galata neighborhood. Visiting the museum allows you to see some parts of the synagogue from the window of the museum. While you are visiting the museum, you are visiting the synagogue simultaneously. The visit gives essential insight into the great culture of Sephardic Jews, as well as their ties with and contributions to Turkish culture through the centuries.

Stop 2

Then we pass on to the Galata Tower. Galata Tower is one of the highest and oldest towers of İstanbul at 63 meters, and the Genoese colony was built in the 14th century as part of the defense wall. We go up to the tower's top floor and enjoy the great panoramic view of the old town, the Bosphorus, and the Golden Horn. Because it is one of Istanbul's highest towers, you have a great chance to have one of the best photos of the city. You can also testify to where the first Turk flew from Galata Tower to Asia-Üsküdar. After the joyous viewing, we head inside the tower. Here you can enjoy having your picture taken with original Ottoman garments for a great memory.

Stop 3

The Egyptian (Spice) Bazaar will be the next and the last, but not the last stop. We will pass from the historical Galata Bridge from Galata to Eminönü (the location is 20 min. walking distance, or a taxi might be used) to reach there. There is a shared brief in the global community of the card game Bridge that the Galata Bridge inspired the game's name.
The spice market itself has approximately 100 shops inside. As soon as you enter, you get the smell of various spices. Besides spices, you can find souvenir shops, jewelry stores, scarves, nuts, Turkish desserts, delights, natural oils, dried fruits, Turkish coffee, tea, etc., brought from their origins. Finding different types of fresh, traditional goods in one mystical, authentic, and historical bazaar is why the locals and foreigners prefer the spice market.