Spain: From Golden Age, Inquisition & Expulsion 

Join us on an unforgettable journey through Spanish Jewish history as we learn of the flourishing communities of the medieval golden age, the great scholars Maimonides and Ibn Gvirol, the profound struggles during the Inquisition and the heartbreaking expulsion of 1492. Explore enchanting cities like Toledo, Córdoba, and Granada as well Barcelona and Madrid. We will walk in the footsteps of Jewish luminaries, visit ancient synagogues, and discover hidden gems that tell the story of resilience and culture. 

Day 1: Thursday

Welcome onboard. Today you will:

– Meet your tour guide and fellow participants  
– Enjoy an opening lecture on the Jews of Spain

Overnight: Madrid

Day 2: Friday

Today you will visit Toledo, Spains former capital and a city steeped in Jewish history. There you will:  

– Explore the city’s cobble stoned medieval streets
– Take in the citys Jewish Quarter
– Visit the Sephardic Jewish Museum
– Marvel at the beautiful 14th century El Transito Synagogue 
– See the Synagogue of Santa Maria La Blanca
– Take in the city’s beautiful Cathedral. 

You will return to Madrid for Shabbat dinner with the local community

Overnight: Madrid

Day 3: Saturday

This morning you will enjoy a Shabbat friendly walking tour of Madrid. You will: 

– See Plaza De Mayor and hear stories of the Inquisition and executions that occured in the Plaza 
– Marvel at the Royal Palace 
– Take in Puerta De Sol 
– Explore the La Latina Quarter 
– Treat your senses at the Mercado De San Miguel 
– View the Opera House and Cathedral 
– Walk the streets of Madrid’s Old town 

In the afternoon you will have free time to explore at your own pace. 

Overnight: Madrid

Day 4: Sunday

This morning you will take an express train to Cordoba. There you will: 

– Learn about and see the statue of Maimonides, widely considered the greatest of all Rabbis 
– See the Cordoba Synagogue with its beautiful Mudejar design
– Visit the “Gate of the Jews” 
–  Explore the Casa Sefarad project which protects and raises awareness of Spanish Jewish history

Overnight: Cordoba 

9 January 2025 – 19 January 2025 

4 star + hotels (twin share): $5230 per person 
4 star + hotels (single room): $6790
5 star hotels (twin share): $5590 per person
5 star hotels (single room): $7290

13 March 2025 – 23 March 2025

4 star + hotels (twin share): $5230 per person 
4 star + hotels (single room): $6790
5 star hotels (twin share): $5590 per person
5 star hotels (single room): $7290

June 13 2025 – June 23 May  2025

4 star hotels (twin share): $5495 per person 
4 star hotels (single room): $7295
5 star hotels (twin share): $5890 per person
5 star hotels (single room): $7695

November 6 2025 – November 16 

4 star + hotels (twin share): $5230 per person 
4 star + hotels (single room): $6790
5 star hotels (twin share): $5590 per person
5 star hotels (single room): $7290 

Madrid 4 star hotel: Preciados Madrid 

Madrid 5 star hotel: Umusic Madrid 

Cordoba hotel: Eurostars Palace Hotel

Seville hotel:Amadeus Hotel 

Selected hotels
Breakfast daily 
All ground transport during tour hours
Flight from Granada to Barcelona
Expert tour leader and educator who will accompany group throughout tour 
Local tour guides in cities visited 
All site entry costs 
24 hour assistance as required 

1. Are the meals on your tours strictly Kosher?

   Your tour package includes breakfast at your hotel, while you are responsible for arranging your lunch and dinner.
   We generally eat at the regular hotel buffet which is not Kosher but does include vegetarian and Kosher options. If you need strictly Kosher meals, please talk to us and we will arrange them.  We usually break for lunch and dinner and stay in areas with multiple options that are strictly Kosher. We can also pre-arrange to provide you with pre-arranged Kosher lunches and dinners, although extra costs will apply.
   

2. I keep Shabbat – are your tours Shabbat-friendly?
   
   Our tours are Shabbat-friendly in that no included activity requires you to do anything prohibited on Shabbat – our tours on Saturday are all walking tours.  We do include walking tours on Saturday mornings. If you wish to attend a synagogue service, you may miss a tour, however, all participants are welcome to either attend or skip this tour.  

3. Will I have time to explore independently? 

   Absolutely – in each of the cities that you visit! 

4. What are your payment and cancellation policies? 
   
   

   Upon booking your tour, you will be asked to pay a deposit of 10% of the total tour cost. That amount is not refundable except at our absolute discretion.  The balance of the tour payment is due at least 31 days before the start of your tour. 

   If you cancel less than 31 days before your tour, but more than 14 days before your tour, you will be entitled to a 50% refund. If you cancel 14 days or less before the start of your tour, you will not be entitled to a refund except at our absolute discretion. 

   On some tours (including this one) we also offer discounts of up to 10% for customers who book their tour by paying in full upfront on the basis that the fee is not refundable. If you book on this basis you will not be entitled to any refund if you cancel your tour.  

5. Do I need travel insurance? 

   We do not sell travel insurance. However, we very strongly encourage you to purchase it upon booking your tour. Some countries may require proof of insurance as a condition of entry, and in our view, not having travel insurance exposes you to unnecessary risk.   

6. Do you arrange flights?
   
   We are generally ground-only travel operator. You should arrange your own flights and ensure that you meet the entry requirements of each country included in your tour. However on this tour we do include and book your flight from Granada to Barcelona. 
   
   
7. There are several of us booking. Can we have a discount?

   Please email us directly. 

Receive a discount of $50 by securing your place with a deposit of $150 now. 

Alternatively, contact us.