From Lisbon to the Discovery of Évora and Arraiolos

Explore the rich history and stunning architecture of Portugal’s Alentejo region on this captivating day trip from Lisbon. Uncover the UNESCO-listed wonders of Évora, from its iconic cathedral to the fascinating Bone Chapel. Then, discover the medieval charm of Arraiolos, renowned for its 15th-century castle and vibrant carpet-making tradition. Along the way, savor the region’s exquisite local cuisine and renowned Alentejo wines, all while enjoying the convenience of air-conditioned transportation and knowledgeable expert guidance. This unforgettable journey promises to immerse you in the heart of Portugal’s cultural heritage.

Key Points

• Set out on a full-day excursion from Lisbon to explore the historic cities of Évora and Arraiolos, both renowned for their UNESCO-listed heritage.
• Discover the architectural wonders of Évora, including the Cathedral and the captivating Bone Chapel, while enjoying a guided wine tasting at the Cartuxa winery.
• Enjoy the medieval charm of Arraiolos, known for its traditional carpet-making and Manueline architecture, such as the 15th-century Arraiolos Castle.
• Indulge in a local lunch featuring regional flavors and Alentejo wines, providing an authentic culinary experience.
• Benefit from a complimentary air-conditioned vehicle, bottled water, and a knowledgeable guide, ensuring a comfortable and informative tour.

Tour Overview

This tour provides an opportunity to explore the historic cities of Évora and Arraiolos from Lisbon.

It’s a full-day excursion with a maximum of 29 travelers, starting at 8:30 AM. The price is $78.19 per person, a 20% discount from the original $97.73.

The tour includes an air-conditioned vehicle, bottled water, entrance to the Bone Chapel and Cathedral of Évora, lunch, and wine tasting.

Customers can meet at the Cinema São Jorge, accessible by metro and bus. While not wheelchair accessible, the tour does accommodate strollers and infant seats.

Reviews praise the tour’s focus on less crowded, authentic experiences in Évora and Arraiolos.

Inclusions and Highlights

A complimentary air-conditioned vehicle and bottled water set the stage for this full-day tour.

Travelers will marvel at the stunning Bone Chapel and the Cathedral (Sé) of Évora, both included in the price. An included lunch allows guests to savor local flavors, while wines at Cartuxa winery provide a delightful pairing.

Throughout the day, a certified driver and/or guide ensures a seamless and informative experience. With a maximum of 29 travelers, the tour offers an intimate and less crowded exploration of the authentic Évora and Arraiolos.

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour’s 8:30 AM start time provides added flexibility.

Meeting and Pickup

The tour begins at the Cinema São Jorge, located at Av. da Liberdade 175, 1250-096 Lisboa, Portugal.

Participants should look for a vehicle identified by a flag with the company logo in front of the cinema. The meeting point is easily accessible via the Avenida Metro station and Carris buses.

At the end of the tour, the vehicle will return to the original meeting point.

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, but strollers are allowed, and infant seats are available.

A moderate level of physical fitness is required, as the tour includes walking and exploring historical sites.

Accessibility and Requirements

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, but strollers are allowed, and infant seats are available.

The tour requires a moderate level of physical fitness as it involves walking and exploring historic sites.

Here are some key accessibility and requirements details:

• Not wheelchair accessible
• Stroller accessible
• Near public transportation
• Infant seats available
• Moderate physical fitness level required

This tour caters to a range of travelers, from families with young children to active individuals seeking an immersive cultural experience.

Guests should be prepared for a day of exploration and discovery in the charming towns of Évora and Arraiolos.

Exploring Évora

Nestled in the heart of the Alentejo region, Évora captivates visitors with its well-preserved historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Highlights of the tour include the imposing Cathedral of Évora, dating back to the 13th century, and the eerie Bone Chapel, adorned with the skeletal remains of over 5,000 people. Visitors can explore the charming streets, lined with whitewashed houses and medieval architecture, before heading to a local winery for a taste of the region’s renowned Alentejo wines.

Évora’s Highlights	Description
Cathedral of Évora	13th-century Gothic cathedral
Bone Chapel	Ossuary decorated with human bones
Whitewashed Houses	Characteristic Alentejo architecture
Local Wineries	Opportunity to sample Alentejo wines

Discovering Arraiolos

After exploring the historic treasures of Évora, the tour continues to the charming town of Arraiolos, renowned for its captivating medieval architecture and traditional carpet-making industry.

Visitors will have the opportunity to:

• Stroll through the quaint streets lined with whitewashed houses and cobblestone paths
• Visit the 15th-century Arraiolos Castle, a well-preserved example of Manueline architecture
• Witness skilled artisans demonstrating the intricate process of Arraiolos rug weaving
• Admire the stunning Nossa Senhora da Consolação Church, featuring intricate tile work
• Indulge in the local cuisine and sample the region’s renowned Alentejo wines.

This tranquil town offers a glimpse into Portugal’s rich cultural heritage and provides a respite from the bustling city of Lisbon.

Tasting Local Wines

Visitors savor the robust and complex flavors of Alentejo’s renowned wines at the Cartuxa winery, a historic estate with deep roots in the region. Nestled in the heart of Évora, the winery offers a guided tasting showcasing its finest vintages. Guests explore the rich tapestry of aromas and flavors that define the Alentejo terroir.

Wine	Description
Cartuxa Reserva	Elegant blend with notes of ripe black fruit and spice
Pêra-Manca	Powerful and complex red, aged in French oak
Cartuxa Branco	Crisp and refreshing white, with citrus and mineral accents
Cartuxa Rosé	Delicate and fruity rosé, perfect for warm afternoons

The tasting is a highlight of the tour, providing an immersive experience into the winemaking traditions that have flourished in this captivating region.

Customer Feedback and Ratings

With an overall rating of 4.5 based on 2 reviews, the tour has garnered positive feedback from past participants.

Travelers appreciated the tour’s focus on authentic and less crowded destinations, such as Évora and Arraiolos. However, some suggestions for clearer meeting instructions were noted.

The tour was well-received for its customer experience, including:

• Authentic and less crowded destinations
• Knowledgeable certified driver and/or guide
• Included lunch and wine tastings
• Accessible via public transportation
• Moderate physical fitness level required

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Maximum Group Size for the Tour?

The tour has a maximum of 29 travelers. This is stated in the "Tour Overview" section, which provides details about the tour size, duration, price, and other key information.

Can I Bring My Pet on the Tour?

No, pets are not allowed on this tour. The tour is for a maximum of 29 travelers and does not accommodate pets. Travelers should leave their pets at home when joining this full-day tour from Lisbon to Évora and Arraiolos.

Is There a Discount for Students or Seniors?

According to the tour overview, there’s no specific student or senior discount mentioned. However, the tour price is already discounted by $19.54 from the original price, so you may want to inquire about any additional savings.

What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?

The tour doesn’t have a strict dress code, but comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing is recommended. Casual attire is acceptable, and guests should be prepared for some walking during the day.

Are There Any Photography Restrictions at the Sites?

The tour does not mention any specific photography restrictions at the sites. Visitors are generally allowed to take photos, though they should be respectful and avoid disrupting the experience for others.

The Sum Up

Set out on a captivating journey from Lisbon to the historic towns of Évora and Arraiolos. Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Évora, then discover the medieval charm of Arraiolos. Enjoy local cuisine and exquisite Alentejo wines, all guided by knowledgeable experts in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle for an unforgettable experience.