A Sephardic Heritage Trip Through Spain and Portugal

A Sephardic heritage trip runs through the cities where the Jews of Iberia lived until the expulsions: Toledo and Córdoba for the medieval synagogues, Seville for the old quarter, then Lisbon, Tomar and Belmonte for the converts who kept their faith in secret. Ten days covers the south of Spain and Portugal; add three for Girona and Barcelona. Most of the heritage here is a story told on site, so a guide matters more than on any other route.

The history in two dates

• 1492. Ferdinand and Isabella’s edict gave Spain’s Jews the choice of conversion or exile. Many crossed into Portugal.
• 1496 to 1497. King Manuel I’s edict gave Portugal’s Jews until October 1497 to convert or leave; most were forcibly converted, becoming New Christians, and many kept Judaism in secret for generations.

What survives follows from those dates: three medieval synagogues in Spain, a 15th-century synagogue in Tomar, street names, doorways, and in Belmonte a community that kept its faith hidden until the 20th century.

The route, 10 days

From prices checked October 2026.

Córdoba and Seville are under an hour apart by fast train; Seville to Lisbon is the longest leg, best by air or by coach. Tomar is a day trip from Lisbon by train; Belmonte, near the Spanish border, is a long day by car.

Check dates for the Córdoba tour →

Three extra days: Girona and Barcelona

Girona’s Call is one of the best-preserved Jewish quarters in Europe, with the Museum of Jewish History; it is the city of Nahmanides. Girona Experience’s walk includes the museum, from $51. Barcelona’s Call, in the Gothic Quarter, has the ancient synagogue; Barcelona Dreaming’s private walk includes it, from $90.

Which tours to reserve first

The three that shape the trip:

Figures as of October 2026: the shape of the market, not a quote. Check the price and the conditions on the date you choose.

Before you go

• Mondays. Córdoba’s synagogue closes every Monday, and in summer evenings; Lisbon’s Money Museum, on one private tour’s route, closes Mondays and Tuesdays.
• Saturdays. Working synagogues and Jewish museums in both countries close on Shabbat and Jewish holidays; see the closures guide.
• Heat. Córdoba and Seville are very hot in summer; book the walks for the morning.
• Hills. Toledo, Lisbon’s Alfama and Porto are steep. For a gentler pace, see heritage tours for older travellers.

The country pages compare every tour: Spain and Portugal. For the other routes through Europe, see the four heritage routes.