Templar River: Tomar and Almourol Shared Tour
Description
Step into the world of the Knights Templar on a full-day journey through Tomar and Almourol where history, legend, and architecture intertwine. Travel north from Lisbon to Almourol Castle, a fairytale fortress rising from a tiny island in the Tagus River. Glide across calm waters on a short boat ride and climb its ancient towers, once guarded by Templar knights during the Iberian Crusade — a campaign that helped shape the birth of Portugal. Arrive in Tomar, a land once given to the Templars by Portugal’s first king and the former headquarters of the Order, and explore its medieval streets and sacred sites. Visit the 12th-century Church of Santa Maria dos Olivais, resting place of Templar Masters. Climb to the majestic Convent of Christ, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Discover the Templar Charola (rotunda), and the iconic Manueline window — symbols of a legacy that outlived the Order itself. Enjoy free time to explore the Convent and its surroundings before returning to Lisbon.
Tour Options
Itinerary
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Meet your Around Lisbon guide at your Hotel or Apartment and head to Tomar, on a road trip that should take about 1 hour. When there, we will go directly to the Templar Castle and the Convento de Cristo Monastery and get amazed by this magnificent monument filled with history. Descent to the city of Tomar and visit the old town passing by the old Synagogue, the oldest in Portugal. You’ll have the chance to walk around and find some of the most unique buildings in the city, as well some free time to enjoy your lunch (not included).
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Leaving Tomar, we’ll head on to Constância, where Luís de Camões - the most famous Portuguese poet - is said to have lived. There, enjoy the magnificent views of the onfluence of Zêzere and Tejo rivers. Take a small boat ride in the Tagus River calm waters up to the unique Almourol Castle island, where you’ll have some more free time to explore. Then, take the beautiful roads that follow the Tagus River south, crossing the Ribatejo plains and passing by Golegã (horse riding capital of Portugal) and Santarém (gothic capital of Portugal), before taking the return route back to Lisbon.
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Visit Santa Maria dos Olivais Church, the original Templars base in Tomar.
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
We'll pick you up at your Hotel or Apartment, or even the Port or the Airport. Please note that you may need to join us at a nearby meeting point, in some areas of the city where we can't reach your address. Please contact our team previously to assure all necessary arrangements.
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Reviews(29)
This was a truly historic experience with a guide who brought it to life. A great discovery. Be prepared with good shoes!
We took the tour on a whim not knowing a whole lot about Tomar and it's history. we were so glad we did it afterwards. Our guide was super knowledgeable on the history of the area and the Knights of Templar. If you have the time for a day-trip from Lisbon I highly recommend this one!
This was a great day of sightseeing. Our guide, Tiago, was super informative and made the day very interesting.
Great history and relevant feedback from our guide. Van was comfortable and good company with other travelers
Our guide, Oriana, was amazing!!! She is so knowledgeable about the history of Tomar (the town as well as the Templar Castle and the Convento de Cristo Monastery), Almourol Castle and the Knights Templar. I booked this tour based on the interesting looking places to be visited with little more than a basic knowledge of the Knights Templar. After spending the day with Oriana I had a much better appreciation of the history behind the interesting looking places. She also provided a great recommendation for lunch (not included in the tour price). After lunch we also had some free time to explore Tomar on our own). I would highly recommend this tour (and if possible, request Oriana as your guide).
Had a brilliant day with out guide who was very informative and attentive from the early morning till the end of the day. We had a last minute hiccup before the trip started and ended up needing to bring our luggage with us the company were very obliging to accommodate our bags etc. On our trip as a group of four was very relaxed given plenty of time to check out all that was to see. Our guide was very patient as at time we had scattered lost in the history or the views and he was able to round us up like a mother hen bring us back to coup. Even ensured we had the right tickets etc. For the next leg of our journey. Brilliant trip well worth the money. Only disappointment was the gift shop at the castle. Couldn't see and books in English on the castle, though may have missed them. Thank you for a great day
As a history buff, the Templars have long been a fascinating subject for me. Visiting Almourol and Tomar was absolutely captivating. Our guide had an incredibly deep knowledge of Templar history and Portuguese history generally. And at the same time was incredibly gracious. Thank you!
This is a wonderful day trip. Tomar, Tomar Castle and Convento de Cristo, and the surrounding area of Portugal, are beautiful, and Almourol Castle is very interesting as well. Our tour guide, Joao, did a fantastic job. Even though we could not sail over to Almourol Castle due to the high water level and fast-flowing river, Joao had a backup plan to go to a historic church in Tomar where the headstones of former Templars are located. I would absolutely recommend this tour.
Was amazing trip Daniel was a great tour guide with excellent knowledge and sense of humor. Took the extra step on everything we saw and did. Would use this company again no problem
Visiting the area of the Knights Templar was the most memorable, especially being were are decedent of the King of the Knights Templar. Joao (John) was an excellent guide. He was very knowledgeable, friendly and courtesy.
