Jewish Portugal

(9 Days - Departs Daily on a Private Basis)
Porto, Douro Valley, Belmonte, Castelo de Vide, Evora, Lisbon, Obidos & Tomar, Sintra

This private tour of Portugal was designed for luxury travelers who want to experience the highlights of the country with an emphasis on Portugal's incredible Jewish heritage. Touring in each location is with extremely knowledgeable expert guides and accommodation is in the very best hotels throughout the tour.

Begin with a stay in a luxurious 16th century palace turned Relais & Chateaux hotel in Amarante, a charming town located close to the most interesting sites in the region. Spend a day exploring the city of Porto, the capital of port wine and a fascinating mix of Baroque and modern art and architecture. Enjoy a private tour of the city’s narrow streets in the UNESCO-listed historical sector and see the city's most interesting neighborhoods and attractions.

Next, spend a day in the Douro Valley visiting the best local wineries, explore ancient towns along the Douro river, taking a short river cruise, and enjoying the beautiful terraced landscapes. Spend the night at a luxury posada in the medieval town of Belmonte, home to a unique Jewish community that practiced rites in secret for  500 years, as well as a Jewish museum and active synagogue. Next, tour the Jewish Quarter in Castelo de Vide, a medieval castle town of winding streets and whitewashed houses. In tiny Marvao, learn about the hill town’s place in Jewish history, and take in spectacular views of the surrounding countryside from the walls of the 13th-century castle. Spend the night in a converted monastery in Evora, one of Portugal's most fascinating towns. Spend a day in the Alentejo region where options include vineyards, small villages, and ancient megalithic monuments.

Next, experience Lisbon like an insider during private touring. Visit the city’s highlights—monuments of beautiful Moorish architecture, the old Alfama district, the sophisticated Bairro Alto and Lapa districts, important museums in Belem and elsewhere, select specialty shops (gold, tiles, antiques, linens, needlepoint rugs, Indo-Portuguese furniture) and other attractions. Reservations will be made at the city’s best restaurants each night. Also enjoy a memorable fado performance at a local club.

One day, visit the perfectly preserved whitewashed village Obidos and historic Tomar, home to the oldest synagogue in Portugal. Another day, take a wonderful private excursion to the lovely aristocratic town of Sintra to see the spectacular castles, manors, gardens, and backstreets that feature Portuguese design, architecture and history at its finest.