Templar Memories

Story Telling: Social and historical key points of this tour

• Foundation of Portugal

• The Templars and the Order of Christ

• The role of Tomar in Portuguese independence

• Military expansion during the Discoveries

• Medieval fortification systems

• Rise of the Avis Dynasty

• Iberian Union and Restoration

• Early modern Portugal

• Contemporary Portugal

Briefing

You will be picked up from your accommodation in Lisbon. When access is restricted, we agree on the closest suitable meeting point.

Our first stop is the Convent of Christ in Tomar, this is one of the most symbolic monuments in the country.

It gives you a clear view of the shift from the Templars to the Order of Christ and you follow the evolution of architecture from Romanesque to Manueline.

You sense how this institution shaped military, political and maritime history, this first visit sets a strong base for the rest of the day.

After the visit, we do a quick drive drive to Almourol!

The castle sits on a small island in the middle of the Tagus River reached only by boat.

The sight of the tower above the water explains the defensive logic of the early kingdom and he setting is peaceful and perfect for photography!!

Lunch follows: You pick between traditional restaurants in the Ribatejo region from fresh fish, meats and local sweets give you a simple break before the afternoon program.

After lunch we continue to Leiria....

The town develops under the first kings and holds a strong place in our medieval identity. You walk the historic centre, the square, the cathedral area and the lived-in streets that show the rhythm of central Portugal.

The castle dominates the skyline, from the top, you read the landscape and the formation of the kingdom.

This tour also includes a visit to a ceramic artist in Leiria. You meet the maker, learn about materials and techniques, and see how contemporary work grows from older regional traditions.

Ceramist Visit Note: Travelers can purchase pieces if they wish.

Once the day ends, you are driven back to Lisbon or to another address if arranged in advance.

Notes

- The order of visits is flexible if weather or local conditions require small adjustments

- Boat access to Almourol depends on river conditions and schedules

- Tour value per person calculated for mininum of 3, for other group sizes please contact for a bespoke value

- Ticket prices (Convento de Cristo & Castelo de Almourol) are not included on the tour value, total price per person: 19eur

Includes:

- Tour Guide

- Transport

- Transport Costs (fuel, tolls etc...)

- Bottled Water

Does not include:

- Tickets to any monument

- Multiples pick-ups (groups staying in different hotels for example) unless agreed previously