• Valencia de Alcantara - Start your journey in the golden region of Alentejo, Portugal, where expansive plains reveal charming white villages with ancestral homes. These villages embody the spirit of Sepharad, once a harmonious refuge for the Jewish community. Explore the authentic history of Portuguese and Spanish Jews on this adventure.

After a 2-hour and 45-minute drive from Lisbon, the first stop is in Spain at Valência d’Alcántara, a delightful village in the province of Cáceres, within the autonomous community of Extremadura.

Valência d’Alcántara, with its medieval roots, has a rich history shaped by its strategic position near the Portuguese border. The village was significant during the Reconquista, a time when Christians reclaimed land from Muslim rule. In the medieval era, it also hosted a flourishing Jewish community. One of the key attractions in Valencia de Alcántara is the Sephardic Synagogue, a testament to the village’s Jewish heritage.

• Torre da Portagem - Crossing into Portugal, visit Portagem, a crucial site where Spanish Jews found safety following the Alhambra Decree in the late 15th century. After the expulsion, many Spanish Jews sought refuge in neighboring Portugal, hoping for greater tolerance and acceptance. Portagem, near the Spain-Portugal border, became a vital crossing point for fleeing Jews. Today, Portagem retains elements of its historical importance, 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.
• Marvao - Discover Marvão, a picturesque medieval village perched atop a hill in Portugal’s Alentejo region, with a rich history intertwined with the Jewish community during the Middle Ages.

Marvão dates back to Roman times but thrived 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.

• 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.
• Castelo de Vide - The final stop is at Castelo de Vide. Within the medieval castle walls, evidence of a substantial Jewish presence reflects 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.

• Fresh water
• Driver/guide (full time trip leader)
• Private Tour in Air Conditioned Mini Van
• Baggage transport is limited to 4 medium-sized suitcases
• Pickup and drop-off - for Lisbon/Sintra/Cascais central hotels, Lisbon cruise terminal/airport

• Food and drinks, unless specified
• Entrance fees.
• Gratuities are not included.

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.

• 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.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.