Led by a local expert, this full-day excursion goes beyond the usual tourist highlights to reveal Évora’s hidden stories. Set into a picturesque landscape of olive and cork trees, you will explore the city’s rich architecture and agricultural traditions.

You’ll visit iconic sites such as the Roman Temple and the haunting Chapel of Bones, where the walls are lined with thousands of human bones. Your guide will explain the somber message above the entrance that states “We bones that are here, for yours we wait”, a thought-provoking call to reflect on life’s fleeting nature, alongside the many intriguing stories from Évora’s past whose end is found here. 

Next, you’ll visit Praça do Giraldo, Évora’s central square, named after Giraldo the Fearless, the Christian knight whose bold surprise attack reclaimed Évora from the Moors in 1165. You’ll continue to explore the Cathedral of Évora, while also discovering less frequented treasures like the Misericórdia Church, the University’s tiled rooms, and the Loios Church. Each stop is brought to life by your expert’s in-depth stories and anecdotes, offering insight into Évora’s unique role in Portugal’s history.

The day wouldn’t be complete without a taste of Alentejo’s renowned gastronomy. Your guide will take you to one of their favorite local spots, a cozy, family-owned restaurant, where you’ll enjoy a lunch featuring regional specialties - local wines, cheeses, and olive oils. 

Travel in the comfort of a private, air-conditioned vehicle from your accommodation in Lisbon, ensuring a relaxed, flexible journey without the constraints of public transport or large groups.

Throughout the day, your guide will provide in-depth context and personal stories that connect Évora’s past with its present, leaving you with a profound appreciation for this enchanting city.

You are pre-paid for both the tour and the car service for the entire duration of the tour. Please be aware that site entrance fees and any additional costs not included in the tour price will be your responsibility. It is advisable to have some local currency available for these expenses. Additionally, you will be responsible for covering the cost of your own lunch on-site.

We have a rental car for our trip. Can we use our own car? No, it is not possible for the guide to accompany you in the vehicle due to insurance regulations. We recommend using the included car service as this tour was designed to ensure a seamless experience. 

Can we take the train? We do not recommend using the Portuguese train system, as it can be quite unpredictable, with potential strikes and delays occurring unexpectedly. We suggest retaining the included car service, as this tour has been thoughtfully designed to allow you to sit back, relax, and enjoy the day without concerns about transportation.

Could we arrange to meet the guide in Évora? We will be staying at a hotel in Évora, or we can manage our own transportation to the location. Yes, if it would be more convenient for you, you are welcome to meet the guide in Evora. The meeting point will be in Evora, approximately 1.5 hours after the tour begins. However, please note that we are unable to remove the included car service or adjust the price in this situation, as the guide will still require transportation to and from Lisbon.

Could we extend our stay in Evora after the tour ends? We have accommodations booked there and will have our own transportation. Yes, if you would like to conclude the tour in Évora rather than returning to Lisbon, you are welcome to do so. Please note that the guide will return to Lisbon independently with the vehicle, therefore we are unable to adjust the car service or decrease the tour price. Additionally, the tour will conclude in Évora 1.5 hours prior to the scheduled end time to allow the guide sufficient time to return.

Could we arrange for a pickup in Sesimbra, or at any other location outside of Lisbon? No, unfortunately we currently do not offer this possibility.

 

What pairs well with this tour:

What is the best time of year to visit Évora? Évora can be enjoyed year-round, but spring and fall offer the most pleasant weather. Please note that summers in southern Portugal can be extremely hot, with temperatures often exceeding 100°F (38°C). If you plan to visit during the summer months, it is advisable to stay hydrated, wear a hat, apply sunscreen, and dress in light, breathable clothing.

Can we skip the large lunch? Yes, of course. While the traditional Alentejo lunch offers a wonderful opportunity to experience the region's flavors and culinary heritage, we are happy to inform your guide to plan a shorter lunch break, allowing more time for visits and sightseeing.

We do not drink alcohol. Can we avoid wine during lunch? Yes, certainly. Simply indicate your preference in the notes section at checkout, and we will ensure that your guide is informed accordingly.

Is this a good tour for families? This tour is not specifically tailored for children. It involves a full, intensive day with a physically demanding itinerary that includes extensive walking. Additionally, this region of Portugal can experience extreme heat during the summer months, which may make the tour particularly challenging for younger travelers. While families are welcome, we recommend this tour only for those comfortable with a high level of physical activity.

We have a group of 7 people; can we request a larger vehicle? Unfortunately, no. Our provider in Portugal can only accommodate groups of up to 6 passengers per vehicle. For a group of 7, we would need to split the group into two, with two separate guides and vehicles.

We understand that some of our valued guests may have mobility concerns, and we want to ensure you have a comfortable and enjoyable experience throughout your tour. If there are any accessibility concerns that your tour guide will need to be aware of, please let our team know at the time of booking.

Is this tour wheelchair-friendly? This tour is accessible for individuals with mobility issues or those using a wheelchair, provided the guide is informed in advance to adjust the itinerary and notify the car service provider. Please note that the cathedral’s rooftop is only accessible via a steep, narrow staircase, so this portion of the tour will be omitted, though it will not affect the overall experience or narrative. All other venues are accessible for both strollers and wheelchairs, but please be aware that some streets may have sections with cobblestones and uneven sidewalks due to the city's historic foundations.

We are vegan/vegetarian/gluten-free. Can we still enjoy the lunch? Yes, vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, and other dietary restrictions can be accommodated if communicated in advance. Traditional Alentejo cuisine is heavily protein-based, so we will need time to coordinate an appropriate alternative with the guide.

Book with confidence — see Context's flexible cancellation policy here.