VOYAGER
- Carefully selected accommodations, offering comfort and quality.
- A seamless, fully curated experience, as outlined below.
- J² Customer Care available by phone and email.
- $50 travel credit per person for your next J² journey.
Program is tentative and subject to change. Connect with our Customer Care Team by calling: (888) 230-6008 Mon.-Thur. from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Eastern Time (ET).
YOUR journey
J² crafts journeys of inspiration, education, and Jewish connections to Israel and worldwide. We are guided by a simple but powerful concept: No two trips are the same; each experience should be personal, meaningful, and backed by superb service. Travel is not just about the places you visit, but the connections you make along the way.
Food & Wine 
Nature Walks 
Food Tasting Tour 
Art & Culture 
Heritage 
Street Art
THE EXPERT
Program Itinerary
DAY 1
ON OUR WAY
Sun. Oct 25, 2026
- Depart Houston and begin your exploration of Portugal’s rich history, vibrant culture, and Jewish heritage.
Overnight: Flight
DAY 2
WELCOME TO PORTUGAL
Mon. Oct 26, 2026
- Arrive at Lisbon International Airport and feel the excitement of beginning your adventure in one of Europe’s most captivating cities.
- 2:00 p.m. Gather in the hotel lobby to meet your J² Expert Educator and local guide, who will accompany you throughout the journey with insight, context, and warm hospitality.
- Explore the historic Belém district along the River Tagus, once the heart of medieval Lisbon and the launching point for Portugal’s global maritime ambitions before the devastating earthquake of 1755.
- Encounter the Monument of Discoveries rising dramatically over the waterfront, honoring Portugal’s seafaring pioneers while inviting reflection on the era’s intertwined legacies of innovation, empire, conquest, and enslavement.
- View the magnificent Jerónimos Monastery from the surrounding gardens, admiring its intricate Manueline stonework - an architectural language shaped by maritime symbols, faith, and imperial ambition.
- Sample Lisbon’s most iconic delicacy, the legendary Pastéis de Belém, savoring the famous custard tart whose secret recipe and layered history connect monastic life, politics, and Portugal’s path to modernization.
- Transfer back to your hotel for check-in and time to refresh after your journey.
- Gather for a welcome dinner with your Expert Educator, featuring introductions, an overview of the itinerary, and a thematic framing of the historical narratives that will guide your experience throughout Portugal.
Overnight: Lisbon
Meals: Dinner
DAY 3
JEWISH LIFE IN LISBON
Tue. Oct 27, 2026
- Walk through Rossio Square, Baixa, and Praça do Comércio, tracing the layered history of Lisbon’s Jewish community amid exile, forced conversion, Inquisition, massacre, and resilience.
- Journey into the Alfama Quarter, once Lisbon’s medieval Jewish neighborhood and today a maze of narrow streets, steep stairways, artisan shops, and viewpoints overlooking the Tagus and the port that fueled Portugal’s empire.
- Meet leaders of Lisbon’s Jewish community at the Shaaré Tikva Synagogue, the first synagogue built in Portugal since the late 15th century, and learn about the remarkable rebirth of Jewish life in the modern era.
- Enjoy a free evening to experience Lisbon independently, choosing from lively neighborhoods filled with traditional taverns, contemporary restaurants, music-filled squares, and the city’s celebrated culinary scene.
Overnight: Lisbon
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 4
THE MAGIC OF SINTRA
Wed. Oct 28, 2026
- Depart for Sintra, the romantic mountain town favored by Portuguese royalty, where lush forests, misty hills, and fairy-tale palaces create one of Europe’s most enchanting landscapes.
- Visit the grounds of Pena Palace and wander through Pena Park, taking in sweeping views and vibrant architectural details set amid exotic gardens.
- Pause at Cabo da Roca, standing at the western-most point of mainland Portugal and continental Europe, overlooking the vast Atlantic while reflecting on explorers who departed these shores—and the Jewish navigators and financiers who quietly shaped the Age of Exploration.
- Relax during free time in the elegant coastal town of Cascais, where golden light, ocean breezes, and leisurely streets define the atmosphere.
- Select a seaside café or seafood restaurant in Cascais for a relaxed lunch, followed by time to stroll the marina, historic center, or scenic promenade along the Atlantic.
- Drive along the dramatic historic coastline back toward Lisbon, enjoying views once familiar to sailors returning from distant worlds.
- Unwind during a leisurely evening in Lisbon, perfect for shopping, café-hopping, or people-watching as streetcars rattle past and city life unfolds around you.
Overnight: Lisbon
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 5
THE ROAD NORTH
Thu. Oct 29, 2026
- Check out of your Lisbon hotel and begin your journey north through Portugal’s historic heartland.
- Discover the medieval city of Tomar with a guided visit to the Convent of Christ, a former Knights Templar stronghold whose cloisters, towers, and Manueline details reveal layers of religious, political, and imperial history.
