Jewish Route in Portugal, known for its rich history and cultural diversity, Portugal also has a significant Jewish heritage that dates back centuries. The Jewish Route in Portugal is a fascinating journey that allows visitors to explore the remnants of this heritage, with historical sites, synagogues, and old neighborhoods.
This private Multi day tour will start and end in the city of Lisbon. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us.
| No. of People | Total Price (6 days) | Price per Person |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Person | 2,152 € | 2,152.00 € / total |
| 2 People | 2,415 € | 1,207.50 € / person |
| 3 People | 2,572 € | 857.33 € / person |
| 4 People | 2,835 € | 708.75 € / person |
| 5 People | 3,010 € | 602.00 € / person |
| 6 People | 3,171 € | 528.50 € / person |
| 7 People | 3,440 € | 491.43 € / person |
| 8 People | 3,601 € | 450.12 € / person |
| 8+ People | Upon Request | Get a Quote |
In Tomar, the Tomar Synagogue, built in the 15th century, is one of the oldest in the country. Although the synagogue was abandoned during the Inquisition, it represents one of the first Jewish buildings in Portugal. Today, part of the synagogue serves as a museum dedicated to Jewish history, and the building is a memorial site.
However, the history of Jews in Portugal took a dramatic turn during the reign of King Manuel I in the 15th century. In 1496, the king issued a decree forcing all Jews to convert to Christianity or leave the country. This event marked the beginning of the Portuguese Inquisition, which persecuted and forced many Jews to practice their faith in secret. The forced conversion of Jews led to the creation of a new class, the Marranos, Jews who converted to Christianity but continued practicing Jewish customs secretly.
Jewish Route in Portugal: Discover the Jewish Heritage
The Jewish Route of Portugal includes several synagogues and important historical sites that represent the rich Jewish heritage of the country. One of the most important synagogues still standing is the Belmonte Synagogue, located in the city of Belmonte, one of the few places in Portugal where Jews were able to continue practicing their faith in secret during the Inquisition.
The Jewish Route of Portugal is an excellent way to explore the history and heritage of Jews in the country. Visitors can follow this route, which includes synagogues, Jewish cemeteries, and museums, as well as cities like Tomar, Belmonte, Coimbra, Lisbon, and Porto, where traces of Jewish presence can still be found. Any doubt ? Contact us….
Day 1: Lisbon, Historic Quarters, and the Sephardic Heritage
We begin in Lisbon, exploring the old Jewish quarter in Alfama, the oldest part of the city, full of narrow alleys that reflect the Moorish heritage. Fado, the traditional Portuguese music, was born in this neighborhood loaded with saudade. Next, we head to São Jorge Castle, a vestige of Moorish civilization, and visit Lisbon Cathedral, showcasing Romanesque architecture and the birthplace of Saint Anthony. In the Baixa, we learn about the importance of Pombaline architecture, which emerged after the 1755 earthquake, featuring new buildings engineered to withstand future disasters. We cross Avenida da Liberdade to Marqués de Pombal Square and Eduardo VII Park to appreciate the view and discuss the historical connection between Portugal and England. After lunch, we move to Belém, an iconic site of the Age of Discoveries, visiting the Belém Tower, Jerónimos Monastery, and the Discoveries Monument, concluding with a tasting of the famous Pastéis de Belém. We can also arrange a visit to the Lisbon Shaaré Tikva Synagogue by prior appointment.
📌 Accommodation for tonight: The client must book their hotel in the city of Lisbon.
Day 2: Lisbon – Tomar – Castelo Branco – Covilhã
Leaving Lisbon, we head to Tomar to visit the ancient Synagogue, built between 1430 and 1460, the oldest in Portugal. Then we explore the Convent of Christ, which began as a Templar castle, representing medieval military architecture. Next, in Castelo Branco, the Jewish Memory House highlights the historical Jewish presence in the region and notable figures such as Amato Lusitano. Finally, we reach Covilhã, where the influence of Portuguese Jews is prominent, including Pêro da Covilhã, who helped chart maritime and land routes toward India.
