Private Tour: Évora, Chapel of Bones Tickets, Lunch, Wine Tasting

Explore the historic charms of Évora through this private tour that lasts approximately 6 to 8 hours. For $419.05 per person, you’ll enjoy a personalized experience with hotel pickup and drop-off, guided visits to renowned sites, and delicious local cuisine paired with wine tasting. This tour is perfect for those seeking a flexible, in-depth day exploring UNESCO-listed Évora and its striking landmarks.

While the tour offers a comprehensive look at Évora’s highlights, it is important to note that it is designed for most travelers and emphasizes comfort and safety, including COVID-19 safety measures and vehicle disinfection. The private nature of the experience ensures an intimate visit, ideal for travelers who prefer a tailored itinerary rather than large-group tours.

Key Points

• Private full-day tour from Lisbon to Évora, lasting 6-8 hours
• Includes visits to the Chapel of Bones, Roman Temple of Diana, and Cathedral of Évora
• Lunch with wine tasting in the Alentejo region enhances local flavor
• Flexible itinerary tailored to your interests with a private guide
• All transportation provided in an air-conditioned van with pickup and drop-off
• COVID-19 safety protocols are strictly followed, ensuring a secure experience

Discover Évora’s UNESCO World Heritage Site Status

This tour takes you directly into Évora, a city recognized by UNESCO for its exceptional preservation of medieval and Roman architecture. As the capital of Portugal’s Alentejo region, Évora offers a lively historical ambiance with its whitewashed houses and narrow streets. The tour emphasizes key landmarks within the historic city center, making it easy to appreciate the city’s charm and significance.

The tour starts with the Evora Cultural Experience, highlighting the Roman Temple of Évora, also known as the Temple of Diana. This well-preserved monument from the 1st century AD showcases Roman engineering and remains a dominant feature in the city. The admission tickets for this site are included, ensuring a smooth entry.

Exploring the Roman Temple of Évora and the Historic Center

The Roman Temple of Évora is a focal point of this experience. Surrounded by an atmospheric setting of whitewashed houses, visitors can examine the ancient columns and learn about its history. The 1-hour visit provides insight into Roman influence in Portugal, with guides explaining its significance.

Following this, the Centro Historico de Évora walk offers a broader look at the city’s medieval layout. The tour includes time to appreciate the blend of Roman, Moorish, and Christian architecture, capturing the layered history of Évora. This section is designed to give a well-rounded picture of the city’s development over centuries.

Visiting the Évora Cathedral on the Highest Point

The Sé Catedral de Évora is a striking Roman Catholic church that sits atop the highest point in the city. The 40-minute visit allows guests to explore the interior and admire views from the bell tower. The Cathedral’s architecture reflects its importance as a religious and historical monument in Portugal.

This stop offers a chance to see intricate Gothic and Romanesque elements, along with the main altar and chapels. The guided explanation enhances your understanding of its roles throughout Évora’s history.

The Chapel of Bones: A Unique Religious Monument

The Chapel of Bones is undoubtedly one of the most memorable highlights. Located next to the Church of St. Francis, this small interior chapel is decorated with thousands of human skulls and bones. Its name hints at its macabre yet fascinating purpose: to remind visitors of life’s transience.

The 1-hour visit provides ample time to observe how the bones are arranged and to reflect on the historical context of this memento mori. The admission is included, and guides often explain the chapel’s origins and symbolism.

Touring the Évora Aqueduct and Water System

A significant engineering marvel from the 16th century, the Évora aqueduct stretches 6 km from a nearby river to supply water to the city. The tour includes a 1-hour exploration of this impressive water system, which was a technically challenging project for its time.

Walking along the aqueduct, visitors appreciate the craftsmanship involved in its construction and the vital role it played in the city’s development. The guide shares insights into how this aqueduct contributed to Évora’s growth and daily life.