- Enter the Synagogue of Tomar, a rare and powerful remnant of medieval Sephardic life, and learn about its symbolic architecture and the 20th-century efforts to reclaim Portugal’s Jewish heritage.
- Continue to Coimbra, once Portugal’s capital and long a center of scholarship and learning.
- Enjoy free time in Coimbra’s medieval center for a late lunch on your own, offering a chance to explore, relax, and recharge before continuing onward.
- Explore the University of Coimbra, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Europe’s oldest universities, including the breathtaking Baroque Joanina Library, home to thousands of rare and historic volumes. (Time permitting)
- Arrive in Porto - known as “The Undefeated City” - and check into your hotel, settling in for the next chapter of your journey.
Overnight: Porto
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 6
THE DOURO VALLEY
Fri. Oct 30, 2026
- Venture into the Douro Valley, Portugal’s world-famous wine region, where terraced vineyards cascade down steep hillsides to the winding river below.
- Glide along the Douro River on a scenic boat ride, taking in dramatic landscapes that have shaped centuries of viticulture.
- Savor a tasting of the Douro’s celebrated wines, including elegant reds and iconic port, learning about the region’s traditions and craftsmanship.
- Return to Porto in the afternoon and prepare for Shabbat.
- Shabbat Shalom! Join Porto’s growing Reform Jewish community, HaMakom, for a meaningful and intimate Shabbat experience, followed by a shared Shabbat dinner with community leaders and members.
Overnight: Porto
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 7
SHABBAT IN PORTO
Sat. Oct 31, 2026
- Wander through Porto’s historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage site shaped over two millennia and rich with medieval streets, riverside views, and iconic landmarks.
- Admire the spectacular São Bento Railway Station, famed for its 20,000 azulejo tiles depicting scenes from Portuguese history and everyday life.
- Explore Porto’s Judiaria, the medieval Jewish quarter near the cathedral and old city walls, walking lanes such as Rua de Sant’Ana and the Olival area where Sephardi life once flourished.
- Enjoy free time for lunch on your own, choosing from Porto’s many markets and eateries.
- Participate in a hands-on Portuguese tile workshop led by local artisans, creating a personalized keepsake of Porto’s artistic tradition to bring home to Texas.
- Ben Kodesh Lechol: Spend time together savoring the last moments of Shabbat with a Havdalah ceremony saying farewell to Shabbat and opening the new week.
- Celebrate your journey with a festive farewell dinner at a local restaurant, sharing reflections, memories, and meaningful moments from your time in Portugal.
Overnight: Porto
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 8
HOME AGAIN
Sun. Nov 1, 2026
- Check out of your hotel.
- Depart on your return flight to the United States, carrying home unforgettable experiences, new insights, and stories to share from your journey through Portugal.
RATES & LODGING
Protect yourself from fraud by being cautious and vigilant when it comes to online theft. It is crucial to note that J² adventures will never send an email requesting you to transfer funds to a new account or to redirect a payment. We will never alter our account number or issue additional payment requests without first personally speaking to you and properly identifying ourselves. If you feel uncertain about any communication (scammers often impersonate legitimate companies via e-mail or by calling), halt and contact us directly through our toll-free number listed on our website to discuss any necessary payments. Refrain from responding to suspicious emails or clicking on links or attachments unless you are completely certain of their legitimacy. By following these guidelines and staying vigilant, you can significantly reduce your risk of becoming a victim of fraud.
participants
25+
Cost p/p in double room
$6,588
Cost p/p in single room
$8,460
Lisbon: Four Seasons Ritz
- Nights: 3
- Room Category: Superior Room
- Hotel Website
Porto: The Yeatman
- Nights: 3
- Room Category: Superior Room
- Hotel Website
Choose Your Way
VOYAGER PLUS
popular
- Guaranteed room category upgrade.
- A seamless, fully curated experience, as outlined below.
- Private airport arrival transfer.
- A signature J² gift awaiting you in your room.
- Priority dedicated Customer Care.
- A personal travel advisor for every detail, pre- and post-trip.
- $200 credit per person for a future journey, separate from this experience.
VOYAGER PREMIERE
- Guaranteed double category upgrade.
- A seamless, fully curated experience, as outlined below.
- Private round-trip airport transfers.
- A signature J² gift awaiting you in your room.
- Priority dedicated Customer Care.
- A personal travel advisor for every detail, pre- and post-trip.
- Exclusive access to sought-after dining, ticketed events, and premier performances.
- 10% preferred savings on additional hotel nights, excursions and transportation.
- $400 credit per person for a future journey, separate from this experience.
What to expect
- 6 nights' accommodations.
- 6 days of touring with a J² Expert Educator and a local guide, in a luxury, climate controlled bus.
- Daily breakfast, 1 lunch & 3 dinners.
