Private Templars Castles Day Tour — Almourol, Tomar & Santarém (Private, 1–8)
A romantic, private 9-hour tour from Lisbon visiting the island castle of Almourol, the UNESCO-listed Convent of Christ in Tomar, relaxed time to explore Tomar's old town, and the Tagus-river viewpoint Portas do Sol in Santarém. Includes bottled water; lunch is payable locally.
In Collaboration with Agência de turismo. Updated on February 13, 2026.
This itinerary was created in collaboration with Agência de turismo, inspired by the tour 1 to 8 person private tour of the Templars. Please check the tour information during your booking process.
Highlights
- Boat ride & views at Castelo de Almourol
- Two-hour guided visit to the Convento de Cristo (Tomar)
- Leisurely lunch and stroll in Tomar's Praça da República
- Scenic viewpoint and golden-hour moment at Portas do Sol (Santarém)
Explore all itineraries in Lisbon.
Itinerary
Day 1
Private day tour with hotel pickup in Lisbon. Start 09:00 — return approx. 18:00.
Hotel pickup in Lisbon (private vehicle)
Your guide/driver will pick you up at your hotel or apartment in Lisbon. Please have comfortable shoes and a light jacket for riverside breezes.
Tips from local experts:
- Confirm your exact pickup address and a local phone number in advance — driver will call if needed.
- Sit on the passenger side for the best early views of Lisbon as you depart; bottled water is provided.
- If you want a quiet, romantic start, request soft music or silence with your guide when booking.
Drive from Lisbon to Castelo de Almourol (scenic countryside transfer)
Relaxing countryside drive east toward the Tagus River valley — the perfect time to learn about the Templars' role in Portugal and enjoy the changing landscape.
Tips from local experts:
- Ask your guide for a short stop at a scenic pull-off if you’d like a private photo with rolling hills in the background.
- Keep a light jacket handy — mornings near the river can be cooler, especially in autumn.
- Bring sunglasses for bright reflection off the river; your guide can point out the island castle as you approach.
Visit Castelo de Almourol — island fortress & optional boat ride
Explore the 12th-century Almourol Castle sitting on a small island in the Tagus. A short boat ride (not included) gives the best vantage for photos and a romantic riverside approach.
- MondayClosed
- Tuesday10:00 AM – 1:00 PM, 2:30 – 5:30 PM
- Wednesday10:00 AM – 1:00 PM, 2:30 – 5:30 PM
- Thursday10:00 AM – 1:00 PM, 2:30 – 5:30 PM
- Friday10:00 AM – 1:00 PM, 2:30 – 5:30 PM
- Saturday10:00 AM – 1:00 PM, 2:30 – 5:30 PM
- Sunday10:00 AM – 1:00 PM, 2:30 – 5:30 PM
Tips from local experts:
- Take the short boat ride to the island for the most atmospheric arrival — sunset reflections are especially romantic in autumn.
- Wear comfortable shoes: stone steps are uneven; hold hands on steep sections for stability and photos.
- Bring a small picnic blanket or scarf for a quiet riverside pause — your guide can suggest a sheltered spot for a private moment.
Transfer to Tomar
Short drive to Tomar — the historic Templar/Order of Christ headquarters.
Tips from local experts:
- Ask your guide for a quick orientation to Tomar on arrival to pick the best café for later photos.
- If you prefer a quieter itinerary, request the guide to skip crowded spots and head straight to peaceful courtyards.
- Charge your phone now for detailed shots inside Convento de Cristo — lighting inside can be low.
Convento de Cristo (Castelo Templário) — guided 2-hour visit
Two-hour guided visit of the UNESCO-listed Convent of Christ and Templar castle: cloisters, charola, Manueline window and historic ramparts. A highlight for history-loving couples.
- Monday9:00 AM – 5:30 PM
- Tuesday9:00 AM – 5:30 PM
- Wednesday9:00 AM – 5:30 PM
- Thursday9:00 AM – 5:30 PM
- Friday9:00 AM – 5:30 PM
- Saturday9:00 AM – 5:30 PM
- Sunday9:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Tips from local experts:
- Ask your guide to time the visit so you finish at an exterior balcony for warm late-afternoon light and quiet photos.
- Many interior areas have steps and uneven floors — move slowly and use handrails where available.
- Look for quieter side chapels for a private moment together; your guide can suggest lesser-known vantage points for intimate photos.
Lunch in Tomar — Praça da República (local cafés & restaurants)
Relaxed lunch at Praça da República where a cluster of cafés and small restaurants offers local Portuguese dishes. Lunch is payable locally (not included).
Tips from local experts:
- Choose a terrace café for people-watching and views of the square — ask your guide to recommend a quieter, romantic table.
- Ask for local wine by the glass (try a regional red) or order shared small plates (petiscos) for a leisurely meal.
- If you have food preferences, tell your guide in advance — most cafés can adapt dishes for dietary needs.
Leisurely stroll & free time in Tomar old town
Wander Tomar’s narrow streets, shops and riverside cafés at your own pace — perfect for souvenir hunting, gelato, or a quiet riverside bench.
