easy
8 hours
Suitable for most fitness levels; involves moderate walking on uneven terrain and boarding small boats.
Spend a day traveling through the Knights Templar lands on a wine and cheese tasting tour from Lisbon. Taste handcrafted wines, visit a medieval castle by boat, and enjoy a riverside lunch in historic settings.
Starting at €390 per Adult | 8 Hour Private Tour | Wine & Cheese Pairings and Monuments!
Embark on an unforgettable 8-hour journey through the enchanting region of the Knights Templar. Enjoy exquisite wine tastings paired with local cheeses, explore a medieval castle accessible by boat, and savor a delicious lunch featuring regional delicacies. Experience breathtaking views and rich history, all while being guided from Lisbon.
8 hours
An adventure in the region of the Knights Templar, wine and more...
Highlights
Departure & Return Location
Departure Time
Included
Excluded
Bright and early out of Lisbon, taking the eastbound highway, following the wide Tagus up-stream river line. At Vila Franca de Xira we veer North, now with olive groves interspersed with wild pine, more livestock, vineyards, sunflower farms and cork oaks lining both sides of the freeway.
We make our way to Almourol, a medieval Templar Castle, erected on a granite outcropping islet in the middle of the Tagus River. The access is by small boat, an exciting, tiny thrill.
On to Herdade dos Templários (Templars’ Estate), for a guided stroll through the vineyards and winery and a sampling of five wines combined with local cheeses and bread, all artisanal.
Next in line, naturally and without fail, will be the iconic, world-famous, Templar Castle and the Convent in Tomar, a historic heavyweight, with the typical escarpment walls and rectangular keep. Its inner Chapter House is something to behold, and you may recognize it from the 2018 Terry Gilliam movie “The Man Who Killed D. Quixote”. At least one hour, to take it all in, including the sheer magnificence of its main Cloister, where Manueline ornate nationalism gave way to the cosmopolitan Renaissance.
Lastly, on to the iconic medieval Templar Pentagonal Tower in Dornes, a little village, some say hamlet, on the Zêzere river, a right bank tributary of the Tagus, two hours out of Lisbon. The village itself is extremely quaint, with its river beaches, boat rides, medieval church and cemetery laid out below the tower, all begging for a walk through. Lunch at long last, of day-catch river fish, where the large-mouth bass features prominently along with other local specialties. Merry drinks a must, of course. A knight in shining armour would be hard-pressed to do better.
Happily fed, we return to Lisbon, a leisurely affair complemented with easy conversation and commentary.
Drop off at your doorstep, or, wherever you decide within the Lisbon periphery.
See you again. Soon.
We suggest bringing comfortable clothing, sunglasses, a hat and your camera
Prepare for a short, scenic boat ride to reach Almourol Castle; bring a light backpack and maintain steady footing.
The tour includes walking on uneven surfaces at castles and vineyards, so sturdy shoes are recommended.
Though bottled water is provided, carry a refillable water bottle to stay hydrated throughout this 8-hour tour.
Bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses as much of the tour occurs outdoors under direct sun.
The Knights Templar established strongholds in this region during the 12th century, embedding medieval lore into the castles and convents.
Efforts in the vineyards focus on sustainable farming practices to maintain soil health and biodiversity in this historic landscape.
Supports walking on cobblestones, castle grounds, and vineyard terrain.
Protects skin during extended outdoor periods.
spring|summer|fall specific
Useful for cooler temperatures during mornings or river breeze.
fall|winter specific
Captures scenic views, medieval architecture, and memorable wine tastings.