• Convento de Cristo - The origins of Tomar Castle are closely linked to the early days of the Portuguese kingdom and the presence of the Knights Templar in the Iberian Peninsula, which was largely under Islamic rule at the time. During the Crusades, the peninsula was considered a Crusade territory similar to Palestine. In this setting, the Knights Templar played a significant role in establishing new Christian kingdoms in the Iberian Peninsula. The Knights Templar arrived in Portugal in 1128. In 1159, King Afonso Henriques granted them a large territory between Coimbra and Santarém, known as Termo de Ceras, as a reward for their contributions to the conquests of Santarém and Lisbon (1147). The Knights Templar established Tomar Castle and Village in this area. Due to the persecution of the Knights Templar by Philip IV of France, the Order was dissolved in 1312 by Pope Clement V.

• Castelo de Almourol - Located in the middle of the River Tagus, the mysterious Almourol Castle is one of the most iconic monuments of the Christian reconquest. Situated on an island in the River Tagus, Almourol stands out as one of Portugal’s most unique castles due to its historical importance and picturesque setting. Its history is a reminder of the Reconquest of Portuguese territory during the Middle Ages. When the Christians arrived in 1129, the castle, then known as Almorolan, already existed and was soon incorporated into the lands protected by the Knights Templar, whose Master at the time was Gualdim Pais.

• Synagogue of Tomar - The Tomar Synagogue is the only proto-Renaissance Hebrew temple in the country. Its quadrangular layout and vaulted ceiling, supported by columns and inlaid consoles, show eastern influences. Built in the 15th century, it was closed in 1496 when Portuguese Jews were expelled. It was later used as a prison and referred to as the S. Bartolomeu Chapel in the 17th century. In the 19th century, it served as a barn, granary, goods warehouse, and storage room. It wasn’t until 1921 that it regained its dignity when it was declared a National Monument. Samuel Schwarz, a Polish Jewish researcher of Hebrew culture, rescued it from disrepair by purchasing it in 1923 and donating it to the Portuguese state in 1939 to house the Abraão Zacuto Luso-Hebrew Museum.

• Tomar - We will visit the City of Tomar and stop here for our lunch break.

• Hotel pickup
• Hotel drop-off
• Driver/guide
• Guaranteed to skip the long lines
• Light refreshments

• Lunch
• Gratuities
• Entrance fees
• No pets allowed

This tour guides you through the history and locales where the Templar Knights resided until the conclusion of this military and religious order. We will explore Almourol Castle, the remarkable city of Tomar, the Tomar Synagogue, and the city of Tomar itself. On this day, we will trace the path of the Templar Knights, a Christian military order that had a significant impact in Europe and the Middle East.

• May be operated by a multi-lingual guide
• A minimum of 3 people per booking is required
• Minimum numbers apply. There is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation if there is not enough passengers to meet requirements. In the event of this occurring, you will be offered an alternative or full refund

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.