Tomar and Almourol Knights Templar Day Private Tour from Lisbon
Description
Do you like heritage? Does the mysticism of the Knights Templar interest you? Then take this private tour and get to know Tomar and Almourol, the 800-year-old seats of the Knights Templar in Portugal. Totally hassle-free. Take benefit of our included pick-up and drop-off service and set off in a luxury SUV from anywhere in the Greater Lisbon area. Go at your own pace, but expect a long day of learning as you cross historic lands, see iconic monuments of Portuguese history, today a UNESCO World Heritage Site, learn tales and even cruise a river to a medieval castle. Curious? - Take the opportunity to visit The Convent of Christ, UNESCO World Heritage Site. - Discover Tomar, home to Portugal's greatest Templar history. - Discover two 800-year-old Templar castles and travel through history. - Be dazzled by the views on a visit to Almourol Castle, built right on a riverbed. - Learn and be inspired by centuries of history and world-class heritage.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Depart from anywhere in the Greater Lisbon area on this no-rush private tour. Our journey begins towards Tomar, the greatest home of Templar history in Portugal. A comfortable 90-minute highway ride awaits you and this will be the longest drive of the day. No worries, there's always room for a rest stop. Let's go!
On arrival to Tomar we will visit its jewels, namely the Castle of Tomar and the Convent of Christ. As well as other beauties, you'll have the chance to see the Charola, which is one of the best of the rare examples of a circular church in the world, and to see the Janela do Capítulo window, which in the originality of its decorative work depicts in art the greatness of the kingdom of Portugal at the time of the Discoveries. As was the criterion for being classified as a World Heritage Site, the site had to be representative of a masterpiece of humanity's creative genius.
We leave the castle and the convent and go to stroll and wind through some of the streets of the Historic Center of Tomar to discover more historical and Templar references, learn how the local community still vibrates with Templar culture and feel the pleasantness of the river and the picturesque corners of the town.
(OPTIONAL) It's lunchtime. Although it is not included in the tour program, we have set aside time in the program for it. We'll take care of these details once you've booked the tour.
This is followed by a visit to the Templar castle of Almourol. And what an experience it will be. First you have to take a boat across the river to access and visit the castle, which is built on a rocky island in the riverbed. Don't worry, though. We'll take care of everything and the river trip is quick and pleasant. You can wander around the castle, climb the towers and walls and enjoy the beautiful views from high up. All this while learning about the history and importance of this castle in the construction of the kingdom of Portugal 900 years ago and over the centuries. Please note that the boat trip is not private and sometimes you have to wait a while, as the boat has a specific schedule.
(OPTIONAL) Before heading back to Lisbon, for the true fans of the mysticism of the Knights Templar, who want to learn even more about them and this era, we'll do a short detour and visit the Knights Templar Interpretive Center next. It will be worthwhile and we guarantee that at the end of the day you will have a full knowledge of this age of knights. This visit is optional yet ticket is included and you can decide whether or not to visit along the way. It's up to you. We're here for you.
It's time to head back to Lisbon. The journey takes between 8 and 10 hours, depending on the optional visits you make and whether you decide to have lunch on site. As a matter of transparency, we would like to inform you that in addition to the added time of 4h00m hours given to the attractions listed in the itinerary, the remaining time announced refers to 4h00m hours for the total travel time. Consider 2 hours extra for the moments listed as lunchtime and optional visits. By the way... we'd like you to know that by choosing us you're choosing a free tour for children under 11 and a 100% sustainable car trip, as all GHG emissions generated are fully offset.
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
To meet your driver-guide look around for a curious and funny "a" which he/she will hold on his/her shirt, hat or eventually in his/her hand. If you're in a hotel, please wait in the hotel lobby. If you are staying in another type of accommodation, please wait by the main door at street level.
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- By choosing this private activity, you're choosing a free tour for children under 11 and a 100% sustainable car trip, as all GHG emissions generated are fully offset.
- The Operator is licensed by the Portuguese Tourism Authority and complies with all legal health, safety and insurance regulations.
- It is mandatory to book 1 seat per child, regardless of age and even if it is mentioned that it is free.
- Not recommended for small children unused to travelling by car (up to 1H between stops, up to 10H for the day).
- All the highlights of this tour are easily accessible. However, there may be some attractions with more limited accessibility.
- Not allowed to travel with non-folding wheelchairs or strollers.
- All the walks are relatively short and of easy-to-moderate physical demand. Participants do not need to have a high level of physical fitness.
- Expect a 8-10 hours journey, depending on the pace you want to go and the optional visits you make.
- Primarily, but not guaranteed, this tour takes place in a Volvo SUV or a Mercedes-Benz C-Class sedan.
- For reasons beyond the control of the Tour Operator, it reserves the right to alter or cancel any service without prior notice due to the impossibility of carrying it out. It further informs that in the event of impossibility of access, by road or on foot, to any site or impossibility of visit to any attraction listed in the itinerary, the customer will not be entitled to any refund.
