The Mystic Path
5 Night Retreat in Sintra, Tomar and Monsanto, Portugal.
7th - 12th September 2026
Embark on a captivating 6-day journey through Portugal’s most mystical landscapes and historic frontiers. From the cool, misty, palace-dotted hills of Sintra to the legendary fortress of the Knights Templar in Tomar, and finally to the remote, boulder-strewn village of Monsanto, this retreat is an immersive dive into alchemy and ancient history.
🌟 Retreat Highlights
Aerial View of Sintra
The Alchemy of Sintra: Discover a microclimate historically favoured by Portuguese royalty, filled with romantic palaces, hidden passageways, and gardens steeped in mysticism, freemasonry, and esoteric symbolism.
Here, in the ancient Mount of the Moon (Mons Lunae, the sacred mount of the moon), we walk the mist-shrouded paths where myth merges with reality, unlocking the hidden chambers of your inner vision and transforming the lead of the mundane into spiritual gold.
Tomar Bridge
The Strength of the Knights Templar (Tomar): Walk in the footsteps of the legendary Grand Master Gualdim Pais in a city that served as the spiritual and administrative heart of the Knights Templar and the Order of Christ.
We stand within the sacred geometry of the Convent of Christ, tapping into closely guarded lineages of divine truth, spiritual chivalry, and unshakeable inner power.
Monsanto Village
The Dragons of Monsanto: Journey to an elemental, medieval settlement built directly into colossal granite boulders.
At the Holy Mountain, we meet the primordial, sleeping earth-energies of the dragon lines, integrating our awakening amongst the granite that has anchored raw magic for millennia.
If your soul has been whispering that it is time to access your highest intuition, come and join us.
Reserve your place here!
Sintra's Story
Some places possess a sacred aura, and Sintra certainly ticks that box for a retreat. Its coastal mountain geography—where sea mists swirl around forested peaks—has fueled a rich mythology over the centuries, attracting Romantic literary figures who further enhanced its reputation.
The ancients of Sintra worshipped Cynthia, whose name was derived from Cynthos, a mountain on the sacred island of Delos, the birthplace of the gods. This was the Greek Artemis or Roman Diana, goddess of the moon and of hunting, sister of Apollo, and god of light. From the word Cynthia came finally Cintra, and the name today of Sintra.
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As Malcolm Jack points out in Sintra, A Glorious Eden, the lunar observations of early Iberians were balanced by solar worship. Sun and moon formed a duality: Apollo’s masculine solar energy brought life-giving warmth, while his sister Artemis’s luminous lunar energy imparted a serenity that turned man into a cultural being.
This profound sense of sacredness made Sintra a natural home for monasteries. During the Spanish Interregnum (1580–1640), King Felipe II boasted that his kingdoms contained both the richest and poorest convents in the world: the Escorial in Spain was the richest, and the Convento dos Capuchos in Sintra was the poorest.
Built in 1560 for twelve Franciscan monks, Capuchos is a tiny troglodyte hermitage buttressed by huge boulders and lined with cork. One famous recluse, Honorius, spent 36 years living in a hollow rock cell here, dying at the age of 95. At the beginning of the 19th century, the English writer John Cam Hobhouse visited the Cork convent, and his companion Lord Byron famously satirised Honorius’s extreme asceticism in Childe Harold’s Pilgrimage: “Deep in yon cave Honorius long did dwell / In hope to merit Heaven by making earth a Hell.”
Today, this spiritual heritage continues with a recently built Tibetan Buddhist monastery. It is a fitting addition to Mons Lunae, as the moon holds a special place in Buddhism. Believing that the moon exerts a strong effect on the human body, Buddhists traditionally teach that we should take time to relax during a full moon. To celebrate the moon like a Buddhist, all we need to do is sit back, pause, and become a little more still.
Tomar's Story
Tomar, Portugal, is the spiritual and historical epicentre of the Knights Templar. Renowned for its mystical architecture and secret subterranean tunnels, this central Portuguese city holds a legendary status as a repository for holy relics like the Holy Grail and the Ark of the Covenant.
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Perched high above the city is the Convent of Christ (Convento de Cristo), a UNESCO World Heritage site that served as the Templar headquarters. Built by Grand Master Gualdim Pais, its crowning jewel is the Charola—a 16-sided, circular oratory inspired by Jerusalem's Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Rich in esoteric geometry, it was designed so that fully armoured knights could ride their horses straight into the sanctuary for blessings. Later, during the Age of Discovery, Manueline architecture added maritime motifs like coral and twisted ship ropes, blending Templar traditions with the wealth of the New World.
In the valley below sits Santa Maria do Olival, a 12th-century church that served as the pantheon for Templar Grand Masters. The church is steeped in sacred geometry, featuring an eight-step descent and eight arches—symbolising infinity and higher spiritual realms—alongside carved symbols like the Star of David and the five-point rose. Widespread legend dictates that a network of secret underground tunnels connects this church directly back to the Convent of Christ.
