Jewish Heritage Tour in Portugal - 6 Days 

Despite previous attestations, it was between the V and the XV century that the Jewish community established itself in Portugal, contributing in different ways and within the space of ten centuries to the flourishing of Portuguese culture. Many members of this community, which included philosophers, humanists, scientists and dealers, were protected by the monarchy and participated in an active way in paramount moments of Portuguese history.

In 1496, the Edict of Expulsion of the Jewish issued by the Spanish Catholic Monarchs and enforced by the Portuguese monarchs too, obliged all Jewish people to convert and become Neo-Christians. Many of them left the country, many others stayed professing their faith secretly. The signs and the inscriptions of that time can still be seen carved on the palaces of the ancient Jewish areas, in towns like Belmonte, Guarda, Castelo de Vide and Tomar.

Here are the remnants of a synagogue; there, those of a cemetery”. The city has remains of what was once a typical Jewish Quarter in the Middle Ages: steps, narrow streets and balconied houses, similar to those in Lisbon’s Alfama district.

Day 1

Porto

On this tour you will learn about the Jewish community not only in Porto city but as well about the Jewish heritage in Portugal from Sepharad, the Middle Age Jews and the terrible times of the Inquisition, The Modern Age New Christians and The Jewish Renaissance 20th Century. We will walk through the narrow streets of Porto from the Sé where the first Synagogue was build to the Montes dos Olivais where the biggest Jewish quarter was set, exploring and finding the vestiges from the Jewish community in the city. Completing  this tour we will drive to the biggest synagogue standing in the Iberian Peninsula “Mekor Haim”/ the Fountain of Life founded by Captain Arthur Barros Bastos in 1938 where the “Work of Rescue” began. Come with me and learn about this amazing history never to forget.

Day 2  Porto /Douro Valley/Belmonte

Douro Valley

Through a unique landscape of mountain and river it was born one of the most famous God nectars: Port wine Designated UNESCO World Heritage, the wine valleys of the Douro region provides some of the most spectacular scenery in Portugal, and the sprawling mountainous landscape of the Douro Valley itself is perhaps the most beautiful of all.

Enjoy a leisurely tour in a private van through this magnificent countryside en route to Portugal's wine country. The first stop will be the charming town of Amarante. This ancient town is filled with fine Romanesque architecture. While there you will visit, the 16th century Monastery of São Goncalo, on the banks of the river, as well as the lovely Roman Bridge.

Next in Peso da Regua you will experience an award winning winery, complete with a guided tour and tasting (option of an impressive lunch consisting of Portuguese specialties at the estate.We then continue our drive to the medieval town of Belmonte where you will stay at your hotel.

Belmonte

Has retained its medieval atmosphere, and among its most interesting sights that we’ll visit are a 13th century castle, a Romanesque-Gothic church and the Cabral family Pantheon. The Jewish Quarter was situated outside the castle walls at the easternmost end of the town. Houses with crosses engraved in the stone close to the doors were inhabited by New Christians, Jews who had been unable to leave Portugal and were baptized. These “Crypto-Jews” publicly followed Catholic rituals but in the privacy of their own homes maintained their religion and culture and celebrated Hebrew rites on Holy Days. In 1993, the community began building a new synagogue, as part of a very interesting revival.

Day 3 – Belmonte/ Marvão/Castelo de Vide

We will start our day with a morning walk in Belmonte visiting  the Jewish Museum and will also include the Judiaria, Bet Elliahou Synagogue and the castle.

Marvão

Perched on a high rocky peak from where one can almost touch the sky. This impressive fortress town served as an entry point to the thousands of Jews who fled Spain in the 15th and 16th centuries. A few houses still retain carved crosses on the door posts which were a necessity at a time when Jews were forced to identify as Christians.

Castelo de Vide

A scenic and charming town where we will be exploring the jewish quarters (Judiaria) wich ran from the castle gate, down to the village fountain (Fonte da Vila) and on to the Rua Nova. An amazing medieval synagogue stands at the corner of the Rua da Judiaria and Rua da Fonte. Restored to its original appearance, the museum today features the original 14th-century stone ark for the Torah and the ritual baths. At the museum, we will meet members of the community who will be pleased to tell the history of this interesting archaeological excavation.

Day 4 – Castelo de Vide/ Tomar/Obidos/Lisbon

Tomar

We will start our drive to Tomar where one of the most important Synagogues of Portugal is located. Inside the Jewish Museum Abraham Zacuto will allow you to understand the importance of the Jewish population in this city. On the top of the hill it's located the Convent of Christ, World Heritage by UNESCO, which is the bastion of one of the most important religious orders in Portugal: the Order of Christ

Obidos                                                                                               

This medieval town still preserves the atmosphere of the centuries that passed by it. The old castle walls, that enclose the white washed houses, are a symbol that the past is still present on the daily life of the city. A short walk on the narrow cobbled streets, where small shops offer the “Ginjinha” (cherry liquor) will be the perfect beginning of the day.

Day 5 - Lisbon

Lisbon

This morning we will be devoted to the city of Lisbon, starting with a walking tour of Alfama quarter alleys, the oldest one of the city. Learn about the important Jewish community of the city, enlarged numerously by Sephardic Jews expelled at the end of the 15th century. Visit the  “Shaaré Tikva" Synagogue ; the Jewish Community Centre, opened in 1948 as a cultural center and the “Rua da Judiaria”. We then climb up to the Castle of Sao Jorge, dominating the city view on its seven hills. We’ll walk downhill towards the Rossio Square, where the inquisition court was held. We may visit also the traditional commerce zones of the city, with their 18th century buildings: the Downtown and the Chiado.

 Day 6 – Sintra/Estoril/Cascais

Sintra

Upon departing the  hotel or your choice location, one of the first sights you will see is the April 25th Suspension Bridge, sister to the Golden Gate, and the towering Christ the King Statue.The tour continues with a visit to the Jeronimos Monastery, a 16th-century architectural masterpiece. Nearby, you will see Belem Tower and taste the famous "Pasteis de Belem" Lisbon’s pastry delicacies.   Next we will drive along the scenic coastal road passing by Estoril and Cascais, Portugal's first premier seaside resorts.  One of Portugal's oldest, most charming mountain towns and UNESCO heritage, Sintra, is considered one of the most beautiful places in Portugal. Visit the historical center amongst snug roads lined with stately homes and opulent palaces, most notably the 14th century Sintra Palace, once the summer residence of early Portuguese kings and aristocrats.   

Fado Dinner & Show (125€ p/p)

Spend your evening at Lisbon tavern listening to fado. Derived from the Latin word fatum—meaning "prophecy" or "fate"—fado is Portugal’s national musical treasure. Fado's traditional theme is “saudade,” a word that doesn't quite translate to English but conveys an overwhelming sense of longing for something lost. Dinner is included during this memorable musical evening.

# This tour is extra and can be done in the first day of Lisbon or second.

Duration: 6 Days

Departure time: 

9:00 am (or as per guests’ itinerary)

Pricing: “Starting From” price based on six guests.

Price per Group:           

1-2 people: 2950€

3-6 people: 3950€