Lunch and Wine Tasting in the Alentejo Region

A key feature of this tour is the Alentejo-style lunch included in the package, paired with local wines. This meal offers a taste of regional cuisine, typically showcasing traditional dishes. The wine tasting provides an excellent opportunity to sample Portuguese wines, renowned for their quality.

The meal is designed to complement the experience, allowing guests to relax and enjoy authentic flavors after a morning of sightseeing. The inclusion of lunch and wine adds considerable value, making this tour a well-rounded cultural experience.

Comfortable Transportation and Safety Measures

All travel is conducted in an air-conditioned van, with pickup and drop-off at your accommodation in Lisbon. The vehicle is disinfected after each tour, and hand sanitizer and masks are provided, aligning with COVID-19 safety protocols.

The private tour format means only your group participates, offering an intimate environment free from large crowds. The driver/guide is experienced and committed to ensuring a safe and smooth journey, with a focus on courteous service and safe driving.

Considerations and Suitability

This tour is suitable for most travelers, including those with moderate mobility, as it involves walking at historic sites and some uneven surfaces. It operates with group discounts available, making it a flexible choice for families or small groups.

Pricing is $419.05 per person, reflecting the personalized service, private transportation, and inclusions like lunch and wine tasting. The tour departs at 8:30 am and is designed to maximize the daylight hours for sightseeing, with an overall balance of guided time and leisure.

Évora Private Tour: An In-Depth Cultural Day Trip from Lisbon

This private tour offers a thoughtfully curated exploration of Évora’s most iconic sites, combining archaeological ruins, religious landmarks, and unique monuments like the Chapel of Bones. The six to eight hours fly by thanks to the efficient itinerary and personalized attention.

The inclusion of lunch and wine tasting enhances the culture, providing a taste of the Alentejo region’s rich culinary traditions. The tour’s emphasis on safety and comfort, with strict hygiene measures, ensures a worry-free experience amid ongoing health concerns.

While the $419.05 price might seem high, it covers all transportation, entrance fees, guided commentary, and gourmet meal. This convenience makes it a compelling option for those seeking an easy, in-depth day without the hassle of self-planning.

Ultimately, this tour suits travelers who value personalized attention, want to explore Évora’s highlights at a relaxed pace, and appreciate regional gastronomy. Its focus on safety and comfort makes it especially appealing for those prioritizing a secure travel experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children or older adults?
Yes, the tour is designed for most travelers, with manageable walking and accessibility considerations. It’s suitable for families and those with moderate mobility, thanks to comfortable transportation and a flexible itinerary.

What time does the tour start and end?
The tour departs at 8:30 am from Lisbon and lasts approximately 6 to 8 hours, concluding with hotel drop-off in the late afternoon or early evening.

Are vegetarian or special dietary needs accommodated?
While the provided details focus on the standard Alentejo lunch, it’s advisable to specify dietary preferences in advance, as the tour includes a regional meal with wine tasting.

How safe are the COVID-19 safety measures?
The tour operator, Knight Riders Tourism, follows strict safety protocols, including vehicle disinfection, mask provisions, and hand sanitizer, to ensure a safe experience for all participants.

Can I customize the itinerary?
This is a private tour, so the itinerary can be tailored to your interests, allowing for a more personalized experience if desired.

What is included in the price?
The cost covers all transportation, entrance tickets to sites, lunch with wine tasting, driver/guide, and hotel pickup and drop-off.

How far is Évora from Lisbon?
The tour includes transportation from Lisbon, with the entire experience designed to be efficient and comfortable, covering the roughly 1.5-hour drive each way in an air-conditioned vehicle.

What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the tour starts for a full refund. Cancellations made less than 24 hours in advance are not refunded.

This private tour offers a well-rounded day exploring Évora’s most iconic sights, combining history, architecture, and regional cuisine. Its personalized approach and safety measures make it a reliable choice for those looking to experience Portugal’s Alentejo region comfortably and safely.