Portugal - Jewish Interest - 5 Nights

Day 1 – LISBON

Upon arrival to Lisbon, transfer to your hotel for check-in. In the afternoon, meet your guide and begin a panoramic tour of the city’s neighborhoods. Famous landmarks are scattered throughout an urban landscape unlike any other. Jewish life probably began here not long before the city fell to the Moors in the 8th century. A large Jewish community flourished here in the area of the Rua da Judiaria… The entire area was largely destroyed during the 1755 earthquake. Return to your hotel. In the evening, walk to the Synagogue for Shabbat Services at Lisbon’s main Synagogue Shaare Tikva. Return to your hotel for Kosher-style at your hotel (or nearby restaurant). Overnight in Lisbon

Day 2 – LISBON

After breakfast, time to attend morning Services at the Synagogue or time at leisure.
In the afternoon, meet your guide and take a walking tour through Rossio square, visit the Chiado area – it’s an elegant, sophisticated district of theaters, bookshops, old-style cafes, art nouveau
jewelry shops, luxurious international names and more. Much of the area was destroyed in a fire in 1988, but has since been reborn. It remains one of Lisbon’s most beloved districts, with reminders of its past as the center of the city’s intellectual life including statues of literary figures such as Fernando Pessoa, Luis de Camões, and Eça de Queiroz.
Overnight in Lisbon

Day 3 – LISBON-TOMAR-BELMONTE

After breakfast, enjoy a short drive to Tomar. Upon arrival, visit the 15th century Synagogue. This is a significant reminder of one of the greatest Sephardic Jewish communities, now classified as a national monument. After a lunch break, continue to Belmonte. Upon arrival, visit to the Jewish Museum located in an 18th century Catholic schoolhouse at the center of the oldest neighborhood, where many Jewish families still live in carefully preserved stone houses.
Continue to the 13th century convent for check-in at the Pousada de Belmonte.
In the evening, brief cooking demonstration before Kosher-style dinner with members of the local Jewish Community.
Overnight at the Pousada de Belmonte

Day 4 – BELMONTE-TRANCOSO- PORTO

After a visit to the Jewish quarter and Bet Eliahu Synagogue of Belmonte, depart to Trancoso, a museum-town in Serra da Estrela region of Portugal. In Trancoso, the Jewish merchants first settled in the 12th century. Visit the well-preserved Casa do Gato Negro (The House of the Black Cat). Meet a Jewish archaeologist who has been researching Jewish heritage in the area. Depart to Porto where a vibrant Jewish community existed before the Portuguese kingdom in 1143. When Portugal ousted its Jews in 1497, Jewish life in Porto was reduced to underground Marrano activities… Upon arrival, check in to your hotel in Porto. Time to relax.
Overnight in Porto

Day 5 – PORTO

This morning, visit Kadoorie Mekor Haim Synagogue. Continue to the old city on foot. Visit the Cathedral, before descending to the Ribeira area. Porto was well known among the Jewish traders during the Middle Ages and today there are remains of what was once a typical Jewish Quarter in the Middle Ages. Visit the famous port wine cellars, located on the opposite bank of the river, where a memorable sensory experience will await you. Enjoy a sun-set cruise on the Douro river.
In the evening, return to your hotel. Farewell Kosher-style dinner in a local restaurant.
Overnight in Porto.

Day 6 – En Route

Private departure transfer to the airport for your return flight OR extend your stay to Algarve, Madeira or even Spain…