For centuries, Portugal has been a crossroads of civilizations, a nation where cultures converged, thrived, and sometimes struggled in silence. Among these narratives, the story of the Jewish people in Portugal is one of extraordinary endurance. Families who arrived during Roman times, communities that flourished during the Middle Ages, and hidden crypto-Jews who carried on rituals in secret for generations—all left indelible marks on the Portuguese landscape.
Today, travelers have the opportunity to explore this legacy in comfort and depth, guided by expert storytellers who weave together history, beauty, and culture. The 10-Day Jewish Private Tour of Portugal, curated by Portugal Magik Private Tours, offers an immersive journey into this remarkable heritage. Guests travel in luxury Mercedes-Benz vehicles with private driver-guides, staying in handpicked hotels and dining at some of Portugal’s finest restaurants—all while retracing the path of Jewish life through Lisbon, Belmonte, Porto, Évora, and beyond.
This is a journey not only into the past, but also into the heart of Portugal’s landscapes and living traditions. Below, we follow the suggested itinerary, day by day.
Day 1: Arrival in Lisbon
Your journey begins with a warm welcome at Lisbon Airport. After a private transfer to your luxury hotel, the first day is dedicated to settling in. Depending on arrival time, many guests enjoy a relaxed stroll through Lisbon’s Chiado and Baixa neighborhoods, where elegant cafés, boutique shops, and tiled façades reveal the city’s charm.
For dinner, refined Portuguese gastronomy awaits at Belcanto (Largo de São Carlos 10 – Website), a Michelin two-star restaurant where Chef José Avillez reimagines traditional flavors in a contemporary way. The evening sets the tone for the days to come: indulgence, comfort, and anticipation of the stories that will soon unfold.
Day 2: Lisbon’s Jewish Legacy
Lisbon is not only Portugal’s capital but also one of Europe’s most layered cities. This day begins with a private tour through Alfama, one of Lisbon’s oldest neighborhoods, where narrow alleys reveal traces of the medieval Jewish quarter. It was here, in 1506, that tragedy struck with the infamous massacre of Jews, a history poignantly remembered at the site.
Another highlight is the Shaaré Tikvah Synagogue, discreetly located in Lisbon’s central district. Built in the early 20th century, it symbolizes the revival of Jewish life in Portugal after centuries of suppression. Guests also explore Rossio Square and Chiado, where Jewish merchants and intellectuals once shaped the city’s cultural life.
The day blends historical depth with Lisbon’s contemporary pleasures. Stops at elegant cafés, tastings of Portuguese pastries, and scenic viewpoints such as Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara balance reflection with leisure.
Day 3: Tomar and Coimbra
On the third day, the tour leaves Lisbon for a drive northward. The first destination is Tomar, a charming town dominated by the Convent of Christ, a UNESCO site that was once the seat of the Knights Templar. Tomar also holds a special place in Jewish history: its preserved 15th-century synagogue, now the Abraham Zacuto Museum, is one of the best-kept medieval synagogues in Portugal. Its stone walls and vaulted ceilings echo with centuries of prayers.
From Tomar, the journey continues to Coimbra, a historic university city that was once a hub of Jewish life. Jewish scholars contributed significantly to Coimbra’s intellectual reputation during the Middle Ages. Guests enjoy a walking tour through the old quarter, with visits to landmarks such as the University of Coimbra and the Joanina Library, before settling into a local boutique hotel.
Dinner often features the flavors of central Portugal, where hearty regional cuisine pairs beautifully with local wines.
Day 4: Belmonte – The Village of Crypto-Jews
This day takes travelers deep into Portugal’s interior, to the mountain village of Belmonte, a name etched in Jewish memory. After the 1496 expulsion edict, Jews across Portugal were forced to convert or flee. In Belmonte, many chose to remain, secretly preserving rituals for centuries. Families whispered blessings in private, lit candles in clay pots hidden in cupboards, and maintained customs that quietly linked them to their ancestors.
Today, Belmonte is home to a thriving Jewish community and the Bet Eliahu Synagogue. Guests also visit the Jewish Museum of Belmonte, which offers moving exhibits on the perseverance of crypto-Jews. Walking through the cobbled streets, with the Serra da Estrela mountains as a backdrop, one gains a profound sense of history and resilience.
Many guests describe Belmonte as the emotional heart of the journey. One traveler shared: “To meet descendants of families who kept their faith alive in silence was the most powerful moment of our trip.”
