Private Tour to Evora and Monsaraz from Lisbon





Description
Évora, the Pearl of the Alentejo! Known as the Museum-City, Évora stands out for its rich historical heritage and university tradition. It stands beautiful and charming in the heart of the Alentejo region. In addition to being one of the most beautiful and interesting cities in Portugal, it is marked by the incomparable hospitality of its people. Go back in time and visit the 1st century Roman Temple, the Evora Cathedral, the São Francisco Church that houses the chilling Chapel of Bones. Find out what gave the city the UNESCO World Heritage status. Enjoy free time for lunch and then head to Monsaraz Castle. A village surrounded by walls, which perpetuated the medieval atmosphere of its streets that accentuate a unique sensation as if Monsaraz remained frozen in time.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Avoid the stress of traveling by public transport or a shared tour and choose the comfort and safety in the company of your private guide who will pick you up at your hotel in a comfortable vehicle with the Clean & Safe Seal guarantee. Travel time from Lisbon to Evora approximately 1h30 (138km)
Roman Temple Be amazed by the Roman Temple, popularly known as Tempo Diana, which is one of the symbols of the Roman occupation in Portugal. It dates from the 1st century and is built at the dominant point of the acropolis, in the city forum. It is one of the best preserved Roman temples in the Iberian Peninsula. Declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, it is certainly the oldest of all monuments in Évora
The largest medieval cathedral in Portugal, its construction started in 1186, on the foundations of an Arab mosque, is an example of the transition from Romanesque to Gothic style. Declared a National Monument in 1910.
This site was the scene of numerous autos-da-fé (ritual of public penance), which took place during the period of the Inquisition. It has a rectangular shape. The houses that surround it are white and have medieval arches.
Built in the 15th and 16th centuries, in Manueline-Mudejar and Renaissance style, to replace an earlier Gothic temple, of which there are still some remnants. It was adjacent to the Royal Palace, and seen as a Royal Church therefore important ceremonies were held there such as the marriage of Prince Afonso to Isabel of Castilla in 1490. The interior has a single nave, rectangular in shape and in the form of a Latin cross, emphasizing the Baroque high-altar and the Third Order of Saint Francis Chapel. The greatest popular curiosity resides in the Bones Chapel, of three naves completely covered in human bones (17th century).
Be impressed by one of the most sinister monuments in Portugal: The Chapel of Bones built in the 17th century. Upon entering, note the ominous warning, intended for visitors to meditate on the ephemeral of life: "We bones that here are, for yours await". Built by three naves, the chapel is covered with bones and skulls from 5000 skeletons from church and convent cemeteries throughout the city.
Village surrounded by walls, which perpetuate the medieval air, its streets accentuate a singular atmosphere as if Monsaraz remained frozen in time. Upon arriving in Monsaraz you will find a magnificent architectural complex protected by the medieval wall built in the reigns of D. Afonso III (13th century) and D. Dinis (14th century). For those who venture to discover narrow streets, sunny nooks and crannies or high points like the Belfry and the Torre das Feiticeiras (The Tower of the Witches) , one of the five towers of this military monument, the sensation of wonder and surprise caused by the magnificent and traditional landscape is certain, and now enriched by the beauty of the Great Lake of the Alqueva Dam.
It was a great day and it is time to return to your hotel in Lisbon. We hope to see you again soon on another visit in Portugal. You will be able to choose a Drop-off location different from the Pick up one, provided it is in Lisbon. See you soon!
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
Pickup and Drop-off at your hotel/accommodation in Lisbon and the surroundings The driver/guide uses an identification with his name and that of our company through a badge. Pickup locations other than specified are available upon request. However, an additional fee may apply. Please consult us so that we can assess this situation.
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Folding Wheelchair accessible
Reviews(7)
We enjoyed our tour very much. Pedro was a great guide with his calm and kind nature. He picked us up in a minivan which made for a very comfortable ride. We never felt rushed and he tried to reduce the amount of stairs or inclines for my mom with some mobility issues. We would recommend this tour to others.
Dear Teresa, Thank you so much for your kind words! It was a real pleasure to guide you through Évora and Monsaraz. I'm especially glad to know your mother felt comfortable throughout the day — we always try to adapt the experience to our guests’ needs so everyone can enjoy the beauty of these incredible places at their own pace. Your recommendation means a lot, and I hope to welcome you again on another journey through Portugal. Pedro read your review and sends a warm hug!
This day trip was wonderful! We enjoyed Evora so much (Chapel of Bones, Roman ruins, Cathedral & the charming streets), that we were initially upset that we had to leave for Monsaraz…..but once we got there, we couldn’t be happier! We had the best lunch of our vacation in the Castle, with an amazing view overlooking the lake and the beautiful landscape. There was a good amount of driving, but it was well worth it!
Thank you very much for your kind review. We’re delighted to hear you enjoyed both Évora and Monsaraz, each with its own unique charm. It’s great to know the experience — including that special lunch with a view — made the journey worthwhile. All the best, and we hope to welcome you again in Portugal. The Estrela d’Alva Tours Team
Our driver and tour guide, Padro was fantastic. We enjoyed visiting Évora and Monsaraz but what was really a plus for me was Padro’s knowledge of tapestry and the rugs woven in Portugal. He was a wealth of knowledge and suggested place to see. I hope to return to Portugal and have him take us on a tour to the different cities known for their rug making history and the Tapestry Museum in Portalegre. I am afraid we didn’t have the time this trip.
Dear Susan, Thank you very much for your kind and thoughtful feedback. I’m especially pleased that the world of Portuguese tapestry and traditional weaving resonated with you — it’s a subject I truly enjoy sharing. It would be a pleasure to welcome you back and explore those regions and the Portalegre Tapestry Museum in more depth. Kind regards, Pedro
Nativity museum at Evora a surprising highlight in a day of contrasts, seeing a Roman temple, Romanesque cathedral and a hilltop castle ruin with great views. Our driver/guide very informative and friendly. Recommended if you have an interest in history.
Dear Nina, Thank you for your review of our Private Tour to Evora and Monsaraz from Lisbon. We're thrilled to hear that your day was filled with contrasts and surprising highlights. We greatly appreciate your recommendation for history enthusiasts. Thank you for choosing our tour and sharing your feedback. Warm Regards, Pedro
Both Evora and Monsaraz were beautiful ! Our tour guide, Pedro, was very knowledgeable of the history. He was informative, professional and accommodative. The best part for private tours was that you can do it at your own pace, and have plenty of time to enjoy a relaxing lunch, unlike the time pressure in group tours.
<p>Henrique was excellent tour guide, knowledgeable, friendly and in no rush.</p>
<p>Evora and Monsaraz Tour was great and a must. Pedro from Estrela d'Alva Tours was our Tour guide. Pedro was very hospitable and we felt more like a family friend taking us on a tour. The cathedrals, to the chapel of Bones and Monsaraz Castle taking us back in time was a great experience. Pedro was very accommodating giving us the space and time for all our needs and kept the tour at our pace but also ensuring we saw as much as possible. He is a very flexible tour guide who catered to all our needs and interests, creating individualized itineraries and making adjustments when needed based on our interest. He looks us to the ceramic pottery factory and gave us a tour of pot making and painting which was very interesting and a speciality of that area.</p>
Thank you very much for your thoughtful feedback — it’s always rewarding to revisit these experiences, even after some time. I’m very glad to know the tour felt personal and well-paced, allowing you to enjoy each moment along the way. Your kind words are truly appreciated. Kind regards, Pedro Farinha



