From Lisbon: Knights Templar In Tomar Private Day Trip

Unravel the captivating history of the Knights Templar on this private day trip from Lisbon. Enjoy the region’s architectural wonders, starting with the strategic Templar outpost nestled in the Tagus River – the Castle of Almourol. Explore the intriguing past as you explore the charming town of Tomar and the renowned Convent of Christ, a UNESCO World Heritage site that was once the Templars’ former headquarters. This tour offers a seamless blend of photo stops, self-guided visits, and free time, allowing you to fully embrace the Templar legacy and uncover the secrets that lie within.

Key Points

Explore the history of the Templar Knights in Portugal on a 9-hour private tour from Lisbon, visiting key sites like the Castle of Almourol and the Convent of Christ in Tomar.
Experience a photo stop, self-guided tour, and shopping opportunities at the Castle of Almourol, a Templar stronghold nested in the middle of the Tagus River.
Enjoy a 1.5-hour free time and lunch in the charming town of Tomar, a gateway to the UNESCO-listed Convent of Christ.
Spend 1.5 hours on a self-guided tour of the Convent of Christ, marveling at its Manueline-style architecture and the Templar Knights’ spiritual devotion.
On the return to Lisbon, make a 20-minute stopover in the town of Constância to admire the peaceful riverside setting.

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Tour Details

This private 9-hour tour departs from Lisbon, allowing visitors to explore the history of the Templar Knights in Portugal.

The itinerary includes stops at the Castle of Almourol, Tomar, and the Convent of Christ.

At the Castle of Almourol, guests will enjoy a photo stop, self-guided tour, and time for shopping.

In Tomar, they’ll visit the town, have free time, and enjoy a 1.5-hour lunch.

The Convent of Christ, a UNESCO World Heritage site, offers another photo stop and self-guided tour.

Along the way, the tour also passes by Constância.

The tour includes a private driver, air-conditioned vehicle, bottled water, private transportation, and WiFi on board, ensuring a comfortable and convenient experience.

Itinerary Overview

The tour starts with a photo stop and self-guided visit at the Castle of Almourol, located in the middle of the Tagus River.

After exploring the castle, visitors head to the town of Tomar, where they’ll have free time to wander and shop. The next stop is lunch in Tomar, followed by a visit to the Convent of Christ, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

This 1.5-hour self-guided tour allows guests to explore the history of the Templar Knights in Portugal. The last stop is a pass-by of Constância before returning to Lisbon.

Key highlights include:

Exploring the Templar Castle and Convent of Tomar
Visiting the Almourol Castle in the middle of the Tagus River
Learning about the history of the Templar Knights in Portugal

Almourol Castle

Nestled in the middle of the Tagus River, the Castle of Almourol stands as a testament to the military prowess and strategic vision of the Templar Knights who constructed it in the 12th century. This impressive fortification served as a critical outpost, allowing the Knights to control the vital river crossing and monitor the surrounding region. Visitors can enjoy a photo stop, self-guided tour, and shopping opportunities during their 1.5-hour visit.

Feature	Description
Photo Stop	Capture stunning shots of the castle’s reflection in the river
Self-Guided Tour	Explore the castle’s well-preserved interiors and defensive structures
Shopping	Browse local crafts and souvenirs in the on-site shops

Whether you’re a history buff or simply seeking a unique architectural experience, the Castle of Almourol is a must-see during your Knights Templar day trip from Lisbon.

Visit to Tomar

After exploring the Almourol Castle, the tour then takes visitors to the historic town of Tomar, where they can spend 30 minutes exploring and shopping.

Tomar is home to the Convent of Christ, a UNESCO World Heritage site that serves as the next stop on the day trip.

Some highlights of visiting Tomar include:

Wandering the charming streets and browsing local shops for unique souvenirs
Admiring the stunning architecture and historical landmarks that dot the town
Enjoying a leisurely lunch at one of the traditional Portuguese restaurants in the area

With its rich Templar heritage and picturesque setting, Tomar provides a captivating glimpse into Portugal’s past before the tour continues on to the Convent of Christ.

