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Private tour in Porto Susana A
PORTO JEWISH HERITAGE TOUR | HIDDEN HISTORY & RESILIENCE
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4 hours
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4 hours
1
Susana A.
5.0
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29
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5 hrs
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Hello! Olá! I’m Izzy, and thank you for stopping by. Hopefully the next stop is Porto. 😊 Originally from Lisbon, Porto stole my heart back in 1998 when I moved here to study Biology. Somewhere between microscopes and food safety research, I had a realization: spending my life in a laboratory wasn’t for me. I missed people, conversation, and stories. So I followed another passion and moved to Paris, where I trained in Image, Communication and Protocol in Politics & Business. While working in those fields, I was invited to organize and accompany private tours in Portugal. That experience changed everything. I discovered what I truly loved: connecting people with places. Although I divide my time between Lisbon and Porto, Porto has been home for more than half my life. And this city is more than beautiful. It has soul. My tours are rooted in history but brought to life through storytelling. I don’t focus on memorizing dates or repeating tourist myths. Instead, I share the human stories behind the city: the people, the decisions and the moments that shaped Portugal. With me you won’t hear dramatic but false legends repeated just because they sound good. What you will get is authenticity, context and a deeper understanding of Portuguese culture. Because when you truly understand a place, you experience it differently. If you’re looking to go beyond the surface and discover the real Porto - its history, culture, food and character - I would be delighted to guide you. And if you’re comparing tours, I’ll leave you with a quote often attributed to Warren Buffett: “Price is what you pay. Value is what you get.” Hope to meet you soon in Porto. Izzy
Have a question or want to customize this tour? Message Susana A.
Discover Porto’s hidden Jewish story of faith, courage and survival.
Overview of your Porto tour
Much of Porto’s Jewish history is hidden in plain sight. On this private walking tour, we uncover the fascinating story of Porto’s Jewish community from the Middle Ages to the present day. Walking through historic streets, you’ll discover former Jewish quarters later transformed into “New Christian” neighbourhoods, learn how traces of this past still survive in the city’s architecture and hear the remarkable story of Artur Barros Basto, who helped revive Jewish life in Porto, and the extraordinary courage of Sousa Mendes, the Portuguese diplomat who saved around 30,000 lives during World War II. More than a historical tour, this experience reveals powerful stories of identity, resilience, and courage, perfect for travellers interested in Jewish heritage and Porto’s hidden history beyond the famous landmarks. Note This private tour can be extended to include a visit to Porto’s synagogue upon request. Just send me a message and I will be happy to provide details, availability, and pricing.
Your Porto tour itinerary
Meet your private guide at your accommodation and begin a fascinating journey into Porto’s hidden Jewish past. Start at the Cathedral, the city’s most important medieval religious landmark, built at Porto’s highest point. From here we descend into the atmospheric medieval quarters, once home to Porto’s oldest Jewish community. Walk through narrow streets where Jewish merchants, scholars and families once lived, and discover the Vitória Staircase, also known as the “Esnoga Stairs,” which once led to the Olival synagogue. Visit the site of Porto’s secret medieval synagogue and learn about the Jewish community before and during the Inquisition. Enjoy panoramic views over the Douro River at Vitória's viewpoint before continuing to Porta do Olival, where Inquisition autos-da-fé once took place. The tour concludes at Passeio das Virtudes, overlooking the “Mount of the Jews,” believed to be near the location of a former synagogue and Jewish cemetery. Return comfortably to your accommodation.
Want to customize this tour?
Tell your guide which places matter to you, skip what doesn't, and tailor the experience for your group's needs. Not finding what you want? Message your guide to build something unique.
Transport details
Type: Walking
This tour only includes Hotel/Accommodation pick-up and drop-off, by private car with driver. For groups larger than 6 passengers, please contact me.
What's included
What's not included
Meeting location
Terreiro da Sé, Porto, Porto, 4050-573, Portugal
At the Cathedral's main entrance.
- You can request a different meeting location (for example, your hotel) during the checkout process.
Other details
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Tour reference number
Languages
Portuguese
EnglishActivity level
Accessibility
Frequently asked questions
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4 hours
1
Tour date
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4 hours
1
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Book with a deposit
If your tour is valued over $200 USD and booked at least 45 days before the tour date, you can book with a deposit!
How it works
- Your credit card will be authorized only for the deposit amount.
- Funds will not be withdrawn until your tour booking is fully processed.
- 30 days before your tour date, the remaining balance is automatically charged.