Knights Templar Route Tomar: 2 castles & Tagus boat trip

Almourol Castle sits on an island in the middle of the river, reached only by boat.

A private tour of the Knights Templar route in Tomar, Portugal, visiting the Convent of Christ and Ourém Castle, then taking a boat across the Tagus to Almourol Castle on its island. The tour runs 8 to 9 hours with a live guide in your choice of language, hotel pickup and drop-off, entry tickets to both castles, and all insurance included. Comfortable walking shoes are essential, as the route involves climbing hillsides and navigating medieval town streets.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Templar castles and boat trip

• Visit Ourém Castle
• Explore Ourém town and surroundings
• Tour Convent of Christ in Tomar
• Visit Igreja de Santa Maria do Olival
• Boat trip on Tejo River to Almourol Castle
• Visit Almourol Castle

The experience

The tour starts at your hotel and moves through the layered history of the Templar order in Portugal. You'll climb the hillside to Ourém Castle, built in the 12th century on a site conquered from the Moors by Portugal's first king, Afonso Henriques. The castle sits at the top of a high hill, the strategic choice of medieval builders, and overlooks the old town below, where narrow streets and the Count's Palace from the 15th century still stand. Your guide will walk you through the town itself, pointing out the Igreja da Colegiada and the Pillory, structures that anchor the medieval center.

In Tomar, you'll visit the Convent of Christ, a UNESCO World Heritage site built on a hill that the Knights Templar chose in 1160 under the direction of Gualdim Pais, the Provincial Master. The complex spans seven centuries of Portuguese history and sits on ground originally used for Roman worship. You'll also see the Igreja de Santa Maria do Olival, a 12th-century church built to serve as the Pantheon for the Templar order. Inside are the Gothic tombs of Gualdim Pais and other Templar masters. A tunnel is believed to have connected this church directly to the castle.

The boat trip on the Tagus River takes you out to Almourol Castle, which rises from an island in the middle of the water. Built in 1171 and reconstructed by the Knights Templar, it formed part of a defensive line of fortifications along the river. The castle's isolation on the island and its position in the landscape make it one of the most distinctive in Portugal. After the Templar order was disbanded, the castle lay abandoned until the 19th century, when it was restored to the form you see today. Bottled water is provided throughout the day, and your guide (fluent in English, Spanish, Portuguese or French) will narrate the Templar history and the symbolism woven through these sites.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off.
• private guide in English, Spanish, Portuguese or French.
• entry tickets to the Convent of Christ and Almourol Castle.
• boat trip on the Tagus River.
• bottled water.
• WiFi on board.
• all taxes, fees and insurance.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:00

Book up to12h before

AgesUp to age 90

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish, Spanish, French and Portuguese

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

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

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyInfant seats availablePublic transport nearbyNot recommended with heart problems

Operated by Fantastic Ride

Is this one for you?The tour involves sustained walking and hillside climbing over 8 to 9 hours, so it suits travelers comfortable with a full day on foot. If you prefer a shorter outing or have mobility constraints, a half-day alternative would serve you better.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, Spanish, French and Portuguese.

What is the Convent of Christ in Tomar?

The Convent of Christ is a UNESCO World Heritage complex built in 1160 on a hill chosen by the Knights Templar under Gualdim Pais. It illustrates seven centuries of Portuguese history and contains important monuments from the Templar era and the Age of Discovery.

Can I actually walk inside Almourol Castle on the island?

Yes. The boat takes you to the island where Almourol Castle stands, and you walk through the castle itself. It was reconstructed in 1171 by the Knights Templar and remains one of Portugal's most distinctive medieval fortifications.

How much walking is involved in this tour?

The tour includes climbing a hillside to reach Ourém Castle, walking through the medieval town streets of Ourém and Tomar, exploring the Convent of Christ complex, and touring Almourol Castle on its island. Comfortable walking shoes are essential, and the operator recommends this tour for all fitness levels.

Does the tour include meals or drinks?

Bottled water is provided throughout the day. Food and drinks are not included, though the operator notes that Ourém is known for local cuisine featuring lamb, kid and rabbit, and regional wines.

What is included in the ticket price?

The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, entry tickets to both Ourém Castle and the Convent of Christ, the boat trip on the Tagus to Almourol Castle with entry, WiFi on board, bottled water, all taxes and fees, and all insurance. This is a private tour, not a shared group experience.