Exploring the ancient Roman city of Évora and the charming town of Arraiolos can be a captivating experience for travelers seeking to enjoy the rich cultural heritage of Portugal. This small-group tour offers a unique opportunity to discover the UNESCO-listed Évora, visit the impressive Almendres Cromlech, and savor the local Alentejo cuisine. From the striking St. Francis Church to the Chapel of Bones, each stop on the itinerary promises to unveil the fascinating history and traditions that have shaped this remarkable region. With unstructured time to explore the city’s enchanting atmosphere, the tour ensures a well-rounded experience that leaves visitors intrigued to learn more.
Key Points
- This small-group tour from Lisbon explores the ancient Roman city of Évora, a UNESCO World Heritage site, including its well-preserved landmarks and cultural heritage.
- The tour includes a visit to the impressive Almendres Cromlech, one of Europe’s largest and most mysterious stone monolith complexes, believed to have served as an astronomical observatory.
- Travelers will have the opportunity to experience an olive oil tasting and explore the charming streets and plazas of Évora during the lunch break.
- The tour is conducted in a small group of up to 8 people, providing a personalized experience, and includes transportation in an air-conditioned minivan.
- Entrance fees to the Bones Chapel are included, but other monument entrance fees and personal expenses are not covered in the tour.
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Contents
- Key Points
- Tour Overview
- Included Features
- Excluded Features
- Meeting and Pickup
- Drive Across the Vasco Da Gama Bridge
- Explore Évora’s Cultural Heritage
- Visit Almendres Cromlech
- Lunch and Free Time
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I Request a Specific Pickup Location?
- Is There a Dress Code for the Tour?
- How Long Is the Drive From Lisbon to Évora?
- Can I Customize the Tour Itinerary?
- Do the Tour Guides Speak English?
- Recap
- Our Top Picks in Lisbon
- More Full Day in Lisbon
- More Tours in Lisbon
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Tour Overview
This small-group guided tour from Lisbon provides an opportunity to explore the ancient Roman city of Évora and enjoy an olive oil tasting.
Participants will visit top attractions in Évora, like Giraldo Square and St Francis Church. The tour also includes a visit to Almendres Cromlech, one of the largest free-standing stone monolith collections in the world.
The tour is limited to a maximum of 8 people, ensuring a personalized experience. Transportation is provided by an air-conditioned minivan, and the tour includes a guided visit and entrance fee to the Bones Chapel as well as an olive oil tasting.
At the end of the day, the tour drops visitors off at Marquês de Pombal in Lisbon.
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Included Features
The tour includes several key features that enhance the experience, such as a drop-off at Marquês de Pombal at the end of the day and a small-group size capped at 8 people for a more personalized exploration.
Transportation is provided via an air-conditioned minivan, and the guided visit includes entrance to the Bones Chapel as well as an olive oil tasting.
Visitors won’t have to worry about purchasing individual entrance fees inside the monuments, as those are covered. However, the tour doesn’t include food, drinks, gratuities, or personal expenses.
Pickup can be arranged, or travelers can head directly to the meeting point at Praça da Figueira in Lisbon at 8:00 am.
Excluded Features
While the tour covers various sights and experiences, there are certain features that aren’t included in the package. Travelers will need to cover the entrance fees inside the monuments, unless specifically stated as part of the inclusions.
Plus, the cost of food, drinks, gratuities, and personal expenses aren’t covered by the tour price.
Pickup and drop-off at the hotel are also not provided, and visitors will need to make their own way to the designated meeting point at Praça da Figueira in Lisbon.
Despite these exclusions, the tour still offers a comprehensive exploration of Évora’s cultural heritage and the opportunity to visit the impressive Almendres Cromlech, making it a valuable experience for those interested in the region’s history and natural wonders.
Meeting and Pickup
You can either head directly to the meeting point at Praça da Figueira in Lisbon or request a pickup, as the tour accommodates both options.
The meeting point is at 8:00 am in front of the statue in Praça da Figueira, 1100-241 Lisboa, Portugal.
Once the tour concludes, you will be dropped off at the HF Fénix Lisboa, Praça Marquês de Pombal 8, 1269-133 Lisboa, Portugal.
The small-group tour, which has a maximum of 8 people, will travel by air-conditioned minivan from Lisbon to the ancient Roman city of Évora and other sites in the Alentejo region.
