Building My VoiceMap Tour of Tomar: A Journey Through History
If you’ve ever wandered through a city and wished you had a storyteller to bring the streets to life, VoiceMap might just be the perfect companion. I’m thrilled to announce that I’ve recently built my own VoiceMap tour of Tomar, titled “Pilgrims and Pioneers: The Tale of Tomar’s Knights Templar”. Let me take you behind the scenes of creating this immersive experience and share why VoiceMap is revolutionizing the way we explore the world.
What Is VoiceMap?
VoiceMap is a GPS-guided audio tour app that connects listeners with local storytellers, historians, and enthusiasts who share their passion for a place. The app uses your phone’s GPS to automatically play audio at specific locations, ensuring you hear the right story at the right time. Unlike traditional tours, VoiceMap gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace—pause, rewind, or skip ahead as you like.
VoiceMap has tours in over 350 destinations worldwide, from bustling metropolises like New York and London to hidden gems like Tomar. Whether you’re walking, cycling, or even driving, there’s a VoiceMap tour ready to guide you through the world’s rich tapestry of stories.
Why Create a Tour of Tomar?
Tomar is a town steeped in history, much of it tied to the enigmatic Knights Templar. Walking its cobbled streets, you can almost feel the weight of centuries of pilgrimages, battles, and pioneering discoveries. As a writer, actor, and now tour operator, I wanted to capture Tomar’s essence and share its stories in a way that’s both engaging and informative.
The process of creating a VoiceMap tour allowed me to delve into Tomar’s fascinating past, uncovering tales of heroism, betrayal, and devotion. From the imposing Convent of Christ to the serene Seven Hills National Forest, my tour highlights the landmarks and lesser-known corners of this incredible town.
How I Built the Tour
Creating the tour was a journey in itself. Here’s how it unfolded:
Researching the Stories: I began by immersing myself in Tomar’s history, from the founding of the Knights Templar’s headquarters in Portugal to their enduring legacy in the town’s architecture and traditions. Each location on the tour had to have a compelling story to tell.
Plotting the Route: Next, I mapped out a route that’s both practical and picturesque. The tour takes about 90 minutes to complete and includes stops at iconic sites like the Convent of Christ, the Church of Santa Maria do Olival, and the Nabão River.
Writing and Recording: With the route finalized, I wrote a script that weaves historical facts with vivid storytelling. Recording the audio was a new challenge—it had to feel personal yet professional, like having a knowledgeable friend walking alongside you.
Testing and Refining: Finally, I tested the tour multiple times, ensuring the GPS triggers worked seamlessly and that the pacing felt natural.
Why You Should Try It
Taking a VoiceMap tour isn’t just about learning—it’s about experiencing. You’ll feel like you’re stepping back in time as stories unfold exactly where they happened. Whether you’re a history buff, a curious traveler, or someone who loves a good tale, this tour has something for you.
My tour, “Pilgrims and Pioneers: The Tale of Tomar’s Knights Templar”, offers a unique glimpse into Tomar’s storied past. You’ll discover how this small Portuguese town became a significant center for the Templars and how their influence shaped the region.
Explore the World with VoiceMap
VoiceMap’s reach goes far beyond Tomar. Whether you’re exploring the street art of Berlin, tracing the footsteps of Hemingway in Paris, or uncovering the secrets of Cape Town, there’s a VoiceMap tour waiting for you. The app is easy to use—simply download your chosen tour, pop in your headphones, and let the GPS guide you.
Ready to Explore Tomar?
If you’re planning a visit to Tomar, I’d love for you to join me on this audio adventure. You can find my tour on VoiceMap here. Together, we’ll uncover the mysteries and marvels of this enchanting town.
And if you’re not in Tomar, don’t worry. Download the VoiceMap app and start exploring the world one story at a time.