International Lodging Corporation

Customized travel services in Spain & Portugal since 1983

Sites to See…Ajuda National Palace, Lisbon (Portugal)

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Ajuda National Palace is located in Lisbon, about a 25 minute walk north of the Jerónimos Monastery. This royal residence was the last official royal residence of the Portuguese monarchy. It was used for about 50 years until 1910 when the monarchy fell and Portugal became a republic.

Architects began designing what was to be one of the largest palaces in Europe in 1787, after the 1755 Lisbon earthquake destroyed the royal family’s main palace. However, construction of the palace was delayed in the ensuing years by economic constraints or political conflicts, including the exile of the royal family in Brazil when Napoleon invaded Portugal. As a result of the delays, the palace did not become a formal royal residence until King Luis I moved in with his wife in 1861.

The size and design of the palace underwent many changes in the 150 years since it had been originally commissioned. Today the Ajuda Palace is smaller than the palace that was originally planned. The style of the palace was also modified during that time, changing from the Baroque-Rococo style that was envisioned by the original architect, to the Neoclassical style we see today.

Two floors of the palace are open to the public, and visitors can admire the richness and beauty of the interior. It is filled with a magnificent collection of furniture, sculptures and extravagant decorative art. Highlights of the tour include the Throne Room that occupies the entire south wing, the dining room that is still used for state visits and important presidential ceremonies, the richly decorated Blue Room where the family spent time together, and Queen Maria Pia’s rooms.

For more information on Ajuda Palace, click here.

Book a private tour! You may want to consider booking a private tour with an English-speaking guide, if you want to visit Ajuda Palace as part of a day trip from Lisbon. Your personal guide can provide you with information on the city and its historic sites. For more information on our Lisbon Day Trip that includes Ajuda Palace, click here, and for information on all of our Lisbon & Lisbon Day Trip tours, click here.

Photo credit: Dguendel (CC BY-SA 4.0) / Photo of Palácio Nacional da Ajuda

For assistance with your travel plans, including hotel and private tour reservations, click here.

Checking In…Thomar Boutique Hotel, Tomar (Portugal)

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This stylish 4-star hotel is located in the center of town on a quiet street just 5 minutes from the main square. The traditional building was converted into an urban style boutique hotel in August 2018. The contemporary interior design of the hotel reflects the local Knights Templar heritage and pays tribute to the iconic ages that shaped the town. The rooms on each floor are styled in themes relating to the Roman Era, Templar Era, Discoveries Era and Industrial Era, giving the hotel a unique and modern vibe.

  • Address: Rua de Sta. Iría, 14
  • 5 minute walk from the Praça da República (main square), Church of São João Baptista, Synagogue (built in 1430)
  • Visit the Convent of Christ (UNESCO World Heritage Site) founded by the Knights Templar, surrounded by the walls of the 12th castle
  • 10 minute walk to the 12 th C. Church of Santa Maria do Olival (burial place of Knights Templar and Knights of the Order of Christ)
  • 15 minute walk to the Chapel of Nossa Senhora da Conceição
  • 5 minute drive to the Aqueduct of Pegões
  • 30 minute drive to Almourol Castle, 12th C. Knights Templar castle in the middle of the River Tagus
  • Train Station: 5 minutes by taxi (1.7 km)
  • Airport: 1 hour 20 minutes by car (131 km – Lisbon)

All rooms with private bath, air conditioning, direct dial telephone, WiFi, hair dryer, magnifying mirror, flat panel TV, Nespresso machine, minibar, kettle, room safe

  • 1 Elevator
  • Restaurant (breakfast only)
  • Rooftop Bar
  • Reception (24 hours)
  • Laundry Service
  • Parking (complimentary public parking lot adjacent to hotel)
  • 24 guest rooms (4 floors)
  • Standard: Room with a Queen or Twin beds, located on all floors (Roman, Templar, Discoveries and Industrial eras); approx. 19 m2 (2 guest maximum)
  • Premium: Room with a King bed and a balcony with town or river views, located on the Templar, Discoveries and Industrial era floors; approx. 21 m2 (3 guest maximum)
  • Superior Suite: Spacious suite with a Templar-inspired design with a King bed, sitting area separated by a partition with a sofabed (full size), and balcony with views of the river and castle; approx. 35 m2 – only 1 of this type (4 guest maximum)
  • Duplex Suite: Split level suite with a Roman-inspired design with a living room with sofabed (full size) and bathroom on the lower floor and bedroom with King bed on the upper floor; approx. 40 m2 – only 4 of this type (4 guest maximum)
  • Hotel offers a Handicap room

Photo Gallery – Coming Soon

For more information, pricing and reservations, contact us – click here.

Checking In…Hotel dos Templarios, Tomar (Portugal)

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This classic 4-star hotel is located in the heart of Tomar, a historic town that is rich in Knights Templar history. Ideally situated on the on the bank of the Nabão River and surrounded by lush gardens, the hotel’s location provides a perfect base from which to explore this charming and picturesque town.

  • Address: Largo Cândido dos Reis 1
  • Short walk (8 minutes) from the Praça da República (main square), Church of São João Baptista, Synagogue (built in 1430)
  • Visit the Convent of Christ (UNESCO World Heritage Site) founded by the Knights Templar, surrounded by the walls of the 12th castle
  • 12 minute walk to the Chapel of Nossa Senhora da Conceição
  • 20 minute walk to the 12 th C. Church of Santa Maria do Olival (burial place of Knights Templar and Knights of the Order of Christ)
  • 6 minute drive to the Aqueduct of Pegões
  • 30 minute drive to Almourol Castle, 12th C. Knights Templar castle in the middle of the River Tagus
  • Train Station: 5 minutes by taxi (1.3 km)
  • Airport: 1 hour 20 minutes by car (131 km – Lisbon)

All rooms with private bath, air conditioning, direct dial telephone, WiFi, hair dryer, flat panel TV, minibar, room safe

  • 4 Elevators
  • Room Service (until 1:00am)
  • Dos Templarios Restaurant
  • Grão Mestre Restaurant
  • Lobby Bar
  • Swimming Pools (outdoor & indoor heated)
  • Fitness Center
  • Spa
  • Tennis Court
  • Children’s Playground
  • Reception (24 hours)
  • Laundry Service
  • Parking onsite (complimentary)
  • 176 guest rooms (5 floors)
  • Standard: Room with a Queen or Twin beds and balcony with views of the river or castle; approx. 30 m2 (3 guest maximum)
  • Superior: Room with a Queen or Twin beds and balcony with views of the city or river; approx. 40 m2 (4 guest maximum; 3 adults or 2 adults + 2 children)
  • Junior Suite: Spacious suite with a living room, separate bedroom with a Queen bed and balcony with views of the city; approx. 45 m2 (4 guest maximum; 3 adults or 2 adults + 2 children)
  • Duplex Suite: Split level suite with a spacious living room and bedroom on another level with a Queen bed and balcony with views of the city; approx. 75 m2 (4 guest maximum; 3 adults or 2 adults + 2 children)
  • Presidential Suite: Large split level suite with spacious living room, bathroom, kitchenette and terrace on one floor, and a bedroom on another level with a Queen bed and balcony with views of the city; approx. 140 m2 – only 1 of this type (4 guest maximum; 3 adults or 2 adults + 2 children)
  • Children are defined as under 13 years old
  • Hotel offers a Handicap room (Standard category)

Photo Gallery (Adobe Flash Player Required):


For more information, pricing and reservations, contact us – click here.