Knight Templars tour from Lisbon: Tomar & Almourol Castle

Two castles and a medieval village built around the Knights Templar

A private day tour from Lisbon to Tomar, a village north of the city famous for the Knight Templars Order, with stops at Almourol Castle in the Tejo River, the Castle of Tomar, the Convent of Christ, and the Jewish Quarter. Your English-speaking guide tailors the route to your interests, and hotel pickup is included.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each2 stops

1. Almourol Castle1h
2. Tomar1h

Explore Almourol and Tomar historical sites

• Drive north from Lisbon
• Visit Almourol Castle
• Explore Tomar Old Village
• Tour Convent of Christ
• Visit Castelo de Tomar
• Pass by Synagogue of Tomar

The experience

How do you spend a day exploring Portugal's medieval past without renting a car or joining a group? This private tour handles the driving, about an hour north from Lisbon, and brings you to two of the country's most distinctive castles in a single day. Almourol Castle sits on an island in the middle of the Tejo River, built over a thousand years ago. Tomar's Castle and Convent of Christ sit on a hillside above the old village, where the Knights Templar established their order. Your guide speaks English and adjusts the stops to what interests you most.

The day moves through Tomar's narrow streets, past the medieval Synagogue (the oldest in Portugal, though currently closed for renovation), and into the Jewish Quarter where centuries of history sit compressed into a few blocks. The Convent of Christ is not included in the tour price, so you decide whether to enter. The Castle of Tomar and the village itself are free to walk. Almourol Castle is subject to availability in winter due to weather and river conditions. The whole experience runs six to eight hours depending on how long you linger at each stop and what your guide suggests along the way.

Mercedes-Benz transportation and hotel pickup in Lisbon, Cascais or Sintra are part of the booking. Bring water and comfortable shoes for walking the village and climbing castle stairs. The itinerary can be adjusted if anyone in your group has limited mobility, so mention that when you book.

What’s included

• Mercedes-Benz private transportation.
• English-speaking private guide.
• hotel pickup and drop-off in Lisbon, Cascais or Sintra.

Before you book

Lasts 6h–8h, runs Tuesday to Sunday at 08:00, from € 435 per person, with a live guide in English, as a private tour and with free cancellation up to 24 h before.

Days and timesTuesday to SundayDeparts at 08:00

Book up to12h before

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (under 13)

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Paid on site€ 15

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Moderate physical effortStroller-friendlyInfant seats available

Operated by Portugal Magik Tours

Is this one for you?An English-speaking guide means you follow the history and the stories without a language barrier, and the private format lets your guide adjust the pace and stops to what you actually want to see, whether that's an extra hour in the village or a quick pass through a site.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (under 13).

What is Almourol Castle and why is it built in the middle of the river?

Almourol Castle sits on an island in the Tejo River and was built over a thousand years ago as a fortification. Its riverside location made it a strategic defensive position in medieval Portugal.

Can I go inside the Convent of Christ in Tomar?

The Convent of Christ is not included in the tour price, so entry is optional and at your own cost. Your guide can tell you about it and help you decide whether to visit.

How much driving is there from Lisbon to Tomar?

The drive north from Lisbon to Tomar is approximately one hour each way. Your guide handles all transportation in a private Mercedes-Benz, and hotel pickup in Lisbon, Cascais or Sintra is included.

What happens if the weather is bad and we can't visit Almourol Castle?

Almourol Castle is subject to availability during the winter period due to weather and river conditions. Your guide will let you know on the day and can adjust the itinerary to focus on Tomar's other sites if needed.

Is the Jewish Quarter and Synagogue still open to visit?

The Jewish Quarter in Tomar is open to walk through. The Synagogue, the oldest medieval synagogue in Portugal, is currently closed for renovation, but your guide can show you the exterior and explain its history.