October 20 - 27, 2026
The Jewish Heritage on the Iberian Peninsula goes back to the first century, still during the Roman Empire. Portuguese historians believe that the first Jewish people arrived in Portugal after the destruction of the second Temple in Jerusalem in 70 CE, during the I century and probably even before during the era of the Phoenicians. After the Romans, the land was attacked and ruled by the Germanic tribes, the Barbarians. In 711, Sefard (from Hebrew, meaning both today´s Spain and Portugal) was taken over by the Moors in 711.
They were Muslims from northern Africa, they were tolerant towards other religions, and the era was called the Golden Age, everyone lived together and flourished. After the so-called Reconquista, Sefarad was slowly gained by the Christians, between the X and the XII century. When the Kingdom of Portugal was established in the XI century, during the rule of the first Portuguese King, Afonso Henriques, Jews were given influential and important positions at the royal court. Continuing, up to the XV century Jewish presence was of a big relevance in Portugal.
Everything changed when the Spanish Queen and King issued the Edict of Expulsion. Thousands of Jews fled to Portugal, believing there they would be safe. Unfortunately, it only lasted 4 years, when the Portuguese king Manuel I signed an equal Edict of Expulsion in 1496. This was followed by the establishment of the Inquisition. From this moment the society is divided into “Old Christians” and “New Christians” (those forcefully converted and the following generations (also called in Hebrew: Bnei Annusim).
It was an amazing phenomenon when Jews were not allowed to practice anymore, but they did, however secretly in hiding. During the Tour you will learn a lot more about the Crypto-Jews, how kept Jewish religion and customs, passed only orally, as nothing written in Hebrew was allowed anymore. We will visit places, such as Belmonte, where Judaism was completely “underground” until the XX century.
They will visit some of the oldest synagogues (and secret Synagogues). We invite you to explore the Sefardic history and heritage, but the issue of Ashkenazi Jews coming to Portugal and creating their Communities will be one of our subjects as well.
Discover Portugal, its people, its history, and the culture, on a relaxed kosher tour, tailored to your needs and your pace, while tasting our gastronomy and learning about the Jewish roots outside the touristy areas
The Daily Itinerary
Day 1 – Lisbon
- Arrival & hotel check-in. Settle in and refresh.
- Evening Jewish walking tour. Wander Alfama’s lanes and Bairro Alto, pause at the 1506 Massacre Memorial, and visit Shaare Tikva Synagogue to frame Lisbon’s Jewish story from medieval roots to revival.
- Welcome dinner. Warm introduction to the group and week ahead.
Day 2 – Sintra – Cascais – Lisbon
- Sintra highlights. Guided visit of the Royal Palace and the lanes of the medieval quarter including Beco da Judiaria where Jewish life once flourished; time for photos in storybook squares.
- Cascais & Estoril. Coastline drive through elegant resorts once tied to WWII diplomacy and espionage; sea air and promenade strolls.
- Return to Lisbon for free time Baixa shops, tile boutiques, espresso stops.
- Dinner & Fado. Classic Lisbon evening with soulful music.
Day 3 – Tomar – Belmonte
- Tomar. Step into Portugal’s best-preserved medieval Synagogue and the Abraham Zacuto Museum; hear how 1492 refugees revitalized local crafts and trade.
- Belmonte. Encounter a living Crypto-Jewish community: synagogue, museum, and a meeting with a community representative; stories of hidden practice, continuity, and modern recognition.
Day 4 – Guarda – Vilar Formoso – Porto
- Guarda. Stroll the medieval Jewish quarter and spot mezuzah stone grooves—quiet witnesses of centuries past.
- Vilar Formoso. At the Peace Frontier Museum, trace the rescue led by Aristides de Sousa Mendes and 1940 refugee routes.
- Arrive Porto. Kabbalat Shabbat and festive Shabbat dinner at Porto Synagogue.
Day 5 – Porto
- Shacharit & Shabbat lunch at the synagogue; time to connect with the local kehillah.
- Afternoon “Sounds of Porto” walk. Gentle loop near the hotel and shul: gardens, handsome squares, and façades; tuning into the city’s rhythm and stories.
- Havdala & dinner. Share reflections from the week so far.
Day 6 – Porto
- Iconic Porto. Clérigos Tower, Lello Library, azulejo murals at São Bento Station, the riverside Ribeira, Luís I Bridge, and Rua das Flores.
- Vila Nova de Gaia. Cross the bridge for cellar district views; discuss the city’s wine heritage.
- Kosher Porto wine tasting & dinner. Local flavors and lively ambiance.
Day 7 – Mon, Nov 3 | Coimbra – Lisbon
- Coimbra University. Guided visit through the Baroque Library, St. Michael’s Chapel, Royal Palace, and Science Museum; centuries of scholarship in one hilltop campus.
- Return to Lisbon.
- Sunset cruise on the Tagus. Glide past the Belém Tower, Discoveries Monument, Christ the King, and the Alfama skyline—Lisbon glowing in golden hour.
- Farewell dinner.
Day 8 – Lisbon
- Breakfast & check-out.
- Airport transfer