Montemor-o-Novo or Évora: One-Day Tour of Megaliths

Exploring Portugal’s ancient past can be a challenge when you’re short on time, but this one-day tour offers a captivating glimpse into prehistoric Portugal’s megalithic sites. Designed for history buffs and curious travelers alike, this experience takes you through impressive stone monuments, mysterious caves decorated with prehistoric art, and charming local villages—all within an 8-hour window.

What makes this tour particularly appealing? First, the chance to explore Europe’s largest collection of megalithic sites in one day is rare and rewarding. Second, the inclusion of a traditional Portuguese lunch in Santiago do Escoural adds a delicious local flavor to the journey. The only potential downside? The tour’s packed itinerary leaves little room for spontaneity, so if you love wandering at your own pace, this might feel somewhat structured. Still, it’s perfect for those eager to see the highlights with expert guidance.

This tour is ideal if you’re passionate about ancient history, enjoy guided small-group experiences, and want a comprehensive day exploring Portugal’s prehistoric monuments. It offers a good balance of walking, learning, and relaxing, making it suitable for travelers who appreciate cultural depth without the hassle of planning.

Key Points

• Comprehensive Experience: Visit multiple significant megalithic sites in a single day.
• Expert Guides: Small group size ensures personalized attention and insightful commentary.
• Authentic Flavors: Enjoy a traditional Portuguese lunch in Santiago do Escoural.
• Prehistoric Wonders: Discover caves with ancient paintings and engravings.
• Convenient Transportation: Round-trip transfer from two pickup locations.
• Limited Flexibility: Structured itinerary might not suit spontaneous explorers.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Tour

This guided tour from Burriscas Adventure PT is designed to bring Portugal’s prehistoric past to life, efficiently and comfortably. For travelers who want to see a lot without the hassle of organizing multiple visits, it offers a well-curated experience with a focus on key megalithic sites and prehistoric caves.

Starting Point and Transportation

You’ll choose between two pickup locations—Montemor-o-Novo or Évora—both central hubs for exploring the southern Portuguese landscape. The round-trip transfer saves the headache of navigating public transport or driving yourself. Expect a comfortable vehicle, with the group limited to just 8 participants, ensuring you get plenty of attention from your guide.

Visiting Almendres Cromlech

The day begins at the Almendres Cromlech, the biggest and most significant megalithic site in Europe. With over 90 stones arranged in circular formations, it resembles a prehistoric Stonehenge. We loved the way the guide explained the purpose of these stones—likely astronomical or ritualistic—adding depth to the visual spectacle.

Expect about 30 minutes here, enough to walk around, snap photos, and listen to tales about the site’s origins. The immensity of the site, combined with the quiet landscape, makes it one of the most memorable stops of the day.

The Almendres Menhir

Next, you’ll visit the Almendres Menhir, a solitary standing stone that has quietly watched over the landscape for thousands of years. We appreciated how this simple yet powerful monument offers insight into early human effort and spiritual expression. It’s a quick stop but impactful.

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Anta Capela de S. Brissos

The tour then takes you to the Anta Capela de S. Brissos, a unique blend of a megalithic dolmen with later modifications—converted into a chapel. This site encapsulates Portugal’s layered history and offers a visual link between prehistoric and medieval times.

Lunch in Santiago do Escoural

After a morning of walking among stones and stories, the group heads to Santiago do Escoural, a charming village renowned for its traditional Portuguese cuisine. The included lunch provides a welcome break, allowing you to savor local flavors—think hearty stews, fresh bread, and regional wines—though drinks are not included.

Exploring the Escoural Caves

Post-lunch, you’ll visit the Interpretative Center and then descend into the Escoural Caves, famous for their prehistoric paintings and engravings. These caves offer a rare window into early human artistry, and the guide will point out the most significant carvings, helping you appreciate their age and significance. We loved the way the cave’s cool, dark atmosphere contrasts with the open landscape, heightening the sense of stepping back in time.

Portela dos Modos Cromlech and S. Geraldo

The tour continues with visits to the Portela dos Modos Cromlech and Anta de S. Geraldo, each with their own unique arrangements of stones. The monuments are thoughtfully explained, helping you understand their purpose and the beliefs of the prehistoric peoples who built them.

Ending the Day

The day wraps up with a comfortable return to your pickup point, allowing time to reflect on the day’s discoveries. The small group size makes it easy to ask questions and engage deeply with your guide, who is praised for possessing a wealth of knowledge and enthusiasm.

The Value of This Tour

At $125 per person, this tour offers excellent value for a day filled with multiple site visits, expert guiding, and a traditional meal. Considering the cost of individual entrance tickets to each site, plus the convenience of transportation and guided commentary, it’s a cost-effective way to access Portugal’s prehistoric monuments with minimal effort.

It’s important to note that the tour doesn’t include drinks with lunch, so bring some cash or a card if you wish to purchase beverages. Also, the structured nature means less flexibility for spontaneous exploration—if you prefer wandering at your own pace, this might feel a bit rushed.

Accessibility and Practicalities

The tour is not suitable for people with mobility impairments or claustrophobia, given the walking and cave visits involved. Comfortable shoes and clothes are recommended, as you’ll be spending the day outdoors and inside caves.

Authenticity and Traveler Feedback

One traveler shared: “This was one of the most interesting and exciting tours in Portugal,” highlighting the professionalism and enthusiasm of the guide. The same reviewer praised how well-preserved and fascinating the sites are, especially the Paleolithic and Neolithic monuments.

Another reviewer appreciated the fact that this operator is the only one offering such a comprehensive prehistoric sites experience, making it a rare opportunity for history lovers.

The Sum Up: Who Should Consider This Tour?

If you’re interested in prehistoric Portugal, love visiting archaeological sites with guided insights, and want to see a variety of monuments in a single day, this tour hits the mark. It’s perfect for curious travelers who value expert narration and well-preserved ancient sites over freeform wandering.

It’s especially suitable for those who appreciate small-group experiences, ensuring personalized attention and a more intimate learning environment. If your travel style leans toward structured, educational, and discovery-focused adventures, this tour checks all those boxes.

However, if you prefer to explore independently or have mobility concerns, you might find the structured pace and walking challenging.

FAQ

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 8 hours, with a flexible starting time depending on availability.

Where does the tour pick up from?
You can choose between two pickup locations: Montemor-o-Novo or Évora.

Is the tour suitable for children or people with mobility issues?
It’s not recommended for travelers with mobility impairments or claustrophobia due to walking and cave visits.

What’s included in the price?
Round-trip transfer, guided visits to all major sites, lunch in Santiago do Escoural, and visits to the interpretive center and caves are included.

Are drinks included with lunch?
No, drinks are not included in the lunch.

Can I cancel my reservation?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes and clothing are recommended; bring some cash if you want to buy drinks or souvenirs.

Is this a small group tour?
Yes, limited to 8 participants, ensuring a more personalized experience.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, it’s advisable to reserve your spot early, especially during peak seasons, and you can reserve now and pay later.

In the end, this tour offers a well-rounded, enriching experience for anyone eager to step into Portugal’s ancient past. It’s a chance to see some of Europe’s most important megalithic sites, learn from passionate guides, and enjoy a taste of local life—all in one memorable day.

You can check availability for your dates here: