Private Tour to Arraiolos and Évora – UNESCO World Heritage City

Portugal boasts a rich cultural heritage, and the private tour to Arraiolos and Évora – a UNESCO World Heritage City – offers an immersive experience. Visitors can explore Évora’s remarkable historical sites, including the Chapel of Bones and the Roman Temple, while discovering the charming village of Arraiolos, famous for its whitewashed houses and handmade carpets. With personalized insights from a local guide and a luxury air-conditioned vehicle, this excursion promises to unveil the essence of Portugal’s past and present.

Key Points

• Explore the historic towns of Arraiolos and Évora, a UNESCO World Heritage site, on this private full-day tour from Lisbon.
• Visit the Chapel of Bones, St. Francis Church, and Roman ruins in the well-preserved historic center of Évora.
• Discover the charming village of Arraiolos, known for its handmade carpets and whitewashed houses.
• Enjoy personalized attention from a local guide throughout the day and transportation in a luxury air-conditioned vehicle.
• Tour starts at $538.91 per person, with flexible booking and free cancellation up to 24 hours before.

Tour Overview

This private full-day tour provides an opportunity to explore the historic towns of Arraiolos and Évora in Portugal’s Alentejo region.

Starting with pickup from any location within Lisbon, you’ll travel by luxury air-conditioned vehicle to discover these captivating destinations.

The itinerary includes a visit to the UNESCO-listed town of Évora, where you’ll have the chance to explore historical sites like the Chapel of Bones and St. Francis Church.

The tour also takes you to the charming village of Arraiolos, renowned for its whitewashed houses and handmade carpets.

A local guide is included to provide insights throughout the day.

Itinerary Highlights

The UNESCO-listed town of Évora captivates visitors with its historical sites, including the Chapel of Bones and St. Francis Church.

Explore this ancient city’s well-preserved Roman ruins, medieval cathedrals, and traditional white-washed houses.

Then, venture to the charming village of Arraiolos, renowned for its handmade carpets and quaint, whitewashed architecture.

Wander through the town’s picturesque streets and gain insight into the local artisanal traditions.

This private tour provides a personalized experience, allowing you to learn about the rich cultural heritage of Portugal’s Alentejo region at your own pace.

Visiting Évora

As the centerpiece of the tour, Évora captivates visitors with its UNESCO-listed historic center, which boasts a wealth of remarkable landmarks.

The Chapel of Bones, with its walls adorned with the skulls and bones of over 5,000 people, is a profoundly thought-provoking site.

The grand St. Francis Church, known for its intricate Manueline architecture, is another highlight.

Travelers can also explore the remarkably well-preserved Roman Temple, a testament to the city’s ancient roots.

Throughout Évora’s winding streets, visitors discover charming whitewashed buildings, lively plazas, and the lively University of Évora, adding to the city’s vibrant atmosphere.

The Chapel of Bones

One of Évora’s most captivating attractions, the Chapel of Bones (Capela dos Ossos) is a profound and unsettling experience for visitors.

This macabre chapel is entirely covered in human skulls and bones, estimated to be the remains of over 5,000 people. The purpose of this unusual structure was to serve as a reminder of the inevitability of death and the transience of human life.

Visitors can explore the chapel’s dimly lit interior, adorned with the eerie displays of skeletal remains embedded in the walls and ceiling.

It’s a sobering and thought-provoking sight that leaves a lasting impression on all who witness it.

St. Francis Church

Travelers visiting Évora will be captivated by the impressive St. Francis Church. This 15th-century architectural gem boasts an ornate façade and interior adorned with intricate carvings, paintings, and azulejos (Portuguese tiles).

The church’s highlight is the Capela dos Ossos (Chapel of Bones), constructed with the skeletal remains of over 5,000 people.

Visitors can explore the church’s naves, chapels, and cloisters, marveling at the skilled craftsmanship and historical significance.

St. Francis Church stands as a testament to Évora’s rich cultural heritage, offering visitors a profound glimpse into Portugal’s past.

Discovering Arraiolos

After exploring the grandeur of Évora’s St. Francis Church, the private tour headed to the charming village of Arraiolos. Known for its whitewashed houses and handmade carpets, Arraiolos offered a glimpse into Portugal’s rural Alentejo region.

The tour explored:

1. The village’s quaint streets and historic buildings, including the iconic Arraiolos Castle.

2. The traditional carpet-making workshops, where skilled artisans demonstrated the intricate process of creating the region’s renowned rugs.

3. The picturesque town square, surrounded by colorful houses and bustling cafes.

The leisurely pace and flexibility of the private tour allowed travelers to enjoy the local culture and appreciate the authenticity of Arraiolos.

Tour Details

The private tour offers a personalized experience with the inclusion of a local guide.

Travelers are transported by a luxury air-conditioned vehicle, providing a comfortable journey.

The tour covers the UNESCO-listed town of Évora, where visitors can explore historical sites like the Chapel of Bones and St. Francis Church.

In the village of Arraiolos, known for its whitewashed houses and handmade carpets, guests can discover the local charm at their own pace.

While gratuities and food/drink aren’t included, the flexibility and knowledgeable guide ensure a memorable day exploring the Alentejo region.

Booking and Reviews

The private tour to Arraiolos and Évora starts at $538.91 per person, with the price varying based on group size.

Booking is flexible, with free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience. Confirmation is provided at the time of booking unless within 2 days of travel, in which case it’s subject to availability within 48 hours.

The tour has received excellent reviews, with a 5.0 rating based on 3 reviews across Viator and Tripadvisor.

Positive feedback highlights:

1. Knowledgeable guides

2. Personalized experiences

3. Leisurely pace and flexibility during the tour

The Sum Up

Discover the rich cultural heritage of Portugal on this private tour to Arraiolos and Évora, a UNESCO World Heritage City. Explore Évora’s historical sites, including the Chapel of Bones and the Roman Temple, and learn about the charming village of Arraiolos, famous for its whitewashed houses and handmade carpets. With a local guide and a luxury air-conditioned vehicle, you’ll have a personalized and insightful experience.