Tips from local experts:
- Find a small pastelaria for a shared pastry and coffee for a sweet, relaxed moment.
- Look for artisan shops on side streets — local ceramics and lace make romantic, authentic gifts.
- If you prefer a low-key experience, ask your guide for a short walking route that avoids steeper streets and long staircases.
Transfer to Portas do Sol viewpoint (Santarém)
Drive to Santarém for one of the best Tagus River viewpoints — a perfect late-afternoon stop with sweeping river panoramas.
Tips from local experts:
- Ask to arrive early enough to secure a quiet bench at the viewpoint — it’s a popular spot later in the evening.
- Bring a light wrap for the breezy bluff; in autumn the air by the river gets cool as the sun lowers.
- This viewpoint is an excellent spot for a short private toast — keep a small bottle of prosecco in your bag if you like (ask guide first).
Portas do Sol — riverside garden & viewpoint (romantic moment)
Short visit to the Portas do Sol garden and viewpoint for sweeping views of the Tagus River — a naturally romantic finale before return to Lisbon.
- Monday9:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Tuesday9:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Wednesday9:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Thursday9:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Friday9:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Saturday9:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Sunday9:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Tips from local experts:
- Plan a short private photo session here — the low, warm autumn light flatters portraits and couple photos.
- There are some stairs and viewpoints; pick a bench for a quiet five-minute pause and take in the river together.
- If weather is clear, your guide can point out lights on the opposite bank — great for a sunset-style moment even before full sunset.
Return transfer to Lisbon (drop-off at your hotel)
Comfortable drive back to Lisbon with an estimated drop-off around 18:00. A perfect time to relax and reflect on the day's discoveries.
Tips from local experts:
- Use the return drive to ask your guide for personalized dining suggestions in Lisbon for an evening after the tour.
- If you'd like, request a brief stop on the return for restroom or café — guides are flexible when time allows.
- Leave room in your luggage for small souvenirs from Tomar — they often pack flat and are easy to carry home.
Itinerary Attributes
| Days | 1 |
| Highlights | 4 |
| Season | - |
| Month | - |
| Persona | Couples |
| Transfers | 5 |
| Restaurants | 1 |
| Total Activities | 5 |
| Total Places | 5 |
| Activities Types | Transfer, Attraction, Meal, Neighborhood |
Why this experience
History lives in the stones along the Tagus River—and this day tour unearths some of Portugal's most enchanting chapters. You'll start with a boat ride to the 12th-century island fortress of Almourol, a castle that seems to float between water and sky, before heading inland to Tomar's UNESCO-listed Convent of Christ, where the Templars once held sway.
This isn't a museum crawl. It's a romantic exploration that weaves together legendary Templar heritage, architectural wonders, and golden-hour moments at riverside viewpoints. Your private guide shapes the pace—you can linger in quiet cloisters, explore Tomar's old-town streets at leisure, and finish the day perched above the Tagus at Portas do Sol, where the river glows beneath the setting sun.
For history-loving couples, this is a full day that feels timeless.
Before you go
- Best time: April–October (pleasant weather, good light for photography at viewpoints)
- Budget: Private tour with hotel pickup; check booking widget for current pricing. Lunch at Tomar is payable locally (budget EUR 15–20 per person for casual cafés)
- Difficulty: Moderate—involves some uneven stone steps in the castle and convent; no extreme climbing
- What to bring: Comfortable walking shoes, light jacket for riverside breezes, sunglasses, small bags (Tomar has narrow streets), phone charge for interior lighting
- Getting there: Private vehicle pickup from your Lisbon hotel; return drop-off at your hotel
- Accessibility: Many interior areas have uneven floors and stairs; discuss accessibility needs when booking
Frequently asked questions
What's included in this itinerary? Hotel pickup and drop-off, private guide, bottled water, 2-hour guided visit to the Convent of Christ, and stops at Almourol Castle (boat ride optional and additional), Tomar's old town, and Portas do Sol viewpoint. Lunch is not included. Check booking widget for exact pricing and what's covered.
Is the boat ride to Almourol Castle included? The boat ride is optional and payable locally. Your guide will explain the cost and can help arrange it. It's highly recommended for the most romantic approach to the island fortress.
How much free time do I have in Tomar? You have about 30 minutes to explore Tomar's old town after lunch—enough time for shops, a gelato, or a riverside walk. It's not rushed; the pace is designed for couples.
Can you accommodate dietary preferences for lunch? Yes. Mention any dietary needs when booking, and your guide can recommend and help navigate café menus in Praça da República.
Complete your trip in Lisbon
Before or after your Templar castles adventure, anchor yourself in Lisbon with a romantic evening. Sail the Tagus at sunset, explore Sintra's palaces and gardens, or spend an evening in Alfama with candlelit fado and wine—then venture out refreshed.
- 2-hour night sailing tour in Lisbon with drinks
- Sintra half-day with Pena Palace and Regaleira
- Romantic Alfama evening fado do 31 and sunset stroll
Browse all Lisbon itineraries at TheNextGuide.
Last updated: March 2026
