Tomar & the Templar Knights tours. – Everyone needs a guide.

Templar tours of TOMAR

Precious Time – With a local professional tour guide and storyteller. A friend in Portugal offering you a shortcuts, advice and insider knowledge.

The best way to explore a city is with a professional local guide. Join us as we share the wonders of this medieval city steeped in the history of Knights, sieges and bloodshed.

Discover Tomar beyond the tourist trail with a tour for true travellers. Explore the Tomar with a local, hear the hidden stories of love, war, and tragedy. Get insider tips on top spots, and if you don’t laugh, you get your money back!

Choose your Tomar tour

You’ve come a long way and you may never return, so fill your time here productively. Below we have three options available, all very different, but designed to make your trip to Tomar unforgettable.

All you have to do is email or whatsApp me and I’ll help you with your travels in Tomar

€ 30

Per Person

Templar History and secrets
Tomar Castle
Synagogue of Tomar
2.5 hours long
All the legends and stories

Basic

€ 120

per person

Entrance into the UNESCO Convent of Christ
Authentic Portuguese lunch
Tomar Castle tour
Templar Knights history and sights
Synagogue of Tomar
Mouchão Park
Aqueduto do Convento de Cristo
Everything on the basic tour

Popular

Bespoke Customised on application

Return Train travel to Tomar if needed
Lunch in an authentic restauraunt
Accommodation
Complete Tomar tour
Everything on the Tomar in a day tour
Transportation

Gold

"When you travel, you experience, in a very practical way, the act of rebirth. You confront completely new situations, the day passes more slowly, and on most journeys you don't even understand the language the people speak."

Paulo Coelho, The Pilgrimage Tweet

What Tomar has to offer

Synagogue of Tomar, The Synagogue of Tomar, built in the 15th century, stands as a testament to the vibrant Jewish community that once thrived there. It’s one of Portugal’s oldest surviving synagogues, featuring Mudejar-style architecture with intricate geometric designs. The stories of the Jewish people that lived in Tomar will surprise you.
Castelo de Tomar, The Castle of Tomar, located in Portugal, is a stunning example of medieval architecture. Constructed in the 12th century by the Knights Templar, it served as their headquarters. Its strategic position atop a hill offers commanding views of the surrounding landscape. The castle features robust walls, towers, and a keep, showcasing both military might and religious symbolism. Over the centuries, it underwent expansions and modifications, blending various architectural styles. Today, it stands as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, inviting visitors to explore its rich history and impressive fortifications.
Roda do parque do Mouchao, The Roda Hidráulica do Mouchão in Tomar, Portugal, is a historic hydraulic water wheel dating back to the 17th century. Located in the picturesque Mouchão Park, it served as part of the city’s irrigation system, harnessing the power of the Nabão River to supply water to the surrounding areas. The wheel, made of wood and iron, stands as a testament to Portugal’s engineering ingenuity of the time. Today, it’s a charming symbol of Tomar’s rich history and is a popular spot for visitors to admire and photograph.
Museu dos Fosforos, Strike forth to this perfect match. I’ll point to to the museum of matchboxes, it’s the biggest collection in the world! Portugal, pass by without stopping
Casa dos Cubos, Portugal, pass by without stopping
Rio Nabao, Tomar A beautiful meandering river in the centre of the city. We’ll walk along as I tell you the river’s secrets and stories.
Praca da Republica With bars and restaurants, churches and the statue of Gualdim Pais (the builder of Tomar) this is a great place to start your visit. 10 minutes
Ermida de Nossa Senhora da Conceicao, Between the old town and the Convento da Ordem de Cristo, Tomar Portugal, 3 minutes.

Mark Whiteley

Travel guide

Mark was an actor, writer and theatre producer before moving to Tomar.

Things to do in Tomar

The matchbox museum. This hidden gem of a museum, reached via the lovely courtyard of the Convento de São Francisco, contains Europe’s largest collection of matchboxes. Amassed by local ‘phillumenist’ Aquiles da Mota Lima, the 43,000-plus matchboxes from 127 countries around the world depict everything from bullfighters to bathing beauties, dinosaurs and French cuisine. Opposite the museum is a small Pottery and Tile Workshop where you can buy from local producers. FREE
Lagares d’El Rei, Tomar (museums) One of the city’s landmarks and located right at its entrance, along the Nabão River, the Levada de Tomar is an old mill area, made up of the Moinhos e Lagares d’El Rei (Mills and Olive Oil Press), built in the 12th and 13th centuries by the Templar Knights. The 1st charter of the village refers to the existence of mills and press wines, in the 12th century. FREE
Convent of Christ: A UNESCO World Heritage site, this impressive convent showcases a blend of Gothic, Manueline, and Renaissance architecture, originally founded by the Knights Templar. €15 as of Jan 2025

Tiqit Online tickets

Templar Castle: This well-preserved castle offers stunning views of the surrounding area and is rich in history, serving as a fortress for the Knights Templar. FREE
Charola: The round church at the heart of the Convent of Christ, known for its unique octagonal shape and stunning stained glass, is a remarkable example of Templar architecture.
Aqueduct of Pegões: An engineering marvel from the 16th century, this aqueduct stretches over 6 kilometres and features beautiful arches, providing a scenic backdrop for walks. FREE
Igreja de São João Baptista: A stunning church that combines Gothic and Renaissance elements, featuring intricate altarpieces and impressive tile work. FREE
Praça da República: The main square of Tomar, lined with cafes and shops, is a perfect spot to relax and soak in the local atmosphere. FREE
Museu dos Fósforos: A unique museum dedicated to matchsticks, showcasing an eclectic collection of art and objects made entirely from this simple material. FREE
Valley of the Templars: A beautiful natural area around Tomar, ideal for hiking and enjoying the serene landscapes, dotted with historical landmarks. FREE
Church of Santa Maria do Olival: The Templar Knight’s church. A significant church that served as a burial place for the Knights Templar. Lots of Templar secrets to solve here. FREE
Castelo de Almourol: Located on an island in the Tagus River, this picturesque castle can be reached by boat and offers a fascinating glimpse into medieval history. PAID

These sites reflect Tomar’s rich history and cultural heritage, making it a charming destination to explore.

Food & Drink

Restaurante Jardim Portuguese with a lovely garden in the back.

Yukul – Pizza

Manjar Dos Templarios – Spit roast pork medi

Curry Indian House and Star Curries are both great.

Enigma – Amazing burgers

Taverna d’Talha – At the bottom of the hill to the castle. Great snacks and drinks.

Landeira, Tasquina da Mitas or Beira Rio – More upmarket

Arco pub – Prego rolls

Clandestino – My favourite for Portuguese food.

Canoa – wine and tapas

The fish is always a good choice in Portugal, but bear in mind it’ll probably have a head on it.

Bacalhau – Is cod, it can be found everywhere and they make everything with it.

What to see and do around Tomar

Golegã and the house of Carlos Relvas
Aquaduct de Pegoes here Aquaduct feeding water to the castle and convent
Batalha 40 minute drive. And well worth a visit.
Óbidos great castle and medieval town 1hr drive.
Coimbra 1hr drive.
Fátima 35 mins Sanctuary of Fátima, a Catholic pilgrimage site.
Lisbon is 2hr train (€22 return) or 1 hr drive. I have spent many days around Fatima, I’m not religious in the slightest, I just find it amazing.