DISCOVERING THE HISTORY OF THE KNIGHTS TEMPLARS 2017-2018 by Melody Hagerman at Travel the Horizon
Summary An experience of a lifetime. Discovering the Real History of the Fabled Warrior Monks. Discovering the history of the Knights Templars. Visiting incredible castles, abbeys and monasteries. Exploring the culture of this fascinating, beautiful, part of Portugal. Seeing the "Real Portugal." Tomar and its region are home to some of the most important sites linked to the Knights Templar in the world. A region rich in history, culture and spirituality. Tomar, with its UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE Castle is in the center of Portugal and easily accessible from Lisbon. It is only 30 minutes from other UNESCO World Heritage sites and the Pilgrimage Centre of Fatima. In addition Tomar has a rich tradition of History, Culture, wonderful wine and superb cuisine. this is the "Real Portugal." https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ga9jhe8nvg Knights Templar What's included? The Tour price includes: Accommodations in a 4-star hotel All ground transportation All transfers Sightseeing as per the itinerary Local Taxes and Service Fees Local Insurance All entrance fees into all monuments and sites All Breakfasts Not included is Air Fare Air fare is note included. Travel the Horizon will be happy to assist you with your flights plans. Travel Horizon highly recommends purchase of Trip Cancellation/Interruption Travel Insurance. A deposit of 30% would be due at time of booking to confirm all space. Balance would be due 45 days prior to departure. Prices are subject to change without notice. Dates of Travel May-Oct 2017/2018 Price and Payment Information Please call for pricing
Lisbon On Saturday, 6 May Arrival in Lisbon Portugal. Pick up in Lisbon airport. Short guided tour of Lisbon. Transfer to your hotel in Tomar. Lisbon On Sunday, 7 May Visit to UNESCO World Heritage Bathala Monastery. Visit the seaside resort of Nazare. Visit to UNESCO World Heritage Alcobaca Abbey. Templar Stronghold The castle of the Knights Templar of Tomar was built by Gualdim Pais, provincial Master of the Order of the Temple, around 1160. Later in that century, the castle was chosen as the headquarters of the order in Portugal. The castle of Tomar was part of the defense system created by the Templars to secure the boarder of the young Christian Kingdom against the Moors, which at the time (mid-12th century) corresponded approximately to the Tagus river. The famous round church (rotunda) of the castle of Tomar was also built in the second half of the 12th century other templar churches throughout Europe, was modeled after the Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem, which was believed by the crusaders to be a remnant of the Temple of Solomon. The church of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem may also have served as model.
Pegões On Monday, 8 May Visit to 16th Century Aqueduct of Pegoes. Visit to Knights Templar Castle and convent of Christ, Tomar. Visit Historc center of Knights Templar city of Tomar. Golegã On Tuesday, 9 May Visit to Equestrian center of Portugal Golega to visit the museum of early photography. Visit to the 12th century Knights Templar Monastic House, Quinta da Cardiga. Visit by traditional boat to the 12th Century Knights Templar Castle Almourol on an island in the River Tagus. The castle of Almourol is one of the more emblematic and scenographic medieval military monuments of the Reconquista, and set representation of the influence of the Knights Templar in Portugal. When it was conquered in 1129, by forces loyal to the Portuguese nobility, it was then known as Almorolan, and placed in the trust of Gualdim Pais, the master of the Knights Templar in Portugal, who rebuilt the structure. The structure was reconstructed, starting in 1171 (from an inscription over the principal gate) and restored during the subsequent reigns.
Nossa Senhora do Pranto On Wednesday, 10 May Visit to the ancient village of Dornes with the 12th Century Knights Templar Tower. Continue to visit the 11th Century Moorish Castle of Ourem. Then to the World Famous Sanctuary of Fatima. The Templar tower of Dornes is most noticeable by its unusual shape, its five faces make it a rare example of military architecture of the time of the Reconqauista. It was built by the Templars to defend the Tagus line, although its fundament dates much further back and was possibly a strong hold in the search for gold in the Zezere river in Roman times. From the tower and the square around it you have the most amazing view of the surrounding landscape and the serene blue river. Óbidos Municipality On Thursday, 11 May Visit to the medieval walled city of Obidos. Tour the medieval city. You will visit the Knights Templar Salt Pans at Rio Maior.
Lisbon On Friday, 12 May Return to Lisbon for your departure home.