Discover the Real Knights Templar in Portugal: Guided Tomar Tour
Tour Highlights at a Glance:Duration: Half-Day or Full-Day Options
Location: Tomar (90 mins from Lisbon)
Language: English
Group Size: Small / Private Groups
If you are planning a trip to Portugal and are fascinated by medieval history, castles, crusaders, and the legends of the Knights Templar, there is one destination you cannot miss: Tomar.
Located just 90 minutes from Lisbon, Tomar was founded by the Knights Templar in 1160 and remains one of the most important Templar strongholds in the world. While most visitors stay on the standard Lisbon–Porto tourist trail, exploring Tomar reveals an authentic, untouched side of Portugal's deep medieval past.
Our guided Knights Templar Tour is crafted for curious travellers seeking the real historical evidence behind history's most famous military order.
Why Portugal Holds the Key to the Knights Templar Story
The story of the Templars didn't end when the order was suppressed across Europe in the early 14th century - it simply evolved.
While other European nations dismantled the order, King Dinis of Portugal took a different path. He created the Order of Christ, directly absorbing the Templars' wealth, castles, and traditions. This brilliant strategy protected the knights and laid the groundwork for Portugal’s legendary Age of Discovery.
Today, Tomar holds Europe's best-preserved Templar heritage, including:
The Convent of Christ (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
The Castle of Tomar
The Church of Santa Maria do Olival
Historic Templar streets & defensive architecture
Meet Your Local Expert Guide
Unlike generic bus tours offering high-level overviews, our tours are led by a dedicated historian and local resident of Tomar who has spent years studying the Knights Templar and the Order of Christ.
"We focus on real historical evidence, hidden symbols, architectural details, and local traditions - separating genuine history from modern myth."
By booking locally, you get personal insights, local stories, and access to hidden details that standard guidebooks miss.
Tour Highlights: What You Will Explore
1. The Convent of Christ & the Charola
Explore Portugal's stunning UNESCO World Heritage Site. Walk inside the famous 12th-century octagonal Charola (the Templar round church), discover intricate Manueline architecture, and learn how this site became central to Portugal's global voyages.
2. The Templar Castle of Tomar
Walk the medieval ramparts of one of the finest military fortresses in Europe, built by Grand Master Gualdim Pais to defend Christian territory during the Reconquista.
3. Church of Santa Maria do Olival
Visit the spiritual headquarters of the Templars in Portugal and the final resting place of the great Templar Grand Masters.
4. Medieval Tomar & Hidden Templar Symbols
Navigate the historic grid-pattern streets of Tomar, uncovering hidden symbols carved into stones, ancient defensive structures, and quiet medieval corners.
An Easy Day Trip from Lisbon
Reaching Tomar is straightforward and fits perfectly into any Portugal itinerary:
By Car: Direct 90-minute drive via the A1 highway from Lisbon.
By Train: Frequent direct train service connects Lisbon's Santa Apolónia or Oriente stations directly to Tomar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Tomar worth visiting from Lisbon?
Yes! Tomar is home to one of Portugal's top UNESCO World Heritage Sites and offers a rich historical experience away from crowded tourist hubs.
How far is Tomar from Lisbon?
Tomar is approximately 140 km (87 miles) northeast of Lisbon, taking about 90 minutes by car or 2 hours by direct train.
Are tours conducted in English?
Yes, all our guided tours are conducted in fluent English, tailored specifically for international visitors seeking an in-depth cultural experience.
Is the tour suitable for families?
Absolutely. Visitors of all ages enjoy exploring castle towers, walking medieval walls, and hearing the real-life legends of knights and explorers.
The Knights Templar helped shape world history, and nowhere is their legacy more alive than in Tomar. Step beyond the standard tourist itineraries and experience the authentic story with a local expert.
Small Group Sizes | 100% English Guiding | Easy Cancellation