Lisbon to Tomar & Almourol Castle Day Trip with Boat Ride

Summary

Knights Templar castles, riverside boat ride and Tomar’s winding lanes

You’ll cross to Almourol Castle by boat as morning mist drifts over the Tagus, then wander Tomar’s historic streets and taste local food before exploring the mysterious Convent of Christ with your guide. Expect stories you won’t find in guidebooks — plus those quiet moments when Portugal’s medieval past feels close enough to touch.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll be honest — I didn’t expect the boat to Almourol Castle to feel so quiet. The Tagus was all soft ripples and the air smelled like wet stone and wild herbs, not quite summer yet. Our guide, Marta, kept pointing out these little details about the Templars — she had this way of making old battles sound like gossip from last week. When we reached the island, I touched the castle wall and it was cool and rough under my palm. You could almost imagine someone in chainmail stomping around up there.

Tomar felt different — slower somehow, like everyone had time for another coffee or just to stand in the sun. We wandered through narrow lanes where blue tiles peeked out behind laundry lines. Lunch was at a tiny spot Marta recommended (I forgot the name, but their bacalhau tasted like home cooking). She taught us how to say “obrigado” properly; Li laughed when I tried it — probably butchered it. There’s something about eating in a place where you can hear church bells that makes everything taste better.

The Convent of Christ is… well, honestly, it’s hard to describe without sounding dramatic. The round Charola glowed gold in the afternoon light, and I caught myself just standing there for a minute while everyone else took photos. Marta explained all these symbols carved into the stone — some you’d never notice if she didn’t point them out. By then my feet were tired but I didn’t really care. On the way back past Santa Maria do Olival, she told us stories about Templar burials; I still think about that view through the old stone archway.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Almourol Castle and Tomar highlights

• Boat ride to Almourol Castle
• Explore castle walls and towers
• Climb battlements for views
• Free time in Tomar center
• Lunch at local restaurant
• Optional visit to Igreja de São João Batista
• Visit Convent of Christ monastery
• Pass by Igreja de Santa Maria dos Olivais

Top questions

How long does the Lisbon to Tomar & Almourol Castle day trip take?

This is a full-day tour departing from Lisbon and returning in the evening.

Is hotel pickup included for this day trip?

Pickup is included at selected locations with private or shared tour options.

Do we visit inside Almourol Castle?

Yes, entry to Almourol Castle is included along with a guided visit inside.

Is lunch provided during this tour?

No set lunch is included; you have free time in Tomar to choose your own restaurant or café.

What languages does the guide speak?

The tour may be conducted by a multilingual guide depending on group composition.

Are entrance fees included for all main sites?

Yes, entrance fees for both Almourol Castle and Convent of Christ are included.

Is this tour suitable for young children?

The tour welcomes children over 1 year old with appropriate child seats; infants under 1 require guests to bring their own baby seat.

How many people are in each group?

The standard group size is up to 8 per vehicle; sometimes larger vehicles may be used.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup and drop-off at your selected location (with private or shared option), all entry fees for Almourol Castle and Convent of Christ, guided visits inside both sites plus Santa Maria do Olival, travel insurance as required by Portuguese law, comfortable transport in an air-conditioned vehicle, and a knowledgeable professional guide throughout — plus that little boat ride across the Tagus River before heading back to Lisbon.