This program in private was idealized for people with particular interest for the Jewish history and heritage in Portugal. You'll travel through places that have (or had in the past) vestiges of the Jewish culture. This presence was, without doubt, very strong in Portugal, mainly until the persecution of the Jews that started in the 16^th century. We have included in this itinerary, not only Jewish related sites, but also other interesting attractions of Portugal: historical cities and villages, interesting monuments and the wine and gastronomic culture that shall not be missed by someone visiting Portugal! Our professional staff will provide you all the information related to the main thematic of this tour - Jewish heritage - as well as the Portuguese history and culture in general. As always, we have selected for you very charming hotels which will allow you some relaxing and leisure moments after the interesting visits of each day.  With this itinerary we will show you that Portugal provides a pleasant combination of the Jewish history knowledge to their guests and, at the same time, it is a diversified country, with much to see and experience, together with the comfort of magnificent places to stay.

Day 1 - Arrival in Lisbon, private transfer to hotel and accommodation at hotel for 2 nights.

Accommodation for two nights at Pestana Palace Hotel *****

Day 2: Full Day to visit Lisbon and Sintra.

Day 3: Departure for visiting Óbidos, Batalha, Tomar and overnight in Coimbra.

Accommodation for one night at Quinta das Lágrimas *****

Day 4: Visit Coimbra in the morning, free time for lunch in Bussaco and departure to Amarante for overnight.

Accommodation for two nights at Casa da Calçada *****

Day 5: Visit of Porto and return to Amarante.
(Optional extra day): Amarante, Guimarães, Braga, Ponte de Lima and Viana do Castelo

Day 6: Departure to visit Solar de Mateus (Vila Real), visit a winery at the Douro Valley, Viseu, Guarda and Belmonte.

Accommodation for two nights at Pousada de Belmonte

Day 7: Visit Belmonte (Sabbath) and Sortelha.

Day 8: Departure for visiting Castelo de Vide, Marvão, Évora and return to Lisbon.

Accommodation for one night at Pestana Palace Hotel  *****

Day 9 - Private Transfer to Lisbon Airport and end of our services.

To obtain more details of this trip,
prices and general conditions, please consult us and ask for the brochure of
this program.

Please feel free to contact us for more information or booking:

info@toursforyou.pt or using our Reservations form.

Lisbon, capital of Portugal, located at the mouth of the Tagus River and from where the Portuguese boats set sail overseas in the 15th and 16th centuries towards East. At that time, the Maritime Discoveries period, the city became the centre of a large empire, still visible in the monuments of Belém section. Well known for its historic traditional neighborhoods you'll be amazed with the sections of Chiado, Bairro alto and Alfama as well as the Castle of Saint George and the gorgeous views you can enjoy from the top of its hill.

Sintra and Estoril Coast. Among the sites you shall not miss in Portugal there's Sintra, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO for the great beauty of its nature and architecture, with fairy tale palaces and lush vegetation. Estoril Coast is a place of charm and aristocratic traditions that you'll meet along the Atlantic Ocean, the white sandy beaches and magnificent fortresses from the 17th century.

Óbidos is for sure one of the loveliest medieval villages in Portugal, still surrounded by walls and whose traditional whitewashed houses are decorated with blue and yellow trims around doors and windows. The multicolored flowerbeds decorating the houses prove the female touch in this village that used to be the wedding gift of our kings to their queens.

Batalha is famous for the monastery of great dimensions and refined Gothic architecture, built between the 14th and 16th centuries. Its construction was due after a vow made by the future king John I to the Virgin Mary, before a battle against the Spaniards: the Aljubarrota Battle (1385). For the artistic value of this monument UNESCO declared it a World Heritage Site.

Tomar stands out for the Convent of Christ, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, and ancient seat of one of the most important religious orders in Portugal: the Order of Christ (heir of the Templars after they were abolished). In Tomar there's also one of the main synagogues of Portugal that, though not being in use anymore, lodges the Jewish Museum of Abraão Zacuto which will give you a detailed perspective of the Jewish presence in this town.

Coimbra is the city of the students because it was here that the first university in Portugal was created, nowadays the oldest and one of the most important in the country. You shall not miss the Baroque Library from the 18th century that is one of the highlights of the visit to Coimbra. In its city centre you'll wander among Romanesque and Manueline churches at the same time you stroll across its commercial busy area.

Bussaco: a small mountain of 549 meters high that also gives the name to the Bussaco Woods, a protected area, with plants from all over the world. The wood was planted by the "Barefoot Carmelite" friars in the 17th century who also built a monastery for themselves. Presently, at its place there's a hotel which, before turning a hotel, was built has residence to the royal family.

