Free cancellationFull refund up to 24 hours before
Instant confirmationYour booking is confirmed right away
TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted
LanguagesPortuguese, English, Spanish
Private tourOnly your group will participate
Pickup offeredSee the meeting and pickup details below
Overview
Join us on an enriching journey through the heart of Portugal's Jewish history. This private tour delves into the lives, influence, and legacy of the Portuguese Jews, highlighting their profound impact on the most powerful order in Europe during the Middle Ages.
Óbidos, known for its picturesque streets and historic castle, also boasts a significant Jewish heritage. The Jewish presence in Óbidos dates back to the 14th and 15th centuries when the village was a thriving hub of commerce and culture.
Tomar was another vibrant center for Jewish life during the medieval period. The Jewish community played a crucial role in the town's cultural and economic development. We will visit the Tomar Synagogue, built in the 15th century and one of the oldest synagogues in Portugal, as well as the Convent of Christ, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a key symbol of the Knights Templar.
Options
Tour in English / Portuguese
Pickup included
Tour in Spanish
Pickup included
What's included
Ginjinha tasting
Fresh water
Driver/guide (full time trip leader)
Private Tour in Air Conditioned Mini Van
Baggage transport is limited to 4 medium-sized suitcases.
Pick-up and drop-off available from Lisbon/Sintra central hotels or Lisbon Cruise Terminal/airport.
Gratuities
Entrance fee
Food and drinks, unless specified
What to expect
Obidos Village
45m
From Lisbon, we will head towards Óbidos, considered one of the most beautiful villages in Europe.
To go through Óbidos is to take a leap in History and visit medieval Portugal. The white houses decorated in shades of blue and yellow, keep the characteristics of the beginning of nationality.
Obidos Village
1h
Óbidos: Jewish Quarter
The Judiaria was a self-contained area where the Jewish community lived, worked, and worshiped.
Although the original synagogue no longer stands, its location is commemorated in local lore. It once served as a place of worship, community gathering, and education for the Jewish residents of Óbidos. Many buildings in Óbidos still bear traces of their Jewish past, including symbols and inscriptions carved into doorways and walls, offering a glimpse into the town's rich multicultural history.
Explore the streets where the Jewish community once thrived and discover the marks and influences they left behind in the buildings and architecture.
Castelo de Obidos
30m
Climb up to the castle for breathtaking views of the surrounding plains. The castle provides a unique vantage point to appreciate the historical and natural beauty of the area. The site of Óbidos Castle has been fortified since Roman times, and it was later occupied by the Moors. The castle as seen today has significant architectural contributions from various periods, particularly from the medieval era.
We'll wrap up our visit with a taste of ginjinha, the local liqueur that embodies the essence of the region. This distinctive cherry brandy is not just a drink; it’s a taste of the local culture and tradition.
Tomar
30m
We will proceed to Tomar, a picturesque town in central Portugal known for its rich history and significant Jewish heritage. During the medieval period, Tomar was a vital center for Jewish communities, and many of its historical sites bear testament to this influence.
Synagogue of Tomar
30m
We will take you to visit the Tomar Synagogue, built in the 15th century, one of the oldest synagogues in Portugal. It served as a place of worship until the expulsion of the Jews in 1496. The building reflects a blend of Gothic and Manueline architectural styles. Today, the synagogue houses the Abraham Zacuto Luso-Hebraic Museum, named after the famous Jewish astronomer and mathematician. The museum exhibits artifacts related to Jewish culture and history in Portugal, including ancient manuscripts, ritual objects, and tombstones.
Convento de Cristo
1h · Admission ticket not included
A visit to the Convent of Christ, a World Heritage Site, is essential not only for its stunning beauty but also for gaining insight into the role of Templar syncretism in the Jewish communities of Portugal during the medieval period.
Meeting and pickup
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 or Lisbon airport.
Please inform us the pickup location.
Additional information
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
Specialized infant seats are available
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
No smoking or eating inside the vehicle.
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.
This tour is customizable as long as it stays within the same number of kilometers and costs; that is, in both Tomar and Óbidos, the client can choose to visit other sites (entrance fees not included).
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
