Saturday, May 27 – Overnight Flight
Ancient castles and Roman ruins, groves of lemon and almond trees, quiet whitewashed villages, and welcoming locals – Portugal is waiting for you. If you are flying from the US or Canada, board your overnight flight and head to picturesque Portugal.
Sunday, May 28 – Cascais, Portugal – Tour Begins
Arrive this morning and say hello to the Portuguese Riviera, your home for the next three nights. With mansions scattered about Cascais and Monte Estoril – all hint at its history as a haven for exiled European royals and nobility. This evening we come together for our Amazing Journeys group Welcome and Orientation, followed by a welcome dinner. (D)
Monday, May 29 – Cascais – Lisbon – Cascais
Experience the major sights of Lisbon from a Jewish perspective as we tour with our Jewish history expert. Along the way, you will discover artifacts, inscriptions, and monuments that no other Jewish tour of Lisbon can access. Walking through the quaint side streets of Lisbon our guide and historian will unveil hidden elements in the architecture, explaining the influence of great Jewish sages like The Abravanel- a philosopher and statesman, and Abraham Zacuto who altered the course of the Age of Discovery. The Jews of Portugal throughout history held social and political ranks with the favor of kings, and conciliatory relations between Muslims and Christians alike. However, these periods were equally marked by inquisitions, forced baptisms, and brutal massacres which have been overlooked in many historical references. On this tour, you will discover the amazing story of Crypto-Jews, (Cristão-Novos) a distinctive sub-group of Sephardim in Portugal who survived over 400 years of persecution in secret. Discover the deportation point during WWII where thousands of Jewish refugees escaped Nazi persecution, among them famous names like Marc Chagall, Max Ernst, and many others who contributed to the arts, sciences, and politics of the world stage. Learn about Portugal’s own Oskar Schindler, a righteous gentile who is responsible for the single largest rescue mission of WWII, deifying state orders to save thousands feeling the horrors of the 3rd Reich. Later, travel to Belém where you’ll see the Belém Tower (UNESCO World Heritage site), and the Monument to the Discoveries. View the 16th century architecture of Jerónimos Monastery (UNESCO) and learn about the country’s naval achievements as we drive by Lisbon’s Maritime Museum. We head back to Cascais where you will have the evening to walk the narrow cobblestone streets, meandering past seaside cafés. (B)
Tuesday, May 30 – Cascais - Obidos - Sintra - Cascais
Explore the pictureperfect city of Obidos, where whitewashed houses sit snug within medieval city walls. Continue on to Sintra (UNESCO), a breathtaking hub that served as the summer residence of Portuguese kings for six centuries. Then, it’s your choice to explore this quaint hilltop village independently and wander through the winding streets lined with cork products and pastries OR venture into the National Palace of Sintra. On your return to Cascais, stop to admire the stunning Cabo da Roca, the western most point of continental Europe. (B)
Wednesday, May 31 – Cascais - Arraiolos - Evora
Make your way through Portugal’s charming countryside. Visit Arraiolos, known as the “village of rugs,” and delve into the history and art of Portuguese tapestries. Visit a local cork factory, where you’ll learn about the product’s importance to the local economy and why Portugal is the world’s top cork producer. Your journey then takes you to Evora (UNESCO) – the “Museum City of Portugal.” In addition to Evora’s 2nd century Roman temple to Diana, this medieval walled city is also the home to the mysterious 16th century Chapel of Bones. (B)
Thursday, June 1 – Ecora – Monsaraz – Lagos
Journey to the stunning coasts of the Algarve the southernmost region of Portugal. On the way, pause to take in the dramatic vistas from the village of Monsaraz. Indulge in fullbodied wines from the Alentejo region during a winery tour, tasting and light lunch. Then, explore the historic resort town of Lagos, where Moorish and Renaissance influences meet towering seaside cliffs. From this bustling port city, many celebrated voyagers began their explorations. Stroll by the fortress and historic buildings as you take in the surrounding views of the Atlantic. (B, L)
Friday, June 2 – Lagos
The day is yours to experience the incomparable Algarve on your own. Geraniums, camellias, and oleanders grow alongside fig, orange, and almond trees, while brightly colored fishing boats bob on the seas. Protected by hills to the north and warmed by the sea, the Algarve’s mild climate and beautiful beaches attract visitors from all over the world. This evening we come together for an Amazing Journeys Shabbat, followed by a group dinner. (B, D)
Saturday, June 3 – Lagos – Faro – Tavira – Lagos
