Travel > Spain & Portugal

Behind Closed Doors: The Hidden Jews of Spain and Portugal

Dates: TBA
Prices (in US dollars): TBA 

For centuries, the Jews of Spain and Portugal lived openly, contributing to the cultural, intellectual, and spiritual richness of the Iberian Peninsula. Then history turned, and what had once flourished was forced underground. In secret rooms, behind closed doors, and within quiet hearts, Jewish life endured.

Join us this December as we uncover these hidden histories and walk the paths of resilience, memory, and quiet courage. From the ancient quarters of Granada and Córdoba to the revived Jewish spirit of Porto and Belmonte, we will trace a powerful legacy of perseverance. Along the way, we will learn, reflect, share meals, celebrate Shabbat, and build a community of travelers connected by story and spirit.

This is more than a tour, it’s a journey into the heart of hidden history, resilience, and Jewish revival. 

Please notify me when registration opens

Highlights:
 
  • Uncover the untold stories of Sephardic life, from public grandeur to private resilience, in Granada, Córdoba, Seville, and Lisbon 

  • Step into centuries-old Jewish Quarters, where faith was once practiced in whispers and behind shuttered windows

  •  Visit the Alhambra and Mezquita, witnessing the rise of power that reshaped Iberia and forever altered Jewish destiny 

  •  Explore the powerful remnants of crypto-Jewish life in Portugal, where secret arks, hidden rooms, and quiet rituals carried tradition forward 

  •  Celebrate Shabbat in Porto, where Jewish life has reemerged from silence into song 

  •  In Belmonte, meet the living descendants of Jews who kept their identity alive in the shadows for generations 

  •  Trace the footprints of forced conversions and quiet resistance in Coimbra, Tomar, and Évora, towns where the Jewish past lingers in walls, texts, and memory 

  •  End in luminous Lisbon, a city of exile and return, where once-hidden heritage is slowly being reclaimed 

For the itinerary, FAQs and other details, please see the tabs below. On a mobile device, use the menu icon (☰) to open other tabs.

Photo: Beit Eliahu Synagogue - Belmonte, Portugal © Andrea Gardenhour

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  • Behind Closed Doors: The Hidden Jews of Spain & Portugal
    (Sample itinerary subject to change)

    Day 1 – Arrival & Granada’s Layers of Legacy

    Welcome to the beginning of our unforgettable journey. As you arrive at your own pace and check into our elegant five-star hotel in Granada, take time to unwind and soak in the ambiance of this city where Jewish, Muslim, and Christian cultures once coexisted in a golden age. With the Sierra Nevada Mountains in the distance and the city’s historic energy beneath your feet, this is the perfect place to begin.

    This evening is yours to rest, relax, or take a quiet walk-through Granada’s charming streets. Perhaps even meet up with someone you’ve already connected with in our WhatsApp group or during our virtual meet-and-greet. Let the anticipation of the days ahead begin to unfold.

    Overnight: Hotel NH Collection Victoria, Granada


    Day 2 – Granada: Palaces, Markets & Memory

    Today we immerse ourselves in the rich textures of Granada’s past. After breakfast, we begin with a guided exploration of the city’s spiritual and cultural soul:

    • Stand before the impressive Royal Chapel, where the Catholic monarchs were laid to rest, and consider the monumental changes their reign brought to the Iberian Peninsula.
    • Wander through the vibrant Alcaicería, once the bustling Moorish silk market, now a colorful maze of shops filled with spices, textiles, and handcrafted treasures.
    • Climb the cobbled lanes of the Albaicín, the city’s atmospheric Islamic Quarter, where whitewashed houses, hidden gardens, and breathtaking views of the Alhambra reflect centuries of intertwined history.
    • In the afternoon, we explore the awe-inspiring Alhambra and Generalife Gardens, a masterpiece of Islamic art and architecture where intricate tilework, reflecting pools, and poetic inscriptions transport us to an era of refined beauty and royal intrigue.
    • We gather this evening for a warm group dinner, a chance to reflect on all we’ve seen and begin forming the bonds of community that will grow throughout our journey.


    Overnight: Hotel NH Collection Victoria, Granada


    Day 3 – Córdoba: Footsteps of Maimonides

    This morning, we journey across rolling Andalusian landscapes to Córdoba, once one of the greatest cities of medieval Europe and a thriving center of Jewish learning and interfaith exchange:

    • Enter the spellbinding Mezquita, a forest of arches and columns that captures the grandeur of Islamic Spain and the complexities of religious transformation.
    • Visit the 13th-century Synagogue, beautifully preserved and filled with the whispers of prayer and perseverance.
    • Stroll the Jewish Quarter, where Maimonides was born and walked these same stones, contemplating questions of faith, reason, and identity that still resonate today.

