Tomar and the Templars Convent of Christ Tour: A Historical Tale
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 20 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Tomar and the Templars Convent of Christ Tour: A Historical Tale worth booking?
Tomar and the Templars Convent of Christ Tour: A Historical Tale is a 5-hour experience in Coimbra, Portugal, from $58 per person. It scores 78 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 5/5 rating across 20 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 78 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (20)
- Duration
- 5 hours
- From
- $58 per person
Experience the epic tale of the Knights Templar in Tomar on this exclusive full-day guided tour. This is more than a tour—it's a meticulously crafted historical narrative that chronologically traces the Templars' story,
What you get
About this experience
Experience the epic tale of the Knights Templar in Tomar on this exclusive full-day guided tour. This is more than a tour—it's a meticulously crafted historical narrative that chronologically traces the Templars' story, from their origins to their enduring legacy in Tomar. Your journey begins at the Convent of Christ, the heart of this tale. Explore how the Templars' fortress transformed over the centuries, evolving from a powerful military stronghold into a magnificent architectural testament to their influence. Our guide will reveal the story behind the architecture, from the superb Knights Templar Round Church to the majestic Manueline Window. The narrative continues in the afternoon, where you will explore Tomar's old town. Discover how this medieval settlement flourished under their guidance. With our expert guide, you will gain a profound and engaging understanding of the Templars’ pivotal role in Portuguese history. This is the story of Tomar, told as it happened.
What's included
Included
- Knowledgeable Tour Guide
Not included
- Transportation
- Entrance Ticket - Convent of Christ
What you'll see and do
Castelo de Tomar
We begin your tour at the Castle of Tomar, the original headquarters of the Knights Templar in Portugal. We will trace the origins of the order from the Holy Land and explore their arrival in Portugal. The castle was strategically built to serve as a key center of Templar power and a vital fortress during the Reconquista.
90 minutes here
Convento de Cristo
Next, we move on to the heart of the fortress: the Convent of Christ. You'll step inside the stunning 12th-century Charola, the mysterious Templar Round Church, and then explore the magnificent Gothic-Manueline church. Here, you'll be captivated by the iconic Manueline Window, a marvel of sculpture adorned with ropes and nautical elements that stand as a powerful tribute to Portugal’s golden age of maritime exploration. As we continue, we will wander through masterpieces of Renaissance architecture, including the impressive Main Cloister, and discover later additions from the era of the Philippine Dynasty that reflect a significant shift in the convent’s history.
120 minutes here · Admission not included
Praca da Republica
Break for a lunch in Tomar's historic Old Town. Lunch is not included in the tour price. An optional lunch with your guide at a traditional local restaurant is available, but must be arranged with the guide at least one week in advance of your tour date.
120 minutes here · Admission not included
Tomar
During the afternoon, we will journey into Tomar's Old Town, a medieval settlement founded by the Knights Templar. Your tour will lead us to the lively Praça da República, the town's main square. Next, we will delve into the historic Jewry, visiting its unique Synagogue to learn about the fascinating history of the Jewish community in Portugal. Your walk will then continue to the Templar mills, built by the knights themselves, and we will explore the remains of the earlier Roman and Visigothic settlements that existed in the town before the Knights Templar arrived.
60 minutes here
Igreja de Santa Maria dos Olivais
Your journey through history concludes at the Church of Santa Maria dos Olivais, a stunning Gothic church built in the 13th century. This sacred place served as the first pantheon for the Knights Templar, and as we explore its serene interior, we will delve into its profound importance to the order. We will also uncover the hidden secrets and rich symbology that still shroud this magnificent church in an aura of mystery.
30 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Coimbra
The tour guide will be waiting at the meeting point with a sign with the logo/ brand name Historyteller.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Returns to the starting point
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Historyteller
Know before you go
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- This tour requires a minimum of 2 participants to proceed. All bookings are subject to confirmation.
- The entrance ticket to the Convent can be purchased during the tour.
- An optional lunch with your guide at a traditional local restaurant is available. Please contact the guide at least one week in advance of the tour date to arrange this.
- During the summer months, we recommend bringing a sun hat, sunscreen, and a bottle of water.
Photos
Good to know
- Duration
- 5 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 7
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Why this scores 78
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Tomar and the Templars Convent of Christ Tour: A Historical Tale: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Coimbra.
How much does Tomar and the Templars Convent of Christ Tour: A Historical Tale cost?
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Prices start at $58 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Coimbra usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Tomar and the Templars Convent of Christ Tour: A Historical Tale take?
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Plan for about 5 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Coimbra is not rushed.
Is Tomar and the Templars Convent of Christ Tour: A Historical Tale worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 78 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 20 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Coimbra, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Tomar and the Templars Convent of Christ Tour: A Historical Tale?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Tomar and the Templars Convent of Christ Tour: A Historical Tale suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Tomar and the Templars Convent of Christ Tour: A Historical Tale?
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Around 7 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Coimbra can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Coimbra and add a light layer if any part of the 5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Tomar and the Templars Convent of Christ Tour: A Historical Tale start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Coimbra within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Coimbra?
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On Outty we rank every Coimbra experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Coimbra Top Attractions Walking Tour, An adventure through the Schist Villages of Lousã, Schist Villages at Lousa Mountain. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Coimbra?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Coimbra?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
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