Private Templars Tour With Estate Wine & Cheese Pairings

Delving into the captivating history of the Templars, this private tour offers an immersive experience that transports visitors back in time. Traversing the picturesque countryside, guests will uncover the strategic Almourol Castle, explore the Herdade dos Templários estate for a guided winery tour and wine tasting, and discover the iconic Templar Castle and Convent in Tomar. Complementing the rich cultural exploration, the tour includes a savory lunch featuring local river fish specialties, allowing visitors to savor the flavors of the region while disconnecting from the city. With wheelchair-friendly transportation and a knowledgeable driver-guide, this personalized tour promises an intimate and accessible Templar adventure.

Key Points

• Immersive 8-hour private tour exploring Templar history, including visits to Almourol Castle, Herdade dos Templários estate, and the Templar Castle and Convent in Tomar.
• Personalized and flexible itinerary with a knowledgeable driver-guide, providing an intimate and accessible experience.
• Scenic drive through the Portuguese countryside, with opportunities to admire the Tagus River valley, olive groves, and cork oak forests.
• Guided winery tour and wine and cheese tasting at the Herdade dos Templários estate, showcasing the unique terroir and exceptional wine quality.
• Included amenities such as lunch with local river fish specialties, bottled water, and wheelchair-friendly transportation.

Tour Duration and Group Type

The Private Templars Tour is an 8-hour excursion with a private group format. This exclusive experience allows you to explore the rich Templar history at your own pace, accompanied by a knowledgeable driver-guide.

With a private group, you’ll enjoy a more personalized and flexible itinerary, catered to your interests and preferences. The small-group setting ensures an intimate and immersive experience as you explore the captivating stories and landmarks associated with the Templar Order.

Whether you’re a history enthusiast or simply seeking a unique adventure, this private tour offers the perfect opportunity to uncover the secrets and legacy of the Templars in Portugal.

Accessibility and Cancellation Policy

This private Templars tour is wheelchair accessible, catering to guests with mobility needs. Plus, the tour features a flexible cancellation policy, allowing for free cancellation up to 24 hours prior to the scheduled departure.

The tour is designed to be inclusive, ensuring that all participants can fully experience the historic Templar sites and the picturesque Portuguese countryside.

The wheelchair-friendly transportation and facilities enable guests to explore the Almourol Castle, Herdade dos Templários, and Tomar Templar Castle and Convent with ease.

The cancellation policy provides peace of mind, allowing guests to adjust their plans if necessary without incurring any penalties.

This accessibility and flexibility ensure that the Templars tour is tailored to the needs and preferences of each individual traveler.

Included in the Tour

Guests on this private Templars tour enjoy an array of inclusive offerings, from a dedicated driver/guide to a delightful wine tasting.

The tour includes a knowledgeable local guide who provides insights and commentary throughout the day. Lunch featuring local river fish specialties is provided, ensuring visitors are well-fueled for the explorations ahead. Bottled water is available to keep travelers hydrated as they marvel at the stunning vistas.

The highlight of the inclusive offerings is a visit to the Herdade dos Templários, where guests can enjoy a guided walk through the vineyards and winery, culminating in a wine and cheese tasting. With these thoughtful inclusions, the Templars tour promises an immersive and enriching experience.

Breathtaking Views and Templar Sites

Breathtakingly, the tour begins with a scenic drive from Lisbon to the Tagus River, where guests wind through olive groves, vineyards, and cork oak forests, catching glimpses of the region’s natural splendor.

The highlights of the tour include:

• Exploring the Almourol Castle, an important Templar monument accessible by a small boat
• Visiting the Herdade dos Templários, the Templars’ Estate, with a guided walk through the vineyards and winery, and a wine and cheese tasting
• Discovering the Templar Castle and Convent in Tomar, including the Chapter House and the Manueline-style Cloister
• Admiring the Templar Pentagonal Tower in the quaint medieval village of Dornes, set along the Zêzere River

Savoring a lunch of local river fish specialties, perfectly complementing the day’s Templar-themed adventures.

Driving Through the Countryside

The drive from Lisbon to the Tagus River winds through a picturesque countryside, with guests passing by olive groves, vineyards, and cork oak forests.

