Bordered by Spain and the Atlantic Ocean, Portugal, one of Europe’s best kept secrets is a wonderful alternative to the over-populated regions of Europe. Influenced over the years by many different cultures, each has left its thumbprint on history and traditions, making Portugal a truly interesting destination.
There is a long list of things visitors can do while visiting Portugal.
Follow the legacy of Portuguese Jewry through good times and bad. On arrival in Lisbon you will be immediately transferred to Evora, capital of Alentejo. This enchanting town prides itself on its crowning jewel, the Roman Temple of Evora dating from the first century. Next is the huge San Francisco Church housing the unusual Chapel of Bones. There are no signs to mark the Jewish Quarter, but it truly existed. There is nothing left in the Old Jewish Quarter other than the Rua de la Judaria in the medieval Alfama district.Take a short stroll through the narrow labyrinth style streets connected to the main square. Pass the hilltop village of Marvao on your way to Castelo de Vide where a sea of red-roofed houses clings to the hillside. At the edge of the Jewish Quarter you will find the 13th century Synagogue, the oldest in Portugal.
Travelling through the rugged landscape we come to the village of Belmonte, home to a crypto-Jewish community who after being banned by the Inquisition practiced their religion secretly. Welcoming their first Rabbi in 1993, many Jewish families still live in the Jewish Quarter. Travelling via Guarda and Tancoso we reach Lamego and visit one of the farms in the famed Douro Valley before leaving for Porto.
See the Cathedral and Stock Exchange of Porto followed by a tasting of this rich bodied wine. Journey through Portuguese Rome stopping to view the regal staircase of the Sanctuary of Bon Jesus do Monte. Focusing our sights on the village of Guimaraes, enjoy a leisurely stroll through the well preserved town centre. Travelling along the coast we pass Aveiro with its colored boats, Bucaco with its lush flora and fauna arriving in the university city of Coimbra. In Tomar, we stop to see the synagogue on our way to Batalha and its monastery. Of special interest is the quaint fishing village of Nazare. Pause at the spell binding monastery in Alcobaca where King D. Pedro and D. Ines de Castro were laid to rest. We are now on our way to the world renowned sanctuary of Fatima to take part in the evening Candle Procession.
Encased in mediaeval walls, the fortified town of Obidos is our next stop. Just 100 Kms. north of Lisbon, its beautifully blue tiled chapel is the focal point of the town. Closer to Lisbon is the resort town of Sintra with its hidden mansions and palaces decorating the landscape. Without a doubt the strikingly colourful Pena Palace is a unique structure. As we get closer to Lisbon we pass the seaside resorts of Cascais and Estoril. Back in Lisbon we visit St. Georges Castle overlooking the city center and the Tagus River. This mediaeval Moorish castle built in the mid 11th century once home to the Kings of Portugal can be seen from any viewpoint in the city. Definitely a must see is the Monument to the Discoveries commemorating the death of Prince Henry the Navigator. Other attractions include the Belem Tower and the Jeronimos Monastery.
Explore the rich history of Portugal preserved in its monuments and museums, churches and homes. Everywhere you look there are constant reminders of the uniqueness of Portugal whether in its cuisine, its picture perfect landscape, its rich assortment of museums, its historical sites, its shopping streets, its achingly beautiful Fado music or its sweet port wines. There is a lot to see. You might have to come back again to finish your touring.Portugal is waiting to be discovered. Come with us and experience Portugal.
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