Tomar Templar full day group tour from Lisbon

Explore Portugal’s Knightly Past with the Tomar Templar Full-Day Tour from Lisbon

This full-day group tour offers a captivating glimpse into Portugal’s medieval history, especially the legendary Knights Templar. Priced at $120.27 per person, the tour lasts approximately 8 hours and begins at 8:30 am in the heart of Lisbon. With a maximum of 8 travelers per group, it promises an intimate experience that combines history, architecture, and scenic views. The tour includes transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle and convenient pickup and drop-off at a central Lisbon location, making logistics straightforward.

The highlight of this tour is the visit to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Convent of Christ in Tomar, a site renowned for its monumental Templar architecture. Additional stops include the Castelo de Almourol, accessible via a boat ride, and the Mira de Aire Caves. While admission tickets are not included for these attractions, the guided insights and the scenic route make this an enriching day for history lovers and curious travelers alike.

This tour is well-suited for those with moderate physical fitness, as it involves some walking and boat rides. It offers a deep dive into medieval Portugal, perfect for travelers eager to see sights often missed by larger groups. Keep in mind, lunch is not included, so planning ahead will enhance the experience.

Key Points

• Price of $120.27 per person for an 8-hour immersive day trip from Lisbon
• Small group size of up to 8 travelers ensures personalized attention
• Visits include the UNESCO-listed Convent of Christ, Castelo de Almourol, and Mira de Aire Caves
• The tour features transportation in air-conditioned vehicles with pickup and drop-off in Lisbon city center
• Admission tickets for key sites are not included, allowing flexibility
• Guided commentary enhances understanding of Portugal’s Knights Templar history

Starting at Lisbon’s Praça dos Restauradores: Meeting the Guide

The tour begins promptly at 8:30 am at the VIP Executive Éden Aparthotel, located at Praça dos Restauradores. The meeting point is convenient for those staying in Lisbon’s city center. Once assembled, the small group boards the air-conditioned vehicle for the scenic drive to Tomar, setting the tone for an engaging day ahead.

The limited group size guarantees attentive guidance and plenty of opportunities for questions. The tour provider, Go2Lisbon-Tours, ensures a smooth start with clear communication on any potential changes via email.

Climbing the Walls of the Convento de Cristo

The first major stop is the Convento de Cristo, an essential monument for understanding the Knights Templar’s influence in Portugal. The 2-hour visit involves exploring this UNESCO site, famous for its monumental architecture and historical significance.

While admission tickets are not included, the guide provides detailed stories behind the castle walls and the 12th-century church. Climbing up to the Templar castle reveals spectacular views and an impressive example of medieval craftsmanship. This site’s combination of religious and military features offers a comprehensive look at Templar life and their role in Portuguese history.

Discovering the Castle of Almourol by Boat

Next, the tour moves to the Castelo de Almourol, a castle renowned for its fairy-tale appearance perched on a small island. Travelers enjoy a boat ride to reach this stunning fortress, which is a highlight of the day.

The boat ride takes approximately 1 hour, during which the guide shares stories about the castle’s history and its strategic importance. Visitors can explore the castle’s ramparts and enjoy scenic views of the river landscape. Again, admission tickets are not included, but the boat trip and guided narration make this stop memorable.

Exploring the Mira de Aire Caves

The Mira de Aire Caves provide a subterranean adventure after the castle visit. The caves are known for their impressive stalactites and stalagmites formations, offering a cool contrast to the outdoor sightseeing.

Though specific duration details for the caves are not provided, this stop enriches the overall experience with natural wonder and geological insights. The caves are a different aspect of Portugal’s heritage, complementing the medieval theme with natural beauty.

Practical Details: Transportation and Group Size

Transportation is covered in the air-conditioned vehicle provided throughout the day. The small group configuration, capped at 8 travelers, ensures an engaging and personalized experience. The pick-up and drop-off service at Lisbon’s city center simplifies logistics, making it easy to combine this tour with other activities or accommodations.

The tour duration of about 8 hours balances sightseeing with comfort, allowing ample time at each stop without feeling rushed. The smart casual dress code suits the historical sites and the daytime itinerary.

Who Will Appreciate This Tour?

This experience is perfect for history enthusiasts, particularly those interested in medieval Portugal and the Knights Templar. The guided insights add depth beyond the guidebooks, making it suitable for curious travelers who enjoy storytelling and cultural context.

The tour is also accessible for individuals with moderate physical fitness, as it involves some walking and boat rides but no strenuous hikes. Travelers should prepare for potential outdoor exposure, especially at the castle and caves.

Making the Most of Your Day in Tomar

Since admission tickets are not included for the main sites, visitors can choose to purchase tickets in advance or on-site, offering flexibility. Packing comfortable shoes and a smart casual outfit ensures comfort and appropriateness for the sightseeing and walking involved.

A light snack or lunch is not provided, so planning to bring refreshments or eating before the tour helps keep energy levels high during the day. The scenic route from Lisbon to Tomar offers picturesque views, making the drive itself a pleasant part of the experience.

Why This Tour Stands Out

The combination of UNESCO-listed architecture, medieval castles, and natural caves** makes this tour a comprehensive day out. The small group size and expert guide enhance the personalized feel and deepen understanding of Portugal’s Templar legacy.

On top of that, the inclusion of the boat ride to Almourol adds a charming touch that larger tours often miss. The flexibility of not including admission tickets** allows travelers to tailor the experience and avoid unnecessary expense, making this a value-conscious choice.

Who Might Not Find This Tour Ideal

Travelers seeking luxury amenities or all-inclusive packages may find this tour’s admission not included aspect limiting. Those who prefer more free time at each site might also want to consider other options, as the itinerary is structured for efficiency.

Plus, individuals with limited mobility should note the walking involved at the castle and caves. The tour is designed for those with moderate physical fitness.

Final Thoughts on the Tomar Templar Tour from Lisbon

This 8-hour guided journey offers a well-rounded look at Portugal’s medieval history, focusing on the Knights Templar’s influence and architectural marvels. The small group setting ensures a more personal experience, and the scenic drive from Lisbon adds to the overall appeal.

While admission tickets are not included, the guided narration and highlights like the Convent of Christ and Almourol Castle make this tour a worthwhile investment for history enthusiasts. The mid-morning start and end back in Lisbon fit neatly into a day’s itinerary, making it accessible for most travelers.

This tour delivers a rich, engaging, and scenic exploration of Portugal’s knightly past, with the flexibility to customize the experience and the comfort of a knowledgeable guide leading the way.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the price of this tour?
The tour costs $120.27 per person, covering transportation and guiding services.

How long does the tour last?
It lasts approximately 8 hours, starting at 8:30 am and returning to Lisbon.

Where does the tour start and end?
The tour begins at VIP Executive Éden Aparthotel in Praça dos Restauradores, Lisbon, and ends back at the same meeting point.

Are admission tickets included?
No, admission tickets for the Convent of Christ, Almourol Castle, and Mira de Aire Caves are not included.

What is the group size?
A maximum of 8 travelers ensures a small, personalized group experience.

Is transportation provided?
Yes, air-conditioned transportation is included for the entire day.

Are child seats available?
Yes, child seats are available upon request at the time of booking.

Is this tour suitable for all physical fitness levels?
The tour is recommended for those with moderate physical fitness, as it involves walking and boat rides.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Who operates this tour?
This experience is provided by Go2Lisbon-Tours.