From Lisbon: Tour Évora and Monsaraz

This tour from Lisbon to the UNESCO-listed city of Évora and the medieval village of Monsaraz promises a captivating glimpse into Portugal’s rich history and culture. Travelers can explore ancient Roman ruins, gothic cathedrals, and unique bone chapels, all while taking in the panoramic views from Monsaraz’s 13th-century castle. But the highlights don’t stop there – the robust flavors of Alentejo cuisine and the region’s distinctive wines await, offering a delightful taste of the local culinary traditions. Whether you opt for a private or small-group experience, this tour provides a well-rounded introduction to the enchanting Alentejo region.

Key Points

• This tour departs from Lisbon and visits the UNESCO site of Évora and the medieval village of Monsaraz in the Alentejo region.
• Pickup and drop-off locations are available in multiple cities around Lisbon, including Sintra, Cascais, Almada, and Montijo.
• Visitors can explore Évora’s Roman Temple of Diana, Cathedral, and the unique Bone Chapel, as well as Monsaraz’s 13th-century castle and fortified walls.
• The tour highlights the Alentejo region’s cuisine, known for local produce, cured meats, and distinctive wines like Alicante Bouschet.
• Travelers can choose between a private tour or a small group experience, both including air-conditioned transportation and a professional driver-guide.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Duration and Cancellation Policy

The tour lasts 8 hours and allows for free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. This flexibility gives travelers the freedom to adjust their plans as needed.

Participants can reserve their spot now and pay later, which makes planning the trip hassle-free. Customers can choose to experience the tour in a private group or a small group setting, depending on their preferences.

The tour includes pickup and drop-off locations in several cities around Lisbon, ensuring convenient access for visitors.

Pickup and Drop-off Locations

This tour offers pickup and drop-off locations in several cities around Lisbon, including Lisbon, Sintra, Cascais, Almada, Montijo, Setúbal Municipality, Alcochete, and Palmela. This allows for convenient access for visitors traveling from different areas. The available pickup and drop-off locations are as follows:

Location	Distance from Lisbon	Travel Time
Lisbon	0 km	0 min
Sintra	30 km	45 min
Cascais	30 km	45 min
Almada	10 km	20 min
Montijo	35 km	50 min

Exploring the UNESCO Site of Évora

Nestled in the heart of Portugal’s Alentejo region, the UNESCO-protected city of Évora beckons visitors with its rich history and well-preserved Roman and medieval architecture. Travelers on this tour will have the opportunity to explore the city’s iconic landmarks, such as the remarkably intact Roman Temple of Diana and the majestic Cathedral of Évora, which showcase the region’s diverse cultural heritage.

Some of the must-see sites in Évora include:

• The bone chapel, known as the Capela dos Ossos, with its eerie yet fascinating decor
• The Praça do Giraldo, a picturesque square surrounded by charming cafés and historic buildings
• The University of Évora, a Renaissance-era institution with a stunning library
• The historic city walls, offering panoramic views of the Alentejo countryside
• The vibrant local markets, where visitors can enjoy the region’s culinary traditions.

The Medieval Village of Monsaraz

Perched atop a hilltop, the medieval village of Monsaraz commands sweeping vistas over the rolling Alentejo countryside, a testament to its strategic importance throughout history.

Its well-preserved castle and fortified walls hint at a time when this picturesque settlement served as a defensive outpost, offering visitors a glimpse into Portugal’s rich past.

Wandering through the narrow, winding streets, one can’t help but be charmed by the traditional whitewashed buildings, quaint shops, and serene plazas.

The village’s iconic castle, dating back to the 13th century, stands as a striking centerpiece, providing a panoramic view of the surrounding Alentejo region.

Monsaraz’s timeless beauty and historic significance make it a must-visit destination on any tour of the Alentejo.

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Highlights of the Alentejo Region

The Alentejo region captivates visitors with its rich history, stunning natural landscapes, and renowned culinary delights.

