Uncover the Mysteries of Tomar with Templar Knights Tours

Take a Journey Through the Middle Ages with Our Qualified Guide

Step into the captivating world of the Templar Knights with a Tomar-based, family-run tour that combines expert knowledge, storytelling, and genuine passion.

This isn’t just a walk through old stones, it’s a journey through time.

We are Darren and Hannah Keohane, a father-and-daughter team with a shared love of history and a special connection to Tomar: the spiritual stronghold of the legendary Knights Templar in Portugal.

Our mission is simple: to bring the past to life through immersive, informative, and engaging tours that go far beyond the usual tourist trail.

Who We Are

Darren, originally from the UK, has made Tomar his home for many years. With a background in people management and a lifelong passion for medieval history, he has spent years researching the Templars and their enduring legacy in Portugal. His calm, clear storytelling brings complex history to life in a way that’s both accessible and fascinating.

Hannah, who grew up in Portugal, contributes her research skills and enthusiasm for deep historical dives. Her interest in medieval culture, symbolism, and myth gives the tour a dynamic edge—helping to bridge the gap between historical fact and modern imagination.

Together, we offer something unique: a tour that’s rooted in scholarship but told with heart, humour, and clarity. You won’t get a rehearsed speech, you’ll get a real conversation and a personal connection to the history we explore.

Why Tomar?

Tomar is not just another charming Portuguese town, it’s a place of immense historical significance. Founded by the Templar Order in the 12th century, Tomar became their most important base in the Iberian Peninsula. The town’s layout, its surviving architecture, and especially the majestic Convent of Christ, all reflect its powerful Templar origins.

In most of Europe, the Templars were disbanded under accusations of heresy and corruption. But in Portugal, something remarkable happened. King Dinis protected the Templars by creating a new order - the Order of Christ -transferring their assets and continuing their mission under a new name. This clever political move allowed Portugal to preserve the Templar spirit while avoiding the bloody purges seen elsewhere.

Later, the Order of Christ played a vital role in the Age of Discoveries, financing voyages of exploration and conquest. It was under this order’s red cross that ships sailed toward new worlds—ships captained by men like Vasco da Gama, who himself was a knight of the Order, tied directly to the legacy of Tomar.

What You’ll Experience on Our Tour

Our tours are crafted to offer depth and meaning, not just photo opportunities. Whether you’re a seasoned history buff or someone discovering the Templars for the first time, we design the experience to be personal, engaging, and memorable.

Here’s a glimpse at what we’ll cover:

The birth of the Templar Order and their original mission in the Holy Land

Their arrival in Portugal and the founding of Tomar as a key military and spiritual base

The siege of 1190, where the Templars famously defended Tomar against overwhelming odds

The design and symbolism of the Charola, the round Templar church inspired by Jerusalem’s Holy Sepulchre

The transition into the Order of Christ, and how the Templars' mission evolved

The Order’s direct involvement in Portugal’s explorations and empire-building

Common myths and misconceptions - from hidden treasure to secret rituals - and what history really tells us

We focus not just on dates and facts, but on the why behind the events: why the Templars mattered, why they were feared, and why their legacy still grips the imagination today.

For Curious Minds of All Kinds

Our tours are designed for everyone. Whether you're:

A history lover craving details and nuance

A traveller looking for an unforgettable local experience

A family wanting something fun and educational

Or simply someone curious about Templar legends and lore

We aim to make the tour enjoyable and enriching. We keep groups small, encourage questions, and tailor each tour to the people who join us. We love to talk about the mysteries,

but we also take care to separate the facts from the fiction, so that by the end, you’ll know the difference between a Netflix fantasy and real medieval history.

A Family Business with a Passion

This is not a mass-produced tour. We’re a small, independent business built on personal passion, community, and quality. Every guest is welcomed like a friend,

and every tour is delivered with genuine excitement and care.

People often tell us it feels like being shown around by a local friend who just happens to know a lot about the Templars, and that’s exactly what we aim for.

Our shared enthusiasm for the subject creates a warm, engaging experience that feels more like a historical adventure than a formal tour. We walk, we talk, we imagine, and we invite you to take part.

Join Us in Tomar

We typically begin our tours in Tomar’s historic center, walking the same paths once taken by Templar knights. From there, we make our way to the stunning Convent of Christ, exploring its layers of architecture and the stories etched into every stone.

We’ll show you how Templar strategy shaped the very design of the city, how religious and military power intertwined, and how the remnants of this remarkable order live on today, not just in books and museums, but in the town itself.

By the end of the tour, you’ll have more than just beautiful photos. You’ll carry with you a deeper understanding of one of Europe’s most fascinating chapters, and maybe even a few lingering questions to keep the adventure alive.

So, are you ready to explore the legacy of the Knights Templar with us?

Whether you're staying in Tomar or just passing through, we’d love to welcome you on a journey into the past, where legends are explored, truths are uncovered, and history comes alive.

Let’s discover the real story together and take a journey through the Middle Ages with our qualified guide

Step into the enchanting world of the Templar Knights with a Tomar-based, family-run tour experience that blends history, storytelling, and passion.

We are Darren and Hannah Keohane, a father-and-daughter duo who share a love for history and a deep connection to the legendary Templar Knights of Tomar.

Our tours aren’t just about exploring ancient landmarks, they’re about bringing the past to life.

Together, we’ll uncover the secrets of the Templar Order, walk in the footsteps of medieval knights, and unravel the rich tapestry of myths, legends, and truths that make Tomar such a fascinating destination.

With Darren’s knowledge of Templar history and Hannah’s flair for content and research, we promise a unique and immersive journey through some of Portugal’s historic gems. Whether you're a history buff, a seeker of legends, or simply curious about the mysteries of the Templar Knights, our tours are designed to inspire, educate, and ignite your sense of adventure.

Join us for an unforgettable experience, where history meets family passion and new friendships are forged.

Let’s uncover the truth about the legend together!