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.
Airport transfers (Lisbon Humberto Delgado Airport)
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
- International flights not included. Let us help you book them! Learn more.
- Travel Insurance
- Tips & Drinks
- Meals when not included in the itinerary
- Activities not included in the itinerary
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.
- Transfer Time: 1hr

Day Eight: Depart Lisbon
Today we check out of our hotel and say goodbye before transferring to Lisbon Humberto Delgado Airport.
Trip Reviews
Accommodations
Dates & Prices
Essential Information
Shortly before your holiday, you will be invited to join an optional WhatsApp group to connect with your fellow travellers and your Tour Leader.
- 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 – the sun’s strength is often multiplied in mountainous areas.
Guided walks are included as part of this trip. Your dedicated walking guide will brief you in resort on the daily walking programme.
The walking programme is graded by difficulty, and you can expect to walk varying distances with a range of ascents and descents. Some walks may be challenging, with uneven or rough terrain underfoot and sections at higher altitude. Please refer to the day-by-day itinerary for full details of each walk.
A good level of physical fitness is required to fully enjoy this trip.
It is important that you consider whether your chosen trip is suitable for your level of fitness, mobility and any medical conditions or additional needs. If you are unsure, please contact our team before booking. We will be happy to discuss the trip requirements and your individual circumstances to help you decide whether the trip is suitable for you.
We are committed to treating all customers fairly and will consider any reasonable adjustments where possible. Please let us know before booking if you have a disability, medical condition or any additional requirements that may affect your trip. This allows us to assess whether we can safely and appropriately accommodate your needs and to ensure you have the best possible trip experience.
Care should be taken at all times, particularly on uneven or wet terrain. If you normally use walking poles, we recommend bringing them with you. Sturdy walking boots or walking shoes are essential.
Please note that the route and content of the walking programme may need to change during the trip, at the discretion of the specialist walking guide or local organiser, if local conditions require.
If you have any concerns during your trip, please speak to your specialist walking guide or Solos Tour Leader.
For further information, please refer to our website Terms and Conditions https://www.solosholidays.com/us/terms-and-conditions/
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