THE HIDDEN SECRETS OF PORTUGAL & SPAIN
TOUR DATES:
June 30 – July 08
August 25 – September 02, 2025
Your Dream Vacation…Now Kosher.
TOUR DATES:
June 30 – July 08
August 25 – September 02, 2025
Your Dream Vacation…Now Kosher.
Glatt Kosher Vacations is a one-of-a-kind program that has been running for 22 years.
Join Glatt Kosher Vacations on an unforgettable journey through Europe, exploring the Jewish heritage of Lisbon, Porto, Barcelona, and Madrid. From historic Jewish quarters to stunning synagogues, this tour immerses you in centuries of culture and tradition, offering a unique blend of history and modern-day charm.
Join Glatt Kosher Vacations on an unforgettable journey through Europe, exploring the Jewish heritage of Lisbon, Porto, Barcelona, and Madrid. From historic Jewish quarters to stunning synagogues, this tour immerses you in centuries of culture and tradition, offering a unique blend of history and modern-day charm.
WELCOME
Portugal, located on the Iberian Peninsula, shares a border with Spain and is greatly influenced by its Atlantic Ocean coastline. From the 1500s to the 1800s, it was a major maritime empire. Today, its stunning coast attracts tourists with surfing in the west and serene beaches in the south. The country’s landscapes include dramatic cliffs, mountain ranges, and historical castles, with areas like Lisbon and Porto offering picturesque views. The Iberian Peninsula, home to diverse cultures and religions until 1492, holds a rich Jewish heritage, particularly evident in the Routes of Sefarad, which explore Jewish history in Spain and Portugal.
Visiting Madrid which is the capital and largest city of Spain and Barcelona the Catalan capital is one of the most famous cities in the world, known for its rich architecture, gastronomy, and culture.
Explore LISBON and PORTO…
LISBON
Discover the heart of Portugal through Lisbon, a city steeped in history and charm. Famously known as The Seven Hills City, Lisbon invites you to explore its stunning landscapes, iconic World Heritage sites, and centuries-old neighborhoods.
A highlight of this journey is a visit to the historic Jewish Quarter, nestled in the labyrinthine streets of Alfama. This hidden gem holds the echoes of a once-thriving Jewish community. As we wander through its narrow alleys, you'll encounter remnants of ancient synagogues, enduring architecture, and stories that reveal the rich, complex tapestry of Lisbon’s multicultural heritage.
Get ready to step back in time and experience the soul of one of Europe’s most enchanting capitals.
PORTO
Porto, at the mouth of the Douro River in northern Portugal, is known for its elegant neighborhoods, cobbled streets, and historic charm. It became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996.
Our exclusive Porto Jewish Tour takes you through the city’s medieval streets, uncovering its hidden Jewish history. Visit the site of the first Jewish quarter, the lost synagogue, and secret landmarks that reveal a powerful Sephardic and Crypto-Jewish legacy.
Though little remains visibly, our expert guide brings this rich heritage to life through stories of culture, faith, and influence.
Beautiful Appointed Accommodations
DUO HOTEL LISBON, CURIO COLLECTION BY HILTON or similar
Located along the scenic Tagus River, our hotel places you in the lively Cais do Sodré neighborhood—just steps from the famous Time Out Market and colorful Pink Street. Iconic attractions like Praça do Comércio, the Arco da Rua Augusta, and the Elevador de Santa Justa are all within a 3-kilometer radius.
Blending contemporary comfort with Portuguese heritage, our hotel features a tranquil landscaped courtyard, inviting on-site dining, a traditional pastelaria, and complimentary WiFi throughout your stay.
- Free Wi-Fi
- Restaurant
- Bar and Lounge
CATALONIA PORTO HOTEL or similar
Visit the most charming city in Portugal from the Catalonia Porto hotel, in a group of buildings protected for their historical value. You will stay in the centre of Porto, in one of the most important shopping areas of the city. Choose from our bright rooms, decorated in the purest Porto style, with bright colours and typical tiles.
Step into an incredible landscaped courtyard with a swimming pool and an outdoor jacuzzi where you can cool off on the hottest days. Enjoy a cocktail on the terrace of our Gastrobar. If you need to relax, the hotel's wellness area awaits you with a full spa and massage cabins. Are you ready to discover Porto?
- Outdoor pool
- Free Wi-Fi
- Sauna in Spa
Explore BARCELONA and MADRID…
BARCELONA
Barcelona, in Spain’s Catalonia region, is known for its vibrant art, striking architecture, and coastal charm. The city blends culture, creativity, and natural beauty.
