Call Today: 801-683-0123
Call Today: 801-683-0123
DATES TBA
Guided by Kris Kimball
A former co-host of the “Liberty Moms” Radio Show & Podcast, Kris now serves on the Advisory Board of Mount Liberty College. She is the former President of the United Women’s Forum and former Board Member of the Thomas Jefferson Center for Constitutional Studies.
Kris loves to travel, seek truth, and explore history in person. She has spent the last 12 years studying ancient history, ancient religion and the Egyptian Hermetic Traditions. Additionally, she has been teaching Gospel Doctrine in her church for the last 8 years. She and her husband Dave reside in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Tour Summary
Walk in the footsteps of one of history’s most mysterious and enduring orders—the Knights Templar—where their legacy didn’t end, but transformed. In Portugal, unlike anywhere else in Europe, the Templars were protected by the king and reborn as the Order of Christ. This clever maneuver preserved their wealth, knowledge, and influence, allowing them to shape the very course of history through Portugal’s Age of Discovery. From secret symbols to powerful alliances, the Templars helped launch voyages that would connect the world—and it all began here. Join us as we discover Templar Traditions in Portugal.
Tour Includes
Separate Costs
Itinerary
Day 1
Travel Day! Depart from home and begin your journey to Lisbon, Portugal.
If you would like to be part of the group flight, please indicate such on your reservation form. Our group flight will leave from and return to Salt Lake City.
Cost: $TBA
Day 2
Arriving at the Lisbon airport in the morning, the group will transfer together to the hotel where they will check in and drop off their belongings. Following this, the tour will begin with a visit to the Belem district of Lisbon.
Belem Tower, built between 1514 and 1520 in Lisbon, Portugal, is a stunning example of Manueline architecture and a prominent symbol of the Age of Discoveries. Originally constructed as a fortress to guard the entrance to the Tagus River, the tower served as both a defensive structure and a ceremonial gateway for explorers departing on maritime expeditions.
While the Knights Templar did not build Belem Tower, it bears the legacy of their successor: the Order of Christ. After the Knights Templar was suppressed in the early 14th century, Portugal preserved their influence through this new order, which went on to fund and guide many of the country’s exploratory missions.
Symbols of the Order of Christ (and the Knights Templar), such as its distinctive cross, are prominently featured in the tower’s decoration, reflecting the spiritual and historical continuity between the medieval Knights Templar and Portugal’s golden age of exploration.
Jeronimo’s Monastery is one of the most important and visually stunning monuments in Lisbon, Portugal. Located in the Belem district near the Tagus River, it was commissioned by King Manuel I in 1501 to celebrate Vasco de Gama’s successful voyage to India. The monastery was built on the site of a former hermitage where monks had prayed for sailors, and it became a spiritual and symbolic hub of the Portuguese Age of Discoveries. The building is a masterpiece of the Manueline style, featuring intricate stonework with maritime motifs such as ropes, shells, and sea creatures.
The monastery has a subtle link to the legacy of the Knights Templar, again through the Order of Christ. This order was instrumental in financing and spiritually guiding Portuguese exploration. The church of Santa Maria within the monastery is the resting place of several national heroes, including Vasco da Gama and the poet Luis de Camoes, further reinforcing its role as a monument to Portugal’s imperial and spiritual history.
Like Belem Tower, Jeronimo’s Monastery stands as a symbol of a time when exploration, faith, and national pride were deeply intertwined.
Meals Included: Welcome Dinner
Overnight: Lisbon
Day 3
Nestled in the misty hills just northwest of Lisbon, Sintra is one of Portugal’s most enchanting destinations, where lush forests, whimsical architecture, and centuries of history come together in a storybook landscape.
This romantic town has captivated poets, royals, and travelers for centuries, inspiring writers like Lord Byron, who called it a “glorious Eden.”
Sintra’s historic center is a charming collection of cobbled streets, pastel buildings, and cozy cafes, all framed by the dramatic Serra de Sintra mountain range. The town’s microclimate has helped preserve its dense vegetation and contributed to its reputation as a mystical retreat. Historically, Portuguese nobility and monarchs chose Sintra as their summer residence, and their legacy is scattered throughout the town in the form of palaces, gardens, and grand estates.