From the ancient Roman ruins of Évora, a UNESCO World Heritage site, to the medieval hilltop village of Monsaraz, the Alentejo offers a captivating blend of cultural and scenic wonders.

Highlights of the region include:

• Exploring the well-preserved Roman temple and cathedral in Évora
• Admiring the panoramic views from the ramparts of Monsaraz’s hilltop castle

Savoring the robust flavors of Alentejo cuisine, known for its use of local produce and olive oil.

Discovering the region’s unique wine varieties, such as the bold and earthy Alicante Bouschet.

Immersing oneself in the tranquil countryside, dotted with cork oak forests and rolling hills.

Alentejo Cuisine and Regional Wines

Alentejo is renowned for its robust and flavorful cuisine, often highlighting the region’s bountiful agricultural resources and signature olive oil. Locally grown produce, such as hearty breads, cured meats, and seasonal vegetables, feature prominently in traditional Alentejo dishes. Plus, the region’s wineries produce a variety of distinctive varietals, including the bold and earthy Alicante Bouschet, that complement the robust flavors of the local fare.

Alentejo Cuisine	Alentejo Wines
Açorda (garlic and bread stew)	Alicante Bouschet
Migas (fried breadcrumbs with meat and vegetables)	Antão Vaz
Cozido à Portuguesa (Portuguese boiled dinner)	Trincadeira

Private Tour or Small Group

Travelers can choose between a private tour or a small group experience when exploring the historic sites of Évora and Monsaraz.

The private tour offers a more personalized and flexible itinerary, while the small group option allows for cost-sharing and the opportunity to connect with fellow travelers. Both experiences include a professional driver-guide, air-conditioned transportation, and bottled water.

The key differences lie in the group size and level of customization:

• Private tour: Enjoy a fully customized experience for your party

• Small group: Share the experience with like-minded travelers

• Private tour: Flexible schedule and itinerary

• Small group: Set itinerary and schedule

Both: Immerse in the Alentejo region’s rich history and natural beauty.

Inclusions and Exclusions

A private vehicle with air-conditioning and bottled water are included in the tour, while meals and tips are excluded from the package. This means that travelers won’t have to worry about transportation or staying hydrated throughout the day.

However, they’ll need to cover the cost of their meals and any gratuities they wish to provide to the driver or guide. This setup allows for a more customized experience, as participants can choose when and where to dine based on their preferences.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is There Any Age Limit for the Tour?

There is no age limit for this tour. The tour accommodates guests of all ages, and child seats are available upon request to ensure the safety of younger participants.

Can We Bring Our Own Food and Drinks?

Guests can bring their own food and drinks on the tour. The tour includes bottled water, but meals are not provided. Guests have the option to purchase and enjoy local cuisine during the tour if they prefer.

Do We Need to Bring Any Special Equipment?

No, you don’t need to bring any special equipment for this tour. The private vehicle has air-conditioning and provides bottled water, so you can just focus on enjoying the sights and experiences. Child seats are available upon request.

Is the Tour Suitable for People With Disabilities?

The tour is suitable for people with disabilities, as the private vehicle has air-conditioning and can accommodate child seats. The itinerary can be customized to accommodate individual needs, ensuring an accessible and comfortable experience.

Can We Extend the Tour Duration if Needed?

The tour duration can be extended if needed. Travelers can discuss extending the tour with the tour provider, who can accommodate requests for a longer experience within reason and availability.

Recap

This tour from Lisbon offers a unique opportunity to explore the rich historical and cultural heritage of the Alentejo region.

Visitors can discover the UNESCO-listed city of Évora, marvel at the views from the medieval hilltop village of Monsaraz, and savor the robust flavors of the local cuisine and wines.

With flexible pickup and drop-off options, as well as the choice between a private or small-group tour, this excursion provides a seamless and immersive experience.

You can check availability for your dates here: