Uncover Portugal’s captivating Templar history on a private tour that blends cultural exploration with a refined culinary experience. This 8-hour excursion takes you to iconic Templar sites, including Almourol Castle and the Convent in Tomar, while indulging in exquisite estate wines and artisanal cheeses. As you savor the flavors and scenery along the Tagus River, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the Templars’ enduring legacy. Whether you’re a history buff or a wine enthusiast, this immersive journey promises to leave you with lasting memories of Portugal’s rich heritage.
Key Points
- This private Templars tour offers an 8-hour experience exploring Portugal’s Templar history, featuring guided visits to Almourol Castle, Tomar, and Dornes.
- The tour includes a guided vineyard and winery tour at Herdade dos Templários, where visitors can sample five distinct wines paired with local artisanal cheeses.
- Lunch featuring day-catch river fish and local specialties is provided, complementing the historical and architectural exploration.
- The tour offers complimentary pick-up and drop-off within the Lisbon periphery, as well as wheelchair accessibility and a flexible cancellation policy.
- Highlights of the tour include the medieval Templar stronghold of Almourol Castle, accessible only by boat, and the impressive Templar Castle and Convent in Tomar.
Tour Overview and Pricing
This private Templars Tour offers an immersive exploration of Portugal’s rich Templar history, featuring a guided visit to Almourol Castle, a medieval Templar stronghold accessible only by boat, and a tour of the renowned Templar sites in Tomar.
Priced at £325.72 per person, the 8-hour experience includes complimentary pick-up and drop-off within the Lisbon periphery, as well as a guided vineyard and winery tour with wine tastings paired with local cheeses and bread.
Guests can also look forward to a riverside lunch showcasing the day’s fresh catch.
The tour is wheelchair accessible and offers a flexible cancellation policy, making it an ideal choice for both history buffs and food and wine enthusiasts.
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Itinerary Highlights
The private Templars Tour begins with a departure from Lisbon, traveling along the scenic Tagus River. Visitors then board a small boat to reach the medieval Almourol Castle, a former Templar stronghold. After exploring the castle, the tour continues to Herdade dos Templários, where a guided vineyard and winery tour awaits, complete with a wine tasting paired with local cheeses and bread. The highlight of the tour is the visit to the Templar Castle and Convent in Tomar, featuring the impressive Chapter House and main Cloister. The final stop is the Templar Pentagonal Tower in the quaint village of Dornes, with its river beaches and medieval architecture.
| Itinerary Highlights | Description |
|---|---|
| Almourol Castle | Medieval Templar Castle accessible by small boat |
| Herdade dos Templários | Guided vineyard and winery tour with wine tasting |
| Tomar | Templar Castle and Convent, Chapter House and Cloister |
| Dornes | Templar Pentagonal Tower, river beaches, medieval architecture |
Culinary Experience
Throughout the tour, visitors get to indulge in a delightful culinary experience.
The tour features a lunch showcasing day-catch river fish, including large-mouth bass and local specialties.
Plus, the vineyard visit includes artisanal wine and cheese pairings, allowing guests to savor the flavors of the region.
The wine and cheese pairing is an opportunity to experience the finest products from the Templar estate. Guests can expect to sample five distinct wines, each expertly paired with a selection of local cheeses and freshly baked bread.
This culinary journey provides a well-rounded and immersive experience, complementing the rich history and architecture explored throughout the tour.
Transportation and Accessibility
For the convenience of participants, the tour includes pick-up and drop-off services within the Lisbon periphery.
It’s a private group experience with a live tour guide, ensuring a personalized and informative journey.
Plus, the tour is wheelchair accessible, catering to visitors with mobility needs.
This streamlines the experience, allowing guests to focus on the highlights without the hassle of navigating transportation.
The private nature of the tour also allows for leisurely conversation and commentary during the return trip to Lisbon, providing an opportunity to reflect on the day’s experiences and ask any additional questions.
Whether traveling solo or as a group, the transportation and accessibility features make this tour an accessible and enjoyable experience for all.