    By late afternoon, we arrive in Seville, where we check into our hotel and unwind. The evening is yours; perhaps sample Andalusian tapas or find a quiet plaza lit by lanterns.

    Overnight: Hotel Melia Lebreros, Seville


    Day 4 – Seville: Grandeur & Hidden Paths

    Today we explore the vibrant heart of Seville, a city brimming with culture, history, and soulful rhythm:

    • Begin at the monumental Cathedral, a soaring expression of Gothic faith built atop the foundations of a mosque. Look for the Giralda bell tower, once a minaret, rising above the skyline.
    • Wander the royal Alcázar, where gardens, arches, and tiled salons blend Islamic artistry with Christian grandeur.
    • Visit the majestic Plaza de España, designed for the 1929 Ibero-American Expo, where bridges, fountains, and mosaic alcoves showcase the provinces of Spain.
    • Conclude with a walking tour through Santa Cruz, Seville’s former Jewish Quarter, where beauty and tragedy intertwine in narrow alleys and quiet courtyards.

    Evening is at your leisure. You might be drawn to the haunting melodies of a flamenco performance or prefer a sunset walk along the Guadalquivir River.

    Overnight: Hotel Melia Lebreros, Seville


    Day 5 – From Andalusia to Porto

    • After breakfast, we bid farewell to Spain and take a short flight to Porto, Portugal. Upon arrival, we transfer to our comfortable hotel in this elegant city perched along the Douro River.
    • Take this evening to breathe in the fresh sea air, admire the tiled façades and pastel buildings of Porto, or enjoy a quiet dinner as we begin the Portuguese chapter of our adventure.


    Overnight: Hotel da Musica, Porto


    Day 6 – Porto: Secrets & Revival

    Porto, long home to a hidden Jewish presence, offers profound insights into the endurance of faith:

    • Visit the grand Kadoorie Mekor Haim Synagogue, an architectural marvel and vibrant hub of today’s Jewish life in Portugal.
    • Explore the on-site museum, where the story of the Jewish community unfolds through photographs, ritual objects, and personal testimonies.
    • Step inside the Old People’s Home, where a secretly preserved crypto-Jewish ark offers quiet testimony to centuries of devotion kept in the shadows.

    In the evening, we gather for a joyful Shabbat dinner at Sababa, where sacred tradition and Portuguese hospitality come together around the table.

    Overnight: Hotel da Musica, Porto


    Day 7 – Shabbat in Porto

    On this peaceful Shabbat, we embrace a slower pace:

    • Join (optional) Shabbat services and feel the sacred continuity of Jewish prayer in a place where it once had to be hidden.
    • Enjoy a relaxed and plentiful kosher Shabbat lunch at Sababa, shared with fellow travelers in celebration and rest.

    The rest of the day is yours to stroll through the artsy Ribeira district, sip tea by the river, or simply take time for reflection and renewal.

    Overnight: Hotel da Musica, Porto


    Day 8 – Gouveia & Belmonte: Hidden Roots

    We leave the coast behind and journey into Portugal’s mountainous interior to meet the communities that kept Judaism alive in secret:

    • In Gouveia, explore the immersive Casa da Vivência Judaica, where exhibits and storytelling unveil the lives of Portugal’s crypto-Jews.
    • Continue to Belmonte, where we visit the moving Jewish Museum and the restored Synagogue- symbols of revival in a place where rituals were passed down behind closed doors.

    Our overnight stay is at a peaceful monastery-turned-inn, where stone corridors and countryside views offer space for contemplation.

    Overnight: Hotel Pousada Convento de Belmonte


    Day 9 – Coimbra & Tomar: Intellect and Imagination

    Begin the day in Coimbra, a timeless center of knowledge and reflection:

    • Visit the Praça do Comércio and the beautiful Convento de Santa Cruz.
    • Explore the majestic University of Coimbra, including a visit to the Joanina Library, a baroque masterpiece filled with ancient texts and golden woodwork.
    • Walk through the medieval Jewish Quarter, imagining the lives once lived along these now quiet streets.
    • After a kosher-packed lunch, we continue to Tomar, former stronghold of the Knights Templar:
    • Step into the intimate Synagogue, now a museum of Jewish heritage.
    • Tour the extraordinary Convento de Cristo, with its octagonal rotunda and echoing cloisters that speak to both sacred mystery and artistic grandeur.


    Overnight: Hotel Vila Galé Collection, Tomar


    Day 10 – Lisbon: Discovery & Legacy

    Today we arrive in Lisbon, Portugal’s luminous capital and a city shaped by sailors, scholars, and saints:

    • Meander through the Alfama district, where the Jewish Quarter once thrived amidst steep hills and Fado melodies.
    • In Belém, see the grand Jerónimos Monastery and the storybook Belém Tower, reminders of Portugal’s age of exploration.
    • Conclude with a visit to the Lisbon Synagogue, a house of worship and cultural pride standing strong in the heart of the city.

