The Tomar Knights Templar and Jurassic Era Caves Private Tour offers a captivating blend of Portugal’s rich history and stunning natural wonders. Priced at $195.89 per person, this 8-hour adventure takes visitors on a journey through the UNESCO-recognized Convent of Christ, a remarkable example of Templar architecture, before delving into the captivating Grutas de Santo António, a network of caves featuring unique geological formations and a surprising daytime bat population. With private transportation, a included lunch, and comfortable amenities, this tour promises an immersive experience that may leave you eager to uncover more of Portugal’s hidden gems.
Key Points
- This private tour offers a comprehensive experience of Tomar’s Convent of Christ, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the ancient Grutas de Santo António caves.
- The Convent of Christ provides insights into Portugal’s medieval past and the legacy of the Knights Templar, with architectural styles spanning Templar, Manueline, and Baroque periods.
- The Grutas de Santo António caves, formed over 150 million years ago, feature unique geological formations, including a stalagmite resembling the Our Lady of Fátima, and a stable 17-degree Celsius environment.
- The tour includes private air-conditioned transportation, bottled water, lunch, snacks, and entrance fees, offering a convenient and enriching exploration of Tomar’s historical and geological wonders.
- The tour may not be suitable for individuals with mobility impairments due to uneven terrain, and comfortable shoes are recommended for a safe and enjoyable experience.
Tour Overview and Pricing
The Tomar Knights Templar and Jurassic Era Caves Private Tour offers visitors a chance to explore the historic Convent of Christ and the captivating Grutas de Santo António caves.
Priced at $195.89 per person, the 8-hour tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, private air-conditioned transportation, bottled water, lunch, and snacks.
Entrance fees to the Convent of Christ and the Caves of Santo António are also covered. The tour features free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, and visitors can reserve their spot now and pay later.
With its scenic views, UNESCO World Heritage site, and unique geological formations, this private tour provides a comprehensive experience for those interested in Templar history and Jurassic-era wonders.
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Itinerary and Highlights
Beginning with the Lisbon pickup location, the tour travels to Tomar, a 1.5-hour journey through the scenic Seven Hills National Forest.
The main attractions include the Convent of Christ, a 12th-century Templar stronghold and UNESCO World Heritage site, for a 1.5-hour visit.
Next, the tour explores the Grutas de Santo António, discovered in 1955 and formed over 150 million years ago. These caves feature rooms with stalagmites and stalactites, including the Room of the Bats and Fátima Room.
The cave’s unique characteristics include a 40-meter depth, 6,000 square meters of coverage, and a comfortable 17-degree Celsius temperature.
Convent of Christ
The Convent of Christ stands as a captivating 12th-century Templar stronghold, now a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Visitors can explore this remarkable complex for around 1.5 hours, discovering its rich history and architectural wonders.
The Convent features a mix of Templar, Manueline, and Baroque styles, showcasing the evolution of the site over centuries.
Highlights include the imposing round church, the lavish Charola, and the intricate cloister.
Visitors can wander through the serene spaces, imagining the lives of the Templar knights who once inhabited this fortress.
The Convent of Christ offers a fascinating glimpse into Portugal’s medieval past and the legacy of the Knights Templar.
Grutas De Santo António
Discovered in 1955, the Grutas de Santo Antônio are a captivating network of caves that formed over 150 million years ago.
Located at an altitude of 530m, these caves cover an impressive area of 6,000 square meters and feature a depth of 40m.
Three unique highlights of the Grutas de Santo Antônio include:
- The charming bats that can be observed during the day.
- The stalagmite formation resembling the Our Lady of Fátima.
- The comfortable temperature of 17 degrees Celsius maintained within the caves.
With appropriate lighting and a pleasant atmosphere, the Grutas de Santo Antônio offer visitors a remarkable glimpse into the Jurassic era, complementing the tour’s exploration of the historic Convent of Christ.
More Great Thing To Do NearbyCave Characteristics
The Grutas de Santo Antônio boast an impressive array of cave characteristics that captivate visitors.
Situated at an altitude of 530 meters, the cave system extends 40 meters deep and covers an area of 6,000 square meters.
One of the most unique features is the stalagmite resembling the revered Our Lady of Fátima, a sight that amazes all who witness it.
Complementing this natural wonder are the charming bats that can be observed during the day, thriving in the cave’s comfortable, 17-degree Celsius temperature and appropriate lighting.
Truly, the Grutas de Santo Antônio offer an immersive Jurassic-era experience that transports visitors back in time through its captivating geological formations.
Unique Cave Features
One of the most captivating features of the Grutas de Santo Antônio is the stalagmite that eerily resembles the revered Our Lady of Fátima.
Along With this religious-like formation, the cave boasts several other unique characteristics. Visitors can observe charming bats during the day, as the caves maintain a comfortable temperature of 17 degrees Celsius.
On top of that, the cave system covers an impressive 6,000 square meters and reaches a depth of 40 meters, providing ample space for exploration.
Transportation and Inclusions
The tour package includes hotel pickup and drop-off, providing a hassle-free experience for participants.
A private, air-conditioned vehicle transports guests throughout the day. Bottled water, lunch, and snacks are provided, ensuring comfort and sustenance.
Entrance fees for the Convent of Christ (€6 per person) and the Caves of Santo António (€7 for adults, €4.60 for children ages 5-11) are included in the tour price. The comprehensive inclusions allow visitors to enjoy the tour’s highlights without additional costs.
Guests are encouraged to wear comfortable shoes, as the tour may involve some walking.
Important Information and Recommendations
Individuals with mobility impairments may find the tour unsuitable, as it may involve navigating uneven terrain and accessing narrow cave passages.
The tour organizers recommend wearing comfortable shoes to ensure a pleasant and safe experience.
Plus, visitors should:
- Check availability for specific dates and participant numbers, as group size may affect the overall experience.
- Prepare for a diverse range of temperatures, with the caves maintaining a constant 17 degrees Celsius, which may require appropriate clothing.
- Expect a moderate level of physical activity, including walking and climbing, during the exploration of the Convent of Christ and the Caves of Santo António.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Types of Caves Can We Expect to See?
This tour features the Grutas de Santo António caves, which were formed over 150 million years ago. Visitors can explore these caves and see unique features like stalagmites, stalactites, and a stalagmite resembling the Our Lady of Fátima.
Are There Any Age or Physical Restrictions for the Tour?
This tour is not suitable for individuals with mobility impairments. It’s recommended to wear comfortable shoes, and there are age-based admission fees – children 5-11 pay a reduced rate.
Can We Take Photographs Inside the Caves?
Visitors can take photographs inside the Grutas de Santo António caves, as long as they do not use flash photography. The caves’ lighting and temperature are suitable for photography, allowing guests to capture the stunning geological formations.
Is Food and Drink Allowed Within the Caves?
Food and drink are generally allowed within the Caves of Santo António, though visitors are advised to consume them responsibly and dispose of any waste properly to preserve the natural environment.
How Do the Cave Temperatures Compare to the Outdoor Temperatures?
The caves maintain a comfortable temperature of around 17 degrees Celsius, which is significantly cooler than the outdoor temperatures. This stable climate within the caves provides a pleasant environment for visitors to explore.
Recap
The Tomar Knights Templar and Jurassic Era Caves Private Tour offers an immersive experience, blending Portugal’s rich history and captivating natural wonders. Visitors can explore the UNESCO-listed Convent of Christ, marvel at the Grutas de Santo António’s unique cave features, and enjoy seamless transportation and amenities throughout the 8-hour adventure. This tour promises an unforgettable journey into Portugal’s past and present, catering to history enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.
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