easy
8 hours
Suitable for most adults with basic walking ability; includes urban and uneven terrain.
Journey through Portugal’s Alentejo region with Estrela d'Alva Tours on a private day trip to Évora and Monsaraz. Discover ancient Roman temples, medieval castles, and striking chambers of bones with expert guidance and comfortable transport.
8 hours • Starting at 101,75€ p/person • All Ages • Private Tour • Évora, the Pearl of the Alentejo!
Explore Évora, a UNESCO World Heritage site, on a captivating 8-hour private tour. Discover ancient treasures like the 1st-century Roman Temple and the haunting Chapel of Bones. Wander the medieval streets of Monsaraz Castle, soaking in the rich history and stunning landscapes, all while enjoying personalized service and comfort.
Easy
8 hours
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.
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 Cathedral of Evora is 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.
Giraldo Square - 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.
São Francisco Church - 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.
Monsaraz Castle and Walls - 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.
This Experience is private and was created from our own experience and learning during our visits to Evora over the past few years. However, the itinerary presented can be changed and made to your needs if you have any preference in choosing the places to visit or in another attraction in Evora.
• Departure at 8:30 at Hotel/Accommodation in Lisbon • Visit the Roman Temple • Visit the Cathedral of Evora • Visit the Praça do Giraldo (Giraldo Square) • Visit the Chapel of Bones • Visit the Monsaraz Castle and Walls • Return to lisbon You will be able to choose a Drop-off location different from the Pick up one, provided it is in Lisbon. See you soon!
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
The tour involves walking on cobblestone streets and uneven surfaces in historic sites.
The scenic views in Monsaraz and architectural details in Évora are highly photogenic.
Even with bottled water provided, carry your own water bottle, especially in summer.
Tickets to cathedrals and museums are not included and should be budgeted separately.
Évora's Roman Temple symbolizes the city's millennia of history, while Monsaraz preserves medieval defensive architecture shaped by Portugal’s strategic past.
Efforts in the Alentejo region focus on sustainable tourism to protect historic sites and surrounding natural landscapes, ensuring cultural preservation with low environmental impact.
Supports comfortable walking on cobblestones and uneven historic streets.
Protects from strong sun exposure during outdoor portions in open areas.
summer specific
Useful in case of sudden spring showers to stay dry and comfortable.
spring specific
Captures stunning architectural details and panoramic landscapes.