Temple Kol Ami
Jewish Journey to Portugal

Led by Rabbi Jeremy Schneider

May 30, 2027 - Jun 7, 2027

  • DESTINATION Portugal
  • Who's Going Our Community
  • Trip Type Congregational
  • Duration 9 DAYS
  • Group Size 15+
  • Price From $5,320
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.

  •   Art & Culture
  •   Food & Wine
  •   Heritage
  •   UNESCO Heritage Sites

Program Itinerary

DAY 1
ON OUR WAY
Sun. May 30, 2027
  • Depart the US.
Overnight: Flight
DAY 2
WELCOME TO PORTUGAL
Mon. May 31, 2027
  • Arrive at Lisbon International Airport.
  • 2:00 p.m. Gather in the hotel lobby and meet your J² Expert Educator and your local guide who will accompany you on this journey.
  • Explore the Belem district of Lisbon, located on the River Tagus, from where many of the great Portuguese explorers embarked on their momentous voyages.
  • Stop at the Monument to the Discoveries to pay tribute to the Portuguese Age of Discovery in the 15th and 16th centuries.
  • Pass by the impressive Jerónimos Monastery and learn about the story behind its impressive walls.
  • Taste Lisbon's most famed pastry, Pasteis de Belem, whose exact recipe remains a secret to this day.
  • Check into the hotel.
  • Festive welcome dinner at a local restaurant.
Overnight: Lisbon, Portugal Meals: Dinner
DAY 3
THE HEART OF LISBON
Tue. Jun 1, 2027
  • Experience breathtaking scenery and beauty while stopping at a viewpoint for an introduction to Lisbon and its Bairro Alto.
  • Enjoy a tour of the center of Lisbon, including Rossio Square, Baixa (the downtown area), and Praça do Comércio.
  • Free time for lunch on own.
  • Take a journey through the Alfama Quarter including the site of the Lisbon massacre of 1506. Explore the steep winding alleys, hidden landmark churches, and breathtaking views of the Tagus River – all while hearing about the tension between tradition and modernity.
  • Meet with members of the Jewish community at the Shaaré Tikva Synagogue, which was the first synagogue to be built in Portugal after the late fifteenth century and learn about the local Jewish community today.
  • End the day with a traditional Fado Concert.
  • Free evening to explore the local food scene on own.
Overnight: Lisbon, Portugal Meals: Breakfast
DAY 4
THE MAGIC OF SINTRA
Wed. Jun 2, 2027
  • Depart for Sintra, the resort town of Portugal's kings, perched high in the mountains. The town’s picturesque romantic monuments and mountainous vistas serve as the backdrop for unparalleled architectural and natural beauty.
  • Visit to the Pena Palace grounds and its surrounding Pena Park.
  • Continue your route to Cabo da Roca. Overlooking the deep blue of the Atlantic Ocean, stand at the western-most extent of mainland Portugal and continental Europe.
  • On your way from Sintra to Lisbon, make a delightful stop in the charming coastal town of Cascais, known for its stunning beaches, historic center, and vibrant atmosphere.
  • Return to the hotel, remainder of the day at leisure to explore Lisbon at your own pace.
Overnight: Lisbon, Portugal Meals: Breakfast
DAY 5
JEWISH TOMAR AND THE TEMPLARS
Thu. Jun 3, 2027
  • Check out of the hotel and depart Lisbon.
  • Drive to the historic city of Tomar.
  • Discover the famous and ancient Jewish synagogue dating back to the 15th century and Abraham Zacuto Luso-Hebrew Museum.
  • Free time for lunch on own in Tomar.
  • Visit the Convent of the Order of Christ, originally a Templar stronghold built in the 12th century and one of Portugal's most important historical and artistic monuments. The Convent is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 
  • Continue your drive to Belmonte.
  • Check into the hotel, followed by dinner.
Overnight: Belmonte, Portugal Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 6
JEWISH HISTORY IN BELMONTE
Fri. Jun 4, 2027
  • Check out of the hotel.
  • Explore the Castle of Belmonte, where you can learn about the town's broader history, including its Jewish heritage. The castle offers panoramic views of the surrounding area.
  • Walk through the historic Jewish Quarter. Observe the narrow streets and traditional houses, and see the sites where Jews lived and practiced their faith in secret.
  • Spend time at the Jewish Museum, which showcases the history of the Belmonte Jewish community since the Middle Ages.