Lunch in Tomar

Following the visit to the historic town of Tomar, the tour allots 1.5 hours for participants to enjoy a traditional Portuguese lunch in the area.

This provides an opportunity for travelers to enjoy the local culinary culture and sample a variety of authentic dishes.

The lunch stop is an ideal time to relax, recharge, and reflect on the morning’s Templar-themed sights and activities.

Whether guests choose to dine at a cozy family-owned restaurant or a lively local eatery, they’ll savor the flavors of Portugal while surrounded by the charming ambiance of Tomar.

This mid-day meal is a highlight of the overall tour experience.

Convent of Christ

The tour’s next significant stop is the Convent of Christ, a sprawling complex that showcases the architectural prowess and spiritual devotion of the Templar Knights. Visitors will spend approximately 1.5 hours exploring this UNESCO World Heritage site, taking self-guided tours through its ornate chapels, cloisters, and fortified walls that have stood the test of time.

Highlights of the visit include:

Manueline-style windows and intricate stone carvings that adorn the exterior and interior spaces
The vast Charola, an impressive round church that served as the Templar’s main place of worship
The peaceful cloisters, where the Knights would have spent time in contemplation and prayer

Constância Stopover

On the way back from Tomar, the tour makes a brief 20-minute stopover in the town of Constância, allowing passengers a chance to stretch their legs and take in the picturesque riverside setting.

Located along the banks of the Tagus River, Constância offers a peaceful respite from the day’s exploration. Visitors can stroll along the river promenade, admire the charming architecture, and perhaps grab a quick refreshment before continuing the journey back to Lisbon.

Though the stop is brief, it provides a welcome opportunity to appreciate the natural beauty of the Portuguese countryside before the tour concludes.

Inclusions and Exclusions

This private day trip from Lisbon includes a private driver, an air-conditioned vehicle, bottled water, private transportation, and WiFi on board. It also comes with a Clean and Safe Certificate.

However, the tour excludes tickets, lunch, gratuities, and a private guide.

The inclusions are designed to provide a comfortable and convenient experience for the traveler. The exclusions allow for flexibility, as participants can choose their own lunch options and decide if they want to purchase tickets or a private guide based on their preferences and budget.

Tickets to attractions aren’t included, allowing visitors to customize their experience.

Lunch isn’t provided, giving travelers the freedom to explore local cuisine.

Gratuities are excluded, leaving the decision of tipping up to the discretion of the participants.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How Accessible Is the Convent of Christ for Individuals With Mobility Issues?

The Convent of Christ has some accessibility challenges for individuals with mobility issues, as it involves navigating uneven terrain and stairs. However, the tour offers a self-guided option, allowing visitors to explore at their own pace.

Can the Tour Be Customized to Include Additional Stops or Activities?

The tour can be customized to include additional stops or activities. Travelers can discuss their interests and preferences with the tour provider, who will aim to accommodate any reasonable requests within the tour’s duration and logistics.

What Is the Dress Code for Visiting the Religious Sites?

The tour operator recommends modest, comfortable attire when visiting the religious sites. Visitors should cover their shoulders and avoid shorts or short skirts. Comfortable walking shoes are also advised for the self-guided tours.

Is There an Option to Hire a Local Guide at the Convent of Christ?

The tour does not include a private guide at the Convent of Christ. However, visitors can opt to hire a local guide upon arrival to provide more detailed information during the self-guided tour of this historic religious site.

Can the Tour Be Extended to Include a Visit to Nearby Towns or Villages?

The tour can be extended to include visits to nearby towns or villages, but this would likely increase the duration and cost of the tour. Travelers should consult with the tour provider to discuss additional options and customize the itinerary to their preferences.

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Recap

This private day trip from Lisbon offers a captivating journey through Portugal’s Templar history.

Travelers will visit the strategic Almourol Castle, explore the charming town of Tomar, and tour the Convent of Christ, a UNESCO-listed site and former Templar headquarters.

With a mix of guided and self-guided experiences, the tour allows for immersion in the region’s architectural wonders and Templar legacy.