Small-Group Tour from Lisbon to Tomar Knights Templar History

Travel into the medieval past of Portugal with this small-group tour from Lisbon to Tomar that focuses on the Knights Templar. Priced at $127.44 per person, the 9-hour experience offers a close look at some of Portugal’s most significant historical sites. With a maximum of 8 guests, this tour emphasizes personalized attention, guided by knowledgeable local guides, including standout figures such as Leo, Rui, Hugo, and Francisco. The tour is ideal for those interested in crusades, Templar history, or simply exploring less crowded, authentic sites.

Participants can expect pickup options, a boat ride (weather permitting), visits to Almourol Castle, the Convent of Christ, and the Church of Santa Maria do Olival—all rich in history and architectural grandeur. While the journey involves moderate walking and some stairs, the experience rewards visitors with stunning views, fascinating stories, and the chance to explore Portugal’s lesser-known treasures.

Key Points

• Price: $127.44 per person for a comprehensive 9-hour small-group tour
• Max group size: 8 people for a more personalized experience
• Main stops: Almourol Castle, Convent of Christ, Church of Santa Maria do Olival
• Highlights: Boat cruise to Almourol Castle, UNESCO World Heritage Site visits, expert guides with deep knowledge
• Physical requirements: Moderate walking and stairs, suitable for those able to handle irregular terrain
• Booking: Usually booked 56 days in advance, with flexible cancellation up to 24 hours prior

The Tour Overview: From Lisbon to the Knights of Templar Sites

This 9-hour guided tour begins with a pickup in central Lisbon or an option for hotel pickup. Travelling in an air-conditioned minivan, the small group heads north toward the historic sites of Tomar, a city historically linked to the Knights Templar. Along the way, learn about how the Templars used the Tagus River to defend their territory.

The first stop features a boat cruise to Almourol Castle, built on a granite island in the Tagus River. This 18-meter-high fortress offers a classic Portugal postcard view, and visitors can explore inside its medieval stone walls. The boat ride is weather-dependent but typically provides a scenic introduction to the site.

Exploring Almourol Castle: Portugal’s Iconic Water Castle

Almourol Castle is famed for its setting on a tiny island in the Tagus River. The castle’s distinctive granite construction and strategic location made it a key Templar stronghold. At 310 meters long and 75 meters wide, it offers a compact but powerful glimpse into medieval defense architecture. Visitors can walk through its walls and battlements, soaking in the views of the river and imagining its role in protecting Portugal’s borders.

The boat cruise to the fortress is a highlight, offering photo opportunities of the castle’s isolated position and the surrounding landscape. The admission is included, and the site is often quiet, providing an excellent chance for reflection and photo taking.

Discovering the Town of Tomar: The Heart of the Knights Templar

Following Almourol, the group travels to Tomar, a city shaped by Templar influence. The town features fewer crowds, making it easier to explore key sites. The Church of Santa Maria do Olival, constructed in the 12th century, served as the headquarters of the Knights Templar in Portugal and is the final resting place for many Grand Masters. The Gothic-style church impresses with its stone vaults and historical significance.

In the city center, the four monuments arranged in a crucifix pattern symbolize the Templar’s religious and military mission. The guide shares stories about how the knights used religious codes to build the city, giving visitors insight into their secular and spiritual ambitions.

Exploring the Convent of Christ: A UNESCO World Heritage Site

The Convent of Christ is the tour’s centerpiece and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built initially as a Templar fortress and later expanded, it showcases Gothic, Manueline, and Romanesque architecture. Gualdim Pâes, a Templar master, ordered its construction, and it served as a religious and military hub.

Visitors spend about 90 minutes exploring its churches, cloisters, and defensive walls. The interior details and architectural styles reveal the complex history of the Knights Templar’s influence in Portugal. It’s a site that combines religious devotion with military strength, offering a comprehensive view of Templar life.

Lunch Break at a Local Restaurant

After visiting the Convent of Christ, the tour pauses for a lunch break at a local restaurant (own expense). This is an opportunity to enjoy Portuguese cuisine or relax before continuing the day’s exploration. The pace of the tour is designed to balance guided visits with free time, so visitors can soak in the atmosphere at their own speed.

