What to expect
Guided Walks
Enjoy five fully guided walks following ancient trails through historic Knights Templar lands, majestic castles, and beautiful river valleys.
UNESCO Sites
isit magnificent UNESCO-listed monasteries like Batalha and Alcobaça Abbeys, marveling at their stunning architecture and historical significance.
Geological Wonders
Witness the stunning scenery while walking through the limestone hills, fantastic cave formations, and charming villages of the Serra de Aires Natural Park.
Nature & Local Cuisine
Walk along the scenic Nabão River, part of the Camino de Santiago, and savor the flavors of the region with a unique guided tour and wine tasting at a local winery.
About this trip...
Follow directly in the storied footsteps of the famous Knights Templar on this unforgettable journey immersing you in Portugal’s rich medieval heritage. Based in the charming town of Tomar, once a formidable Templar stronghold, this escorted walking vacation takes you through the heart of history, exploring majestic castles, visiting awe-inspiring UNESCO-listed monasteries, and wandering through tranquil river valleys. Highlights of your trip include the incredibly impressive 'Convent of Christ', the storybook-like Almourol Castle perched dramatically on its own island, and the striking, dramatic landscapes of the Serra de Aires Natural Park, offering a perfect blend of history, culture, and natural beauty.
Walking Grade: Easy to Moderate
What's Included
Airport transfers-
Internal flight where noted
Private Room
Half Board – Breakfast and Dinner daily
Drinks included with evening meals-
Welcome drink
Fully guided walking days
Accompanying Solos Tour Leader
What's extra:
- International flights are not included
- Travel Insurance
- Tips & Drinks
- Meals when not included in the itinerary
- Activities not included in the itinerary
Itinerary
- Arrive Lisbon
- Tomar
- Serra de Aires Natural Park
- Tejo Valley
- Day at Leisure
- Nabão River
- Ourém
- Depart Lisbon
What you'll be doing
Day One: Arrive Lisbon
Day Two: Discovering Tomar
Day Three: Exploring Serra de Aires Natural Park
After breakfast, we visit the Serra de Aires Natural Park's range of limestone hills and fantastic cave formations. The 'Santo António Caves' were discovered in the 1950s by a small boy that decided to follow a bird and saw it disappear through a deep hole in the ground. Seventy years later, we are privileged to witness a part of our planet’s geological wonders.
Day Four: Islands, Art & Gardens in Tejo Valley
Amongst the middle reaches of the longest Iberian Peninsula river, on a small picturesque and picture-perfect rugged island, sits one of the most beautiful medieval military monuments in the country: the 'Almourol Castle'. Using a traditional boat to ferry us to this enigmatic island, we will have time to explore this 12th Century structure, where we’ll enjoy some of the best views of the week. Back on dry land, we follow Tanco’s shoreline towards the delightful garden of 'Vila Nova da Barquinha', a public garden and an open door gallery of modern sculptures from some of the most respected national artists.
Day Five: Day at Leisure
Today is a day at leisure.
Day Six: Nabão River Walk & Winery Visit
Named after 'Nabia' – the pagan goddess of rivers and water – the Nabão River stretches for 37 miles, with luxuriant riverbanks that run from the northern village of Ansião to the south, eventually flowing into the Zêzere River. Our walk this morning follows the course of the river and, at times, our route coincides with the Portuguese 'Caminho de Santiago'.
Day Seven: Guided Tour of Ourém
Our last day is dedicated to the medieval village of Ourém. This remarkable hilltop village, nestled within ancient walls, is topped with a dramatic castle whose origins go back to Moorish times. We will enjoy a guided tour of the village and castle, after which we have time to relax in the local café and enjoy the views over the immense landscapes below.
Day Eight: Depart Lisbon
Today we check out of our hotel and say goodbye before transferring to Lisbon Airport.
Accommodation
Hotel dos Templarios - Tomar Four-star
Facilities include
Room includes
Dates & Prices
Essential Information
- Walking boots with good ankle support
- Waterproofs – jacket and trousers
- Walking poles – recommended as they provide good support for the knees, particularly on downhill sections of walks and when conditions are wet/slippery
- Lightweight trousers and shorts with pockets
- Shirts or t-shirts for walking in
- Walking socks – several pairs
- Lightweight fleece or jumper
- Hat & gloves
- Daysack/rucksack for walking
- Umbrella – it can be used also for protection from the sun as well as rain
- Lightweight drinking bottle to carry water whilst walking
- Small first aid kit – plasters, insect repellant, etc
- Good, high factor sunscreen, sunhat and sunglasses.
We recommend that you check passport and visa requirements for the country you are visiting at the State Department if you have a U.S. Passport. Most countries require that your passport have at least six months validity when traveling internationally, and many require that you have one to two blank visa pages for either an entry stamp or visa. As a general rule, please check that your passport has six months validity beyond your planned trip, and if not, please renew your passport with plenty of time to provide Solos with your updated passport information by the final payment due date.
Not sure what travel documents you need? Our trusted partner, sherpa°, makes it easy to check visa and entry requirements based on your destination and passport. One quick check now means smooth sailing later. Click here to learn more.
We recommend that you check if vaccinations are required for your destination at the CDC’s recommendations for your visited destination(s). We also recommend you purchase travel protection. A travel protection plan can often assist with medical emergencies and reimburse costs that are covered by the plan. Please verify coverage details with Solos before you travel.
