Portugal 2022

✡ Glat Kosher

Location: Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal

Organizer: Etzion

About

Day 1, -Lisbon
arrival at Lisbon tour of the city , drive to Avidush afterwards we will check in to our hotel

Day 2, . Porto
Braga-Guimarà£es - the story of the Jews in Portugal in the 16th century and Ha'Anusim

Day 3, .Porto,
visit local village ,Douro Valley: experience the 2000 years of port wine production that came out of this area,s, see special views of Paso de Calm from its beautiful bridges then sailing in the large river and take-in beautiful green landscapes.

Day 4, . Aviero>Bussaco>Coimbra

driving south to the city of Aviero to the dream-like forest Bussaco from there we will head southward to the city of Coimbra, a riverfront city in central Portugal and the country's former capital.

Day 5, . Porto-Viana do Castelo-Tui

Day 6, . Shabbat
alking tour of the hotel premises with the group guide. After Shabbat ends there is a possibility for a Fado show at the hotel.

Day 7, . Porto City
: We will tour the ancient quarters of the city coming from the river, including the Bolsa Palace, train station, Douro River and Kadoorie synagogue

Day 8, . Peneda-Geràªs
National Park -streams, lakes, waterfalls and ancient villages.

day 9: Depart

About the provider

Guides: Meir Schwartz & Eli Barnea
June 26, 2019 Asher Krimolovsky

Rooms & accommodation

Lisbon

Kashrut & dining

Private chef from israel .

Location

Address: Lisbon, Portugal

Contact

Organizer: Etzion
Location: Lisbon, Portugal
Phone: â€Ž+972.9.7711711
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.megalim-olam.co

Explore More

About this listing

Portugal 2022 offers a comprehensive Jewish heritage tour through the heart of the Iberian Peninsula, guided by Meir Schwartz and Eli Barnea. This curated itinerary focuses on the complex history of the Jewish people in Portugal, specifically highlighting the narratives of Ha'Anusim during the 16th century. Travelers start their journey in Lisbon before heading north to explore the cultural and historical centers of Porto, Coimbra, and the Douro Valley. The tour is designed for those seeking a balance between historical education, scenic exploration, and strict kashrut observance, providing a seamless travel experience across multiple Portuguese regions.

About the region

The journey spans several of Portugal's most significant provinces, starting in the coastal capital of Lisbon and moving into the northern reaches of the country. A major focal point is Porto, home to the historic Kadoorie Synagogue, which serves as a landmark for the small but resilient Jewish community in the north. The itinerary also delves into the Douro Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage region known for its 2,000-year history of wine production. Beyond the cities, the tour visits the Peneda-Gerês National Park, characterized by its waterfalls and ancient villages, and the historic university city of Coimbra, which once served as the nation's capital and holds deep ties to both Portuguese and Jewish medieval history.

What to expect

Participants can expect a professionally managed logistics platform where kashrut and religious needs are prioritized. Dining is overseen by a private chef from Israel, ensuring Glat Kosher meals throughout the trip, even in remote areas like the Bussaco forest or the Douro valley. The itinerary combines active sightseeing with spiritual reflection, featuring a dedicated Shabbat program that includes a guided walking tour and communal atmosphere.

Daily excursions vary from urban walking tours in the ancient quarters of Porto to a river cruise on the Douro, offering views of the city's iconic bridges. Historical lectures focus on the survival of Jewish traditions in towns like Braga and Guimarães. The pace is designed to be comprehensive, covering natural landmarks like the streams and lakes of the Peneda-Gerês mountains alongside architectural sites like the Bolsa Palace and the Viana do Castelo. Accommodations are selected to facilitate group gatherings and the performance of traditional Fado music during post-Shabbat activities.

Frequently asked questions

What are the kashrut arrangements for this Portugal tour?

The tour is catered by a private chef from Israel, ensuring Glat Kosher standards throughout the journey. Meals are prepared to accommodate the group's religious requirements while traveling between cities.

Will we visit any Jewish historical sites or synagogues?

Day 7 of the itinerary includes a visit to the historic Kadoorie Synagogue (Mekor H'aim) in Porto, which is the largest synagogue in the Iberian Peninsula.

How is Shabbat observed during the trip?

The group observes Shabbat with a walking tour of the hotel premises led by the group guide. Following Havdalah, there is often an opportunity to experience a traditional Portuguese Fado music performance.

Which regions of Portugal does this itinerary cover?

The route covers Lisbon, Porto, the Douro Valley, Coimbra, Aveiro, and the Peneda-Gerês National Park, offering a mix of urban history and natural landscapes.