Tomar and Almourol tour from Lisbon

If you’re drawn to stories of medieval knights, castles, and secret histories, this Tomar and Almourol tour from Lisbon might catch your eye. It’s designed for those who want to see some of Portugal’s most iconic Templar sites without the hassle of planning transport or worrying about tight schedules. While we haven’t experienced it ourselves, the reviews and details available paint a clear picture of what to expect — and there’s plenty to love.

Two things that really stand out about this tour are its convenient small-group format and the freedom to explore each site at your own pace. Plus, sitting comfortably in a Wi-Fi-equipped van, you get to relax and enjoy the scenery without the stress of driving or navigating public transport. One possible consideration? Because the guide doesn’t enter the monuments, you’ll need to self-explore or hire a guide locally if you want deep insights inside. This tour seems best suited for history buffs, curious travelers, or anyone who appreciates a relaxed, flexible day out with a rich historical backdrop.

Key Points

• Small-group comfort: Max of 8 travelers ensures a personalized experience.
• Flexibility: No guided tours inside monuments, giving you freedom to explore at your own pace.
• Comfortable transport: Air-conditioned van with Wi-Fi makes the journey pleasant.
• Cost-effective: At $164.93, it offers good value for visiting multiple significant sites.
• Convenient logistics: Pickup from Lisbon and a clear, roughly 7-hour itinerary.
• Limited entry: Entrance tickets are not included, so plan if you want inside access.

What the Tour Entails: A Detailed Look

This tour offers a well-rounded day exploring some of Portugal’s most notable Templar landmarks. While it isn’t a guided tour inside the monuments, it’s structured to give you a chance to see the sites on your own terms, with an informative driver-guide providing context throughout.

The Journey Begins in Lisbon

Starting at 8:30 am from Praça do Marquês de Pombal, the small group gathers comfortably in an air-conditioned vehicle with Wi-Fi, ready for a day full of history and scenic views. The small size of the group (up to 8 people) means you won’t be lost in a crowd, and the driver’s attentiveness ensures everyone’s needs are met.

Almourol Castle: A Fairytale Fortress

The first stop is Almourol Castle, located in the district of Santarém, near the parish of Praia do Ribatejo. This castle is a true postcard scene — perched on a tiny island in the Tagus River, it looks like a castle straight out of a storybook. The site is famous for its role in the Knights Templar history, and while the entrance fee isn’t included, the view alone makes it worth the visit.

You’ll spend around 2 hours here. It’s a chance to wander around at your own pace, taking in the views, snapping photos, or simply soaking up the atmosphere of this well-preserved medieval fortress. The guide doesn’t go inside either, but they’ll share some fascinating snippets about its history and significance.

The Heart of Templar Portugal: Convent of Christ

After Almourol, the next major stop is Convento de Cristo in the city of Tomar. This sprawling complex, dating from the 12th century, is perhaps the most iconic Templar site in Portugal. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage site, known for its blend of architectural styles and its role as a hub for the Knights Templar in Portugal.

You’ll have about 3 hours here, which is enough time to explore the impressive cloisters, the Charola (a circular church with Mudejar influences), and the various other buildings that showcase centuries of history. Entrance tickets are not included, so if you’re eager to go inside, you’ll need to purchase those separately. Still, the driver will provide plenty of background so you can appreciate the site even from outside.

Santa Maria dos Olivais Church

The final stop is Igreja de Santa Maria dos Olivais on the banks of the Nabão River. This church, also known as Santa Maria do Olival, is significant for its ties to the Templar Order and the history of Tomar. You’ll spend around 2 hours here, which should be enough to admire the architecture, stroll along the river, and absorb the local atmosphere.

Again, entrance tickets are separate, but the church itself offers plenty of photo opportunities and a quiet moment of reflection about the city’s medieval past.

The Practical Side: What’s Included and What’s Not

This tour strikes a good balance in terms of what’s included. Wi-Fi on board, air conditioning, bottled water, and insurance are all part of the package, making the journey comfortable and worry-free. The cost of $164.93 per person is quite reasonable considering it covers transportation, guide narration, and the convenience of door-to-door pickup.

