Full Day Tour Tomar / Santarém

8 Hours

Trip Facts

Guide

Free Guided Tour
Meeting Point

Hotel
Language

English, Portuguese

Overview

Step into the intriguing world of the Knights Templar on this full-day journey through Portugal’s medieval and sacred landmarks. Explore centuries of military strategy, hidden symbols, and spiritual devotion against the backdrop of breathtaking landscapes and UNESCO heritage sites.

Start at Almourol Castle, a dramatic Templar fortress perched on an island in the Tagus River. Accessible only by boat, its ramparts offer sweeping river views while your guide shares stories of its strategic role and enduring mysteries.

Next, visit Tomar, the former headquarters of the Order of the Knights Templar. Explore the Convent of Christ, a UNESCO World Heritage Site showcasing Gothic, Manueline, Renaissance, and Romanesque architecture. Wander through cloisters, ornate chapels, and marvel at the intricate Manueline window, a symbol of Portugal’s Age of Discovery.

Finally, stop at the Church of Santa Maria do Olival, the resting place of Templar Masters, where Gothic simplicity reflects the Order’s spiritual core. Throughout the tour, your guide brings history and Templar lore to life, making this an unforgettable experience for history buffs, architecture lovers, and curious travelers alike.

Explore Tomar, the former Templar capital and a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Visit the Convent of Christ and admire the iconic Manueline window

Discover Almourol Castle, a medieval fortress on an island in the Tagus River

Learn about the history and secrets of the Knights Templar from a knowledgeable local guide

See Santa Maria do Olival, the 12th-century Templar church

What's Included / Excluded

Entrance to Almourol Castle
Entrance to the Convent of Christ
Guided tour inside the monuments
Professional tour guide
Pick-up and drop-off at your selected location (private tour option only)
Transport in a comfortable, air-conditioned van
Travel insurance in accordance with local regulations

Gratuities
Meals and drinks
Personal expenses

Day 1 :

Van

1.5 hours

Day 2 :

Castle of Almourol

Guided tour (1 hour)

Day 3 :

Van (30 minutes)

Day 4 :

Convent of Christ

Guided tour (1.5 hours)

Day 5 :

Tomar

Lunch, Guided tour, Free time, Sightseeing (1.5 hours)
Church of S. João Batista Pass by Optional

Day 6 :

Church Santa Maria do Olival

Guided tour (1.5 hours)

Day 7 :

Van

1.5 hours

Additional Informations

What to Bring:

Comfortable shoes
Sun hat
Sunscreen
Comfortable clothing

Not Allowed:

Weapons or sharp objects
Oversize luggage
Pets (assistance dogs allowed)
Smoking, vaping, alcohol, or drugs in the vehicle
Non-folding wheelchairs or strollers
Scooters or explosive substances
Touching exhibits
Food or drinks in the vehicle
Portable speakers
Unaccompanied minors

Know Before You Go:

Look for a guide holding a blue and yellow flag at the meeting point
Standard group size: up to 8 participants per van; larger vehicles may be used at times
Tours may be conducted by a multilingual guide depending on group composition
Minimum 2 participants required for the tour to operate
Children over 1 and under 12 years old (or under 135 cm) must use a suitable child seat by law; rear-facing seats for children under 1 year (up to 13 kg) must be provided by the customer

FAQs

Expand All

1. What is included in the Tour?

This full-day tour from Lisbon includes comfortable round-trip transportation, a professional English-speaking guide, and guided visits to the historic cities of Tomar and Santarém. You’ll explore iconic landmarks, ancient castles, and scenic viewpoints that reflect Portugal’s rich medieval heritage.

2. How long is the trip?

The tour lasts around 8 hours, starting in the morning and returning to Lisbon in the late afternoon.

3. What can I explore in Santarém?

In Santarém, known as the “Gothic Capital of Portugal”, you’ll visit:

i. The Church of Saint John of Alporão

ii. The Santarém Cathedral

iii. The Portas do Sol viewpoint, offering breathtaking views of the Tagus River

4. Is lunch included in the tour?

Lunch is not included, but you’ll have free time to enjoy a traditional Portuguese meal at a local restaurant, where you can try regional dishes and wines.

6. Does the tour include hotel pickup and drop-off?

Yes, most tours include pickup and drop-off from centrally located hotels or meeting points.

7. Are entrance fees included in the price?

Entrance tickets are not included unless stated otherwise. You can purchase them on-site or your guide can assist you with the process.

8. Is this tour suitable for all ages?

Yes! The Tour is suitable for families, couples, and senior travelers. Some walking is involved, especially at the Convent of Christ, so comfortable footwear is recommended.