Tomar & Alcobaça & Batalha Full Day Tour

Tomar is the most important place of the Templar History in the whole world, since it has preserved an imposing castle and church, practically intact. The Order of the Temple existed from 1118 to 1308, when the Pope extinguished it and deprived it of its assets. The Portuguese King obeyed to the Pope command, however he kept the assets for the Crown and founded the Order of Christ. A century after, in 1415 with the conquest of Ceuta, D. Henrique became the Grand Master of the Order of Christ and lived for over a decade in Tomar. It was here that he designed the project of the Portuguese Discoveries.

In 1983, UNESCO awarded the classification of world heritage to the Templar Castle and the Convent of the Knights of Christ in Tomar, a unique monument in the history of the western world. Built on a site that was originally used for Roman worship, this vast monumental complex illustrates seven centuries of Portugal’s history and contains several important mementoes of decisive moments in the history of the western world.

A very rare example of a medieval Jewish temple and of pre- Renaissance Portuguese art, the Tomar Synagogue is the only one of its kind from this period to have been fully preserved in Portugal. It was built in the mid-15th century specifically for religious purposes, evidence of the financial resources of the resident Jewish community and its power and prosperity. The simple, Eastern-influenced architecture of the building is filled with symbolic references.

This town developed alongside its Monastery constructed in 1386 to keep a vow made by the King due to the win of battle of Aljubarrota with Castile (previous definition of Spain). This masterpiece of Portuguese Gothic is a magnificent piece of architecture that combines various influences from its lengthy period of construction, which lasted several reigns. Outstanding in the interior are the Founders’ Chapel with its fine stained-glass windows, the cloisters, the Unfinished Chapels with their Manueline and Flemish Gothic features and the Chapter House.

Alcobaça owes its fame and development to the Monastery or Royal Abbey of Saint Mary founded by the Order of Cistercians in 1153. Building began in 1178 on land donated by the first King of Portugal to the founder of the Order of Cistercians, in fulfilment of a vow made after the Christian reconquest of Santarém, held by the Moors until 1147.

This is one of the most important landmarks in the Marian worship drawing pilgrims from all over the world. Until 1917 this was an unknown place. That year a religious event changed its history and importance forever, when 3 little shepherds witnessed successive apparitions of Virgin Mary. The world renown of the Shrine during the papacy of John Paul II when we came there to give thanks for having survived an assassination attempt (one of the 3 secrets shared by the Virgin to the shepherds).

The Castle of Almourol is regarded as Portugal’s most beautiful castle. Situated on a small cliffy island in the middle of the Tagus River, Almourol Castle is one of the most significant military Medieval monuments. The origins of the occupation of this place are quite mysterious, but in 1129 the castle already existed, and it was called Almorolan. Under the ruling of the Knights Templar the castle was rebuilt, and it still presents today the main artistic and architectural features of that time.

Encircled by a ring of medieval walls and crowned by the Moorish castle, Óbidos is one of the most perfect examples of our medieval fortress. Entering through the southern gate of Santa Maria you’ll see an extraordinary set of eighteenth-century tile decoration. Inside the walls, which at sunset take on a golden coloring, one can sense a cheerful medieval ambience of winding streets, old whitewashed houses bordered with blue or yellow, Manueline embrasures and windows and masses of colorful flowers and plants.

You can have some golf in this area in one of the best golf courses in Portugal. If you’re a player/fan book with us.

We can book a horse-riding experience in the area of Lezirias. That way you’ll enjoy the enormous land fields and its amazing nature. For animal and farm lovers it’s highly recommended.

If you’re a History Lover you can book a walking tour with a professional guide for you on an area that you decide or for the full tour. Ask us for details.