More Great Thing To Do NearbyTemplar Castle and Convent in Tomar
One of the highlights of the tour is a visit to the Templar Castle and Convent in Tomar, featuring the impressive Chapter House and main Cloister. This medieval complex is a testament to the power and influence of the Knights Templar in Portugal.
Visitors can explore:
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The imposing walls and towers of the Templar Castle, a formidable defensive structure
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The Chapter House, with its intricate stone carvings and high ceilings
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The serene main Cloister, a peaceful oasis within the larger complex
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The Convent’s ornate church, showcasing the Templar’s architectural prowess
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The castle’s underground tunnels, offering a glimpse into the Templars’ strategic defenses
This immersive experience allows travelers to step back in time and gain a deeper understanding of the Templar legacy in Portugal.
Almourol Castle by Boat
Why does the tour include a visit to Almourol Castle, accessible only by small boat?
This medieval Templar castle, situated along the Tagus River, offers a unique opportunity for visitors to experience the strategic location and architectural prowess of the Knights Templar in Portugal.
Riding a small boat to reach the castle allows guests to appreciate the castle’s remote position, which would have deterred unwanted visitors during the Templar era.
Once on the island, travelers can explore the castle’s impressive fortifications and enjoy the rich history of the Templar Order’s influence in the region.
This excursion by boat adds a captivating element to the overall Templar tour experience.
Herdade Dos Templários Winery Tour
After exploring the remote Almourol Castle by boat, the tour moves on to the Herdade dos Templários winery for a guided vineyard and cellar tour. Here, visitors will discover the rich history and traditions of the Templar Knights’ winemaking legacy.
The experience includes:
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A stroll through the picturesque vineyards, learning about the unique terroir and grape varietals.
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A behind-the-scenes look at the winery’s state-of-the-art production facilities.
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A tasting of five carefully selected wines, each paired with local artisanal cheeses and bread.
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Insights into the winery’s sustainable practices and commitment to quality.
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Time to savor the flavors and soak in the serene atmosphere of the estate.
Templar Pentagonal Tower in Dornes
Overlooking the quaint village of Dornes, the Templar Pentagonal Tower stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of the Templar Knights in the region. This medieval structure, with its distinctive five-sided design, was part of the fortifications built by the Templars to protect the nearby river crossing.
Visitors can explore the tower’s interior, marveling at the intricate architectural details and the stunning views of the surrounding countryside. The tower’s location in the picturesque Dornes, with its medieval architecture and tranquil river beaches, adds to the overall enchantment of the experience.
This stop on the Templars tour offers a glimpse into the strategic and architectural prowess of the legendary knights.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Dress Code for This Tour?
The tour has no specific dress code, but casual, comfortable clothing is recommended. Visitors should dress appropriately for the weather and any outdoor activities involved in the tour. No formal attire is required.
Can We Take Photographs During the Tour?
Guests are generally encouraged to take photographs during the tour. The tour provider allows photography, providing visitors the opportunity to capture the scenic landscapes and historic sites encountered throughout the experience.
Are There Any Food Allergies or Dietary Restrictions Accommodated?
The tour operator can accommodate guests with food allergies or dietary restrictions if notified in advance. They will work to provide appropriate substitutes or alternative menu options to ensure an enjoyable culinary experience.
How Knowledgeable Is the Tour Guide About Templar History?
The tour guide is highly knowledgeable about Templar history, providing detailed commentary on the castles, convents, and towers visited. They’re able to bring the Templar legacy to life through their expertise and engaging storytelling throughout the tour.
Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?
Customers can request to extend the tour duration, though this may incur additional fees. The tour guide can accommodate requests for a longer experience, allowing more time to explore the historical sites in depth.
Recap
This captivating Private Templars Tour provides a unique opportunity to take in Portugal’s rich Templar history.
Combining visits to iconic sites like Almourol Castle and the Templar Castle in Tomar with a guided winery tour and exquisite estate wine and cheese pairings, this experience offers a perfect blend of culture, history, and culinary delight along the scenic Tagus River.
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