  • Discover the synagogue in Belmonte, still active to this day and meet with local community members, descendants of the Anusims of Portugal.
  • Lunch at a Jewish-owned hotel.
  • Depart Belmonte and drive to Porto.
  • Check into the hotel with time to prepare for Shabbat.
  • Join Porto’s budding Reform Jewish community of HaMakom for a very special Shabbat, followed by Shabbat dinner with leaders of the community.
Overnight: Porto, Portugal Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 7
THE CRADLE OF PORTUGAL
Sat. Jun 5, 2027
  • Drive to Guimaraes, the birthplace of Portugal.
  • For a panoramic view, ride the Teleférico de Guimarães cable car. Soar above rooftops, church spires, and terracotta tiles. As you descend, the town unfolds—a mosaic of past and present.
  • Wander through Largo da Oliveira, a charming plaza adorned with traditional houses. The centerpiece? A majestic olive tree, symbolizing endurance and resilience.
  • Free time for lunch on own.
  • Ascend to the Guimaraes Castle, perched atop a hill. Its brooding silhouette tells tales of knights, battles, and medieval intrigue. From the ramparts, gaze across the landscape—the same view that once inspired Portugal’s founder-king, Afonso Henriques.
  • Return to Porto.
  • Get acquainted with Porto, starting with a scenic stroll along the picturesque Porto de Gaia riverbank. Enjoy a traditional rabello boat tour, offering stunning views of the city’s historic architecture and charming waterfront.
  • Mark the end of a special Shabbat with a communal havdalah ceremony.
  • Evening at leisure.
Overnight: Porto, Portugal Meals: Breakfast
DAY 8
PORTUGAL’S MEDIEVAL CAPITAL
Sun. Jun 6, 2027
  • Visit the Kadoorie Mekor Haim Synagogue, the largest synagogue in the Iberian Peninsula.
  • Romanesque to Romanticism: View the main sites of the city, including: Avenida dos Aliados, Clérigos Tower, which is known as the symbol of the city, São Bento railway station, decorated with 20,000 tiles depicting the history of Portugal, and the Ribeira neighborhood near the riverfront, which has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
  • Tour of the Porto Old Jewish Quarters: we'll learn about the Jewish heritage in Sepharad Portugal, the Jews of the Middle Ages and the terrible times of the Inquisition, the new Christians of the modern era, and the 20th-century Jewish Renaissance.
  • Participate in a ceramic workshop, where you will learn with local artisans about this important Portuguese heritage and paint Porto tiles yourself using traditional techniques. Make your own souvenir of your Portugal journey, while tasting a delicious glass of local port.
  • Enjoy a farewell dinner at a restaurant.
Overnight: Porto, Portugal Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 9
UNTIL WE MEET AGAIN
Mon. Jun 7, 2027
  • Check out of the hotel and transfer to Porto Airport for your return flight to the US.
Meals: Breakfast

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
15+
Cost p/p in double room
$5,320
Cost p/p in single room
$6,310
Or similar hotels: Registration open

Lisbon: Lumen Hotel

Belmonte: Convento de Belmonte

Porto: Catalonia Porto Hotel

Choose Your Way

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.
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

  • 7 nights' accommodations.
  • 7 days of touring with a J² Expert Educator and a local guide, in a luxury, climate controlled bus.
  • 1 Group arrival transfer from the Lisbon airport.
  • 1 Group departure transfer to the Porto airport.
  • Daily breakfast, 1 lunch & 4 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.
  • Credit card fees.
  • Flights to & from Portugal.
  • Early check-in or Late check-out.
  • Gratuities are excluded. For groups of 10-19 participants traveling to Portugal: We recommend the following guidelines for tipping (amounts are in US dollars): J² Expert Educator: $16 | Local Guide: $8 | Driver: $3. Amounts are per day per person.
  • COVID related expenses, including tests.
  • 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 $1,000 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 120 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 120 or more days prior to departure incur the loss of the deposit. Cancelations made 119 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.