Templar tour from Lisbon: Almourol Castle & Convent of Christ

★★★★★★★★★★ 4.77 (725 reviews) 86% rated it 5 stars

Free cancellationExcellent quality

1/13

Duration8h

GroupUp to 8

LanguagesEN · ES

PickupAt your hotel

Tagus boat tour to 12th-century island fortress and Convent of Christ, Templar knights' historic site

A full-day guided tour from Lisbon to Tomar explores the Knights Templar's Portuguese strongholds: you boat across the Tagus River to Almourol Castle, a medieval fortress on an island; visit the Convent of Christ, a UNESCO World Heritage monastery blending four architectural styles; and see the Church of Santa Maria do Olival, where Templar masters were buried. A professional guide in English or Spanish leads the group through eight hours of medieval history, with transport from Lisbon included in most options and entry to major sites depending on which ticket package you choose at checkout.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Templar sites near Lisbon

Boat ride to Almourol Castle
Explore Almourol Castle walls and towers
Free time in Tomar historic center
Optional visit to Igreja de São João Batista
Pass by Igreja de Santa Maria dos Olivais
Visit Convento de Cristo monastery

The Experience

The day starts with a scenic boat crossing of the Tagus River to reach Almourol Castle, a 12th-century fortress built on a small island. You climb the ancient walls and battlements, exploring towers and interior chambers while your guide explains the castle's role in the Reconquista and its connection to Templar defense. The vantage point from the ramparts frames the river and countryside in photographs and gives a sense of the strategic position medieval knights held here.

After the castle, you have free time in Tomar's historical center to walk the streets, eat lunch at a local restaurant, and explore at your own pace. The town itself is the setting—narrow lanes, local shops, and the chance to move through a place that was the Templars' headquarters without a guide directing every step. If you want, the Igreja de São João Batista, a church with historic interiors, is there to visit on your own.

The Convent of Christ comes next, a 12th-century monastery and UNESCO site where your guide walks you through cloisters, chapels, and grand halls. The architecture layers Romanesque, Gothic, Manueline, and Renaissance styles across the complex. The round Charola and the famous Manueline window are the landmarks your guide points out; the spiral staircases and ornate courtyards are what you move through. Before leaving Tomar, you pass the Church of Santa Maria do Olival, where Templar masters were buried—your guide offers brief context about the building's role in the order's spiritual life. Transport back to Lisbon closes the day.

What’s included

Professional guide in English or Spanish.
pickup and drop-off at your selected Lisbon location (included with most options).
transport in an air-conditioned vehicle.
entry to Almourol Castle.
guided visit to the Church of Santa Maria do Olival.
entry to the Convent of Christ (depending on your ticket option).
travel insurance compliant with Portuguese regulations.

Good to know

Moderate physical levelInfant seats availablePets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Cooltour Lisbon

Is this one for you?Book the shared tour with pickup if you're arriving in Lisbon without a rental car and want to skip arranging your own transport to Tomar; the guide meets you at your hotel or a central point and handles the drive both ways. Choose the private tour option if you're traveling with family or a small group and prefer a dedicated vehicle and guide for the day. If you're deciding between ticket packages, the all-tickets option removes the need to buy entry at each site; the no-tickets option works if you want to visit only the exterior of the Convent of Christ or skip it entirely.