Barcelona’s Jewish heritage is deep-rooted. Once home to the most important Jewish community in Catalonia, it had two historic Jewish quarters—Call Major and Call Menor.
Explore this legacy through the Routes of Sefarad, with nearby Girona offering a powerful journey into Spain’s rich Jewish past.
MADRID
Madrid, Spain’s capital and largest city, is rich in culture and history, with religion shaping much of its architecture and daily life.
The Jewish community played a key role here, as well as in Toledo and Córdoba—cities where traces of Jewish heritage still shine through preserved landmarks and historic sites.
Beautiful Appointed Accommodations
HOTEL MELIA BARCELONA SARRIA 5 Stars, or similar
The Meliá Barcelona Sarrià is a luxury city hotel with a strategic location in the financial, cultural and commercial heart of the city of Barcelona.
Modern, functional design with rooms full of light and with spectacular views of the city. Immerse yourself in the history, architecture and beauty of Barcelona at the Meliá Barcelona Sarrià. The Level will make your stay a truly unique and select experience Recover after an intense day of work or sightseeing in YHI Wellness, a Spa with specialized services that will reinvigorate you inside and out.
- Signature restaurant
- Spa treatment *Extra fee
- Wellness centre Spa *Extra fee
- Fitness Center
- Outdoor swimming pool
NH MADRID VENTAS ,or similar
The NH Madrid Ventas hotel, formerly known as NH Parque Avenidas, puts you 10 minutes from downtown Madrid on the subway and 5 minutes’ walk from the famous Las Ventas bullring. The hotel offers an impressive amount of space given how close it is to the city center. It comes with a large, leafy garden, complete with sun terrace and swimming pool.
- El Jardín de Ventas, a large al fresco terrace with a bar for drinks and snacks
- Outdoor swimming pool
TOUR ITINERARY:
DAY 1: Lisbon Arrival
At your arrival transfer from the airport to your hotel.
After lunch a half-day tour of Lisbon, the Portuguese capital, famously known as "The Seven Hills City," where you'll explore its iconic World Heritage sites. The Jewish Quarter of Lisbon, nestled in the historic neighborhood of Alfama, is a hidden gem with a rich and complex history. Today, remnants of this once-thriving community can still be seen in the narrow streets, ancient buildings, and synagogues that have stood the test of time.
At the end of the tour, we will have dinner.
Overnight at Duo Hotel Lisbon or similar. (L, D).
DAY 2: Lisbon - Porto
After breakfast, a bus ride from Lisbon to Porto.
Arrival at the Hotel in Porto.
After lunch, embark on an exclusive Porto Jewish Heritage Tour, a private journey that feels like a treasure hunt through the enigmatic medieval streets of Porto. Your guide will reveal how Sephardic and Crypto-Jews shaped the city's destiny in various aspects, from economics and politics to gastronomy.
At the end of the tour, we will have dinner.
Overnight at Catalonia Porto Hotel or similar. (B, L, D).
DAY 3: Porto
After breakfast, explore Porto’s rich Jewish history, starting with a visit to the Kadoorie Mekor Haim Synagogue, one of the largest in Portugal. Learn about its significance and admire its stunning architecture. Continue through the historic Jewish Quarter, known for its charming narrow streets and remnants of ancient synagogues.
Lunch.
Have a look at the Jewish Cemetery, reflecting on the stories of those who lived here during challenging times. Your tour will also include insights into the community's resilience during the Inquisition, providing a rich narrative of Porto’s Jewish legacy. This immersive experience connects you with the enduring spirit of Jewish culture in the city.
At the end of the tour, we will have dinner.
Overnight at Catalonia Porto Hotel, or similar. (B, L, D).
DAY 4: Porto – Barcelona
After breakfast, transfer to the airport to take the flight from Porto to Barcelona.
Arrive in Barcelona and transfer to your hotel.
After lunch, embark on a Jewish heritage tour that blends history, culture, and stunning sights. Begin in the Gothic Quarter, where you'll explore the historic Jewish Quarter, known as El Call, and visit the ancient Synagogue, one of the oldest in Europe. Next, head to Park Güell, designed by Antoni Gaudí, to enjoy its vibrant mosaics and unique architecture while taking in panoramic views of the city. Along the way, discover the profound Jewish influence on Barcelona's artistic heritage.
At the end of the tour, we will have dinner.
Overnight at Melia Barcelona Sarria, or similar. (B, L, D).
DAY 5: Girona
After breakfast a full day tour of Girona. Discover the rich Jewish history of GIRONA as you explore the narrow streets of its historic Jewish Quarter, the birthplace of Nahmanides, the medieval Kabbalistic philosopher, physician, and Sephardic rabbi. Visit the locations where the city’s three synagogues once stood, and gain deeper insights into the contributions of Girona's Jewish community at the Jewish History Museum.