    Evening is yours to perhaps dine at a scenic overlook, sharing stories with new friends beneath Lisbon’s golden glow.

    Overnight: Hotel Altis Avenida, Lisbon


    Day 11 – Évora: Stones of History

    Our final full day brings us to Évora, a city where Roman, Christian, Muslim, and Jewish histories intertwine:

    • Wander the ancient Jewish Quarter, imagining the rhythms of everyday life centuries ago.
    • Marvel at the solemn Roman Temple, a stark testament to the city’s deep roots.
    • Visit the Loios Monastery, Jesuit University, and the towering Évora Cathedral, each revealing a chapter in Portugal’s story.
    • Conclude in the Mouraria, a district echoing with the legacy of Muslim Iberia.

    We return to Lisbon for a farewell dinner, where we raise a glass to friendship, memory, and the lasting journey we've shared.

    Overnight: Hotel Altis Avenida, Lisbon


    Day 12 – Departure

    Enjoy a final breakfast before transferring to the airport. May the stories, memories, and connections we’ve made accompany you long after we part.

  • The Melton tour to Spain and Portugal will be led by Dr. Katherine Aron-Beller. Melton Travel is open to adults of all ages.

    While Melton oversees the educational aspects of our tours, it's important to note that we are not a travel agency. For the logistics of this trip, our travel partners in Portugal will be responsible.

    Please note that Melton is not liable for any financial loss due to reasons beyond our control, such as health-related cancellations. We highly recommend purchasing comprehensive travel insurance covering trip cancellation and health-related issues, including COVID, within a few weeks of paying your nonrefundable deposit.

    Thank you for your interest in travelling with Melton. We eagerly await the opportunity to learn and explore together with you.

    The Melton Travel Team


    Please contact us here if you would like to be notified when registration opens.

  • Price Includes:

    • 11 nights' accommodations/9 days of touring 
    • Deluxe air-conditioned bus 
    • 11 breakfasts, 1 lunch and 3 dinners 
    • All tips (except for housekeeping) 
    • All educational programming and entrance fees according to the itinerary
    • Flights from Seville to Porto 

     


    Hotels:

     

     

    Note: We will do our best to assist you with extensions both before and after the seminar.


    Not Included:

    • Flights (other than from Seville to Porto)
    • Personal insurance
    •  Personal expenses, including meals or drinks not mentioned in the itinerary, unless specified
  • Need to Know

    • Group rates are per person and a minimum of 15 fully paying participants. Should the number of participants drop below the minimum listed above, we may adjust the cost of the trip to reflect the additional expense of operating the program.
    • Tour prices are per person in U.S. dollars. All hotel accommodations, motor coach transportation, special dinners, sightseeing, admissions, luggage handling and the services of local guides, drivers, and the tour guide/educator are included.
    • A nonrefundable deposit of US$1,750 per person is due upon registration. If the trip is cancelled, the registration fee will be refunded. The final balance will be due by November 14, 2025.
    • Participants who reserve a double room and are sharing with a friend or family member will be subject to the single supplement if that person cancels prior to departure if final payment has not been paid.  
    • There will be no refunds for unused services. All cancellations must be submitted in writing.
    • Meals are included as indicated in the itinerary. Group rates are per person and a minimum of 15 fully paying participants.
    • A Melton educator will be with the group throughout the tour.
    • Activity level: Participants should be comfortable getting on and off a bus multiple times a day, as well as walking and standing during site visits. Some days may be more physically demanding than others. If a day’s activities are too challenging, our staff and educators will do their best to arrange for the traveler to stay with the driver, relax at a nearby café, or arrange for a taxi, with costs covered individually. Please note that Portugal has hilly terrain.
    • All gratuities are included.
    • Baggage: Melton shall not be held responsible for any damage to or loss of luggage/personal items. All damage/loss must be reported at time of incident and documented in writing by local authorities for submission to the insurance company. Regarding airline baggage allowance, different carriers have different regulations for business and coach, please check with your individual carrier about permitted number of pieces, weights, and dimensions. Melton is not responsible for fees levied by any air carrier for the transport of personal belongings of any kind.

    Not Included:

    Flights (other than from Seville to Porto)

    Personal insurance

    Personal expenses, including meals or drinks not mentioned in the itinerary, unless specified

  • Melton Travel recommends Forbes Advisor for the most up-to-date travel insurance comparisons. Consider travel protection for:

    • Trip Cancellation
    • Trip Interruption
    • Emergency Medical Expenses
    • Emergency Evacuation/Repatriation of Remains
    • Trip Delay
    • Baggage & Personal Effects
    • Baggage Delay

    Please Note: To be eligible for the waiver of pre-existing medical condition exclusion, the protection plan must be purchased within 21 days (about 3 weeks) from the time you make your initial trip deposit, the entire non-refundable amount of the trip must be insured, and you must be medically able to travel at the time the premium is paid. However, the travel protection plan itself can be purchased any time prior to departure.

