Templar River: Tomar and Almourol Private Tour

While the Crusades to the Holy Land dominate History books, few
realize that another crusade—also blessed by the Pope—was unfolding
simultaneously in the Iberian Peninsula. It was here, far from the
sacred lands of the East, that the Templars not only fought but also
played a pivotal role in shaping a new nation: Portugal. And it was
here, amidst these rugged landscapes, that they found refuge after their
dramatic downfall.

Step into the beauty and history of Tomar, once the epicenter of
Templar power in Portugal, and lose yourself in the enchanting Almourol
Castle, a fairy-tale fortress rising majestically from the waters of the
Tagus River.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Explore the lands given to the Templars to defend and populate, and board on a boat ride to Almourol Castle
• Ride along the confluence of Tejo and Zêzere rivers, that made a natural border of vital importance
• Visit Tomar, one of Portugal’s historical jewels and the main
  Templar town, where they founded their head Church, Santa Maria dos
  Olivais
• Climb up to the Templar Castle of Tomar and learn about the Templar hero of Portugal: Master Gualdim Pais
• Discover the monumental work of the Convent of Christ, headquarters for the Order of Christ, who succeeded the Templars

WHAT TO EXPECT?

Meet your Around Lisbon guide and drive North for about 1h30 to Almourol Castle, a Templar fairytale-like fortress perched on an island
in the Tagus River, while learning about the Iberian Crusade and the foundation of a new country: Portugal.

Glide across the Tagus River’s calm waters to the Castle and climb the little island to explore the castle’s rugged towers and imagine
Templar knights guarding this strategic outpost.

Follow along the margins of Tagus river until the confluence with Zêzere river, the frontier separating Christians from Muslims, on the
way to Tomar City. Cross the lands given to the Templars to defend and populate, as the first King of Portugal, Afonso Henriques, tried to
expand the territory to the South.

Enjoy free time to wander Tomar’s cobbled streets, passing medieval and Manueline churches, and savor a local lunch (cost not included).

In the afternoon, make a short visit to Santa Maria dos Olivias Church, dating back to the XII century, where many Templar Masters were
buried. Learn how the Templars started a city from old Roman ruins, and how they were behind the breakthrough process of the Portuguese Discoveries.

Finally, climb the hill to the Tomar Castle, built by the heroic Master Gualdim Pais, where Templar techniques and innovations were used.
Your guide will show you the astonishing Charola Church (Templar rotunda) and the iconic Manueline window in the Christ Convent, while
telling you all about the evolution of this magnificent UNESCO World Heritage site.

Take some free time to explore the rest of the Convent, before heading back to Lisbon where your tour ends.