The allure of the Knights Templar has long captivated historians and adventure-seekers alike. This private day tour from Lisbon offers a unique opportunity to uncover the order’s rich legacy, exploring their architectural feats and military exploits. From the UNESCO-listed Convent of Christ to the romantic Almourol Castle, visitors will explore the Templars’ spiritual beliefs and enduring impact on trade and banking. But the journey doesn’t end there – a charming riverside village awaits, promising to unveil an intriguing chapter in the Templar’s storied past.
Key Points
- The tour is a private day trip from Lisbon that lasts 8 hours and costs $234.24 per person.
- Visitors explore the historical significance of the Knights Templar, including their origins, rise, and influence on trade and banking.
- The tour includes visits to the UNESCO-listed Convent of Christ in Tomar, the romantic Almourol Castle, and the charming Constancia Village.
- Highlights of the tour include admiring the architectural wonders left behind by the Templars and enjoying the natural landscapes and scenic riverside views.
- The tour includes air-conditioned transportation, bottled water, and Wi-Fi on board, but excludes lunch and entrance tickets to monuments.
Tour Overview
The tour costs $234.24 per person and is a private day trip from Lisbon that lasts 8 hours.
It takes visitors on an immersive journey to explore the historical significance of the Knights Templar. The tour highlights include visiting the UNESCO-listed Convent of Christ in Tomar, crossing the Tagus River to see the romantic Almourol Castle, and exploring the charming Constancia Village.
Throughout the experience, travelers will be transported in an air-conditioned vehicle and provided with bottled water and Wi-Fi on board. The tour also includes liability and personal accident insurance, ensuring a worry-free adventure.
With these inclusions, the tour offers a comprehensive and memorable exploration of Portugal’s Templar heritage.
Highlights
Visitors on this tour will explore the UNESCO World Heritage Convent of Christ in Tomar, the romantic and emblematic medieval Almourol Castle, and the charming Constancia Village.
At the Convent of Christ, they’ll discover the role of the Knights Templar in human history.
Crossing the Tagus River, they’ll admire the impressive Almourol Castle, a true medieval gem.
Finally, they’ll have the chance to stroll through the picturesque Constancia Village, taking in the scenic riverside views.
This day trip from Lisbon offers a unique opportunity to take in Portugal’s rich history and stunning natural landscapes.
Discovering the Knights Templar
Throughout the tour, guests explore the captivating history of the Knights Templar, a powerful religious order that played a pivotal role in medieval Europe.
The group learns about the Templars’ origins, their rise to prominence, and their eventual downfall. The guide shares fascinating tales of the Templars’ military exploits, their devotion to Christianity, and their influence on trade and banking.
Visitors gain a deeper understanding of the Templars’ enduring legacy, from the architectural wonders they left behind to the legends and mysteries that continue to captivate the public’s imagination.
Visiting the Convent of Christ
After exploring the Knights Templar’s captivating history, the tour now turns its focus to the UNESCO World Heritage Convent of Christ in Tomar. This majestic structure, which served as the headquarters of the Templar order in Portugal, stands as a testament to their architectural prowess and religious devotion. Visitors will be awestruck by the Convent’s stunning Manueline-style windows, the intricate carvings that adorn its walls, and the breathtaking views from its vantage point overlooking the Nabão River.
The tour’s highlights at the Convent of Christ include:
- Admiring the Templar castles and chapels within the complex, each with its own unique architectural flair.
- Exploring the Templar arsenal and armory, which offer a glimpse into the military might of the order.
- Discovering the Templar’s spiritual beliefs through the Convent’s religious symbols and iconography.
Exploring Almourol Castle
The tour next crosses the Tagus River to reach the romantic and emblematic medieval Almourol Castle, a Templar stronghold perched atop a rocky island.
Surrounded by the river, this magnificent castle dates back to the 12th century and was an important strategic location for the Knights Templar.
Guests can explore the castle’s impressive towers, walls, and chapel, imagining the knights who once roamed its halls.
The scenic boat ride provides breathtaking views of the riverside setting, allowing visitors to fully appreciate the castle’s striking silhouette against the backdrop of the Tagus.
This stop on the tour offers a glimpse into Portugal’s rich Templar heritage and the enduring legacy of these legendary warrior-monks.
Constancia Village
From the majestic Almourol Castle, the tour continues on to explore the charming Constancia Village, a picturesque riverside settlement along the Tagus River. Guests will have the opportunity to stroll through the quaint streets, admire the traditional architecture, and soak in the tranquil ambiance that pervades this historic Portuguese town.
The highlights of Constancia Village include:
- Wandering through the narrow, cobblestone streets, where time seems to have stood still, and discovering hidden gems like charming cafes and local boutiques.
- Visiting the Igreja Matriz de Constância, a stunning 16th-century church with beautiful tile work and intricate architectural details.
- Taking in the breathtaking views of the Tagus River and the lush, verdant landscapes that surround the village.
Inclusions
This tour’s inclusions encompass transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle, a private tour with a driver/guide, an entrance ticket to the Almourol Castle boat, bottled water and Wi-Fi on board, as well as liability and personal accident insurance.
These amenities ensure a comfortable and convenient experience for participants throughout the day. The private driver/guide is knowledgeable about the region’s history and culture, providing valuable insights during the tour.
The Almourol Castle boat ticket grants access to explore this emblematic medieval castle situated along the picturesque Tagus River. The availability of bottled water and Wi-Fi on board adds to the overall ease and enjoyment of the journey.
Ultimately, these inclusions enhance the overall quality and value of the Templar Castles & Riverside Village Day Tour.
Exclusions
While the tour’s inclusions cover a range of amenities, there are also some exclusions to be aware of.
Lunch isn’t provided as part of the tour package, so you will need to arrange their own dining options. Plus, entrance tickets to the various monuments and sites visited throughout the day aren’t included in the tour price, requiring individuals to purchase these separately. Any additional expenses not explicitly agreed upon are also excluded from the tour’s coverage.
The key exclusions are:
- Lunch
- Entrance tickets to monuments
- Additional expenses not agreed upon
Recap
This private day tour from Lisbon offers a captivating journey into the world of the Knights Templar.
Visitors will uncover the order’s rich history, explore their architectural legacies, and enjoy the charming villages that bear their influence.
From the UNESCO-listed Convent of Christ to the romantic Almourol Castle, this tour provides a comprehensive look into the Templar’s enduring impact on trade, banking, and spirituality.
