From Lisbon: Templar Castles & Riverside Village Day Tour

Set out on a captivating day trip from Lisbon that’ll take you through the rich Templar legacy of Portugal. You’ll visit the Castle of Tomar and the UNESCO-listed Convent of Christ, once a stronghold of the Templar Knights. Then, cross the Tagus River to witness the picturesque Almourol Castle before exploring the charming ‘Poem Village‘ of Constancia, known for its literary and artistic heritage. Along the way, a knowledgeable guide shares the captivating stories behind these sites, providing you with a deeper appreciation for Portugal’s fascinating Templar past. Intrigued? Let’s dive into the details of this immersive day tour.

Key Points

This private day trip from Lisbon offers the opportunity to explore Templar Castles and a charming riverside village.
The tour includes visits to the Castle of Tomar, the UNESCO World Heritage Convent of Christ, and the picturesque Almourol Castle.
Travelers will have the chance to discover the quaint Constancia Village, known as the ‘Poem Village’ for its literary and artistic heritage.
The tour is led by a knowledgeable guide who provides captivating stories about the region’s Templar legacy and cultural history.
The tour includes transportation, skip-the-line access, and all necessary entrance tickets, ensuring a seamless and hassle-free experience.

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Tour Overview

This private day trip from Lisbon provides the opportunity to explore Templar Castles and a riverside village, lasting approximately 8 hours.

You’ll skip the ticket lines and enjoy a live tour guide in English, German, and Portuguese.

The highlights include visiting the Castle of Tomar and UNESCO World Heritage Convent of Christ, which was the former seat of the Order of the Templars.

You’ll also cross the Tagus River to see the Almourol Castle and explore the charming Constancia Village, known as the ‘Poem Village’.

Transportation is provided in an air-conditioned vehicle, and the tour includes pick-up and drop-off at your hotel or accommodation in Lisbon.

Highlights of the Tour

The tour begins with a visit to the Castle of Tomar and the UNESCO World Heritage Convent of Christ, which was the former seat of the Order of the Templars.

Guests will then cross the Tagus River to marvel at the picturesque Almourol Castle before exploring the charming riverside village of Constancia, known as the ‘Poem Village’.

This quaint town is renowned for its beautiful architecture and peaceful atmosphere, providing a true respite from the bustle of Lisbon.

Along the way, the knowledgeable guide will share captivating stories about the region’s rich history and cultural heritage, bringing the journey to life.

Travelers will leave with a deeper appreciation for Portugal’s fascinating Templar legacy.

Inclusions and Exclusions

The tour includes transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle, a private tour with a driver/guide, pick-up and drop-off at your Lisbon hotel or accommodation, entrance ticket to Almourol Castle, as well as bottled water, WiFi, and liability and personal accident insurance. However, the tour excludes lunch and entrance tickets to the other monuments, such as the Castle of Tomar and the Convent of Christ. Any additional expenses not agreed upon beforehand are also not included. The following table provides a quick overview of what’s covered and what’s not:

Included	Excluded
Transportation	Lunch
Private tour with driver/guide	Entrance tickets to monuments
Hotel pick-up and drop-off	Additional expenses
Almourol Castle entrance ticket
Bottled water, WiFi, insurance

Booking and Cancellation Policy

Travelers can check availability to see the starting times for this tour. Customers can reserve their spot now and pay later.

Plus, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

This flexible booking policy provides several benefits for travelers:

Ability to secure a spot without immediate payment, allowing more time to plan and organize the trip.
Option to cancel for a full refund if plans change, providing peace of mind.
Convenient check-in process without the hassle of long lines or ticket purchases on the day of the tour.

Exploring the Castle of Tomar

Frequently, the tour begins with a visit to the impressive Castle of Tomar, a former stronghold of the Templar Knights and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

This imposing medieval fortress, dating back to the 12th century, sits atop a hill overlooking the historic town of Tomar. Visitors can explore the castle’s well-preserved walls, towers, and courtyards, gaining insights into the Templars’ military and religious life.