Tucked into the forested slopes of Sintra, Quinta de Regaleira is a striking and mysterious estate that seems pulled from the pages of a fantasy novel. Built in the early 20th century by Antonio Augusto Carvalho Monteiro, an eccentric millionaire with a passion for mysticism, alchemy, and secret societies. This architectural wonder was designed by Italian stage-set designer Luigi Manini. Though relatively recent compared to Sintra’s medieval and Renaissance sites, Quinta de Regaleira is steeped in symbolism drawn from the Knights Templar, Freemasonry, Roiscrucianism, and other esoteric traditions, making it a place where myth and meaning converge.
One of the most iconic features of the estate is the Initiation Well, a deep spiral staircase that descends into the earth like an inverted tower. It is not a water well at all, but rather a symbolic journey of initiation, a descent into the darkness, followed by a metaphorical rebirth into the light.
At the base of the well is a compass rose over a Knights Templar cross, linking the site visually and thematically to the Knights Templar and the Order of Christ. This cross is found throughout the estate, appearing on walls, doorways, and decorative elements, underscoring the idea that Regaleira was meant to evoke not just beauty, but a spiritual path.
The estate’s labyrinthine tunnels, concealed doors, grottoes, and mythological statues invite exploration and reflection.
Pena Palace is one of Portugal’s most iconic landmarks and a dazzling example of 19th-century Romanticism. Perched high above Sintra on a rocky outcrop of the Serra de Sintra mountains, the palace is a kaleidoscope of colors and architectural styles, blending Neo-Gothic, Neo-Manuline, Moorish, and Reinassance influences into a fantastical design.
Commissioned by King Ferdinand II, a German prince who married into Portuguese roaylty, the palace was built on the ruins of a 16th-century monastery and completed in the mid-1800s as a summer residence for the royal family.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Overnight: Lisbon
Day 4
Evora, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a beautifully preserved medieval city with Roman and Christian roots. While not a central Templar stronghold like Tomar, Evora lay within the Knight’s Templar’s sphere of influence during the 12th and 13th centuries as they supported the Christian Reconquista and helped secure territories in the region. Their presence likely extended to Evora’s surrounding areas, particularly through land grants and protective duties.
Today, Evora is a charming and walkable city that blends ancient history with vibrant modern life. As the capital of Portugal’s Alentejo region, it offers a slower pace compared to Lisbon or Porto, but still brims with culture, cuisine, and architectural beauty.
One of the most haunting and thought-provoking sites in Portugal, the Chapel of Bones was built in the 16th century by Franciscan monks. The chapel was designed as a place of reflection on the fragility and brevity of human life. Its interior is lined with the bones and skulls of an estimated 5,000 individuals, carefully arranged in symmetrical patterns across the walls, columns, and even the ceiling. These remains were exhumed from local cemeteries that had become overcrowded, and rather than discard them, the monks transformed them into a powerful symbol of spiritual introspection.
Above the entrance, visitors are greeted with a chilling inscription: “We bones that are here, await yours.” This blunt reminder of mortality reflects the medieval Christian tradition of memento mori- a call to remember that life is fleeting and death inevitable. Yet, the chapel is not designed to horrify; rather, it invites contemplation. Beneath the eerie displays is a quiet reverence, with a small altar at the front and light filtering softly through high windows, adding a sense of peace to the somber surroundings.
Located just west of Evora, the Almendres Cromlech is one of the largest and oldest megalithic monuments in Europe, often referred to as the “Portuguese Stonehenge.” Comprising nearly 100 granite standing stones arranged in circular and elliptical formations, the sites date back as far as 6000 BCE, making it older than Stonehenge and the Egyptian pyramids.
The purpose of the cromlech remains partly mysterious, but archaeologists believe it served religious, ceremonial, and astronomical functions. Some stones align with solstices and equinoxes, indicating a sophisticated understanding of celestial cycles by Neolithic peoples. Others bear carvings: spirals, cup marks, and other symbols, suggesting ritual or symbolic significance.