This serene journey allows travelers to enjoy the natural beauty of the region.

As the vehicle navigates the winding roads, guests can marvel at the rolling hills and lush vegetation that characterize this quintessential Portuguese landscape.

The tranquil ambiance and ever-changing vistas create a calming and restorative experience, setting the stage for the upcoming exploration of the area’s rich Templar history.

This leisurely drive through the countryside is an integral part of the overall tour, providing a chance to disconnect from the bustle of the city and fully embrace the charm of the Tagus River valley.

Almourol Castle and River Crossing

After traversing the picturesque countryside, the tour reaches Almourol Castle, an impressive Templar monument perched atop a rocky outcrop in the middle of the Tagus River.

To reach the castle, guests board a small boat for a short river crossing.

Once there, they’re captivated by the castle’s imposing presence and its strategic location, which made it a crucial Templar stronghold during the Reconquista.

The tour explores the castle’s well-preserved fortifications, including:

• Sturdy towers and thick walls
• Remnants of the original Templar chapel
• Panoramic views of the surrounding countryside
• Evidence of the castle’s role in defending the region
• Insights into the daily life and operations of the Templar knights

Herdade Dos Templários Estate Tour

Next, the tour ventures into the Herdade dos Templários (Templars’ Estate), where guests embark on a guided exploration of the vineyards and winery.

Visitors are treated to an in-depth look at the estate’s winemaking process, as they stroll through the carefully tended vines and learn about the unique terroir that contributes to the exceptional quality of the wines.

The highlight of this portion of the tour is undoubtedly the wine and cheese tasting, where attendees have the opportunity to savor the rich, complex flavors of the estate’s acclaimed vintages paired with an assortment of local artisanal cheeses.

The guided walk through the winery and vineyards provides a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the dedicated work that goes into crafting the Templars’ Estate’s celebrated wines.

Templar Castle and Convent in Tomar

Leaving the Templars’ Estate, the tour proceeds to the Templar Castle and Convent in Tomar, an iconic monument that stands as a testament to the rich history and architectural prowess of the Knights Templar.

Visitors explore the grandeur of this well-preserved site, marveling at the intricate Manueline-style cloister and the awe-inspiring Chapter House, where the Templars once convened.

The tour highlights include:

• Admiring the intricate stonework and ornate decoration of the castle’s exterior
• Discovering the Manueline-style cloister, a stunning example of late Gothic architecture
• Visiting the Chapter House, where Templar knights gathered for important meetings and ceremonies
• Learning about the Templars’ role in the region’s history and their influence on the local culture
• Exploring the convent’s other impressive structures, such as the church and the dormitories.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Book the Tour for a Group Larger Than 6 People?

Yes, this tour can accommodate larger groups. The tour is offered as a private tour, so the group size is flexible and can be tailored to the customer’s needs. Larger groups are welcome to book the tour.

Do I Need to Provide My Own Transportation to the Meeting Point?

No, you don’t need to provide your own transportation. The tour includes pick-up and drop-off service, so the driver will meet you at the agreed location and take you to the tour sites throughout the day.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

According to the tour details, the standard tour duration is 8 hours. While there’s no mention of extending the tour, travelers can likely request a longer duration, though additional fees may apply. The tour operator should be able to accommodate such requests.

Can I Customize the Itinerary or Add Extra Activities?

Yes, the tour can be customized to include extra activities or to extend the duration. The tour provider is happy to work with travelers to personalize the itinerary to meet their specific interests and needs.

Do I Need to Bring Any Special Equipment or Clothing for the Tour?

The tour doesn’t require any special equipment or clothing, but comfortable walking shoes and weather-appropriate attire are recommended. The tour includes boat transportation, so be prepared for some time on the water.

Recap

This private Templar tour offers an immersive and personalized experience, allowing visitors to explore the captivating history of the Templars.

From the strategic Almourol Castle to the Herdade dos Templários estate and the iconic Templar Castle and Convent in Tomar, each stop provides a unique glimpse into the Templar legacy.

With accessible transportation, a knowledgeable driver-guide, and opportunities to savor local cuisine and wines, this tour promises an unforgettable Templar adventure in the serene Portuguese countryside.