Tomar Convent of Christ & Almourol Castle Day Trip from Lisbon
- Duration9 hours
- Daily
- Group
- Pickup available
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Overview
Follow the Knights Templar on a full-day shared tour from Lisbon to the heart of Portugal. You visit the island fortress of Almourol Castle, reached by a short boat ride, the Gothic Church of Santa Maria do Olival in Tomar, and the Convent of Christ, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the country's greatest monuments. The default option includes the Convent of Christ ticket, and you can choose other options with hotel pickup or without the ticket. It suits history lovers, families and curious travellers.
Highlights
- Convent of Christ in Tomar, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with the ticket included in the default option
- Almourol Castle on its island in the Tagus, with the boat ride and entrance included
- Guided visit of the Church of Santa Maria do Olival, the Templar pantheon
- Free time in Tomar's historic centre for lunch and a stroll
- Comfortable air-conditioned transport and a professional guide
- Choose a version with hotel pickup or one without the Convent ticket
Full Description
Almourol Castle on its island in the Tagus
Almourol Castle looks like something from a fairy tale: a medieval fortress perched on a tiny rocky island in the middle of the Tagus River. Founded in the 12th century, it was built during the Christian Reconquest and passed to the Knights Templar, whose Grand Master Gualdim Pais oversaw its rebuilding, and it remains one of the most photographed castles in Portugal.
A short boat ride, included in your tour, takes you across the water to the island, where you can climb the walls and towers and look out over the river valley. It is a highlight for many visitors and one of the best reasons to choose a day trip to Almourol Castle from Lisbon.
Church of Santa Maria do Olival in Tomar
In Tomar, our guided visit begins at the Church of Santa Maria do Olival, a calm Gothic church that served as the pantheon of the Knights Templar in Portugal. Several Grand Masters of the Order are buried here, and your guide explains the symbolism behind the architecture and layout.
It is a quieter, more intimate stop than the great convent above the town, and helps set the scene for understanding how powerful the Templars were and how they shaped Tomar. The visit is included with the tour and gives context for the afternoon.
Convent of Christ, Tomar's UNESCO monument
On the hill above Tomar, the Convent of Christ is the reason many people take a Tomar day trip from Lisbon. Founded by the Templars in 1160 and later the seat of the Order of Christ, which financed Portugal's voyages of discovery, it blends Romanesque, Gothic, Manueline and Renaissance architecture and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1983.
Inside, the round Charola church, inspired by Jerusalem's Holy Sepulchre, is one of the most striking spaces in Portugal, and the cloisters and the ornate Manueline window are equally impressive. The ticket is included in the default option; if you choose the option without tickets, you can see the convent from outside. Expect a good hour or more of walking and stairs.
Tomar's historic centre and lunch
Between the church and the convent, you have free time in the historic centre of Tomar for lunch. The centre is compact and pleasant to walk, with cobbled streets and cafés around the main square, where the Church of São João Batista stands with its Manueline doorway.
Meals are not included, so you can choose a local restaurant that suits your appetite and budget. Ask your guide for recommendations for regional dishes before you go to eat, and leave enough time to reach the convent for your visit slot, which is usually a short walk or drive uphill.
Itinerary
- Meet in Lisbon and drive to the Tagus valleyMeet your guide and travel in an air-conditioned vehicle towards Almourol.
- Almourol CastleCross by boat to the island fortress and explore its walls and towers.
- Church of Santa Maria do Olival, TomarGuided visit of the Templar pantheon.
- Lunch and free time in TomarTime to eat and wander the old centre; meals are paid separately.
- Convent of ChristVisit the Charola, cloisters and Manueline window of the UNESCO monument.
- Return to LisbonDrive back to the meeting area; the full trip lasts about 9 hours.
What's included
- Transport by air-conditioned vehicle from Lisbon
- Professional English-speaking guide
- Entry to Almourol Castle including the boat crossing
- Guided visit of the Church of Santa Maria do Olival
- Walk through the historic Templar town of Tomar
- Travel insurance
Not included
- Entry ticket to the Convent of Christ
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Meals and drinks
- Tips
Is this right for you?
Great for
- Travellers without a car — hotel pickup is included
- History and culture lovers
- Travellers who want a proven choice — rated 4.8/5 by past travellers
Think twice if
- You want a private tour — this one is shared with other travellers
Not suitable for
- Pregnant women
- People with heart or respiratory problems
- Wheelchair users, as the sites involve stairs and uneven ground
Meeting point
The default option is a shared tour that meets at a central meeting point in Lisbon shown on your voucher and confirmation. Other options are available with hotel pickup at selected locations, or without the Convent of Christ ticket. Please arrive at the meeting point at least 10 minutes before the scheduled time.
Important information
- Wear comfortable shoes and clothing; there is walking on stairs and uneven paths.
- Arrive at least 10 minutes before departure; the tour cannot wait for latecomers.
- A minimum of 3 participants is needed for the tour to run; if it is not met, we will let you know and offer an alternative.
- Meals, drinks, tips and personal expenses are not included.
- The Convent of Christ ticket is included in the default option only; check the option you choose in the booking panel.
- Weapons, sharp objects, oversized luggage, smoking and touching exhibits are not permitted.
- Children under 12 must use a suitable child seat, and customers should bring baby seats for babies.
Good to know
Frequently Asked Questions
Straight answers to what travellers ask us most, before they book.
How much does the Tomar and Almourol Castle day trip cost?
The price depends on the option and date you choose. The booking panel shows the current price for each option, for adults and children.
Is the Convent of Christ ticket included?
In the default option, yes. One of the other options does not include the ticket, so you see the convent from outside. Check the option in the booking panel.
Is hotel pickup included?
Not in the default option, which meets at a central point in Lisbon. There is another option with hotel pickup at selected locations.
How long is the tour from Lisbon to Tomar?
About 9 hours in total, including driving time, the castle, the churches, free time and the convent.
What is the difference between the options?
The default is a shared tour with the convent ticket and a meeting point. Another adds hotel pickup, and a third leaves out the convent ticket. All include Almourol Castle with the boat ride.
Is lunch included?
No. There is free time in Tomar for lunch at your own cost.
Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes for most children, but the day is long with a fair amount of walking, and child seats are required for young children.
What should I wear or bring?
Comfortable shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, water and a camera. Bring cash or a card for lunch.
Can I book for today or tomorrow?
Often yes, subject to availability. Choose your date in the booking panel.
Is the Convent of Christ worth visiting?
Yes. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Portugal's most impressive monuments, especially the Charola and the Manueline window.
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