While the Almendres Cromlech predates the Knights Templar by thousands of years, its presence just outside of Evora adds a layer of mystique to the journey. The Knights Templar, and later the Order of Christ, were known to favor sites steeped in ancient symbolism and sacred geometry. Though no direct link exists between the Knights Templar and Almendres, the spiritual and astronomical nature of the cromlech would have resonated with their esoteric interests.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Overnight: Tomar
Day 5
Almoural Castle is one of Portugal’s most captivating and historically significant landmarks, dramatically situated on a small, rocky island in the middle of the Tagus River. Its strategic location made it an ideal fortress, and it stands as a symbol of medieval military architecture.
Originally, the castle was built in the 12th century during the Reconquista when Christian forces, including the Knights Templar, were pushing to reclaim land from the Moors. Almoural Castle served as a stronghold for the Knights Templar, who used its island position to defend the region and protect their territories.
The Knights Templar, known for their skill in fortification and warfare, constructed the castle with thick walls and narrow windows designed for defense.
After the dissolution of the Knights Templar, the castle passed to the Order of Christ, which continued to use it for military purposes. However, over time, Almoural fell into disrepair, particularly after it was abandoned in the 16th century.
After under-going restoration efforts in the 20th century, the castle now stands as a well-preserved icon of the Knights Templar. The castle’s most striking feature is its location on the island, which is accessible only by boat. The approach to Amoural is as dramatic as the structure itself, with the river surrounding the island, adding an almost mystical quality to the experience.
Dornes is a hidden gem tucked into the central Portuguese landscape nestled along a tranquil bend of the Zezere River. Though small in size, this medieval village holds a rich tapestry of history, legend, and spiritual symbolism, making it especially compelling for those interested in the legacy of the Knights Templar.
Perched on a hill above the river, Dornes was a strategic location during the Reconquista. Its most iconic feature is the pentagonal tower, a rare architectural form in Portugal, believed to have been built in the 12th century by the Knights Templar.
The village itself is peaceful and charming, with cobbled lanes, whitewashed houses, and red-tiled roofs that overlook the lush river valley. Dornes is also a place of deep Marian devotion. Today, Dornes offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, medieval atmosphere, and historical intrigue.
The Tower of Dornes is one of Portugal’s most enigmatic medieval structures, both because of its unique architecture and its deep historical ties to the Knights Templar. The tower is one of the few pentagonal towers in the country, an unusual shape that has stirred curiosity and speculation for centuries.
Traditionally, the Knights Templar used the tower as a military lookout and a strategic point of defense during the Reconquista. Its placement on a high promontory gave it clear views over the surrounding valley and river, making it ideal for monitoring movement.
Beyond its practical use, the tower has long been surrounded by mystical associations. Some believe its pentagonal design was more than defensive, it may have held symbolic meaning for the Knights Templar, who were known for embedding sacred geometry and esoteric symbolism into their architecture. The structure’s orientation and design continue to invite speculation among historians and Knights Templar enthusiasts,
Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner
Overnight: Tomar
Day 6
Tomar is one of Portugal’s most evocative towns, steeped in the legacy of the Knights Templar. Founded in the 12th century and strategically located along the Nabao River, it became the Portuguese headquarters of the Templar Order. After the Knights Templar were disbanded, Tomar remained a center of power and mysticism through the Order of Christ, which preserved Knights Templar traditions under royal authority and helped launch Portugal’s Age of Discovery.
The town itself is a quiet gem, with cobblestone streets, sunlit plazas, and centuries-old buildings that invite slow exploration. At its heart lies the Church of Santa Mario do Olival, the former burial place of Templar Grand Masters.
Perched above the town of Tomar, the Convent of Christ is one of Portugal’s most iconic and layered monuments. Originally founded in 1160 as a stronghold of the Knights Templar, it served both military and spiritual purposes. Its centerpiece, the Charola, was designed as a round church inspired by the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem. This unusual shape allowed knights to attend mass while still wearing their armor, symbolizing their dual role as monks and warriors.