    Additional Information

    Airline Security Measures: Your name must match the name on your tour reservation and airline ticket, or you may be denied boarding. If you are traveling from an airport outside the jurisdiction of the U.S., you will need to determine what travel documentation and identification are required for that airport.

    Due to heightened security regulations, certain items such as a metal nail file, pocketknife, cigarette lighter or tweezers, and some liquid, gel, or aerosol items may not be permitted in your carry-on luggage. Please call your airline prior to departure to obtain current information on non-permissible carry-on items and recommended airport check-in times. You may also wish to visit the Transportation Security Administration website at www.tsa.gov to obtain more information on acceptable identity documentation and prohibited luggage items.

    Holidays and Museum Closures: Museum visits and personal shopping time may be disrupted due to unforeseen circumstances or state and local holidays observed in the destinations being visited.

    Photography During Tours: We will occasionally use photographs taken by fellow guests or your trip director for promotional purposes. If you prefer your photo not used in any marketing activities, please notify us at the start of your tour.


  • Frequently Asked Questions ...

    IS THIS TRIP RIGHT FOR ME?

    Who are these trips for?

    Our programs are designed for adult travelers who enjoy meaningful learning, cultural exploration, and engaging with fellow travelers. We welcome individuals, couples, friends, and multi-generational families traveling with adult children or grandchildren.

    Our journeys are thoughtfully paced to balance learning, exploration, and free time, making them comfortable and rewarding for a wide range of travelers.

    Participants must be 18 years of age or older.

    ABOUT MELTON WORLD TRAVEL

    Why should I travel with Melton World Travel?

    Our journeys are led by experienced educators and local experts who bring depth, context, and perspective to each destination. Through guided exploration, learning sessions, discussions, and meaningful encounters with local residents, travelers gain a deeper understanding of the places they visit.

    We go beyond landmarks to include conversations with local communities, visits to cultural institutions, and opportunities to hear firsthand stories that bring each destination to life.

    Each itinerary is thoughtfully designed to balance iconic sites, immersive learning, authentic local experiences, and time to explore independently, creating a travel experience that is both enriching and rewarding.

    BOOKINGS, PAYMENTS & POLICIES

    How much is the deposit and when is final payment due?


    A deposit is required to reserve your place on the trip. Deposit amounts vary by program and are listed on the individual trip page.

    PREPARING FOR YOUR TRIP

    Do I need a visa?

    Visa requirements vary depending on your nationality, destination, and, in some cases, the countries through which you transit. Travelers are responsible for determining and obtaining any required visas and travel documents before departure.

    We recommend checking the requirements with the appropriate embassy or consulate well in advance of your trip. If you have questions or are unsure what is required, the Melton World Travel team is happy to serve as a resource and help guide you to the appropriate information and visa services.

    DURING THE TRIP

    What size are your groups?


    Group sizes vary by destination but are intentionally kept small, typically ranging from 15 to 25 participants. This allows for a more personal, engaging, and flexible travel experience.

    A minimum of 15 travelers is required for a trip to operate. Maximum group size depends on the destination and demand but is generally capped between 24 and 25 participants to ensure a comfortable, personal experience.

    We aim to keep groups small enough to allow meaningful connection and a high-quality travel experience, while also making space for more participants on particularly popular or bucket-list journeys.

    JEWISH PRACTICE & OBSERVANCE

    How is Shabbat observed during the trip?

    Shabbat is an important part of a Melton journey and is observed in ways that reflect the destination and itinerary. When possible, we include opportunities to enjoy Shabbat meals, attend services, participate in meaningful discussions or walking experiences, and enjoy time for rest, reflection, or personal observance.

    To respect a range of traditions and practices, we do not schedule group transportation on Shabbat. Travelers with specific Shabbat observance needs or questions are encouraged to contact us before registering so we can discuss whether a particular journey is the right fit.

    ISRAEL-SPECIFIC

    Is the trip suitable for first-time visitors to Israel?

    Absolutely. Many of our Israel journeys are designed with first-time visitors in mind, providing a meaningful introduction to the country while going far beyond the highlights. At the same time, returning travelers consistently tell us they discover new places, hear new stories, and gain fresh perspectives with every visit.

    Each itinerary has its own educational focus, so no two Melton journeys are exactly alike. Whether it is your first visit or your tenth, you'll experience Israel through the lens of history, culture, contemporary society, and meaningful encounters with the people who call it home.


    For more information ...

    For more information, please contact us here.

    T: 1–646–921–0747, Ext. 4