OVERVIEW 

While the Crusades to the Holy Land dominate History books, few realize that another crusade—also blessed by the Pope—was unfolding simultaneously in the Iberian Peninsula. It was here, far from the sacred lands of the East, that the Templars not only fought but also played a pivotal role in shaping a new nation: Portugal. And it was here, amidst these rugged landscapes, that they found refuge after their dramatic downfall.

Step into the beauty and history of Tomar, once the epicenter of Templar power in Portugal, and lose yourself in the enchanting Almourol Castle, a fairy-tale fortress rising majestically from the waters of the Tagus River.

HIGHLIGHTS 

• Explore the lands given to the Templars to defend and populate, and board on a boat ride to Almourol Castle
• Ride along the confluence of Tejo and Zêzere rivers, that made a natural border of vital importance
• Visit Tomar, one of Portugal's historical jewels and the main Templar town, where they founded their head Church, Santa Maria dos Olivais
• Climb up to the Templar Castle of Tomar and learn about the Templar hero of Portugal: Master Gualdim Pais
• Discover the monumental work of the Convent of Christ, headquarters for the Order of Christ, who succeeded the Templars

WHAT CAN YOU EXPECT 

Meet your Around Lisbon guide and drive North for about 1h30 to Almourol Castle, a Templar fairytale-like fortress perched on an island in the Tagus River, while learning about the Iberian Crusade and the foundation of a new country: Portugal.

Glide across the Tagus River’s calm waters to the Castle and climb the little island to explore the castle’s rugged towers and imagine Templar knights guarding this strategic outpost.

Follow along the margins of Tagus river until the confluence with Zêzere river, the frontier separating Christians from Muslims, on the way to Tomar City. Cross the lands given to the Templars to defend and populate, as the first King of Portugal, Afonso Henriques, tried to expand the territory to the South.

Enjoy free time to wander Tomar’s cobbled streets, passing medieval and Manueline churches, and savor a local lunch (cost not included).

In the afternoon, make a short visit to Santa Maria dos Olivias Church, dating back to the XII century, where many Templar Masters were buried. Learn how the Templars started a city from old Roman ruins, and how they were behind the breakthrough process of the Portuguese Discoveries.

Finally, climb the hill to the Tomar Castle, built by the heroic Master Gualdim Pais, where Templar techniques and innovations were used. Your guide will show you the astonishing  Charola Church (Templar rotunda) and the iconic Manueline window in the Christ Convent, while telling you all about the evolution of this magnificent UNESCO World Heritage site.

Take some free time to explore the rest of the Convent, before heading back to Lisbon where your tour ends.

 PRIVATE TOUR

1-2 Persons - 350€ | 3-4 Persons - 420€ | 5-6 Persons - 480€ | 7-8 Persons - 540€

Prices per group in Euros 

SHARED TOUR

80€ (with a minimum of 3 participants)

Prices per person in Euros 

INCLUDED

 Hotel pickup and drop-off

Around Lisbon expert guide

Transport by air-conditioned minivan

Wi-Fi on board the minivan

Complimentary bottle of water

Entrance ticket to Convento de Cristo

Boat ride and entrance ticket to Almourol Castle

Accident and liability insurance

NOT INCLUDED

Lunch

Food and Drinks

Other extras not mentioned

 PRIVATE TOUR

  EVERYDAY, except Mondays.

  SHARED TOUR

  Tuesdays and Thursdays.

 LANGUAGE OPTIONS

 PRIVATE TOUR: English, French or Portuguese

SHARED TOUR: English

RECOMMENDATIONS

• Departure point: your centrally located Lisbon hotel
• Departure time 9h30am (exact pickup time will be confirmed within 48h prior to the tour)
• Duration 8 hours (approximately)
• Returns to original departure point at approximately 7pm

Mathladyca [February 2020]

This tour sounded so different than the usual mass tourist site of Sintra. I had some knowledge of the Knights Templar. After some research I found "Around LIsbon" and signed up for the tour. It was a pleasant and welcome surprise that I was the only one on the tour. The guide and his Scottish intern were the other two people. Thanks Around Lisbon for not cancelling. Classy company.
The guide ( and I apologize that I have forgotten his name) was a wealth of knowledge. Even learned about eucalyptus trees. The Convento is a marvelous heritage structure. The small chapel was impressive and the architectural details of the complex worth a visit especially within the history of the Knights.
Tomar is a small but interesting town. Wish we had more time. Shops closed for " lunch" is not tourist friendly.
Almoural Castle island was a step back to the history of the area that needs to be promoted more as a day destination from Lisbon.

DeAnn, T [December 2019]

I can’t say enough about this tour company and the quality tour guides they hire. We changed our minds at the last minute from a day to Fatima to the Castle in Tomar. They accommodated at the last minute and made sure our tour guide João was on board. João was an incredible historian and we learned so much history in one day. The Castle in Tomar was glorious and lunch in the quaint city was delicious. It felt like such a relief to put trust into a tour company and not feel taken advantage of or slighted. The tour was an all day event and worth every penny. Felt like a college history class but without the boring lecture! We loved every minute of this tour and João was a superb guide.

Shiangmay [August 2019]

As a solo traveller in Portugal using solely public transport, it was difficult finding affordable group tours that would allow me to explore the more remote towns efficiently. This Tomar/Almoural day tour was absolutely wonderful...there were 3 of us (all solo travellers) and we were picked up at our various accomodations and dropped off as well at the end of the day. The places we visited were magical especially the Convent of Christ. And our guide/driver was friendly and knowledgeable. Highly recommended