When the Knights Templar were dissolved in the early 14th century, the Portuguese branch was reconstituted as the Order of Christ, and the convent became their new seat. Under royal patronage, the convent expanded dramatically. Each addition reflects a different era of Portuguese history, from the Gothic cloisters to the Manueline embellishments.
The most famous example is the Manueline window of the Chapter House, a breathtaking tangle of ropes, coral, and organic forms carved in stone. Renaissance additions brought symmetry and classical order, contrasting with the earlier mystical symbolism.
Other sections of the convent include: the Church of St. John the Baptist and Santa Maria do Olival, as well as the walk through of the Mata Nacional dos Sete Mones.
This church stands as a prominent historical and architectural landmark in the heart of Tomar. Situated in the main square, Praca da Republica, this 15th-century church is a testament to the city’s rich religious heritage and its connections to the Knights Templar.
Originally, a chapel founded by the Knights Templar in the 12th century occupied this site. The current structure, however, was constructed between the 15th and 16th centuries under the patronage of King Manuel I, reflecting the Manueline architectural style, which blends Gothic and Renaissance elements. Notable features include the flamboyant Gothic portal, a Manueline tower with a 16th-century clock, and intricately decorated capitals on the nave’s columns. Inside, visitors can admire several panels painted in the 1530s by renowned Portuguese Renaissance artist Gregorio Lopes.
The church’s design and symbolism are deeply intertwined with Tomar’s Knights Templar legacy. The bell tower, for instance, exhibits a unique combination of shapes (square, octagonal, and pyramidal) which some interpret as symbolic references to the Knights Templar architecture. Additionally, a weathered stone relief at the base of the tower depicts a dog and a lion separated by fleur-de-lis, symbols that have been associated with ancient knowledge and possibly linked to Knights Templar iconography.
While the church itself was constructed after the dissolution of the Knights Templar, its location and design elements reflect the enduring influence of the Knights Templar in Tomar. The city was a significant Knights Templar stronghold, and many of its landmarks, including the nearby Convent of Christ, bear witness to this historical connection.
The National Forest of Seven Hills is a lush, 39-hectare park in Tomar, deeply intertwined with the city’s Knights Templar heritage. Situated adjacent to the Convent of Christ, the forest served as the monastic enclosure, providing a secluded space for contemplation and cultivation. The area, enclosed by walls, was used by the Order of Christ for isolation and for planting gardens and apple trees to support the monastic community.
The parks name, “Seven Hills,” reflects Tomar’s topography, reminiscent of other historically significant cities like Rome and Jerusalem. This symbolism aligns with the Knights Templar affinity for sacred geometry and mystical landscapes. Within the forest lies the Charolinha, a small, cylindrical stone structure resembling the lantern towers of the Convent of Christ.
This significant monument is deeply connected to the Knights Templar. Founded in the 12th century by Gualdim Pais, the provincial master of the Knights Templar in Portugal, the church served as the pantheon for Knights Templar masters and later for the Order of Christ. Gualdim Pais himself is interred here, with his original tomb slab from 1195 still preserved inside the church.
In the 16th century, the church underwent restoration, with several chapels added to its southern side. Notable features from this period include a polychromed statue of the Virgin Mary and Child and the funerary monument of Diogo Pinheiro, the first Bishop of Funchal, dating from 1525.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Overnight: Tomar
Day 7
The Aqueduct of Pegoes is a remarkable feat of Renaissance engineering located just outside of Tomar, Portugal. It was built in the early 17th century to supply water to the Convent of Christ, the monumental former headquarters of the Order of Christ (and Knights Templar).
Commissioned by King Philip I of Portugal (also Philip II of Spain), construction began around 1593 and continued into the early 1600s. The aqueduct spans approximately 6 kilometers, carrying water from several springs in the Pegoes Valley to the hilltop convent. Its most impressive section features a long stretch of arches crossing a deep valley, with some reaching heights of 30 meters.
