Tomar & the Templar Knights: A Private Heritage Discovery

This exclusive 8-hour private journey is crafted for curious travellers who crave history beyond the usual Lisbon and Sintra highlights. Venture off the beaten path to Tomar, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and immerse yourself in the captivating legacy of the Templar Knights, a side of Portugal few get to experience.

Destaques

  • Marvel at the grandeur of the Convento de Cristo, Portugal’s largest monumental complex and a true architectural wonder;
  • Uncover the secrets behind Friday the 13th, 1307, and the pivotal role of Pope Clement V in Templar history;
  • Discover the fascinating transformation from the “Templários” to the legendary “Ordem de Cristo”;
  • Be enchanted by the fairytale Almourol Castle, dramatically perched on an island in the middle of the Tagus River;
  • Stand in awe of the Aqueduct of the Convent of Christ, the largest and most impressive aqueduct in Portugal.

Preço

185€ per person (minimum 2)
Free tour for children up to 3 years old;
50% off for children between 4 and 12 years old.

Duração

7 hours

This tour is a dream for history lovers, guiding you through a tapestry of eras, from Roman times and Moorish rule to the medieval age and modern Portugal. After a comfortable drive from Lisbon (just under two hours), you’ll arrive in Tomar, a city where every stone tells a story.

Step into the Convento de Cristo, once the stronghold of the Templar Knights and a masterpiece of Renaissance architecture. Built in 1160 by D. Gualdim Pais, Grand Master of the Order of the Temple, this UNESCO site dazzles with its blend of styles, mystical atmosphere, and iconic features like the “Charola” (the original Templar church) and the world-renowned “Janela do Capítulo” (Manueline style), a tribute to Portugal’s Age of Discovery.

Next, explore the awe-inspiring Aqueduct of the Convent of Christ, constructed in 1593 to supply water to the convent. This engineering marvel, completed in 1619, is one of Portugal’s most complex and beautiful aqueducts.

On your return to Lisbon, you’ll pause at the mystical Castelo de Almourol. Conquered in 1129 by King D. Afonso Henriques, this fortress rises from a granite island in the Tagus, evoking the dawn of Portugal and the enduring mystique of the Templars. Its strategic location once protected the kingdom’s heartlands and adds an air of romance and legend to your adventure. The importance of the castle was to settle the territory between the Mondego and Tagus rivers, defending the then capital of Portugal, Coimbra.

  • Convenient pick-up and drop-off at your Lisbon hotel/Airbnb or cruise port;
  • Entrance tickets and a guided visit to the Convento de Cristo;
  • Stop and visit the Aqueduct of the Convent of Christ;
  • Stop and see the Castelo de Almourol;
  • A private guide dedicated to your group, offering expert insights at every site;
  • Comfortable transportation by air-conditioned car or van.
  • Lunch and any other items not mentioned in the description.
  • The scenic drive from Lisbon to Tomar takes about 1 hour and 45 minutes each way;
  • Wear comfortable shoes, bring sunscreen, and don’t forget your camera, there’s beauty at every turn!;
  • National monuments may close on public holidays or for special events without prior notice;
  • The order of visits may change depending on weather conditions;
  • When booking, hotel/Airbnb guests should provide their accommodation details; cruise passengers should share their ship name and boarding times.

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