📌 Accommodation for tonight: The client must book their hotel in the city of Covilhã.
Day 3: Covilhã – Belmonte – Guarda
We start the day in Belmonte, a village with one of the most significant Crypto-Jewish heritages in the world. Although little is known about the initial Jewish presence in the area, its impact on history is undeniable. In 1910, during the demolition of the Church of St. Francis, a stone from the first synagogue of Belmonte was found, dated 1297. This indicates that the Jewish community was highly significant, justifying the need for its own house of worship. We will visit the Bet El Synagogue and the Jewish Museum of Belmonte. We then continue our route to Guarda, where the Jewish community was historically one of the most important, protected, and ancient in the country.
📌 Accommodation for tonight: The client must book their hotel in the city of Guarda.
Day 4: Guarda – Lamego – Douro Valley – Amarante – Porto
We begin the day in Lamego, where the Jewish community settled between the castle and the Church of Santa María de Almacave starting in the 14th century. By the following century, the town already featured two populated Jewish quarters. We then head towards the stunning Douro Valley, the world-famous demarcated region known for Port Wine. We will visit the Casal de Loivos Viewpoint to enjoy breathtaking views over the river and the Pinhão Station, globally renowned for its tile panels depicting traditional wine production. The region has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2001. Finally, we visit a prestigious wine estate to understand the production process, ending with a premium wine tasting.
📌 Accommodation for tonight: The client must book their hotel in the city of Porto.
Day 5: Porto, Secret Jewish Quarters, and the Invicta City
A full day in the city of Porto, which since the dawn of Portuguese nationality hosted several important Jewish quarters. In 1386, King Dom João I ordered the concentration of Jews in the Olival quarter, within the medieval city walls. We start our tour at Casa da Música, a landmark of modern architecture, and head towards Matosinhos and Foz, where the upper-middle class resides. A site of immense historical importance is the Holocaust Museum of Porto, the only one of its kind in the Iberian Peninsula, which tells the story of Jewish refugees in the city. In downtown Porto, we visit Avenida dos Aliados with its City Hall and the statue of Dom Pedro IV, and the beautiful São Bento Station, famous for its historic tile panels. The bustling Rua de Santa Catarina houses the Café Majestic, an icon of the Belle Époque. We will also visit the Lello Bookstore, famous for its unique beauty, followed by the Porto Cathedral and the Bolsa Palace. After crossing the D. Luís Bridge, we reach Gaia for a visit and premium tasting at a Port Wine cellar, finishing at the Serra do Pilar Monastery with spectacular views over the Douro River. There is also the option, subject to reservation and prior approval, to visit the Porto Kadoorie Mekor Haim Synagogue.
📌 Accommodation for tonight: The client must book their hotel in the city of Porto.
Day 6: Porto – Aveiro – Nazaré – Óbidos – Lisbon
Leaving Porto, we travel to Aveiro, known as the "Portuguese Venice" due to its canals that historically transported salt. We explore the historic center filled with Art Nouveau buildings, including the market designed by Gustave Eiffel. You will have free time to taste the traditional "ovos moles" pastries and, if desired, take a traditional moliceiro boat ride. Soon we arrive in Nazaré, where we can see fish drying on the beach and the women wearing the traditional seven skirts. Nazaré is world-famous for its giant waves following the world record set by surfer Garrett McNamara. Finally, we visit the charming medieval walled village of Óbidos, a UNESCO World Heritage site, exploring its narrow whitewashed streets. The village, which was a wedding gift from King Dom Dinis to Queen Saint Isabel, has a rich history linked to the Templars. The tour ends with a comfortable return to Lisbon.
📌 End of our services: Drop-off at Lisbon Airport or your hotel in Lisbon.
