From Lisbon: Jewish Sephardic Heritage Essence Private Tour

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Recommended by 100% of reviewers

| Lisbon, Portugal

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10 hours (approx.)

Hotel pickup offered

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Overview

Join us on a captivating ten-hour private tour delving into the essence of Jewish Sephardic culture, where history, architecture, and stories converge to reveal a rich heritage spanning millennia. Every step reveals a piece of history preserved in the heart of Iberia. Uncover the secretive world of crypto-Judaism, a testament to the enduring resilience of Portuguese Jews over five centuries.

Visit Valência d’Alcântara, a charming old village in the province of Cáceres, and Portagem, a pivotal site on the Portuguese border where Spanish Jews crossed into safety following the Alhambra Decree in the late 15th century. Discover Marvão and Castelo de Vide, two medieval villages where Jews played vital roles in commerce, crafts, and intellectual life, contributing to their cultural and economic vibrancy.

Embrace the true Sepharad and rediscover history. Join us as we uncover the rich tapestry of Sephardic culture, weaving together tales of resilience and heritage.

What's Included

Pickup and drop-off - for Lisbon central hotels, Lisbon cruise terminal, or Lisbon airport.
We provide masks and alcohol-based hand gel
Private Tour in Air Conditioned Mini Van
Comfort pack (fresh waters and cleaning wipes)
Driver/guide (full time trip leader)

Food and drinks, unless specified
Entrance fees.
The baggage is limited to one standard suitcase and a small carry-on bag per person.
Gratuities are not included.

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Meeting and Pickup

Pickup point

Pickup details

Pickup and drop-off is included for Lisbon, Cascais, Estoril and Sintra central hotels. It is also included in the Lisbon Cruise Terminal. Please inform us the pickup location.

What To Expect

Valencia de Alcantara

Begin your exploration in the Portuguese golden region of Alentejo, where vast plains reveal enchanting white villages adorned with ancestral houses. These villages capture the essence of Sepharad, once a haven of harmony for the Jewish community. Delve into the true history of Portuguese and Spanish Jews on this journey.After a 2-hour and 45-minute drive from Lisbon, your first stop will be in Spain at Valência d’Alcántara, a charming village in the province of Cáceres, within the autonomous community of Extremadura.Valência d’Alcántara, with its medieval origins, boasts a rich history influenced by its strategic location near the Portuguese border. The village played a significant role during the Reconquista, a period when Christians reclaimed territory from Muslim rule. In the medieval period, it was also home to a thriving Jewish community. One of the notable attractions in Valencia de Alcántara is the Sephardic Synagogue, a testament to the village’s Jewish heritage.

45 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Torre da Portagem

Crossing into Portugal, visit Portagem, a pivotal site where Spanish Jews crossed into safety following the Alhambra Decree, in the late 15th century. Following the expulsion, many Spanish Jews sought refuge in neighboring Portugal, where they hoped to find greater tolerance and acceptance. Portagem, located near the border between Spain and Portugal, became a crucial crossing point for fleeing Jews. Today, Portagem preserves elements of its historical significance, including remnants of ancient pathways and possibly structures that once provided shelter or support to fleeing Spanish Jews. These traces serve as reminders of the resilience and determination of those who sought refuge in Portugal.

20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Marvao

Discover Marvão, a picturesque medieval village perched atop a hill in Portugal's Alentejo region, has a rich history intertwined with the Jewish community during the Middle Ages.Marvão dates back to Roman times but flourished during the medieval period, becoming an important defensive stronghold due to its strategic hilltop location near the border with Spain.Like many other towns in the Iberian Peninsula, Marvão had a significant Jewish population during the Middle Ages.

1 hour • Admission Ticket Free

Sinagoga de Castelo de Vide

Castelo de Vide offers a poignant glimpse into the vibrant Jewish life that once thrived within its walls. Its historical significance, coupled with its scenic beauty and cultural richness, invites visitors to explore the complexities of Iberian history and appreciate the enduring legacy of its Jewish inhabitants. The town once housed a synagogue, a central place of worship and community gathering for its Jewish inhabitants. While the original synagogue may no longer exist, efforts are made to preserve and interpret its historical significance. Castelo de Vide’s Jewish heritage is an integral part of Portugal’s efforts to recognize and preserve its diverse cultural history.

1 hour • Admission Ticket Free

Castelo de Vide

The final stop will be at Castelo de Vide. Within the medieval castle walls, you will find evidence of a substantial Jewish presence, reflecting a period of harmony and coexistence with the local Portuguese community. This visit offers a compelling glimpse into a time of tolerance and mutual respect.

30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

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Additional Info

Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Specialized infant seats are available
No smoking or eating inside the vehicle.
Dress code is smart casual, recommended comfortable clothing and shoes.
Infant seats are available on request, if advised at time of booking. Portuguese law stipulates that children under 12 years of age and 135 cm in height, when transported in a car with safety belts, must travel in an approved restraint system adapted to their size and weight. Please let us know if you have children and their ages. This service does not have any additional cost.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Q: What is the cancellation policy for the From Lisbon: Jewish Sephardic Heritage Essence Private Tour?

A: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (WEST). Read more Apr 2025