Day 5: The Douro Valley
After the intensity of Belmonte, the journey turns to serenity in the Douro Valley, one of the world’s most beautiful wine regions. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage site, the Douro’s terraced vineyards stretch dramatically along the riverbanks.
Guests enjoy private visits to family-run quintas (wine estates), with the option of kosher wine tastings. A river cruise on a traditional rabelo boat can also be arranged, offering panoramic views of the valley’s dramatic slopes.
The evening is spent in refined comfort at Six Senses Douro Valley (Lamego – Website), a luxury hotel blending contemporary wellness with heritage charm. Here, spa treatments, gourmet dining, and breathtaking views provide a restorative pause in the journey.
Day 6: Porto and the Kadoorie Synagogue
The following morning, the route continues north to Porto, a city of vibrancy and history. Jewish life here dates back to Roman times, but the highlight for modern travelers is the Kadoorie Mekor Haim Synagogue, one of Europe’s largest synagogues, inaugurated in the 1930s. Still active today, it is a testament to Jewish resilience and revival in Portugal.
Nearby, the Jewish Museum recounts the history of Porto’s community and the heroic efforts of Captain Artur Barros Basto, who fought tirelessly to restore Jewish rights in Portugal.
The tour also explores Porto’s Ribeira district, a colorful UNESCO site on the Douro River, and visits the city’s iconic Port wine cellars. A private tasting at Graham’s or Taylor’s offers a luxurious complement to the day’s historical encounters. Dinner at Casa de Chá da Boa Nova (Rua da Boa Nova, Leça da Palmeira – Website) delivers Michelin-starred cuisine with dramatic Atlantic views.
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Day 7: Return to Lisbon
Day 7 provides a relaxed journey back to Lisbon, with the option of scenic stops along the Atlantic coast or through the central countryside. Guests may choose to visit Fátima, an important pilgrimage site, or enjoy a leisurely drive through medieval villages such as Óbidos.
Back in Lisbon, the evening is at leisure. Many guests take this opportunity for personal exploration—shopping along Avenida da Liberdade, visiting art galleries, or enjoying a final night in the vibrant Bairro Alto district.
Day 8: Évora and the Alentejo
From Lisbon, the itinerary heads south into the Alentejo, a region of rolling plains, cork oak forests, and whitewashed towns. The first stop is Évora, a UNESCO World Heritage city. While best known for its Roman Temple and Gothic cathedral, Évora also holds Jewish significance. The Jewish quarter once housed merchants and scholars who shaped the city’s prosperity.
Nearby, the charming towns of Castelo de Vide and Marvão preserve synagogues-turned-museums that tell stories of Jewish life before the Inquisition. Narrow streets, ancient doorways, and faded inscriptions still bear witness to the past.
Evenings in the Alentejo are magical: countryside estates such as Convento do Espinheiro (Évora – Website) provide luxurious accommodation in converted monasteries, with candlelit dinners and world-class wines.
Day 9: Sintra and Cascais
As the journey nears its close, a day trip to Sintra offers a touch of fairy-tale magic. Known for its palaces, lush gardens, and misty forests, Sintra was once a summer retreat for Portuguese royalty. Travelers explore the colorful Pena Palace, the mysterious Quinta da Regaleira, and the Moorish Castle, while guides weave in stories of Jewish families who contributed to the town’s history.
From Sintra, the route continues to Cascais, a stylish coastal resort once favored by European aristocracy. With its elegant marina, chic boutiques, and Atlantic views, Cascais is the perfect place to reflect on the journey while enjoying a leisurely seafood lunch.
Day 10: Farewell from Lisbon
The final day offers time for last strolls through Lisbon’s elegant boulevards or quiet moments in a local café before a private transfer to Lisbon Airport. The journey ends where it began, but guests depart with a deeper understanding of Jewish resilience, a profound connection to Portugal’s landscapes, and memories of a luxury travel experience unlike any other.
Why Travel with Portugal Magik
Portugal Magik Private Tours is an award-winning company with 14 years of expertise in crafting tailor-made journeys. Guests travel in comfort in Mercedes-Benz vehicles with knowledgeable English-speaking driver-guides. Every itinerary is customizable, ensuring the perfect balance of history, leisure, and luxury.
Most of our clients choose multi-day tours, weaving Portugal’s diverse regions into seamless journeys filled with discovery. The 10-Day Jewish Private Tour of Portugal stands as one of our most meaningful, offering not just travel, but a deeply personal exploration of identity, culture, and heritage.
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