Journey to Faro, the capital of the Algarve. Explore the city’s historic center and see the 9th century city walls. During lunch, discover the flavors of the region as a local chef highlights Algarve gastronomy during a cooking demonstration. Enjoy a tasting menu featuring iconic dishes of the region complete with local liquors and pastries. Continue to charming Tavira, an ancient Moorish city that blends traditional architecture with sandy beaches. Return to Lagos for an evening at leisure. (B, L)
Sunday, June 4 – Lagos – Azeitao – Lisbon
En route to Lisbon, make a stop in Azeitao, a charming agricultural village known for red wine, olive trees and beautiful country estates. Meet local artisans at a family run shop and learn how the famous hand-painted Portuguese tiles, azulejos, are made. Bid Portugal goodbye during our Amazing Journeys Farewell Event, followed by a group dinner in Lisbon and celebrate the end of your unforgettable journey. (B, D)
Monday, June 5 – Lisbon – Tour Ends
Your amazing journey ends today. Fly home with beautiful memories to last a lifetime! (B)
Our Hotel:
May 27 Overnight Flight
May 28-30 Hotel Vila Gale, Cascais
May 31 Vitoria Stone Hotel, Evora
June 1-3 Hotel Vila Gale, Algarve
June 4 Turim Marques Hotel, Lisbon
Please note:
- Alternate hotels may be used
- The order of the tour may be changed
- Some activities are weather dependent
- Some activities may be changed due to Covid restrictions
- Activity Level 2 (out of 4): This means you like a balanced approach to travel. You feel confident walking at least 45-60 minutes at a time, over a variety of terrains from cobblestone streets to easy pathways. You can navigate hills and uneven ground, climb into various modes of transportation. You can expect some longer days balanced with free time to relax.
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. All rooms are non-smoking.
Cancellation Policy: From the time of deposit until January 23, 2023, there is a $75 penalty for cancellation. From January 24 – March 1, 2023, the cancellation penalty is $450 for the tour and pre/post nights. From March 2 – March 23, 2023 the cancellation penalty is 25% of the cost of the tour for the tour and pre/post nights. From March 24 – April 27, 2023 the cancellation penalty is 50% of the cost of the tour for the tour and pre/post nights. From April 28, 2023 until the day of travel, the cancellation penalty is 100% of the cost of the tour and pre/post nights. 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: Travel protection is recommended for participation in this program. Information will be sent with tour confirmation.
Flights and Transfers: It is important that you not purchase airfare until you receive a confirmation letter from Amazing Journeys which will contain specific flight parameters. You will fly in and out of Lisbon (LIS) for this tour. For those who want to travel with the group, Amazing Journeys will be recommending a flight which will be shown on your confirmation email from Amazing Journeys. Transfers between the airport and hotels are not included. More information on airport transfers will be sent closer to the date of travel.
Covid Testing & Vaccines: Until further notice, we require you to be fully vaccinated against Covid-19 at least two weeks before departure, and current boosters are recommended to keep you healthy and safe while traveling but at this time, not required. We will be advising at a time closer to the time of travel if any requirements are necessary in order to travel within Portugal. Requirements can change at any time.
Passports & Visas: A passport is necessary to travel on this itinerary. It must be valid for six months beyond the last day of the trip. Currently, no visas are required for those from the US. If you are from any other country, please check with the Embassy of Portugal to see whether a visa is necessary in order to travel. Please note that visa requirements can change at any time and it is up to the traveler to be aware of visa requirements.
Activity Level: 2 out of 4. This means you like a balanced approach to travel. You feel confident walking at least 45-60 minutes at a time, over a variety of terrains from cobblestone streets to easy pathways. You can navigate hills and uneven ground, climb into various modes of transportation. You can expect some longer days balanced with free time to relax.
Taxes & Gratuities: Taxes, surcharges, and government fees are subject to change. Gratuities have been included on this tour and include tips for the tour manager, local guides, drivers, luggage porters and included meals. Gratuities are not included for housekeeping staff in the hotels and tipping is at your discretion.
Fuel Surcharge: Should oil costs go above $65 a barrel and our tour operators adjust the rate of the cruise or tours cost accordingly, we reserve the right to adjust the cost of the tour.
Exchange Rate: In the case of currency fluctuations greater than 3%, we reserve the right to adjust our pricing accordingly in order that we may be able to operate the tour effectively.
This tour must have a minimum of 19 passengers in order to operate. This tour is limited to 25 passengers.
Sold Out!