At the end of the tour, arrive at your hotel to get ready for Shabbat.
Candle lighting at Chabad House.
Shabbat dinner (10 minutes’ walk from the Hotel).
Overnight at Melia Barcelona Sarria, or similar. (B, L, D).
DAY 6: Leisure Day.
Shacharit
SHABBAT LUNCH
Seudah Shlishi.
Havdalah.
After Havdalah, we will have dinner.
Overnight at Melia Barcelona Sarria, or similar. (Shabbat Lunch, SS, D).
DAY 7: Barcelona – Madrid - Toledo
After breakfast transfer to take the train from Barcelona to Madrid.
Arrival in Madrid, transfer to your hotel.
After lunch, a tour to TOLEDO. Visit the Synagogue of Santa María la Blanca, an architectural gem built by the city’s Mudejar population. Its horseshoe arches, wooden ceiling, and intricate yeseria plasterwork make it a stunning example of Almohad architecture, highly admired by Jews. The tour continues with a visit to the Transito Synagogue (Synagogue of El Tránsito), also known as the Synagogue of Samuel ha-Levi. This historic synagogue now houses the Sephardic Museum in Toledo.
At the end of the tour, we will have dinner.
Overnight at NH Madrid Ventas, or similar. (B, L, D).
DAY 8: Cordoba
After breakfast, a bus ride to the train station to take the train to Cordoba.
Upon arrival in CORDOBA, enjoy a walking tour through the city’s charming narrow streets. The first stop will be the famous Mosque. Next, explore the Jewish Quarter, which stretches from the Mosque to the city walls and the Puerta Almodóvar.
Lunch.
The tour continues with the visit to the Synagogue, the only one still standing in the city, symbolizing the harmony of the three cultures—Christians, Arabs, and Jews—that coexisted here for centuries.
At the end of the tour, we will have dinner.
Overnight at NH Madrid Ventas, or similar. (B, L, D).
DAY 9: After breakfast, transfer from your hotel in Madrid to the airport for your return flight.
TOUR PACKAGE INCLUDES:
- Round trip transfers from Airport to the Hotel/Hotel to Airport in Lisbon, Porto, Barcelona and Madrid.
- Transfers from Barcelona Hotel to Train Station/ Train Station to Hotel in Madrid.
- 1 night hotel accommodation in Lisbon at Duo Hotel Lisbon, Curio Collection by Hilton, 4 stars (or similar).
- 2 nights hotel accommodation in Porto at Catalonia Porto 4 stars, (or similar).
- 3 nights hotel accommodation in Barcelona at Melia Barcelona Sarria 5 stars, (or similar).
- 2 nights hotel accommodation in Madrid at NH Madrid Ventas 4 stars, (or similar).
- 3 Glatt Kosher Cholov Yisroel meals prepared fresh daily: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner. Under strict Rabbinical supervision.
- Train tickets from Barcelona to Madrid, and roundtrip train tickets from Madrid to Cordoba.
- Orthodox Synagogue services on Shabbat.
- Sightseeing tour with English speaking guide, all entrance fees included.
- City tour in Lisbon.
- City tour in Porto.
- Full day tour in Porto visiting the Jewish community and Synagogue.
- City tour in Barcelona and Park Guell.
- Full day tour of Girona.
- Tour of Toledo.
- Full day tour of Cordoba.
- Hotel taxes.
PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE:
- International flights.
- Travel Insurance.
- Tips.
*TRAVEL INSURANCE IS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
TESTIMONIALS
“We had a dream family vacation in Turks and Caicos. Ayelet took care of everything so that we could enjoy a Glatt Kosher all-inclusive program at a world class resort. During the day there was plenty for everyone to do, from scuba diving to windsurfing and we dined in different locations every night. I look forward to bringing the family back next year and hopefully for years to come!” B.A
Ayelet’s program at Beaches Turks & Caicos was excellent. The resort was wonderful and the food was excellent. Our family had gone for two years with a perfect family vacation.” M.K
“Ayelet runs a terrific program- the food was first class- and she made sure her guests got the best treatment from the resort. The resort itself was beautiful, entertaining and really well suited for families” R.S
“We’ve gone on several trips with Ayelet and Glatt Kosher Vacations, and each one is better than the last. The weather is great, the locations are fabulous, the food is delicious, there are activities for all the children and everyone has a great time. Ayelet’s attention to detail and catering to everyone makes the vacation a success each and every time. We love joining her group wherever she takes us because we know it will be a great vacation. Thanks, Ayelet” B.S