Heritage
Tomar and the Convento de Cristo
The former Templar headquarters in Portugal, with a UNESCO-listed convent above a quiet town on the River Nabão.
- 9-12 hours
- about 140 km
- Train, Car
- Partial accessibility
- No booking needed
Day trips · 10-12 hours
Tomar and Almourol Castle
From the Convent of Christ to Almourol island, an independent day requiring coordinated land transfers and confirmation of the crossing before departure.
- Duration
- 10-12 hours, including travel
- Distance from Lisbon
- about 140 km
- Transport
- Train, Car, Ferry
- Interest
- Heritage, Family-friendly
- Accessibility
- Difficult access
- Budget
- Medium budget. Includes one or two paid entries.
- Best time of year
- Spring, Autumn
- Booking
- Booking recommended
Overview
Devote the morning to the Convent of Christ and the second part of the day to Almourol. This is not a guaranteed rail-only circuit: the land transfer to the pier must be arranged before departure. Durations are editorial estimates for the full outing from Lisbon and back.
For a shorter outing, try Sintra: palaces and hills. For the following day in the city, the Lisbon in 1 day itinerary is a good start. Pair it with a stroll through Alfama. See other trips that go to Tomar.
Independent itineraries to do on your own. We do not sell tours, recommend tour operators or use affiliate links. Check timetables, tickets and access with official sources before you set off.
Who it suits
For lovers of Templar heritage willing to manage a demanding travel day. Families should assess the steep island; travellers needing step-free access should not assume this circuit is suitable.
Best time to go
Choose spring or autumn for the mix of interiors and outdoor stops, but always check river conditions. The municipality warns that Almourol visits may be interrupted for weather and safety reasons.
Stops in order
Suggested time: 120-150 min
Prioritise the Charola and Manueline heritage while respecting announced restrictions.
Suggested time: 20-40 min
Confirm the crossing at the pier opposite the castle, not at Tancos.
Suggested time: 45-60 min
Visit the island only with an authorised crossing and confirmed safe conditions.
Getting there
Without a car
CP publishes the Lisboa Santa Apolónia - Oriente - Entroncamento - Tomar route; check its official timetable and the return. No coordinated public connection from Tomar to Almourol pier was confirmed: arrange that land transfer and the return connection in advance, or limit the day to Tomar. Do not rely on individual boarding at Tancos.
By car
A car makes it easier to link Tomar and Almourol pier but does not replace the boat crossing. Confirm road routing and parking with the municipalities; spaces beside the convent or pier are not guaranteed.
Indicative costs
| What | Amount | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Convent of Christ - standard admission | 15 € | museusemonumentos.pt (2 November 2026) |
| Almourol - visit aged 7+, includes CITA | 4 € | visitbarquinha.pt (2 November 2026) |
Amounts read on official pages on the date shown. They can change: check before you go.
Before you go
Accessibility
The municipality describes Almourol as a steep island; adapted boarding and a step-free circuit are not confirmed. Works restrict access at the Convent of Christ to the South Terrace and Friars’ Garden access, Wax Terrace, Washing Cloister, Garden and Courtyard: check MMP before visiting.
What to book
At Almourol pier opposite the castle, the municipality lists crossings without advance booking. D’El Rei pier in Tancos requires booking through Tancos parish council for groups of more than 20 visitors; it is not the regular alternative for individual travellers. Check convent tickets and arrange land transfers before departure.
If it rains
If the crossing is unsafe, drop Almourol and focus on the Convent of Christ and Tomar, respecting restricted areas. Do not head to the pier without checking operations.
Mistakes to avoid
- Assuming the Lisbon - Tomar train also solves access to Almourol.
- Confusing the pier opposite the castle with group departures from Tancos.
- Ignoring the last-crossing cutoff published by the municipality.
- Planning convent areas restricted by works.
Sources
Official sources
- CP - horários
- CP - Lisboa / Tomar
- MMP - Convento de Cristo
- Município de Vila Nova da Barquinha
- Portal turístico municipal - Almourol
Last checked: 3 November 2026
At the destination, now
Can I go now?
History nearby
Places on this trip
2 trips go here
1 trip goes here
Places to see on this trip
Monument
Convento de Cristo
The Templar charola and the Janela do Capítulo reveal different phases of architecture at the Convento de Cristo.
Monument
Sinagoga de Tomar
The 15th-century synagogue has a square plan and a vaulted ceiling supported by columns and corbels.
Monument
Castelo de Almourol
On an islet in the Tejo, the castle was rebuilt in 1171 by Gualdim Pais, master of the Templar Order.
More trips to Tomar
There are several ways to visit this destination: compare length, stops and transport.
Adjust to your time
If you have less time
Heritage · Nature
Sintra: palaces and hills
Romantic palaces, estates and forest on a UNESCO-listed range of hills. Pick two or three sites and allow time for the climbs.
- 7-10 hours
- about 28 km
- Train
- Difficult access
- Booking recommended
If you have one more day
Nature · Heritage · Beach
Sintra, Cabo da Roca and Cascais
Make an independent train-and-bus loop through Sintra’s centre, Atlantic scenery at Cabo da Roca and Cascais before returning to Lisbon.
- 9-12 hours
- about 30 km
- Train, Bus
- Partial accessibility
- No booking needed
Other ways to spend this day
Longer option
See the extra-day suggestion above.
Without a car
This trip works without a car: CP publishes the Lisboa Santa Apolónia - Oriente - Entroncamento - Tomar route; check its official timetable and the return.
The next day, in Lisbon
Similar trips
Heritage · Nature
A full day in Sintra
A demanding day with Pena, the Moorish Castle, town and Regaleira: start early, book interiors and be prepared to shorten the plan if delayed.
- 10-12 hours
- about 30 km
- Train, Bus
- Difficult access
- Booking required
Pair it with this Lisbon neighbourhood
Alfama
Santa Apolónia station, where trains to this region start, is at the foot of Alfama.
Maze-like lanes, fado and river viewpoints.
Back in Lisbon: ideas for the end of the day
Viewpoints · Alfama
Miradouro de Santo Estêvão
In Alfama, Miradouro de Santo Estêvão appears in Lisbon’s municipal directory of viewpoints.
Viewpoints · Alfama
Miradouro de Santa Luzia
A tiled, bougainvillea-draped terrace above Alfama's rooftops.
Viewpoints · Alfama
Miradouro das Portas do Sol
A terrace in Alfama on Largo das Portas do Sol, facing Palácio Azurara and overlooking the São Vicente hillside.
Check each place's opening hours on its page before you go.