- By booking this Activity: you acknowledge that photographs and videos may be taken during the Activity; you consent that these may be published by the Tour Operator, either online or offline; and you agree to waive any rights of ownership or earnings at any time over these records. If you do not accept this, simply inform the Tour Guide on arrival at the start of the Activity.
Reviews(7)
This tour rocks, 15 stars!!! We decided to choose a private tour after contemplating a small group tour that became unavailable against our schedule. After researching multiple tours and reading lots of reviews for six-months, we finally made a decision. While not knowing what our tour guide would be like, we were pleasantly surprised when we met Marco the morning of the tour. Marco has a wealth of knowledge on the history of the Knights Templar and their castles, which made the tour memorable by the engaging discussions. Another memorable detail during this tour was the break for lunch. Marco took us to a small restaurant in Tomar that was amazing. We went with the specials of the day local fare which were beyond delicious! That was when we discovered a great tasting locally produced olive oil. We convinced Marco to stop by a supermarket to purchase some on our way to Almourol. Can’t go wrong choosing this private tour which comes with a clean/comfortable air-conditioned modern vehicle. We were totally satisfied and would have Marco as tour guide the next time we’re in Lisbon. Marco is awesome… book this tour and ask for him!
We’re speechless. What a review! We’re so happy to hear that this tour exceeded your expectations and that our guide, Marco, took it to another level. It was a pleasure having you on board. Thank you for your curiosity, your recommendation, and the 15 stars! 🤩
I highly recommend Marco; we had a very enjoyable day filled with learning with friends. He is very knowledgeable in his field. He is a very endearing person; we maintain a friendly contact.
Quel beau commentaire. Merci beaucoup. Enchanté de vous accueillir à bord et d'avoir eu l'occasion de vous faire découvrir l'histoire du Portugal. Merci beaucoup pour votre curiosité et pour votre recommandation.
We had an exceptional day with Marco in Portugal! An extremely professional, passionate, and engaging guide, with remarkable knowledge of the history of the Templars, which he shares with enthusiasm and authenticity. Thanks to him, we discovered beautiful places filled with culture, history, and beauty. An enriching and unforgettable experience that I highly recommend to anyone wishing to partake in a unique activity in Portugal. Thank you again, Marco, for this wonderful day!
Quel beau commentaire ! Nous sommes ravis de savoir que ce fut une journée exceptionnelle. Ce fut un immense plaisir de vous accueillir à bord et de vous faire découvrir l'histoire des Templiers au Portugal, ainsi qu'un patrimoine unique, le tout ponctué d'une touche d'aventure ☺️ sur le fleuve. Merci pour votre curiosité et votre recommandation.
We had a great time on this tour with Marco. He was very friendly and we learned a lot from him about the Templars and Portugal. His vehicle was very comfortable for 5 adults. He also provided water and snacks. We would love to take another tour with him if we had more time.
Thank you very much. I'm glad to hear you had a great time. It was a pleasure to show you and your family around the Portuguese lands of the Knights Templar. Thank you for your curiosity and now for your recommendation.
We had a great time. Our tour guide was friendly and knowledgable. We learned a lot about the Templars and Portugal. The vehicle was very comfortable for 4 adults. Snacks and water were provided. We would definitely book with this tour group again. Thank you Marco.
Thank you very much for your comments. It was a pleasure to show you and your family around the Portuguese lands of the Knights Templar. Thank you for your curiosity and now for your recommendation.
The tour exceeded my expectations in all respects. From comfortable transportation to Marco’s warm welcome. Everything was very well organized. The visit to Tomar and the Castle of Almourol was simply fascinating, immersing us in the atmosphere of the Templar Knights, with a wealth of historical and symbolic details. The duration of the tour was appropriate, allowing you to enjoy each stop without rush. The peaceful climate of the places visited, with little crowding, made the experience even more special. The guide Marco demonstrated great knowledge, responding with attention and patience to all questions. I highly recommend it to those who wish to unite history, spirituality and contemplation in one day. Ideal for families, groups of friends or even for those who travel for work and seek a cultural breath.
Muito obrigado pelos comentários extraordinários e recomendação. Muito contente por saber que o tour superou todas as expectativas. Foi um prazer passear-vos e partilhar convosco todo este património histórico e lendário. Obrigado pelo vosso interesse e curiosidade.
Fantastic wealth of knowledge provided by Marco. We had a wonderful day exploring and learning all about Portugal Templar, order of Christ, landmarks, castle building, and a lot of culture history. I would recommend this trip to anyone who wants to explore the area in a relaxed and casual setting, with a great chauffer. 10 out of 10
Thank you very much for your comments and for seeing it as worthwhile. I am happy that you had a wonderful day of discovery and learning. It was a pleasure to tour you around and reveal some of Portugal's heritage landmarks and historical moments. Thanks for the recommendation.
