Turkey from Israel
 

Good afternoon.

My wife and I will be visiting Israel next summer. I'm seriously considering cuting the trip a bit short and spending 4-5 days in Istanbul. Perhaps you could touch on the following ...

a) Is it difficult getting to Turkey from Israel?
b) What sites would you recommend given such a short stay?
c) Is it reasonably safe for a Jewish couple in the low 60's?

I know that these types of questions are asked repeatedly, and I'll be using the search feature as well as checking back here. Your comments will be most appreciated.

Thanks.

"low 60s" is that your temperature? It just jumped out at me and I couldn't resist, LOL! You're safe to travel to Turkey regardless your temperature (oops, sorry, age), and regardless your ethnicity. In fact, there are regular flights (most are via Turkish Air, though maybe a few on El Al) between IST and TLV - Isrealis travel to Turkey all the time, a fairly busy route.

Istanbul alone can keep you busy for the time you plan, but you might consider a day-trip to Bursa (this can be either road or ferry, so you'll have to check). You might also consider flying to from IST to IZMir for a visit to Ephesus, though during the summer especially, Ephesus is very crowded.

Do a search on this board for "Sinan" who is Turkish, believe he lives between the States and Turkey, but provides contact information and can probably assist you. If you have the opportunity, Istanbul is definitely worth the visit.

Hi jmf314159

First DON"T worry when you get to Istanbul because there are many jewish who live in Israel was born in Istanbul, also there are many jewish sites all over Turkey. I wish I could spend more then 4 or 5 day in Turkey BUT I am sure that next year you will be back to Turkey for your another trip. I am sure that if you click my name you will get many information about Turkey and Istanbul You may get some regular tour in Istanbul then some jewish tour you may see some Temples and Jewish life in Istanbul (Still).

Regular Tour:

visit Topkapi Palace,
St Sofia Church,
Blue Mosque (SultanAhmet Mosque)
Hippodrome,
Cistern,
Cover bazaar,
Spice Market,
Bosphorous Tour DAILY PLEASE
Maiden's Tower,
Neve Shalom Synagogue (If you want to visit you have to get permission in advance. You have to fax them for this entrance because of Security)
Chora Church

Are the place for the first visitors.

If you have any other question PLEASE DON'T HESITATE TO ASK.

Have a nice trip in Istanbul

Sinan

Both El Al and Turkish Air have frequent nonstops, around US$400-$500 RT.

Hi, I love Jerusalem and think it is really a magical place. I will never tire of visiting Israel and will always find something new to see there. Having said that, I have to admit our vacation in Turkey was the BEST trip we have ever taken, and we have taken alot.Istanbul is just sooo exotic and the people are very friendly. The shopping is like the souk in the old city X 10! The food was great and the tea everybody hands you was such a lovely gesture and very good. I probably wouldn't wear a keepah or star of David (not just there) but we told lots of people we spoke to, we were jewish and they were very nice and helpful. We're in our mid 50's and I can't wait to go back. Definitely go!

3 years ago I visited Istanbul with a multinational group where there was somebody obviously Jewish. When we entered the Blue Mosque, I thought he was going to remove the hat (keepah?) but he didn't and I remember I thought: "my God, the 3rd world war is about to begin", but my fears revealed to be unfounded. Actually that person was very enthusiastic, asking questions about every details of the Mosque and maintaining a very good relation with the Turkish official guide.
This was just a small experience I found interesting to share. My magical place is Grand Bazaar (covered market), I would love to return there is my lifetime.

Thank you, folks. Your enthusiasm is certainly contageous. Would you have any suggestions on where we might stay? As soon as I finish this note, I'll do a search on hotels, but feel free to recommend your favorites.

By the way: sandi, I'm writing this from the Chicago area; I would give a good deal for anything approaching 60 degrees right now.

Take care, folks. And thanks again.

We stayed at the President Hotel, which is a Best Western. It was, like right across the street from the Grand Bazaar, American style hotel with breakfast included and a pool on the roof. The pool only came in handy for relaxing an hour or 2 in the afternoon. Too much fun stuff to see and do- to spend more time there. It was about $70/nite. If, no when we go again I would like to stay somewhere more authenic. There are loads of small privately owned Turkish hotels, that look wonderful. And the 4 seasons is very, very impressive and cheap (by 4 season standards)!

jmf - I'm sure you would appreciate anything nearing 60. We in NY had low 30s already with windchill in the teens. Welcome to Winter.

When we visited IST we stayed at the Hyatt, which was lovely with large rooms decorated like the inside of a tent, very very large pink marbled bathrooms. Though located in the newer section of IST, there is also a Hilton and an Intercontinental (I believe) nearby. But there are lots of hotels to choose from, pick the neighborhood and budget and you'll do well.

If I recall correctly about two hundred thousands Israelis vacation in Turkey annually, so finding a flight to Istanbul or Antalya from Israel should be no problem.

As for a hotel to stay I am wild about small hotels presented in the www.nisanyan.net
These are little cosy hotels with lots of charm, but you may find them little expenssive, but 20-40 $ a night seems easily possible.
Also, when we were in Turkey I never felt more looked after. All the complaints are taken so seriously, so if you feel like taken advantage in any way etc dont hesitate to inform the authorities, in big cities there is tourism police fluent in English, German etc, or there are free lines you can call, not only for complaints but also to get free help.

In Istanbul I suggest to see:
1. Topkapi Palace (requires at least a day or two)
2. Blue Mosque, Underground Basiliqa and Hagia Sophia (nest to each other)
3. Ortakoy Mosque
4. Istanbul Modern

You may as well Fly to Antalya if you can not find a good deal or appropriate flight to istanbul, as suggested. There are frequent flights by Turkish Airlines or new Local Airline Companies to istanbul daily. As far as I know there are also charter flights. You can have the taste of istanbul within couple of days you have and you can always come back as many others do.
Hope you will come and enjoy Turkey.

There are great interest to Turkey both from israel and from jewish communities from USA. One of the most popular Jewish Heritage tours in the world takes place in Turkey. There are also many Turkish jewish citizens especially living in istanbul. Even Kosher food is no problem.