Sunday, September 8 – Arrival in Lisbon, Portugal – Tour Begins
Welcome to Lisbon! Upon arrival, you’ll make your way to our hotel in the city center for the beginning of an amazing journey. Lisbon is a charming city, located on both the Atlantic and Mediterranean, illuminated by an extraordinary light. Between the urban landscapes and beautiful viewpoints, Lisbon opens to extraordinary views over the Tagus River. Our local specialist will bring us on a Jewish Tour of Lisbon, exploring the long and arduous history of the Jews in Portugal which began here not long before the city fell to the Moors in the 8th century. The Alfama Quarter, hugging a slope between the river and the castle, is one of the city’s oldest areas, and a large Jewish community flourished here in the Rua da Judiaria. As the community grew and more Jewish refugees came to Lisbon, a new Judiaria Pequena formed in the 13th century near what is today’s central Praça do Comércio. This entire area was totally destroyed by the 1755 earthquake. The nearby Rossio Square was the site of the court of the Inquisition where countless autos-da-fé were held and Jews and other accused heretics were burned at the stake. Visit Lisbon’s main Synagogue, Shaare Tikva, which was built in the early 20th century as Jews of Portuguese descent returned to Portugal from Gibraltar and North Africa. Tonight, we’ll have a Welcome Orientation, followed by a group dinner as we celebrate the beginning of this amazing journey together. (D)
Monday, September 9 – Lisbon – Sintra – Cabo da Roca – Cascais – Lisbon
After breakfast, we’ll depart for Sintra, a World Heritage site known as “Lord Byron`s Glorious Eden”. Sintra was used as a retreat by the Romans, the Moors and the Portuguese Kings due to its position, its beauty, wooded ravines and fresh water springs. The Jewish Quarter, where the Jews lived and mixed at Court before the forced conversions of 1497, is still visible today. Visit the National Royal Palace. Afterwards, we will continue to the beautiful vantage point at Cabo da Roca which forms the westernmost extent of continental Europe. On the way back, we’ll stop in the quaint fishing town of Cascais to visit the Citadel. Now a resort town and one of the most scenic cities in all of Portugal, it is currently visited by the Royal Family and used as a retreat. Before arriving back in Lisbon, we will visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Tower of Belém, which guards the mouth of the Tagus River. This is where the navigators set out on voyages of discovery of the trade routes. We will also see the famous monument of Padrão dos Descobrimentos where some New-Christians, who contributed with their knowledge towards the Discoveries, are represented. Upon arrival back in Lisbon, enjoy a lovely Portuguese group dinner. (B, D)
Tuesday, September 10 – Lisbon
After breakfast, we will continue our exploration of the city of Lisbon. Our first stop will be the area of Baixa, which was completely destroyed by the devastating 1755 Earthquake. Baixa is comprised of wide avenues, magnificent plazas, and is lined with grand Pombaline styled buildings which incorporate one of the earliest forms of earthquake proof architecture. Some of the major sights we will see include Praça do Comércio, the historic commercial center and Lisbon’s largest plaza, the Arco da Rua Augusta, the busy shopping street of Rua Augusta with its open-air cafes and shops and the Elevator of Santa Justa, an industrial age marvel which transports visitors up a steep hill. After a full day, enjoy dinner on your own out and about in Lisbon. (B)
Wednesday, September 11 – Lisbon – Coimbra – Belmonte
Today we travel north, visiting the city of Coimbra where we see the first signs of the Jewish presence, dating back to the 10th Century. We trace the history here through transactions of land and properties in a nearby village. But more than buildings or material traces of the Jewish community, this route is a breakthrough in the history of the community which we will see as we wander through the city. As we explore, we will see wonderful sites including Largo da Portagem, the Defensive Walls and Towers of the City, Aristides de Sousa Mendes House, the Old and New Jewish Quarters, and more. We will then continue on to Belmonte where you will enjoy dinner on your own. (B)
Thursday, September 12 – Belmonte
This morning we will visit Belmonte where we will go on a walking tour through the village including the Jewish Museum and the Juderia (Jewish Quarter). This remote and beautiful village of Portugal is rich in the history and traditions maintained by the crypto-Jews, those who kept a secret adherence of Judaism after publicly renouncing it. In the 20th century, a significant community of crypto-Jews, sometimes called Marranos, emerged. Although they had practiced many of the rituals of Judaism for centuries, they were unaware of their true heritage. Jewish communities around the world came to their aid, helping them to rediscover their roots, and in 1993 the community welcomed its first rabbi in more than four centuries. Shortly after that, Temple Bet Eliahou was built. Amazingly, many of the Jewish families still live in the town’s charming Juderia, called the Bairro de Marrocos. This evening, enjoy dinner together as a group in this quaint small town. (B, D)
