Tomar is about 140km North of Lisbon, located in the municipality of Santarém, between Lisbon and Coimbra. It is easily accessed by main transport routes. There is a good intercity motorway between main cities.
Here is a link to the Tomar website: www.cm-tomar.pt
Tomar can be accessed from either Lisbon or Porto airports, However the fastest way to get to Tomar is via Lisbon airport. There is a direct metro link from the airport into Lisbon city, where you can pick up a regional train from Oriente station direct to Tomar. The train from Oriente to Tomar takes about 2 hours. If you choose to travel from Porto airport the train journey is about 4–5 hours.
To get to Tomar from Lisbon airport take the metro to Oriente Train Station. There is a frequent regional train service to Tomar. The train journey from Oriente is approximately 2 hours. For all train times, prices and route planning, please consult www.cp.pt.
From Porto airport, take the metro to São Bento or Campanhã train station. From there, catch an Alfa or Intercidades train to Entroncamento and from there a regional train to Tomar. The train journey is approximately 4–5 hours. For all train times, prices and route planning, please consult www.cp.pt.
From Faro Airport, take a taxi to Faro train station (approximately 15 minutes, depending on traffic). From there, you can either take a train north to Lisbon’s Oriente train station and change to a regional service to get to Tomar, or take a train north to Entroncamento and from there change to the regional train to Tomar. The train journey is approximately 7–8 hours. For all train times, prices and route planning, please consult www.cp.pt.
There is a taxi rank in front of the train station, and it is a short trip to any of the hotels and hostels. For those that travel light and prefer to walk, the hotels listed on our site are within a 15 minute walk from the train station.
Bus transport will be provided for participants to ZêzereArts events as required. Some events will be within walking distance of the hotels listed on our site.
Accredited Professional Courses: the first session for participants will take place on Thursday 14th July 2022 at 3pm.
Festival Chorus: singers should aim to arrive in Tomar no later than 2pm on Saturday 16th July 2022 in order to be on time for registration and the first rehearsal.
Accredited Professional Courses: the first session for participants will take place on Thursday 14th July 2022 at 3pm.
Festival Chorus: welcome, registration and the first rehearsal will be at 3pm on Saturday 16th July 2022.
Festival Chorus: participants generally have an average of six hours of rehearsal per day, in the morning (9.30am–1pm) and in the afternoon/evening (4–7pm) with coffee breaks. The long lunch break allows time for a swim, a siesta or for exploring Tomar’s many interesting sights.
On concert days, the afternoon rehearsal is altered according to the dress rehearsal schedule of each concert venue and/or to allow for travel.
Accredited Professional Courses: students can expect to fully participate in an intense, immersive programme.
An outline schedule will be issued to all participants in advance, while a detailed schedule will be issued daily to enable us to adapt to the needs of the music.
Festival Chorus singers who have booked for individual singing lessons: you will be introduced to your teacher during the first rehearsal and will schedule your three lessons directly with your teacher.
Yes, you need to book your own accommodation. There are various options in Tomar to suit most requirements and budgets. Our accommodation page lists hotel suggestions. You should book directly with the hotels and say that you are participating in the ZêzereArts Festival.
Tomar has a range of dining options, from cheap and cheerful cafes offering soups, sandwiches and salads, and traditional, family-owned restaurants offering lunchtime specials to more international restaurants.
Your music scores/details of editions to purchase will be sent to you in advance.
You should bring a black folder to hold the unbound music for concerts. If you intend to use a tablet device, this must also be black.
Festival Chorus: men should wear all black, including black closed-toe shoes. Women should wear black trousers or a long black skirt, with a block coloured top. Detailed information is sent to participants in advance of the Festival.
Accredited Professional Courses: men to wear all black, including black closed-toe shoes. Women should wear long black skirts or trousers, with a block coloured top for the Festival Chorus Concert and a plain black top for other concert(s). Solo Singers should also note that full concert dress will be required for your recital.
Entry to all concerts is free of charge, and no advance booking is required. Your visitors may wish to arrive early to ensure a seat in some of the smaller venues.