Today, the Aqueduct of Pegoes is partially walkable, and visitors can enjoy views of both the country side, as well as the distant Convent of Christ. Its grand silhouette against the landscape evokes the ambition and engineering prowess of the era, while also symbolizing the spiritual dedication of the Knights Templar.
The Monastery of Alcobaca is one of the most magnificent and historically significant religious buildings in Portugal. Founded in 1153 by King Afonso Henriques, it was the first Gothic building in the country and entrusted to the Cistercian Order, whose arrival marked a turning point in Portuguese religious and cultural development.
The monastery’s construction was part of the king’s strategy to solidify Christian rule after the Reconquista, and it quickly became a center of spiritual, agricultural, and intellectual life. Built on land donated by the king to the Cistercians in gratitude for their support during the Reconquista, the monastery showcases the Cistercian ideals of austerity, simplicity, and harmony. Though the monastery is not directly tied to the Knights Templar, the Cistercians and the Knights Templar Order were very closely connected.
One of the monastery’s most poignant features is the presence of the tombs of King Pedro I and Ines de Castro, the star-crossed lovers whose tragic story has become one of Portugal’s most enduring legends. Their intricately carved Gothic tombs face each other in the transept so that, according to legend, they can rise on Judgement Day and look upon each other first.
The Castle of Pombal is a well-preserved medieval fortress with deep ties to the Knights Templar. Strategically located on a hill overlooking the Arunca River in central Portugal, the castle was originally founded in 1156 by Gualdim Pais, the Master of the Knights Templar in Portugal. Just a few years after the Order was formally established in the country by King Afonso Henriques.
As one of several fortresses built by the Knights Templar to secure the central frontier, Pombal was part of a defensive line that included castles like Tomar, Almoural, and Soure. These fortifications helped protect newly reconquered lands from potential Moorish counterattacks and provided safe zones for Christian settlers.
Over time, the castle evolved from a purely military structure into a more administrative and residential space. After the dissolution of the Knights Templar, the Order of Christ inherited the fortress, where it remained in use for centuries and later served various purposes under Portuguese nobility.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Overnight: Coimbra
Day 8
Coimbra, one of Portugal’s oldest and most storied cities, sits gracefully along the banks of the Mondego River. Once the medieval capital of Portugal (from 1139 to 1255), Coimbra blends layers of Roman, Moorish, and Christian heritage into a vibrant cultural and intellectual center. It’s most famously home to the University of Coimbra, founded in 1290, one of the oldest universities in continuous operation in the world, and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The city is characterized by its atmospheric upper town (Alta), where narrow cobbled streets twist past historic buildings, medieval arches, and baroque churches. At the heart of Alta lies the university complex, perched on a hilltop.
While Coimbra does not have strong direct ties to the Knights Templar, it was part of the broader network of Christian consolidation during the period of Reconquest.
The Arco de Almedina is one of Coimbra’s oldest and most evocative landmarks, a medieval gateway that once formed part of the city’s fortified walls. Dating back to the Moorish period, the arch marked the main entrance to the upper town, known as the Almedina, derived from the Arabic al-madina, meaning “the city.” It stood as a critical point of control and defense, especially during the turbulent times of the Christian Reconquista.
Originally part of a larger Islamic stronghold, the arch was retained and repurposed by Christian forces after Coimbra was taken in 1064. Over the centuries, it was modified to reflect new political and architectural influences. A watchtower above the arch allowed guards to oversee who entered and exited the city, making it both a practical and symbolic threshold between civic life and military defense.
Today, the Arco de Almedina leads visitors into Coimbra’s historic core, a maze of narrow streets, whitewashed houses, and ancient stone staircases that wind up to the university hill.
Perched high above the city, the University of Coimbra is one of Europe’s oldest universities, a center of learning since its founding in 1290. Though not established by the Knights Templar, the university shares deep historical and ideological ties with their successor, the Order of Christ.
After the Knights Templar were disbanded, King Dinis preserved their legacy in Portugal by founding the Order of Christ in 1319. This new order would go on to play a pivotal role in Portugal’s expansion, financing voyages, guiding imperial strategy, and shaping national identity. As Coimbra grew into an intellectual hub, the university naturally became a training ground for the clergy, scientists, navigators, and administrators who furthered the Order’s ambitions during the Age of Discovery.