Drive Across the Vasco Da Gama Bridge
After departing the meeting point in Lisbon, the tour heads across the impressive Vasco da Gama Bridge, the longest bridge in Europe at over 10 miles long, providing stunning views of the Tagus River and the city skyline.
Crossing this engineering marvel, the group travels through the Alentejo region, a vast and sparsely populated area known for its rolling hills, cork oak forests, and traditional way of life.
As the minivan winds through the countryside, passengers can admire the picturesque landscapes and catch glimpses of rural Portuguese villages.
This scenic drive sets the stage for the exploration of the historic city of Évora, the main destination of the day’s itinerary.
Explore Évora’s Cultural Heritage
Upon arrival in the ancient city of Évora, the tour explores its rich cultural heritage, delving into the storied past that has shaped this UNESCO World Heritage site.
Visitors are captivated by the city’s impressive landmarks, including the imposing St. Francis Church, renowned for its intricate Gothic architecture and the eerie Chapel of Bones, which offers a haunting glimpse into the region’s history.
The tour also visits the well-preserved Roman Temple, a testament to Évora’s ancient roots, and the impressive Évora Cathedral, a magnificent example of Romanesque and Gothic styles.
Throughout the exploration, the guide shares fascinating insights, bringing the city’s history to life and allowing visitors to truly enjoy the cultural richness of Évora.
Visit Almendres Cromlech
The tour then takes visitors to Almendres Cromlech, one of Europe’s largest and most impressive stone complexes. This prehistoric megalithic site, dating back over 6,000 years, features an expansive collection of free-standing menhirs, or tall, upright stone monoliths, that are arranged in a distinct elliptical pattern. Visitors can marvel at the sheer scale and mystery of this ancient monument, which is believed to have served as an astronomical observatory and ritual gathering place for the region’s early inhabitants.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Monolith Count | Over 90 menhirs |
| Dimensions | Ellipse measuring 90m x 70m |
| Orientation | Aligned with the winter solstice sunrise |
| Significance | Astronomical observatory, ritual site |
Lunch and Free Time
Following the tour of Almendres Cromlech, visitors enjoy a lunch break in the historic city of Évora, providing an opportunity to savor the local cuisine and explore the city’s charming streets and plazas at their own pace.
The tour allows ample time for a leisurely lunch, where guests can indulge in traditional Alentejo dishes and regional specialties.
After the meal, visitors are free to wander through the quaint cobblestone lanes, admire the well-preserved Renaissance architecture, and browse the local shops and artisan markets. This unstructured time allows travelers to enjoy the unique atmosphere of Évora, creating a more personalized and memorable experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Request a Specific Pickup Location?
Yes, you can request a specific pickup location. The tour operator offers the option to either head directly to the meeting point or request a pickup from a location of your choice.
Is There a Dress Code for the Tour?
There is no specific dress code for this tour. Participants should wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and shoes suitable for walking. Casual attire is recommended, as the tour involves both indoor and outdoor activities.
How Long Is the Drive From Lisbon to Évora?
The drive from Lisbon to Évora is approximately 135 kilometers and takes around 1.5 hours. The tour departs Lisbon in the morning and traverses the Alentejo region to reach the historic city of Évora.
Can I Customize the Tour Itinerary?
No, this tour has a fixed itinerary that cannot be customized. The tour operator provides a preset program to explore the highlights of Évora and the Alentejo region. Travelers can’t modify the tour stops or activities during the excursion.
Do the Tour Guides Speak English?
The tour guides on this small-group tour from Lisbon to Évora speak English fluently. They’re knowledgeable about the area’s history and culture, providing insightful commentary throughout the day’s activities.
Évora & Arraiolos Small-Group Full Day Tour
“These two cities are really worth going to especially Monsaranz it is quiet and very unique. Also this area of Portugal looks like Napa CA”
Recap
The Évora & Arraiolos Small-Group Full Day Tour offers a comprehensive exploration of the ancient city of Évora, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Visitors can enjoy the region’s rich cultural heritage, from the impressive Almendres Cromlech to the charming local cuisine.
With a mix of guided tours and free time, this tour provides a well-rounded experience for those seeking to discover the captivating history and traditions of the Alentejo region.
