8 Days Mysteries of the Templars in Portugal

Your journey begins on arrival at Lisbon Airport, where you’ll meet your guide and travel north to Tomar, one of the most important centres of Templar history in Portugal.

After check-in at your hotel, the remainder of the afternoon is free to relax or enjoy a gentle introduction to the town. This evening, the group gathers for a welcome dinner at a local restaurant, offering the perfect opportunity to get to know your fellow travellers and set the tone for the journey ahead.

Overnight in Tomar.

Today is dedicated to the heart of Portugal’s Templar legacy.

You begin with a visit to the Convent of Christ, a UNESCO World Heritage site and former headquarters of the Knights Templar and later the Order of Christ. Rich in symbolism, architecture and legend, it remains one of the most significant spiritual monuments in the country.

Nearby, you explore the Church of Santa Maria do Olival, the burial place of several Templar Masters and once the spiritual centre of the Order in Portugal.

Later, you reach the iconic Castle of Almourol, dramatically rising from a rocky islet in the Tagus River. A short boat crossing brings you to the fortress, one of Portugal’s most evocative Templar strongholds.

The journey continues to Dornes, a striking pentagonal Templar tower overlooking the Zêzere River, before visiting Cardiga, a former Templar estate with historic religious buildings

Leaving Tomar, you travel east into Portugal’s interior.

Your first stop is Idanha-a-Velha, an ancient settlement with Roman origins, early Christian remains and layers of history shaped by successive civilisations.

You then continue to Monsanto, a remarkable fortified village built amongst giant granite boulders, where houses, towers and walls blend seamlessly with the natural landscape.

After lunch in Penha Garcia, you explore this unique village known for its medieval heritage, geological features and historic water mills.You day concludes with a relaxing walk through the historic heart of Castelo Branco, a lesser-known Portuguese gem rich in tradition and character. Wander through quiet streets lined with whitewashed houses, and discover the city’s heritage.

This morning, you depart Tomar and travel west towards the Atlantic coast.

You visit Alcobaça Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage site and masterpiece of Cistercian architecture, closely linked to Portugal’s medieval history and royal dynasties.

Continuing to Nazaré, you visit the Sítio da Nazaré, the Hermitage of Memory, and the Church of Our Lady of Nazaré, places deeply connected to local faith, legend and pilgrimage traditions.

The day concludes at Batalha Monastery, another UNESCO World Heritage site, built to commemorate a defining moment in Portuguese independence.

In the late afternoon, you travel to Coimbra and check in to your hotel.

Today is dedicated to Coimbra, Portugal’s historic university city.

You enjoy a guided walking tour of the historic centre, followed by a visit to the University of Coimbra, including the magnificent Joanina Library, one of Europe’s most extraordinary baroque libraries.

Before lunch, you will visit the Old Cathedral (Sé Velha), a Romanesque fortress-like structure reflecting the city’s medieval past.

Following lunch, you will visit the Santa Clara Monastery and Church, which is associated with devotion, resilience and royal history.

The remainder of the afternoon is free to enjoy Coimbra at your own pace.

Departing Coimbra, you travel to Soure, where you visit the exterior of its medieval castle, once connected to the region’s defensive network.

You then continue to Montemor-o-Velho Castle, an imposing fortress overlooking the Mondego River, offering sweeping views across the surrounding plains.

You will enjoy lunch in Figueira da Foz. From here you will transfer to Porto where you will check in to your hotel.

This morning, wake up to Porto, Portugal’s vibrant riverside city.

A guided walking tour introduces you to the historic centre, including the Ribeira district, Baixa, and a pedestrian crossing of the iconic Dom Luís I Bridge.

Lunch is included in Porto, followed by a visit to Port wine cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia, where you’ll learn about the region’s famous wine and enjoy a tasting.

After breakfast, check out from the hotel and transfer to Porto Airport for your onward journey.