A shining symbol of this cultural flowering is the university’s Baroque library, the Biblioteca Joanina, comissioned in the 18th century by King Joao V. Housing over 60,000 rare volumes, the library is not just a repository of knowledge but a visual celebration of Enlightenment ideals.
While the university was never formally part of the Order, it operated within the same ecosystem of royal, religious, and scholarly power, making Coimbra a vital intellectual counterpart to the military and exploratory work of Tomar and the Portuguese crown.
The Igreja de Santa Cruz (Church of the Holy Cross) is one of the most important religious and historical landmarks in Coimbra. Founded in 1131 by the Canons Regular of St. Augustine, it predates even the University of Coimbra and played a major role in the early spiritual and political life of the Portuguese kingdom. It was also closely connected to the nation’s founding, serving as a favored site of King Afonso Henriques, Portugal’s first monarch.
The church and its adjoining monastery became a center of religious scholarship and royal patronage. In fact, King Afonso Henriques and his successor, King Sancho I, are both buried here. Their tombs, placed within the chancel, were later reworked by 16th-century sculptor Nicolau Chanterene, making them exquisite examples of Renaissance funerary art in Portugal.
Although the church itself was not founded by the Knights Templar, or the Order of Christ, its role in early Portuguese nationhood aligns it with the same spirit of religious-military consolidation that the Knights Templar supported. As a burial site of the first kings, and a cradle of religious education, the Igreja de Santa Cruz stands as a powerful symbol of Portugal’s sacred and sovereign beginnings.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Overnight: Porto
Day 9
As Portugal’s second-largest city, Porto is a vibrant and historic destination that blends medieval charm with modern energy. Porto is perhaps best known for giving its name to Port wine, but its cultural, architectural, and spiritual significance goes far deeper.
With roots stretching back to Roman times, Porto played a key role in the formation of the Portuguese nation. It was from this northern stronghold that the Christian reconquest gained momentum in the 11th and 12th centuries. The city became a bastion of royal and ecclesiastical power, and the Middle Ages, it was flourishing as a maritime and commercial hub.
Porto was never a major Knights Templar stronghold like Tomar or Pombal, however, the Knights Templar did maintain a presence in the region, largely through land ownership and military support during the early Reconquista. After the Knights Templar were suppressed and replaced, the influence of these military-religious orders shifted southward.
The Sao Bento Railway Station in Porto is more than just a transportation hub, it is one of Portugal’s most iconic architectural landmarks. Built on the site of a former Benedictine convent, the station was designed by architect Jose Marques da Silva and constructed between 1904 and 1916. The station’s name pays homage to the old Sao Bento da Ave Maria convent, and though the nuns had vacated long before construction began, the spiritual legacy of the site still lingers in the grandeur of its design.
What truly sets Sao Bento apart is its breathtaking interior, adorned with approximately 20,000 azulejo tiles (the traditional blue-and-white glazed ceramic tiles). The station is also home to murals depicting important events, and scenes from Portugal’s national history.
The Se Cathedral of Porto sits on a hilltop overlooking the city, this imposing Romanesque structure has been a central part of Porto’s spiritual and architectural landscape for nearly a thousand years.
Construction of the cathedral began in 1110, during the reign of King Afonso I, the first King of Portugal, and it was consecrated in 1139. The cathedral was built to reflect the power and growing independence of the newly established Portuguese kingdom, which had only recently liberated the region from Moorish control.
The Se Cathedral is also historically a significant and spiritual center for many notable figures. It was the site of the marriage of King John I of Portugal to Philippa Lancaster in 1387, and event that established a strong alliance with England. Furthermore, the cathedral holds the tomb of the Infanta D. Teresa, a 12th-century Portuguese princess, and several other key royal and religious figures.
Enjoy a Six Bridges River tour before the rest of the afternoon is yours.
