Évora & Monsaraz Day Trip - Small Group

The Évora & Monsaraz Day Trip offers an enriching small-group experience for those seeking to explore Portugal’s cultural heritage. On this nine-hour journey, travelers will discover the UNESCO-listed city of Évora, including its impressive cathedral and the Chapel of Bones, before delving into the medieval charm of Monsaraz. With breathtaking views and optional wine tasting, this trip promises a captivating glimpse into the Alentejo region’s rich history and stunning landscapes. Whether you’re a history buff or simply seeking a memorable day trip, this tour provides an opportunity to uncover the hidden gems of Portugal.

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Key Points

A 9-hour small group tour that visits the UNESCO-listed city of Évora and the medieval village of Monsaraz.
Guided walking tour of Évora’s landmarks, including the Chapel of Bones, followed by free time for personal exploration.
Opportunity to admire the picturesque streets and 13th-century castle in the hilltop village of Monsaraz.
Round-trip transportation from Lisbon and entry to the Chapel of Bones included in the tour.
Optional wine tasting available to sample the finest vintages from the Alentejo region.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Overview of the Tour

The Évora & Monsaraz Day Trip is a small-group tour that takes visitors on a journey to explore two of Portugal’s most captivating historical destinations.

Over 9 hours, travelers will visit the UNESCO-listed city of Évora and the medieval village of Monsaraz. The tour includes a guided walking tour of Évora’s key landmarks, such as the Roman Temple and the Chapel of Bones, as well as free time to explore.

In Monsaraz, visitors can admire the town’s stunning vistas and have the option to participate in a wine tasting.

Transportation, an expert guide, and entry to the Chapel of Bones are included.

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Exploring Évora

As the tour arrives in the historic city of Évora, participants embark on a guided exploration of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The tour explores Évora’s well-preserved medieval architecture, including the imposing cathedral, the Roman temple, and the Chapel of Bones. Visitors learn about the city’s rich history, from its Roman roots to its role as a center of Portuguese culture and commerce.

The guided tour provides insights into the architectural and historical significance of Évora’s landmarks, allowing participants to fully appreciate the city’s cultural heritage.

The guided tour offers insights into Évora’s landmark architecture and history, enabling visitors to deeply appreciate the city’s cultural heritage.

After the guided tour, visitors have free time to further explore Évora’s charming streets and plazas on their own.

Visiting the Chapel of Bones

While exploring Évora’s rich history, the Chapel of Bones stands out as a unique and captivating site. This 16th-century ossuary is adorned with the remains of over 5,000 individuals, creating an eerie and thought-provoking atmosphere.

Visitors can examine the meticulously arranged skeletons, skulls, and bones that line the chapel’s walls and ceilings. The experience invites reflection on mortality and the fragility of life.

Though macabre, the Chapel of Bones offers a striking contrast to Évora’s picturesque streets and provides a deeper understanding of the region’s cultural and religious heritage.

Discovering Monsaraz

After exploring the haunting Chapel of Bones in Évora, the day trip continues to the medieval village of Monsaraz. Perched atop a hill, Monsaraz offers breathtaking views of the Alqueva, one of Europe’s largest artificial lakes. Visitors can stroll through the narrow, cobblestone streets, admiring the whitewashed houses and Moorish architecture. The highlight is the 13th-century castle, where guests can capture panoramic shots of the surrounding countryside. An optional wine tasting showcases the region’s finest vintages, providing a perfect pairing with the village’s timeless ambiance.

| Feature | Description |

| — | — |

| Location | Hilltop medieval village |

| Architecture | Whitewashed houses, Moorish influences |

| Castle | 13th-century fortification |

| Views | Stunning vistas of Alqueva lake |

| Wine Tasting | Taste Alentejo’s prestigious wines |

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Scenic Views of Alqueva Lake

The hilltop village of Monsaraz commands breathtaking views of the Alqueva, one of Europe’s largest artificial lakes. From the town’s medieval walls, visitors can gaze out over the vast expanse of shimmering blue waters.

Alqueva was created in the early 2000s by the construction of a massive dam, flooding the Guadiana River valley. Today, it’s a popular destination for boating, fishing, and water sports.

The surrounding landscape is dotted with vineyards, offering opportunities for scenic drives and wine tastings. Exploring Monsaraz and taking in the views of Alqueva is an undeniable highlight of the day trip.

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Wine Tasting in the Alentejo Region

What better way to cap off a day exploring the historic towns of Évora and Monsaraz than with a regional wine tasting?

The tour includes an optional wine tasting, where you’ll have the chance to sample five prestigious wines from the renowned Alentejo wine region.

Alentejo is known for its bold, full-bodied reds made from grape varieties like Aragonez, Trincadeira, and Alicante Bouschet.

The tasting costs an additional €7.50 per person and provides an opportunity to learn about the unique terroir and winemaking traditions of this part of Portugal.

Don’t miss this chance to savor the flavors of the Alentejo.

Transportation and Inclusions

The tour includes round-trip transportation by bus or minibus from the starting point in Lisbon.

The guided tour is provided by English, Italian, Spanish, and Portuguese speaking guides.

The tour includes admission to the Chapel of Bones in Évora.

An optional wine tasting is available for an additional €7.50 per person, where you can sample five prestigious wines from the Alentejo region.

The tour doesn’t include:

Food and drinks
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Any other activities not mentioned in the inclusions.

Booking Information and Meeting Point

To book the Évora & Monsaraz Day Trip, visitors check availability for the desired starting times.

Visitors check availability for desired starting times to book the Évora & Monsaraz Day Trip.

They select the number of participants and date for reservation.

The meeting point is A Padaria Portuguesa, located at Marques de Pombal in Lisbon.

This can be easily accessed by opening the location in Google Maps.

The tour departs from this centrally located starting point, providing a convenient pick-up location for travelers.

With a small group size limited to 8 participants, the tour offers an intimate and personalized experience exploring the historic cities of Évora and Monsaraz.

Since You Asked

Are Children Allowed on This Tour?

The tour allows children, though the group size is limited to 8 participants. Parents should consider whether the 9-hour duration and content would be suitable for young children. Age restrictions or requirements may apply, so it’s best to check with the tour provider.

Can We Stop for Lunch During the Tour?

The tour does not include any scheduled lunch stop, but participants are free to purchase food and drinks at their own expense during the free time in Évora. Visitors can find various cafes and restaurants in the historic city center.

Is the Tour Wheelchair Accessible?

The tour is not specifically advertised as wheelchair accessible. However, the company encourages passengers with mobility needs to contact them directly to discuss accommodations. They’ll make every effort to ensure the experience is accessible.

Can We Customize the Itinerary for Our Group?

Unfortunately, this tour doesn’t offer customizable itineraries. The schedule is fixed to ensure an efficient and well-organized experience for all participants. However, the small group size allows for some flexibility within the set itinerary.

How Many Breaks Are Scheduled During the Tour?

The tour itinerary doesn’t explicitly mention scheduled breaks, but it allows 1 hour of free time in Évora for participants to explore and rest as needed. The group also has 2 hours in Monsaraz to take photos and enjoy an optional wine tasting.

The Sum Up

This day trip offers a captivating journey through Portugal’s cultural heritage. Visitors will explore the UNESCO-listed Évora, marvel at the Chapel of Bones, and discover the medieval charm of Monsaraz. With breathtaking lake views and optional wine tasting, the tour provides a well-rounded experience of the Alentejo region’s history and natural beauty. It’s an enriching small-group excursion not to be missed.