Walking in The Last Reboubt of the Knights Templar

Groups accepted with a minimum of 6 pax.   Tomar, our home for the week, was nominated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and rightly so. Lying on the margins of the tranquil river Nabão, Tomar as well as the surrounding areas displays some of the most significant and magnificent monuments in the entire country. A true feast for the senses… Nowadays, the region vibrates history, luxurious gardens, wonderful monasteries, castles, and other sites that link directly to the Knights Templar, Europe’s most pivotal medieval societies. Tomar plays a large role in a very important stage of Portuguese history. At the top of the hill standing alone above the town since the 12th century, the dramatic Convento de Cristo or “Convent of Christ”, was for 900 years the Headquarters of the Knights Templar of Portugal – the medieval warrior monks. From here, their influence spread across Europe. Founded in Jerusalem in 1118, the religious order’s history is intertwined with the foundation of Portugal and the crusades against the moors. Their military support granted them prime sites of castles and land, primarily sited around the Tomar region. Despite their fearsome and battle-hardened reputation, the Knights Templar have learned men, dedicated to protecting travelers and pilgrims of all religions, not just Christians. They were great statesmen, politically adept, economic traders, and they were apparently allied with the great sailor fraternity that had created a worldwide trading empire in Phoenician times. Castelo almourol by boat,  the enigmatic Almourol  Castle is one of the most emblematic monuments of the Christian reconquest. It should be noted that many Portuguese explorers and royalty were Knights Templar and later Masons. Many believe that the Portuguese Knights Templar was instrumental in Portugal acquiring its transatlantic colony, Brazil. Just after 1492, with the expulsion of the Jews from Spain, the town of Tomar expanded further with the influx of Jewish refugee artisans and traders. The very large Jewish minority dynamized the city with new trades and skills. Their experience was vital in the success of the new trade routes with Africa. The original synagogue (the oldest in Portugal), whose building was ordered by the Infante Dom Henrique (Henry the Navigator), still stands. This tour was designed for lovers of history, culture, and tradition. You will visit some of the most important historical Knights Templar locations in the world. But it will be much more than just visiting castles and abbeys. We will also show you the marvelous countryside and enjoy great food and wine! There is much to see, but there will be plenty of time to relax as well! Our intention is that you will have the experience of a lifetime. And as they say: “Once seen, never forgotten…” https://youtu.be/Vpbb-1EBy44 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MP6BCGjhkwQ