One of the most intriguing themes in all of our World's History, many people are left astonished by the legacy that the Templars left behind in Portugal! Join me as we unveil some of the most important sites from the time of the Crusades, and discover all that is left to know from that era! Feel as if you're traveling back in time to the foundation of the Kingdom of Portugal, visiting the fabulous Castles located between the Mondego and Tagus rivers!

The tour starts in Coimbra by focusing on the historical period of the Crusades and the remains that can still be observed within the defensive structures of the city. We will discuss the importance of Coimbra since the 11th Century, and learn about one of the most important characters from that time: D. Sesnando Davides. He who fought alongside our very first King - D. Afonso Henriques - and with the help of the Templars during the reconquering of the territory to the Moors during the 12th Century.

We will then part in the discovery of Penela's Castle: one of the most important structures within the Mondego Line of Defense, due to its location along the old road that connected all of the Lower-Mondego region to Santarém. Today, the Castle is a testimony to a variety of architectural styles layered by different eras: “Sesnandina”, Romanic and Gothic!

Early in the afternoon we will reach the “Templar City of Portugal”: Tomar. You will learn about the life and works of Gualdim Pais (squire to D. Afonso Henriques, also a portuguese crusade and Templar Monks) as we roam through the local fortified structures. Here we'll also be taking a free lunch break near the shores of Rio Nabão, a place surrounded by the fantastic sights to the top of the fortified hills, which will take you back all the way to the times of “Reconquest”.

While still enchanted by the sights at Tomar's Castle, we will head to another fine example of ancient military construction built by orders of Gualdim Pais: Almourol's Castle. Located on a small rocky island, within the course of Tagus River, Almourol is one of the most meaningful castles from the time of the “Reconquest”. If the weather allows it, we can catch a boat at the Castle Pier that will allows us the visit this marvelous fortification on the inside!