However, entrance fees to the monuments are not included. If you want inside access or guided tours within the sites, you’ll need to arrange those separately. This setup is perfect for self-explorers or those on a budget who prefer to wander freely.

Timing and Group Size

Starting at 8:30 am, the tour is designed to maximize daylight hours, leaving you back in Lisbon around 4-5 pm. The small group size ensures a more intimate experience, with the driver offering plenty of information and flexibility during the stops.

Flexibility and Freedom

One of the standout features is the no guide inside the monuments. As one reviewer pointed out, “there is no guide so you are at your leisure to explore each site on your own w/ any strict time restraints.” This setup works well if you prefer to take your time, perhaps linger over a view or explore a corner you find intriguing.

The Experience from Travelers’ Perspective

Based on the reviews, a big highlight is the attentiveness of the driver. MICHAEL_M mentioned, “The driver was very attentive in making sure we felt we saw everything we wanted to see.” That kind of personalized attention makes a difference, especially on a full-day trip.

Travelers also seem to appreciate the value for money. For a full day visiting multiple sites with transport included, the price feels fair. The flexibility to go at your own pace adds to the overall positive impression.

Some potential downsides are the cost of entrance tickets, which are not included, and the fact that you won’t get guided commentary inside the monuments. If you’re craving detailed historical narratives from inside the sites, this might not be the best choice, but for those content with self-guided exploration and a knowledgeable driver, it fits well.

Who Is This Tour Best Suited For?

This experience is ideal if you’re looking for a relaxed, flexible day trip from Lisbon to explore Portugal’s Templar sites. It’s perfect for travelers who value comfort and ease, and who enjoy self-guided exploration without being part of a large crowd. History enthusiasts, couples, small groups of friends, or solo travelers who want a hassle-free way to see key sights will find this appealing.

If you enjoy wandering at your own pace and don’t mind arranging your own entrance tickets, this is a solid choice. It also works well if you prefer an intimate group setting rather than a big tour bus experience.

The Sum Up

All in all, this Tomar and Almourol tour from Lisbon offers a well-organized, comfortable way to see some of Portugal’s most notable Knights Templar sites without the pressure of guided tours inside the monuments. The small-group size and flexible schedule give you the freedom to explore the sites on your own terms, making it a strong choice for those who like a relaxed, personalized experience.

For the price point, it provides good value — especially considering the convenience of transportation, water, Wi-Fi, and the attentive driver. While you’ll need to budget separately for entrance fees if inside access is desired, the overall experience offers a genuine glimpse into Portugal’s medieval past. This tour is best suited for curious travelers who want a blend of comfort, flexibility, and history, making the most of a day outside Lisbon.

FAQs

Are entrance tickets included in the tour?
No, the tour price does not include entrance tickets to the monuments. If you want inside access, you’ll need to purchase those separately.

What is the group size?
The tour is limited to a maximum of 8 travelers, which allows for a more personalized experience.

Does the guide go inside the sites?
No, the driver-guide stays outside while you explore each monument on your own.

How long is the tour?
The entire experience lasts around 7 hours, starting at 8:30 am and returning to Lisbon in the late afternoon.

Is it suitable for families or children?
While not specifically marketed as family-friendly, the relaxed pace and outdoor exploration can make it suitable for older children or teens interested in history.

What’s the main highlight?
Most travelers highlight the opportunity to see Almourol Castle and the Convent of Christ, both emblematic of Portugal’s Knights Templar legacy.

Is transportation comfortable?
Yes, the tour uses an air-conditioned vehicle with Wi-Fi, making the journey enjoyable and convenient.

How do I cancel if needed?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, giving flexibility if your plans change.

If you’re after a flexible, engaging way to get a taste of Portugal’s medieval roots without the fuss of guided inside tours, this could be just the right fit for your trip.