Templar Knights Region: Day Trips and Tours from Lisbon

Nearly 1,000 years after the Knights Templar were first established, the historical Christian soldiers still continue to draw interest. The Templars arrived in Portugal sometime in the 12th century to help fight in dozens of battles, and central Portugal is filled with Templar sites.

A day trip to the Templar Knights region from Lisbon promises to be a fascinating excursion that teaches you more about the Knights of the Templar and the influence that they yielded in Portugal all those years ago.

Here's everything you should know about planning an excursion to the Templar Knights region, one of the most exciting day trips from Lisbon.

Where is the Templar Knights region? How do I travel there from Lisbon?

While there are many Templar sites scattered across Portugal, the city of Tomar is where the Knights of the Templar were based and where many monuments can be found. Tomar is located roughly 140 kilometers from Lisbon.

From Lisbon to Tomar by car

If you are driving from Lisbon to Tomar, you’ll want to take the A1 toll expressway and you can expect the journey to take around 1.5 hours. It is a good idea to park your car in a public parking lot in Tomar and use public transport to get to the various monuments.

From Lisbon to Tomar by train

Trains depart from Lisbon to Tomar between 11 and 14 times each day, meaning that you’ll never have to wait very long for a train. Depart from the Oriente or Santa Apolonia station and prepare for a 2-hour train journey to Tomar.

Guided tour to Tomar from Lisbon

When you book a guided tour to Tomar from Lisbon, you’ll be picked up by your expert guide and taken to Tomar in a comfortable, private vehicle. Guided tours are the most convenient way to visit the region as there is no need to hire a vehicle or navigate public transport.

How much do tickets to the Knights of the Templar region monuments cost?

Monuments related to the Knights of the Templar often require you to purchase an entrance ticket. For example, Convent of Christ tickets cost €6 per person and Almourol Castle tickets cost €4 per person.

When you book a guided tour, your tickets are typically included in the price of the tour, but if you are visiting the region on your own it is a good idea to do some research regarding ticket prices and book your tickets ahead of time.

What is the typical itinerary?

The typical Templar Knights tour in Portugal begins with a pickup in Lisbon. Your guide will pick you up from your hotel or a designated meeting spot and you will make your way to the city of Tomar.

Some of the most common Templar sites that are visited include the Convent of Christ, Almourol Castle, Monsanto Castle and the Church of Santa Maria do Olival. Once you have explored the region for a few hours, and seen the most famous attractions, you’ll be taken back to Lisbon.

What are the best excursions to the Templar Knights region?

When booking a Templar Knights day trip from Lisbon, you have a few different options available and there is a tour to suit every budget and preference.

Guided tours to the Templar Knights region from Lisbon

Guided tours to the Templar Knights region from Lisbon provide the perfect opportunity to meet like-minded travelers and walk in the footsteps of the Knights of the Templar. Enjoy the affordability and convenience that comes with booking a guided group tour.

Private tours to the Templar Knights region from Lisbon

Make the most of your time in the Templar Knights region by booking a private tour. Private tours can be customized to your specific needs and you and your travel companions will be the only people on the excursion— giving you plenty of opportunity to ask questions.

How much does a day trip to the Templar Knights region from Lisbon cost?

Guided group tours to the Templar Knights region from Lisbon typically cost around €90 per person. This price is inclusive of transport to and from Tomar, as well as entrance tickets to various monuments.

Full-day private tours usually cost around €200 per person but may vary depending on your group size. Private tours are also inclusive of tickets and transport but provide a more comprehensive experience.

What will you see and do there?

On a day trip to the Templar Knights region you will spend time in Constancia and Tomar, two typical Portuguese villages in the Santarem district, and visit several attractions located close-by.

While each Templar Knights tour itinerary is slightly different, the two places that are almost always visited are the Convent of Christ and Almourol Castle. Both the convent and the castle are of great historical significance.

Convent of Christ

The Convent of Christ is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and attracts thousands of visitors every year. The Catholic convent was originally a Templar Knights stronghold in the 12th century

The convent is known for its beautiful Romanesque and Gothic architecture and its statue of Pais— a famous Portuguese knight. A visit to the convent takes you back in time, and your guide will provide fascinating information about the knights’ ties to the convent.

Almourol Castle

Situated on a small rocky island on the Tagus River, Almourol Castle is one of Portugal’s most famous castles. The medieval castle has a rich and fascinating history that precedes 1129 and has many links to the Christian reconquest.

The Knights of the Templar used Almourol Castle as their stronghold and the castle is shrouded in many mysteries and legends. Learn more about this emblematic monument as you stroll around the magnificent castle grounds.

When is the best time to visit the Templar Knights region?

Thanks to western Portugal’s moderate weather throughout the year, the region can be visited during any season.

As the Templar Knights' monuments and landmarks can get quite busy over the weekend, you may want to visit during the week to avoid the crowds.

Travel tips

• Wear comfortable shoes for walking around the Templar Knights region.
• Book your Templar Knights tour in advance to secure your spot on your preferred excursion.
• Bring your camera with you to capture images of important monuments as well as beautiful views of central Portugal.
• Meals are not typically included in Templar Knights tours, so be sure to bring a snack or some extra spending money.