Knights Templar Tour - Almourol | Tomar | Convent Of Christ

We start this medieval journey towards the Santarém District, in the central area of Portugal. Our first stop will be at Almourol Castle, one of the trademarks and most famous 'postcards' of the country. Erected 18m (60 ft) above sea this small granite island has 310m (1.000 ft) long by 75m (245 ft) wide in the middle of Tagus River.

The castle is an incredible sight, one of the most representative examples of the military architecture of the 12th century. It evokes simultaneously the early days of the Kingdom of Portugal and the Templar Knights Order. It is said that it was constructed by the Romans. Later it was remodeled by other invading people like the Visigoths and Moors. But with the Reconquest, it was conquered in 1129 and placed in trust of Gualdim Paes, the Grand Master of the Knight Templar's.

Afterwards we continue to Constância, a small charming village where Luis de Camões (one of the most famous Portuguese poets) lived and used to write his lyrics poems. Constância once was called after a roguish name but got its new name in 1833 because of the 'constant' support of the liberal cause led by D. Maria II.

We proceed next to Tomar, a land given as a fief to the Templars and was specially important in the 15th century when it was a center of Portuguese overseas expansion under Henry the Navigator, the Grand Master of the Order of Christ, the organization that succeeded the Templar's in Portugal. In here we can visit the Church of Santa Maria do Olival, the headquarters of the Templars and also a pantheon of all Grand Masters.

After lunch and some free time to stroll around Tomar, we will proceed to S. João Batista church, located in the main square of the town, in front of the Town Hall and a statue of Gualdim Paes. In the same area, we continue to visit the best preserved medieval synagogue in Portugal. It was built in the mid-15th century by Prince Henry The Navigator, and has an incredible interior with Gothic details.

We finish this day in a great fashion: The Christ Convent is a magnificent monument, a Templar stronghold back in the day, constructed under the orders of Gualdim Paes and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

⚠ NOTE:
Boat tour is subject to favorable weather conditions. If the boat tour is canceled due to poor weather, you will be given the refund, in case you already paid for it. An alternative will always be available.
✔ Includes:
· Hotel pickup (or nearest location possible) only in certain areas of the city (center). It may be required to get to a meeting point for pick-up
· Drop-off at 2 centrally located points: Restauradores square / Marquês de Pombal
· Small-group tour (8 people max.)
· Professional but informal local guide
· Transport by air-conditioned minivan
· Live commentary on board
· WiFi available in the minivan
· Boat ride to Almourol Castle (susceptible to weather conditions)
· Entrance fee to Convent of Christ in Tomar
· Local pastry

❌ Not included:
·Lunch
·Gratuities (optional)
·Food and drinks, unless specified
·Hotel drop-off