The highlight is the Convent of Christ, an exquisite blend of Templar and Renaissance architecture that served as the order’s headquarters. Guests can marvel at the intricate stone carvings, the stunning Manueline-style windows, and the iconic Charola, an impressive round church that was the centerpiece of the Templars’ spiritual life.

Visiting the Convent of Christ

Within the Castle of Tomar, visitors can explore the impressive Convent of Christ, the former seat of the Order of the Templars and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

This sprawling complex features a unique blend of architectural styles, including Templar, Gothic, Manueline, and Renaissance elements.

Highlights of the Convent include:

The Round Church, an iconic Templar structure with its distinctive circular design.
The Claustro da Lavagem, a stunning Renaissance-style cloister adorned with intricate carvings and sculptures.
The Charola, a remarkable octagonal chapter house that serves as a testament to the Templars’ spiritual and military traditions.

Exploring the Convent of Christ offers a fascinating glimpse into the history and legacy of the legendary Order of the Templars.

Crossing the Tagus River

After exploring the Castle of Tomar and the Convent of Christ, the tour continues across the Tagus River to the picturesque Almourol Castle. The group boards a boat and embarks on a leisurely river crossing, taking in the serene surroundings and admiring the impressive medieval fortress perched atop a rocky island.

Almourol Castle Features
Constructed in the 12th century	Seat of the Order of the Templars
Strategically located	Offers panoramic views of the Tagus River
Exhibits Romanesque architecture	Provides insight into Portugal’s Templar history
Accessible only by boat	Showcases the region’s natural beauty

Once on the other side, the tour explores the castle’s grounds, uncovering its Templar legacy and the captivating stories that echo through the weathered stone walls.

Discovering Constancia Village

The tour then heads to the charming riverside village of Constancia, known as the ‘Poem Village’ for its literary and artistic inspiration. Nestled along the banks of the Tagus River, this picturesque town invites visitors to stroll through its quaint streets, admire the traditional architecture, and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere.

Constancia is renowned for:

Its rich cultural heritage, with historic buildings and monuments that reflect the town’s storied past.
Its vibrant arts scene, with galleries, studios, and artisanal shops showcasing the work of local creatives.
Its peaceful ambiance, perfect for relaxing, enjoying the riverside views, and experiencing the local way of life.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Lunch or Snacks on the Tour?

Yes, you can bring your own lunch or snacks on the tour. The tour does not provide lunch, so bringing your own food is allowed and recommended to save money and have flexibility during the day.

How Much Free Time Is Provided at Each Location?

The tour provides limited free time at each stop, typically allowing 30-45 minutes to explore the sites. Guests are encouraged to follow the guide’s recommended pace to ensure they see all the highlights during the day.

Is the Tour Suitable for Young Children or Disabled Individuals?

The tour may not be the best fit for young children or disabled individuals. The walking at the historical sites and time spent on the bus could be challenging. However, the tour provider should be contacted to discuss any specific accessibility needs.

Are There Any Special Dress Requirements for the Tour?

There are no special dress requirements for the tour. Visitors should wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and sturdy walking shoes, as some sites may involve uneven terrain. Casual, layered attire is recommended for a pleasant and comfortable experience.

What Happens if the Weather Is Poor During the Tour?

If the weather is poor during the tour, the tour guide will adjust the itinerary as needed. They’ll find indoor activities or modify the plan to ensure guests stay comfortable and safe throughout the day, providing a quality experience despite the weather.

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Recap

The Templar Castles & Riverside Village Day Tour from Lisbon offers travelers a captivating journey into Portugal’s storied Templar past.

From the impressive Castle of Tomar and Convent of Christ to the picturesque Almourol Castle and charming Constancia Village, this tour immerses visitors in the region’s rich history and cultural legacy.

With an expert guide to share fascinating insights, travelers are left with a deeper appreciation for Portugal’s Templar heritage.