Visiting the Church of Santa Maria do Olivais

Next, the tour visits Igreja de Santa Maria dos Olivais, a 12th-century Gothic church built for the Knights Templar. It’s notable for its stunning architecture, interior artwork, and historical ties to the Templar Order. The guide provides insights into the church’s religious significance and architectural features.

This site offers a visual contrast to the more fortified sites, highlighting spiritual life versus military endeavors. The admission is included, making it easy for visitors to explore at their own pace.

Return Journey to Lisbon with Cultural Insights

After completing the visits, your small group heads back to Lisbon, typically arriving around early evening. The return trip allows for rest and reflection on the day’s discoveries. The guide shares additional cultural insights about the Knights Templar’s legacy in Portugal and the region’s history, enriching the experience as the journey concludes.

Practical Details: Logistics and Comfort

The tour starts at 8:00 am in Praça da Figueira with an optional hotel pickup. The air-conditioned minivan maintains a small group size (up to 8 people), ensuring personalized service. The boat ride to Almourol Castle is weather-dependent, and cancellation due to bad weather may occur, with alternative arrangements provided.

Participants are advised to wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking over uneven terrain and to bring water, sunscreen, and a jacket if needed. The tour involves moderate physical activity, including stairs and hilly streets.

Who Will Appreciate This Tour?

This experience is perfect for history enthusiasts, especially those interested in the Knights Templar or medieval architecture. The small-group format appeals to travelers seeking personalized attention and less crowded sites. It’s an ideal day trip if you want to avoid large crowds and explore hidden historical gems at a relaxed pace.

However, mobility challenges should be considered, as some sites involve steep stairs and irregular paths. The boat ride is also weather-dependent, so flexibility is recommended.

Exploring Portugal’s Knights Templar Sites with Confidence

This small-group tour from Lisbon to Tomar combines history, architecture, and scenic views in a well-paced day. The expert guides ensure that each site’s significance is clearly explained, making it accessible even for visitors with no prior knowledge. The included visits to the Almourol Castle and Convent of Christ provide a comprehensive look at the Templar’s influence in Portugal.

Despite the long drive and some physical demands, the quiet sites, stunning vistas, and engaging storytelling make this tour worthwhile. It suits those who prefer a more intimate experience over crowded attractions, and who want to understand the strategic, religious, and cultural aspects of the Knights Templar.

Frequently Asked Questions

How early should I book this tour?
Most bookings are made about 8 weeks in advance, with the tour typically booked 56 days ahead.

What is the tour price?
The cost is $127.44 per person, covering all major site admissions, transportation, and a guided experience.

What should I bring for the tour?
Bring comfortable walking shoes, water, sunscreen in summer, and a jacket in winter. The boat ride is weather-dependent, so check weather conditions.

Are there any physical requirements?
Yes, moderate physical activity is involved, including stairs and walking on uneven terrain. It may not be suitable for those with mobility challenges.

Does the tour include lunch?
No, lunch is not included but can be purchased at a local restaurant during the scheduled break.

What is the maximum group size?
Up to 8 guests per tour, providing a more personalized experience.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the scheduled start, with a full refund.

Is pickup available?
Yes, there is an option for hotel pickup, or guests can meet at Praça da Figueira at 8:00 am.

What happens if the boat ride is canceled?
If the boat cruise to Almourol Castle is canceled due to weather, an alternative will be offered, but the site will still be visited from the land.

Who is the tour provider?
The experience is operated by Cooltour Lisbon, known for small-group, personalized tours.

Are guides available in multiple languages?
Yes, English, Spanish, and Portuguese guides are available year-round, with maximum two languages spoken during the tour.

This small-group tour from Lisbon to Tomar offers a balanced mix of history, scenic views, and cultural insights into Portugal’s Knights Templar legacy. It provides an intimate atmosphere and expert guidance, making it an appealing choice for history buffs and those seeking a more relaxed, detailed exploration of medieval Portugal.