Portugal

Take a Jewish heritage tour of Portugal and explore the enduring history of Portugal’s Jewish communities amidst its stunning landscapes.

There has been a Jewish presence in Portugal for over 2,000 years. In the 13th and 15th centuries, Jews exiled from Spain came to Portugal, seeking refuge. Though they were eventually subject to forced conversion or expulsion themselves, many bravely stayed, converting to Catholicism while secretly maintaining their original traditions as “New Christians” or Crypto-Jews, a legacy that profoundly shapes the country’s Jewish narrative.

Our tours invite you to attend a Port wine tasting in Porto, a city with a vibrant Jewish community even before the establishment of the Portuguese kingdom in 1143, with a notable “Jews’ Hill” (Monte dos Judeus) and the impressive Kadoorie Mekor Haim Synagogue, a testament to its modern Jewish revival. Discover Lisbon, the majestic capital, whose long-gone Jewish quarters (like the Judiaria Grande and Judiaria Pequena) were once bustling centers of Jewish life, and where the current Shaaré Tikvah Synagogue continues a resilient tradition. You can also explore the architecture and landmarks of Lisbon, take a cooking class at Time Out Market with a local chef, or go to a Fado show, a deeply traditional Portuguese performance.

Journey to Sintra, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its fairytale palaces and a hidden Jewish past, where you can take a bike tour and discover the story of the Portuguese explorers, many of whom were Jewish or New Christian. Delve into the fascinating story of Belmonte, a small town in the Beira region, famous for its Crypto-Jewish community that secretly practiced Judaism for over 500 years; here, you can experience Shabbat Services at Beit Eliahu Synagogue and visit the Belmonte Jewish Museum, which beautifully chronicles their remarkable resilience.

Our itinerary also takes you to other historically significant Jewish towns. Explore Tomar, home to one of Portugal’s best-preserved medieval synagogues, now the Abraham Zacuto Portuguese Jewish Museum, highlighting a community that thrived with the Knights Templar. Visit Castelo de Vide, a charming hilltop town in the Alentejo region, with a well-preserved Judiaria and a 14th-century synagogue. Discover Trancoso, an ancient fortified town with a strong medieval Jewish imprint, where Hebrew inscriptions and Stars of David can still be found on doorframes, and visit the Isaac Cardoso Jewish Cultural Center. In Guarda, explore its ancient Jewish Quarter, a testament to one of Portugal’s most important and oldest Jewish communities, dating back to the 13th century. Évora, a UNESCO city, once had one of the largest and most influential Jewish quarters in the country, with remnants of its synagogues and a rich intellectual past. Each of these locations, along with others like Coimbra and Evora, offers unique glimpses into the lives, contributions, and perseverance of Portuguese Jewry.

A Jewish heritage tour to Portugal is an unforgettable experience, blending profound historical discovery with the country’s stunning beauty and vibrant culture.

Choosing Gil Travel means partnering with experts who craft truly resonant journeys. We personally scout every destination and tap into our global network of local professionals and Jewish educators. This ensures a meaningful, balanced, and unforgettable immersive experience for any traveler – be it a large group, a family, or an individual. We meticulously tailor trips to your unique needs, from your Jewish family history and kosher dietary requirements to how you prefer to spend free time, with an expert supporting you every step of the way.