Friday, September 13 – Belmonte – Segovia – Madrid
This morning we will travel from Portugal to Spain and begin the next leg of our journey of culture and discovery. We will visit the small, picturesque city of Segovia where you can admire the famous Aquaducts, the Alcázar and the House of Abraham Senior who was a rabbi, politician and a senior member of the Castilian hacienda in the 15th century. A Jewish community can be traced back to 1215 and for almost 200 years, there were few restrictions on their place of residence. That changed in 1412 when they were restricted to a specific area around the present Cathedral and further, in 1481, they were forced into a ‘ghetto’. In 1461, Isabella and her brother Alphonse were brought to Segovia, where the court was gathered, in order to be watched over more closely by the monarch. In 1474, Isabella was proclaimed Queen of Castile at the Alcazar. After visiting the city, we will continue our journey to Madrid, the capital of Spain and an exciting metropolitan hub. This evening, we will join the local community by celebrating Shabbat at a local synagogue, followed by Shabbat dinner as a group. (B, D)
Saturday, September 14 – Madrid
The capital of Spain and its largest city, Madrid is also the second largest city in the European Union, after Berlin. The city has preserved the look and feel of many of its historic neighborhoods and streets. Its landmarks include the Royal Palace of Madrid, the Royal Theatre with its restored Opera House, the Buen Retiro Park, the 19th century National Library building and the Golden Triangle of Art Museums: the Prado, the Reina Sofía, and the Thyssen- Bornemisza. The history of Madrid’s Jewry is much like the history of Jews elsewhere in Spain, consisting of periods of great development interspersed with periods of severe persecution. Though a thriving center of Jewish life during the Middle Ages, Madrid’s Jewish community was expelled in 1492 along with all Jews in Spain. Not until the mid-19th century did Jews begin to return to Madrid and establish what is today, along with Barcelona, one of the two largest Jewish communities in the country. During the morning, we will visit the Royal Palace and Plaza Mayor, famous for housing the trials of the inquisition during the 17th and 18th centuries. This afternoon and evening are at leisure for you to explore this fantastic city. Whether you choose to stroll through historic neighborhoods, visit a museum, pop into a bar for sangria and tapas or visit one of the historic sites, you are sure to enjoy all this city has to offer. (B)
Sunday, September 15 – Madrid – Toledo – Madrid
Today we will visit the Imperial City of Toledo, once known as “Jerusalem of the West”, and one of the main centers of Sephardic Jewry in the Middle Ages. After entering the city through one of its medieval gates, we will stroll through the winding, narrow streets which have created a stunning historic labyrinth that opens up to hidden plazas. See the stunning Synagogue of Santa Maria la Blanca in the 11th century which was constructed in the Mudéjar style of architecture. It is mesmerizing in its splendor, complete with elegant horseshoe arches. The synagogue maintained its original majesty throughout the turbulent times in Toledo and the whole of Spain. We will visit El Greco’s House which used to be the home of Don Shmuel Halevi Abulafia, the wealthy treasurer to King Pedro I of Castile, also known as El Cruel (The Cruel) to some or El Justiciero to others (The Just). We will return to Madrid for some free time this evening to continue exploring this fascinating city. (B)
Monday, September 16 – Madrid – Sevilla
This morning we will take the AVE (the High-Speed Train) to Sevilla, the passionate capital of Andalusía. This beautiful city with its authentic Spanish feel lies along the banks of the Guadalquivir River. The city was Islamic from 712 through 1248, when King Ferdinand III of Castile conquered it back from the Almohads – the Berbers. Sevilla is also where the destruction of Spanish Jewry began in June of 1391. The bloodshed of Sevilla was the first of many and within two months, they extended like wildfire through the Kingdom of Castile and Aragon. These massacres led to mass conversions and, eventually, to the expulsion in 1492. Upon our arrival into Sevilla, we will explore this history through a walking tour of the city followed by a visit to the impressive Royal Alcázares and its Gardens. These were built by King Pedro I of Castile in the 14th century, inspired by Granada’s Alhambra. We will also the 15th century gothic Cathedral, the third largest church in the world. This evening, we will enjoy a traditional Spanish dinner together before seeing an exciting flamenco performance. (B, D)
Tuesday, September 17 – Sevilla – Córdoba – Sevilla