Amarante is a small town located on the banks of the river Tâmega. Centuries ago a traveler named São Gonçalo settled this area, being now a local saint, to whom the small renaissance town church is dedicated. Don't miss a short walk along the narrow streets where the small granite houses overlook the river.

Porto is at the same time the name of a city and a fortified wine, one of the most famous in the world, aged at the wine cellars of Vila Nova de Gaia, next to the Douro River. Its historical center has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and preserves many beautiful monuments, namely from the Baroque period which is contemporary to the glory and wealth achieved with the trade of Port Wine. You shall not miss a visit to the Cathedral (Sé), the Church of Saint Francis and the Clérigos Tower.

Guimarães (Optional) is the cradle of Portugal as this is where our first king, Afonso Henriques, was born and where he began the nation. You shall not miss the visit of the Ducal Palace, the Castle and walking along the narrow streets of the historic centre (declared World Heritage Site by UNESCO) till the charming Praça da Oliveira (Oliveira Square).

Braga (Optional) is known for its religious past, due to the importance and power of the church, still visible in the numerous churches and other religious buildings standing out the Cathedral (the oldest of Portugal) and the monumental Sanctuary of Bom Jesus de Braga.

Ponte de Lima (Optional) is located at the banks of the Lima River. It's considered the most ancient village in Portugal, for having been given charter in 1125 by the mother of our first king. With a beautiful historic centre there are a large number of manor houses and palaces. In Ponte de Lima you can take the chance to enjoy a genuine cuisine and the locally produced Vinho Verde (green wine).

Viana do Castelo (Optional) is one of the most beautiful towns of Minho. Don't miss a visit to the Sanctuary of Santa Luzia with an incredible view over the Atlantic and the town. In the historical center the narrow streets with its small churches will lead you into lively town squares that are a lovely place to walk around. You may also admire the filigree handmade works in one of the small shops in town.

Solar de Mateus is a Baroque manor house from the 18th century highly well-known after becoming the label of Mateus Rosé wine. Its construction was possible due to the wealth that Port wine brought to ancient and traditional Portuguese families. The owners, descendants of the founder, still live here, but it is possible to visit the gardens and part of the house.

Douro Valley is where the terraced hill slopes hide one of the country's most valuable treasures: the beautiful vineyards from where the worldwide famous Port wine is still nowadays produced. Driving through Marão Mountain range get prepared to enjoy one of the most wonderful landscapes in the world, with endless rows of vines dotting the slopes in the banks of the Douro River

Viseu is a developed small town, where a very wealthy medieval and Baroque past is still visible in the mains streets. Amongst the main attractions the Cathedral and the Grão Vasco Museum, with paintings from the 16th century from the master Vasco Fernandes and his collaborators, stand out.

Guarda is considered to be the highest city in the country in one of the slopes of Estrela Mountain range (the highest mountain in mainland Portugal - 2000 meters high). You shall explore the narrow streets of the historic centre (which keeps also some vestiges of the Jewish heritage) and the beautiful Gothic cathedral.

Belmonte is the most active Jewish centre of Portugal and still preserves some of the old traditions that allowed Jews to practice their religion in secret for centuries. Besides Lisbon and Porto this is the only place in Portugal with a Jewish community and synagogue still in function. The village was also the birthplace of the great Portuguese navigator Pedro Álvares Cabral, who discovered Brasil in 1500.

Sortelha, just a few minutes away from Belmonte still preserves all the characteristics of the old and sometimes forgotten Portugal. This is one of the most beautiful villages of Central Portugal encircled by medieval walls and with houses built in stone, some sculpted from the rocks.

Castelo de Vide, located at São Mamede Mountain is one of the sites in Portugal that preserve more vestiges from the Jewish people. From the castle you'll enjoy a wonderful panorama overlooking the old Jewish quarter that still preserves its old Castle, Jewry and one of the oldest and most important Synagogues of Portugal.

Marvão has a fabulous location which has granted it the nickname of "eagles' nest". On the top of high defensive rocks, its walls located at almost 1.000 meters high still embrace the old whitewashed houses overlooking the rolling hills of the Alentejo.

Évora is a beautiful small town in the Alentejo region. Still surrounded by the old walls it is a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and will attract you for its medieval appearance, the narrow streets, the historic centre and the kindness of the locals. Amongst several interesting monuments, you shall not miss the Roman Temple from the 1st century, unique of this kind in both Portugal and Spain. This is also the perfect place for a great gastronomic and wine experience, as this is one of the regions in Portugal with more traditional and quality at this level. You shall not miss the opportunity of having a meal in one of the city's restaurants.