Here are some suggestions for how you could spend additional time in Porto. We suggest looking up sites or places you would like to visit ahead of time, so that you can take advantage of all your time here.
If you’re interested in experiencing local life, visit the Bolhão Market, a traditional market offering fresh produce, meats, seafood, flowers, and more. It’s a lively and authentic place to explore, even if you’re just browsing and soaking in the sights and sounds.
If you want a peaceful spot to unwind, head to the Crystal Palace Gardens. Offering lush greenery, tranquil pathways, and fantastic views of the Douro River, it’s an ideal place for a relaxing walk or a picnic.
Another beautiful historical site is the Church of São Francisco, known for its striking Gothic architecture and elaborate Baroque interior. The church is famous for its golden altars, which are among the most ornate in Portugal.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Overnight: Porto
Day 10
The Antigo Paco Episcopal of Porto, located next to the Porto Cathedral, served as the residence of the Bishops of porto from the 13th to the 19th century. Today, it is a ntaional monument and a prime example of Baroque and Rococo architecture in Portugal.
The current palace, designed by Italian architect Nicolau Nasoni in 1734, was completed by the end of the 18th century. Today, the Paco Episcopal continues to be the official residence of the Bishop of Porto. While some areas remain private, the public can visit the monumental parts of the palace, which are used for cultural events and exhibitions, offering a glimpse into the building’s historical and architectural significance.
In the case of the Paco Episcopal, the Knights Templar’s influence is more indirectly related to the broader historical and religious context of Porto during the time it was built. The bishops who resided in the palace likely had connections to the broader religious orders of the time, including the Order of Christ, which was deeply involved in the Portuguese monarchy and the church after the Templar’s disbandment.
The Braga Cathedral has a rich history that dates back to the 11th century. The cathedral has long been the seat of the Archdiocese of Braga and remains an important place of worship today. Notably, the cathedral houses a 12th-century crucifix, an important relic of the church, as well as a beautiful chapel of St. John.
Although there are no direct, widely recognized connections between Braga and the Knights Templar, the broader religious context of Braga in the medieval period would suggest influence by the Knights Templar in the area. Especially with Braga’s connection to the Camino de Santiago and pilgrimage that the Knights Templar were known to protect.
One of Braga’s most iconic religious sites, the Bom Jesus do Monto is known for its stunning Baroque architecture and breathtaking views of the surrounding area. The sanctuary, which dates back to the 14th century, sits atop a hill.
The highlight of the site is its dramatic Baroque staircase, which ascends the hill in a series of 17 zigzagging flights, adorned with symbolic statues, fountains, and chapels along the way. The staircase represents the journey of spiritual ascent, with each landing marked by significant religious scenes, leading visitors closer to the main church at the top.
Enjoy free time in the afternoon here in Braga. Legacy Tours suggests finding activities or sites that you would personally enjoy ahead of time, as to take full advantage of the free time in Braga. Below are some suggestions of how you might spend your time:
Wander around Braga’s historic center, which is filled with narrow streets, picturesque squares, and beautiful buildings. Visit the Praça da República (Republic Square), the heart of the city, lined with cafes and shops. You can also stroll through the pedestrianized Avenida Central, a lively street that’s perfect for window shopping and people-watching.
Braga is known for its delicious traditional Portuguese food. Find a local restaurant or café and try some regional specialties like bacalhau (salted cod), francesinha (a Portuguese sandwich), or tiborna (a garlic and olive oil dish).
The Palácio dos Biscainhos is an 18th-century palace with beautiful gardens and an interesting collection of decorative arts. It’s a lesser-known gem in Braga that showcases the city’s aristocratic past.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Overnight: Braga
Day 11
In Braga we will attend LDS Sacrament Meeting Services before continuing on to Ponte de Lima. Those who wish to may bring appropriate church attendance clothing, but it is not required.
We will walk 2.8 miles of the Camino de Santiago on our way to this beautiful coastal village.
Arcozelo, located in Vila Nova de Gaia, is a peaceful coastal village that makes for a perfect stop along the Camino de Santiago route.
