Small-Group Tour from Lisbon to Tomar Knights Templar History
4.8
569 Ratings
Lisboa
Explore medieval castles, embark on a boat trip, and uncover Knights Templar history on this immersive small-group tour from Lisbon to Tomar.
Duration: 9 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Castelo de Almourol - Begin your incredible medieval adventure at Almourol Castle, a renowned symbol of Portugal and one of its most iconic ‘postcards.’ Perched 18 meters (60 feet) above sea level, this small granite island measures 310 meters (1,000 feet) in length and 75 meters (245 feet) in width, situated in the middle of the Tagus River.
  • Tomar - Tomar was granted as a fief to the Templars and gained significant importance in the 15th century as a hub for Portuguese overseas expansion under Henry the Navigator, the Grand Master of the Order of Christ, the successor to the Templars in Portugal.

Here, you can explore the Church of Santa Maria do Olival, the headquarters of the Knights Templar and the pantheon of all Grand Masters.

  • Igreja de Santa Maria dos Olivais - Visit the Church of Santa Maria do Olival, the headquarters of the Knights Templar and the pantheon of all Grand Masters.
  • Convento de Cristo - Conclude your day in grand style at the Convent of Christ, a stunning monument and former Templar stronghold built under the orders of Gualdim Paes, now recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
What's Included
  • Boat ride to Almourol Castle (weather permitting)
  • Entrance and guided visit to Convent of Christ and Almourol Castle
  • Professional guide
  • Meeting Point - 8:00 AM - Praça da Figueira
  • Local pastry tasting
  • Small-group tour (max 8 people)
  • Transport by air-conditioned minivan
  • Drop-off at Marquês de Pombal
What's Not Included
  • Food and drinks (including meals), unless specified
  • Hotel Pick-Up & Hotel Drop-Off
  • Personal Expenses
  • Tips & Gratuities
Additional Information

We promise you a journey back in time, castles that were built by the legendary Knights Templar and then later used by the Knights of Christ, the guys that set up the Age of the Discoveries. At the first stop, there will be a short boat trip that will take the group to the island of the Almourol Castle, the most stunning medieval castle you can find in Portugal, with breathtaking views and sceneries around. Next the medieval journey will take you to Tomar, a city founded by the Knights Templar that turned out to be also important a few centuries after when Henry, the Navigator, was the leader of the Knights of Christ. In Tomar there is a stop at Santa Maria do Olival Church, former mausoleum of the Masters of Knights Templar in Portugal, and at the Convent of Christ, one of the most outstanding and important buildings for Portuguese history, an UNESCO site since 1983. It also includes a surprise to sweeten you mouth. Join the Knighthood!

  • Please contact the company at least 24 hours before the activity for exact Meeting point
  • Meeting points: 8:00 - Praça da Figueira or choose option with pick up
  • Drop off at Marquês de Pombal.
  • Please be reminded that there may be more than one language spoken during the tour (max. two languages).
  • English, Spanish and Portuguese are available all year round.
  • Please note that infants and children occupy a seat.
  • Infant seats are available on request if advised at time of booking.
  • Child rate applies only when accompanied by, at least, 1 paying adult.
  • Maximum of 8 persons per vehicle.
  • It’s a good idea to wear tennis shoes or other appropriate footwear for the tour and bring along a bottle of water. In summer bring your sunscreen and in winter it gets very cold so make sure you bring a jacket.
  • A minimum of 2 people and maximum of 8 people per booking is required: there is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation if there are not enough passengers to meet requirements. In the event of this occurring, you will be offered an alternative or full refund.
  • A moderate amount of walking is involved.
  • Boat ride is subject to favorable weather conditions. If canceled due to poor weather, you will be given an alternative.
  • In case of adverse weather conditions (e. g. heavy rain), the tour will not be canceled, unless there are warnings and alerts by official organisms.
  • We are not responsible for any traffic congestion in the city, resulting from cultural, sport and religious events, or even demonstrations / strikes, etc. However we will always offer alternatives to avoid these situations; one of them is to change the pick-up and drop-off locations. Unfortunately, this may be transmitted without prior notice.
Location
Praça da Figueira
8:00 - Front of the Statue
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.8
(569 Ratings)
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Cathy_c
Jun 27, 2024
Fantastic Tour and Leo is a wonderful 5-star guide! - Leo's knowledge of history was fantastic and was able to clearly explain (in excellent English) the complicated history of Portugal around the time of the Knight's Templar. The trip was very well paced and provided exceptional background and historical sites.
Review provided by Viator
P9700btpamh
Jun 26, 2024
Loved the tour so much we booked a second tour with Bruno! - Our tour guide, Bruno led an insightful and engaging tour of the Jeronimos Monastery. His ability to connect historical facts to make them relevant and personable added a whole new dimension to our sightseeing experience. His commitment to meeting the diverse interests of the group members was evident throughout the tour and ensured that everyone got the most out of the tour. It' was wonderful to have a guide who not only educates but also creates memorable experiences for his guests. We enjoyed the tour of the monastery so much that we booked his full day tour to Sintra the next day. Once again- an amazing tour. If you are in Lisbon, I highly recommend booking a tour with Bruno.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Will_c
Jun 26, 2024
Portugals history and the power and influence of the holy knights in its creation. - Honestly it was all so memorable. What really brought it to light was our excellent tour guide and driver. His knowledge and enthusiasm as well as sense of place was exceptional. Well done to Cooltours. It was captivating for my adult son and I. Agreat shared experience together. Highly recommended.
Review provided by Viator
Carol_f
Jun 25, 2024
Interesting and informative - Hugo, our guide was very friendly and knowledgeable about the topics covered on our tour. He was also kind in helping us with our elderly mother.
Review provided by Viator
Bonnie_v
Jun 23, 2024
A Trip Through History - The boat ride to the Almoural castle was fun; the castle was ancient and full of history; the tour in Tomar was fascinating, hearing the tales of what happened there over the centuries and being in the actual ancient buildings where the events happened
Review provided by Viator
Francine_o
Jun 21, 2024
Tomar Castle - Hugo was a great tour guide. He was very informative about the farming on the way to Tomar. He also brought us to a great local restaurant in Tomar for lunch . Great tour ! Don't miss it!
Review provided by Viator
Cherie_n
Jun 20, 2024
Knights Templa tour - The wonderful stories Francisco, our guide, told our group. He was very knowledgeable on Templar history. A great tour, would do it again.
Review provided by Viator
Daniel_b
Jun 16, 2024
Great tour ! - Great tour and great guide, I recommend this tour to everybody ! The guide had alot of knowledge about the Templor !
Review provided by Viator
Katie_g
Jun 11, 2024
Better beauty without the crowds - Stunning beauty. UNESCO site that's a must see. Easy location to get to, without crowds! Cheaper food prices than in the city. Relaxing pace.
Review provided by Viator
Achmint
Jun 21, 2024
Customers, f#+# them - Tour didn't go, not even informed about it, after 30 minutes waiting I called them, they say tour is not going, such awful customer service. Problem with van. They couldn't find a vehicle to transport 3 people in the whole damn world. Just BS! I get the feeling that either three customers weren't worth the hassel or they needed the van for another bigger group. But the total lack of communication was the worst.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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1 Adult
June 2024
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