When the Pope dissolved the Templar Order in the 14th century, the Portuguese King strategically rebranded them as the Order of Christ. This secretive organisation used Tomar’s wealth and mystical knowledge to fund Portugal’s Age of Discovery. Their ships famously adorned their sails with the iconic red Templar cross as they charted the globe.
Today, folklore and myth still saturate Tomar. Rumours persist that the Holy Grail was spirited away and hidden nearby, while the historic city centre itself was purposefully mapped out in the shape of a cross. To this day, many believe that esoteric symbols and secret maps detailing undiscovered lands remain hidden within the Convent’s ancient walls.
Monsanto's Story
Perched high on a steep granite hill near the Spanish border, Monsanto is Portugal’s legendary "rock village." Known in Latin as Mons Sanctus (Sacred Mountain), it is a place where medieval history, ancient mythology, and rugged geology seamlessly intertwine.
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Long before it was named the "Most Portuguese Village in Portugal" in 1938 or featured in House of the Dragon, Monsanto held deep spiritual significance. Reclining on human occupation dating back to the Palaeolithic era, the mountain was revered as a holy sanctuary by successive waves of Lusitanians, Romans, Visigoths, and Moors. Today, it is famous for its architecture, where centuries-old cottages are sandwiched between, built upon, or carved directly into gigantic boulders weighing up to 200 tonnes.
At the absolute summit, standing over 750 meters above sea level, are the dramatic ruins of a medieval castle. Conquered from the Moors in the 12th century by Portugal's first king, Afonso Henriques, the strategic stronghold was handed over to the Knights Templar. Under Grand Master Gualdim Pais, they fortified the site into an impregnable frontier defence, prompting the local proverb: "He who owns Monsanto, owns the world."
The village remains steeped in vibrant folklore and mystical traditions:
- The Legend of the Cow: Local lore says that during a seven-year Roman siege, starving villagers engaged in a psychological trick. They fed their very last sack of grain to their last remaining cow and threw the fat animal over the castle walls. Believing the village had endless provisions, the frustrated besiegers retreated.
- Festival of the Holy Cross: Every May 3rd, locals celebrate this legendary survival. They march to the castle carrying flower-decorated clay pots and traditional, faceless handmade rag dolls called marafonas—ancient amulets used in fertility rituals and to ward off evil and lightning.
Enigmatic Antiquities: Near the summit lies the Penedo de Treze Tigelas, a rock formation with 13 mysterious bowls carved into the stone, speculated to have been used for ancient pagan rituals or astronomical observations. Nearby, just outside the São Miguel Chapel, human-shaped Neolithic and medieval tombs dug directly into the granite serve as a silent reminder of the mountain's ancient necropolis.
Your Attendance Options...
Full Retreat Price (Early Bird ) - £2,893 p.p.
(Valid for bookings up to 27th July 2026 )
(Full Retreat ticket - £3,373 p.p. (Valid for bookings after 27th July 2026)
This package includes flights to Lisbon from Manchester, accommodation in a shared twin room on a B & B basis, all transportation, entrance tickets to specified venues and the private tour in Tomar.
Also included will be a 1hr group Zoom call both before and after the retreat, as well as Carol's guidance throughout.
To reserve your place, register here and select your attendance using one of the following options:
- Deposit - £500 (Payable on booking to reserve your place with the balance due by 27th July 2026)
- Satellite Attendance - £125
Please contact us if you need further clarification.
Your Itinerary
Day 1 Monday, 7th Sept: Arrival in Sintra
Your journey begins with a direct TAP Air Portugal flight from Manchester to Lisbon.
A private transfer will sweep you away to the palace town of Sintra, your home for the next three nights.
After checking into our Hotel, we will gather for our opening ceremony before exploring the cobbled streets of Sintra and enjoying a meal together.
Day 2 Tuesday, 8th Sept: Breathtaking & Monastic.
Palace Monserrate
Palace Monserrate
In the morning, we include a curated visit to the breathtaking Palacio de Monserrate—a 19th-century folly blending Portuguese and Middle Eastern styles.
Followed by the starkly contrasting Convento dos Capuchos, an austere 16th-century Franciscan monastery built seamlessly into the rocky landscape.
You have a free afternoon to explore the many options of Sintra. You could take the option to visit the colourful Palacio da Pena, or perhaps the National Palace of Sintra, or the Castle of the Moors.
Day 3 Wednesday, 9th Sept: The Alchemist’s Garden.
Regaleira Palace
Regaleira Palace
Initiation Well Poco Iniciatico at Quinta da Regaleira, looking down
Initiation Well Poco Iniciatico at Quinta da Regaleira, Looking up
Portal dos Guardiaes Portal of the Guardians
Ledas Cave in Quinta da Regaleira
Begin your day with an included visit to the extraordinary Quinta da Regaleira.
Quinta da Regaleira is located near the historic centre of Sintra. It is classified as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO within the "Cultural Landscape of Sintra".
This eccentric estate is an architectural expression of alchemy and Templar fascination, complete with a sprawling network of grottos, gothic gazebos, and the legendary Initiation Well.