The village is rich in history and religious significance. The Igreja Matriz de Arcozelo, a 17th-century church, stands as a central landmark in the village, showcasing its long-standing religious heritage. Additionally, the Capela de Santa Maria Adelaide and Capela de Nossa Senhora da Nazare are notable religious sites, with the latter’s location near Praia da Aguda linking the village’s spiritual traditions to maritime culture.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Overnight: Santiago de Compostela
Day 12
Santiago de Compostela, the capital of Galicia in northwestern Spain, is one of the most important pilgrimage destinations in the world. It is best known as the endpoint of the Camino de Santiago. According to tradition, the city is the burial site of Saint James the Greater, one of Jesus’ apostles, whose remains are said to lie beneath the grand cathedral that dominates the city’s skyline.
Beyond its religious importance, Santiago is a UNESCO World Heritage city with a beautifully preserved Old Town full of narrow granite streets, historic buildings, shaded arcades, and lively plazas.
Located next to the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, the Hostal de los Reyes Catolicos is one of Spain’s most historically significant and atmospheric buildings. Commissioned in 1499 by the Catholic Monarchs, Queen Isabella I of Castile and King Ferdinand II of Aragon, the Hostal was originally built as a hospital and lodging house for weary pilgrims who had completed the long and often perilous Camino de Santiago.
The monarchs, deeply invested in both religious reform and the symbolism of pilgrimage, sought to offer care and rest to those who had endured physical hardship to reach the holy site.
Over the centuries, the Hostal served as a hospital, hospice, and even military barracks before eventually being transformed into a luxury parador (state-run historic hotel). Despite its evolution, the Hostal retains its original spirit of hospitality. A few symbolic traditions persist, such as the offering of free meals to a limited number of pilgrims each day.
In the esoteric tradition, the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela served as the spiritual starting point of the Knights Templar initiation ritual. In this symbolic framework, Santiago represents the place of awakening; where the initiate begins their path toward inner transformation.
Knights Templar initiates would arrive at what was considered the westernmost edge of the known Christian world, metaphorically leaving behind the material and stepping into a sacred journey of the soul. The very act of pilgrimage, central to medieval Christian devotion and particularly meaningful to the Knights Templar, reflects this idea of death to the old self and rebirth through discipline and divine purpose.
As the journey progresses along the Camino de Santiago, the initiate passes through landscapes dotted with Knights Templar sites: many of which were commanderies, fortresses, or hospices. Additional theories suggest that the Camino itself follows ancient ley lines or paths of spiritual energy, imbuing the walk with esoteric significance.
This spiritual geography continues through France, passing by renowned Knights Templar sites such as Chartres Cathedral, and Rennes-le-Chateau. Each stop represents a phase of learning and transformation, mirroring the Knights Templar ideal of blending martial strength and spiritual enlightenment.
The journey ends at Rosslyn Chapel in Scotland, often dubbed the “final temple” in Knights Templar history.
Meals Included: Breakfast & Farewell Dinner
Overnight: Santiago de Compostela
Day 13
Today we transfer to the airport in Compostela de Santiago and return home. If you would like to take advantage of a free day in exploring Compostela de Santiago, arrange your flight home for late evening instead of the morning.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Payment Terms: $300 pp deposit required at time of booking. Final payment due 90 days before departure.
**this tour is based on a minimum of 20 passengers and a maximum of 48 passengers.
Legacy Tours are priced to ensure our clients get the most economical price for the tour. In doing so we base our tour price on the value of the US dollar to the Euro when final payment is made. The published price and rate of exchange for the dollar when published is the marker. If the dollar has decreased when the final payment is due, the cost for the tour may be more than the published price. However if the dollar increases in value when your final payment is due, then you will pay less than the price that is published for the tour.
A number of European cities are likely to increase or impose a new tourism tax in the near future. These taxes may be added without warning. These extra taxes may end up being added to the final cost of the tour or it’s possible you will be asked to pay locally on the spot. Barcelona just recently added a city tax that was between 1-3 EU per night. This is just to let you know of this possibility. In any advent you will want to bring some extra Euros to have on hand in case that happens on our tour.