We continue our visit through Andalusía as we travel to Córdoba for the day. An Iberian and Roman city in ancient times, during the Middle Ages, it became the capital of an Islamic caliphate: Al Andalus. The old town contains numerous architectural reminders of when Córdoba (or as it was then called, Qurṭubah) was the capital of the Islamic Caliphate which covered most of the Iberian Peninsula. Córdoba is also the birthplace of the great scholars and philosophers Lucio Seneca, Maimonides, and Averroes. We will visit the medieval Jewish Quarter and its Synagogue built in 1315 which is the only one that has survived in the whole city. Next, we will tour the magnificent 8th century Mezquita (Mosque), famous for its pillars of granite, marble, and jasper – a UNESCO World Heritage site. After, we will visit Casa de Sefarad (House of Memories) which is a cultural project established to show the rich legacy of Sephardic traditions through culture, history, and cultural activities. We will finish our tour on Calleja de las Flores (the Alley of Flowers) a quaint little street lined with beautiful flowers that will really show you the feel of Andalusía. After spending the day in what it was considered once the most important and biggest city of the western world and the capital of Al Andalus, where the Ummayads ruled for over three centuries, we will return back to Sevilla. (B)
Wednesday, September 18 – Sevilla – Granada
This morning we will head to Granada, once known as Garnata al-Yahud (Granada of the Jews). Granada was also the last Moorish stronghold in Spain; it was conquered by the Catholic Monarchs Ferdinand II of Aragon & Isabella I of Castile in 1492. We will visit its main attraction, the impressive Alhambra – the mighty yet graceful Citadel and Palace planned by the 13th and 14th centuries Moorish Rulers of Granada. Amble through the magnificent terraced Generalife Gardens, with its shadowy cypresses, oleander, pavilions and cool fountains. We can’t leave Spain without tasting tapas, and there is no place better to do so than in Granada. We will take a tapas tour and then will continue exploring on a panoramic sightseeing tour of downtown Granada, including the old Moorish silk bazaar – Alcaiceria. In its narrow streets you can imagine that you’ve stepped into an exotic land. This evening we will say adiós to Spain as we enjoy a Farewell Dinner together. (B, D)
Thursday, September 19 – Granada – Barcelona or Home
This morning we say our goodbyes. Some will leave us here and fly home while others continue on with us to Barcelona on our post-tour! (B)
Our Hotels
Night 1, 2, 3 Eurostars Hotel Das Letras, Lisbon
Night 4, 5 Hotel Sinai, Belmonte
Night 6, 7, 8 Meliá Madrid Princesa, Madrid
Night 9, 10 Hotel Las Casas de la Judería, Sevilla
Night 11 Hotel NH Collection Granada Victoria, Granada
Please note:
Alternate hotels may be used.
The order of the tour may be change.
This tour requires average physical activity. You should be in good health, be able to climb stairs and walk reasonable distances, possibly over uneven grounds and cobblestone streets.
Items listed on this website are subject to change at any time. By providing payment you agree to the terms and conditions as outlined on this website.
Cancellation Policy: From the time of deposit until February 4, 2019, there is a $100.00 penalty for cancellation. From February 5 – April 30, 2019, the cancellation penalty is the amount of the deposit. From May 1 – July 1, 2019, the cancellation penalty is 50% of the package price including the post-tour in Barcelona. From July 2 – August 1, 2019, the cancellation penalty is 75% of the package price including the post-tour in Barcelona. From August 2, 2019 until the day of travel, the cancellation penalty is 100% of the total package price. Cancellations made on the day of departure and “no-shows” will receive no refund. There is no refund in the event of interruption or cancellation by the passenger after the start of the journey.
Travel Protection: Amazing Journeys recommends you purchase Travel Protection. Information will be sent with your trip confirmation.
Flights: International airfare is not included in the tour rate. Arrival is into Lisbon, Portugal (LIS). Departure is out of Malaga, Spain (AGP) or Barcelona, Spain (BCN, if adding the Barcelona Post-Trip). Intra-Spain Air Package is included in the cost of the post-tour package (Malaga to Barcelona). Please note that the included airlines will not provide advanced seat assignments until check-in at the airport. Upgrades are not available. It is important that you not purchase airfare until you receive a confirmation letter from Amazing Journeys which will contain specific flight parameters.
Transfers: The meeting location for the tour begins and ends at our starting and ending hotels. Transfers from and to the airport are not included. Further details will be provided in the weeks prior to the tour departure.
Taxes and Gratuities: Taxes, surcharges, visa fees and government fees are subject to change. Gratuities for the tour manager, local drivers, specialty guides, luggage porters and included meals are included in the cost of the tour.
Passport and Visa: A passport is necessary to travel on this itinerary. It must be valid for six months beyond the last day of the trip. At this time, no visas are necessary to enter Portugal or Spain for those from the US, Canada, UK or EU countries. If you are a citizen of another country, please check the website for the Embassies of Spain and Portugal to see if a visa is necessary.
Exchange Rate: If the rate of exchange between the US Dollar and the Euro is greater than 3%, we reserve the right to change the price of the tour. Once final payment is made, the price will not change.
This tour is operated by Jewish Sevilla
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