During our time here, we will tune in to the distinct frequencies of this magical landscape. Carol will be by your side, providing personal guidance to help you interpret the energies you encounter. We will then approach the 'Well of Initiation,' working with deliberate intentions for each of its nine levels. Traditionally believed to be a sacred site for initiation rituals—where one moves through the darkness to emerge into the light—this promises to be a deeply revealing and healing experience for everyone.
Enjoy a free afternoon to process our experiences so far. Carol will be on hand to help you work through your experiences should you wish. You will have the option to explore any of the palaces or any of the beautiful nature walks. We will meet for a meal in the evening.
Day 4 Thursday, 10th Sept: The Templar Stronghold, Knights, Aqueducts & The Convent of Christ.
Praca da República - Republic Square, Tomar
Cloister of King John III - the Convent of Christ, Tomar
Aqueduto dos Pegoes - Pegoes Aqueduct, Tomar
Convento de Cristo, inside the Tomar castle
Convent of Christ, Tomar
Interior of the Charola, The Rotunda,Tomar
We travel north to your new accommodation in the old Templar city of Tomar.
After checking into your riverside hotel, our expert local guides, Luis and Catarina, will lead an introductory walking tour of the old city. You'll learn about Tomar's foundation as a Christian frontier against Moorish rule and visit the resting place of Templar Master Gualdim Pais.
In the afternoon, this deeply historical day continues. You will be transported on a short drive to the impressive Aqueduto dos Pegoes. We will follow the gentle descent of the aqueduct towards the Convento de Cristo – Portugal’s largest Renaissance-era building. This includes the circular Charola temple, where you will stand inside this remarkable 12th-century circular temple modelled on Byzantine churches in Jerusalem.
To complete our tour, we visit the Castelo do Tomar, before moving to the old town of Tomar, where there are several excellent restaurants hidden within its maze of intersecting medieval streets.
Day 5 Friday, 11th Sept: The Dragons of Monsaanto.
Monsanto's granite houses
Monsanto's Cobbled Streets
Monsanto castle in Monsanto village
Following an early start today, our driver will transfer us high above Portugal's eastern plains to this medieval settlement, the village of Monsanto.
This is where we culminate our sacred pilgrimage at the Holy Mountain of stone, a place where giant granite boulders have anchored raw earth magic for millennia. Here, you will awaken and connect with the ancient, primordial dragon lines—the sleeping earth-currents of the land—to integrate your journey. By meeting these potent forces, you will lock your spiritual growth into an unshakeable, earthly reality, anchoring and grounding your newly awakened power directly into the physical matrix of your daily life.
We will take lunch in the village, and as much time as you need before our return to Tomar, where we gather for a celebration meal and "closing the circle".
Day 6 Saturday, 12th Sept: Return Journey.
After a mystical and historically enriching week, a private transfer will take you back to Lisbon for your afternoon flight home.
🛏️ Your Accommodation
Sintra (3 Nights): NH Sintra Centro
Staying in Superior Valley View Twin rooms, all en-suite, perfectly located to explore the town.
Tomar (2 Nights): Vila Gale Collection Tomar
Staying in Twin River View rooms, all en-suite, offering comfort in the heart of the Templar city.
Notes & FAQ's for this event
🫰🏻Can I get my money back if I cancel?
All payments secure your registration and are non-refundable due to committed bookings with partners. (See T&Cs for full details.) We strongly advise taking out insurance to cover unexpected cancellations. However, if your plans change due to unforeseen circumstances, please reach out—we assess each situation individually and will do our best to find a supportive solution where partner agreements allow.
📝 What's included?
- Carol will be at the venue for the entire retreat and will provide individual support and guidance.
- Return flights with TAP Air Portugal (including a 23kg luggage allowance). (Manchester <--> Lisbon).
- All private transfers by minibus or local taxis.
- 5 nights’ accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis.
- Return transfers and entry tickets to Monserrate Palace, Capuchos Convent, and Quinta da Regaleira.
- A private guided tour of Tomar, the Aqueduct of Pegoes, and the Convent of Christ.
- Return transport to the cliffside village of Monsanto.
- ATOL financial protection via our partners.
- A £10 carbon offset is included in the primary cost, which goes towards planting trees in the Lake District, UK.
- The local Portuguese room tax (approximate, up to €14 max per night).
📝 What's not included?
What is not included:
- Personal travel insurance including cancellation cover. (Mandatory)
- All meals not specifically included.
🛂 Visas and passports...
UK and US passport holders don’t currently require an entry visa for travel within the EU - you can travel for a total of 90 days within any 180-day period. On the day of your return to the UK or US, your passport must be valid for at least three months and must be less than ten years old.
The EU's Entry/Exit System (EES) is a new automated system which records non-nationals entering and exiting an EU country. Your passport details and biometric data (fingerprints and a facial scan) are automatically recorded as you cross the EU border. The EES doesn’t apply when moving between EU countries, and your exit will be automatically registered when you finally leave the EU.
We look forward to you joining us!
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Event Information
| Event Date | 07-09-2026 |
| Event End Date | 12-09-2026 |
| Individual Price | £2,893 (Early Bird - £500 Deposit) |
| Location | Sintra, Portugal |
| Categories | Enchanted Lands |
Information