- The J² adventures App available on the App Store & on Google Play (active 30 days before your departure and throughout your trip).
- Water on the bus.
- Porterage at the hotels.
- All site entrance fees & program fees as per your final program.
- This journey includes walking tours, cultural site visits, and hotel stays that may involve uneven terrain, stairs, and longer distances on foot. While we do our best to accommodate a range of mobility levels, a moderate level of physical fitness is recommended to fully enjoy the experience. For more information, please see the “Travelers with Physical Limitations” section in our full Terms & Conditions.
- Credit card fees.
- Flights to & from Portugal.
- Airport transfers.
- COVID related expenses, including tests.
- Gratuities are excluded. For groups of 20 and more participants traveling to Portugal: We recommend the following guidelines for tipping (amounts are in US dollars): J² Expert Educator: $14 | Local Guide: $6 | Driver: $2. Amounts are per day per person.
- Evening transportation when dinner is not included.
- Amendments to the program: In the event that any sites, programs or meals etc. are added to the program, an additional fee may be required.
- Personal extras: Items of personal nature such as laundry, wines, mineral water, beverages, coffee, tea, food other than the table d’hotel menu, passport and visa fees, insurance, and foreign port taxes, unless otherwise specified.
- US and foreign airport taxes, Q fuel surcharge and border taxes when applicable.
- This journey includes walking tours, cultural site visits, and hotel stays that may involve uneven terrain, stairs, and longer distances on foot. While we do our best to accommodate a range of mobility levels, a moderate level of physical fitness is recommended to fully enjoy the experience. For more information, please see the “Travelers with Physical Limitations” section in our full Terms & Conditions.
- Please review our terms & conditions (T&C’s) or request that we send you our full T&C’s. Until you do that, here is the small print, and other stuff you may want to know:
- Validity | All prices quoted are based on exchange rates as of the proposal date and are subject to change without notice. Rates are per person and are based on shared twin room occupancy.
- How to Make a Reservation | The quickest way to make a reservation is to register online or contact us by email. We accept VISA, MasterCard, and American Express credit cards. A non-refundable deposit of $675 is required in order to complete the registration process.
- For any assistance with this registration process or other trip-related queries, please email Customer Care: [email protected].
- Payments | The balance of your payment is due 135 days before your trip begins, or as specified in your invoice. You will receive an email reminder 2 weeks before this date. Various payment options are available as follows:
- Credit card | We accept Visa, Mastercard and American Express. Please check with your credit card provider regarding international processing fees. We are unable to process payments of over $1,000 over the phone. Please submit payment online via a credit card or by wiring funds via your bank.
- Domestic bank wire transfer | Payment should be wired in the same currency that is listed on your invoice. Please add the name of your group or invoice number as a reference and forward a copy of the transfer receipt by email. The bank transfer should clearly state the beneficiary’s name on the wire transfer.
- J² Adventures reserves the right to automatically cancel your reservation on that date and it may be subject to reconfirmation should the final payment not be received.
- Cancelation Policy | All cancelations need to be made in writing. The cancelation fee depends on the date when we receive written notification of your request to cancel your booking. Please note that the deposit is non-refundable.
- Cancelation fees | Cancelations made 135 or more days prior to departure incur the loss of the deposit. Cancelations made 134 to 46 days prior to departure incur the loss of 50% of the full trip cost. Cancelations made 45 days or less prior to the departure incur the loss of 100% of the full trip cost.
- Cancelation fees may also include: Hotel or supplier cancelation fees. J² Adventures reserves the right to adjust its terms of payment, including cancelation policies and initial deposits.
- Protect yourself from fraud by being cautious and vigilant when it comes to online theft. It is crucial to note that J² adventures will never send an email requesting you to transfer funds to a new account or to redirect a payment. We will never alter our account number or issue additional payment requests without first personally speaking to you and properly identifying ourselves. If you feel uncertain about any communication (scammers often impersonate legitimate companies via e-mail or by calling), halt and contact us directly through our toll-free number listed on our website to discuss any necessary payments. Refrain from responding to suspicious emails or clicking on links or attachments unless you are completely certain of their legitimacy. By following these guidelines and staying vigilant, you can significantly reduce your risk of becoming a victim of fraud.
- Please click here to view our full terms (T&C's). These T&C's apply to all reservations created within J2 Adventures.
DISCOVER NEW WORLDS.
JOURNEYS.
A family vacation to Israel. An adventure of a lifetime traveling with friends to Morocco. A trip to Poland or Portugal with your community. What do these trips have in common? No matter where you go, you will come back with a fresh perspective and appreciation of the place you visited as well as a heightened awareness of your identity as part of the global Jewish community.
Stuff.
We have everything you need to know before you go. Check out our Instagram my_j2adventures for cool updates and interesting tidbits.
The J2 App
available on the App Store & on Google Play.
