Private tour to Evora with optional wine tasting in the cartucha

Exploring Évora: A Private Day Tour from Lisbon With Wine Tasting

Taking a private tour from Lisbon to Évora offers a wonderful way to experience Portugal’s less-traveled southern charm. This customized journey, priced at around $190 per person, promises a full day of history, culture, and excellent wine, all with the comfort of private transportation. It’s perfect for those who want a personalized experience and the flexibility to explore at their own pace.

What we particularly like about this tour is the exclusive access to a traditional Alentejo winery, where you can taste some of the region’s finest wines and olive oils. The itinerary includes iconic historic sites, giving you a well-rounded taste of Évora’s heritage. However, one point to consider is that the wine tasting isn’t included in the base price, so it adds a small extra cost. This tour is ideal for travelers who appreciate a mixture of culture, history, and gastronomy, especially those who prefer a private, intimate experience rather than a crowded group.

Key Points

• Private and customizable: Perfect for intimate groups or families looking for a personalized day.
• Cultural highlights: Includes must-see sites like the Roman Temple, Cathedral, and Chapel of Bones.
• Wine experience: Optional tasting at Herdade da Cartuxa, offering wines, olive oils, and a delicious lunch.
• Comfortable transport: Air-conditioned vehicle with WiFi, ensuring a relaxed and connected journey.
• Flexible options: You can opt for a hot air balloon ride if you notify ahead – a fantastic addition for adventure lovers.
• Pricing and value: Though the tour is more expensive than group options, the privacy, personalized attention, and wine tasting make it worthwhile.

A Deep Dive into the Experience

The Itinerary Breakdown

Start at Convento da Cartuxa: The tour kicks off early at 8:30 am in Lisbon, with private transport to the Alentejo region. Your journey is made comfortable with an air-conditioned vehicle equipped with WiFi, meaning you can catch up on emails or simply enjoy the scenic drive. The first stop is the Herdade da Cartuxa, a traditional winery famed for its wines and olive oils. While the tasting isn’t included in the ticket price, many visitors say it’s well worth paying for the experience. As one reviewer pointed out, they couldn’t schedule the tasting beforehand but appreciated the detailed explanation during their final tasting session, which made it feel personalized and informative.

Historical sites in Évora: After about an hour’s drive, you’ll arrive in Évora itself, where the tour visits several historic sites. The Roman Temple of Evora, affectionately called the Temple of Diana, offers a glimpse into Roman-era architecture. It’s a brief stop but one that’s packed with photo opportunities and a sense of stepping back in time. Next, the Cathedral of Évora is a highlight, with its impressive Gothic façade and interior that many find awe-inspiring. The Chapel of Bones, with its macabre decor, provides a stark but fascinating insight into medieval Portuguese customs. Multiple reviewers praised the guide’s knowledge and language skills, noting that their guide spoke excellent French and made the visit lively and engaging.

Leisurely stroll in Praça do Giraldo: The final stop in Évora is the lively Praça do Giraldo, a bustling square lined with cafes, shops, and historic buildings. Here, you’ll have about an hour to wander, grab a coffee, or shop for souvenirs. Visitors often mention how this free time allows them to soak in the local vibe and take memorable photos.

Wine Tasting at Herdade da Cartuxa or Esporão

The highlight for wine lovers is the optional visit to Herdade da Cartuxa, one of the most renowned wineries in the region. Here, the tasting includes various choices of wines and olive oils, often accompanied by a phenomenal lunch. As one reviewer remarked, “The wines were wonderful, and the olive oils were delicious. The lunch was a highlight.” This experience isn’t just about sampling; it’s an educational journey into Alentejo’s winemaking traditions, with friendly staff eager to share their expertise.

Additional Options and Flexibility

For those seeking more adventure, the tour offers an optional hot air balloon ride over Évora, which needs to be booked in advance. This can add a magical element to your day, giving you a bird’s-eye view of the vineyards and the city’s historic landscape. Since this isn’t included in the standard package, you’ll need to coordinate directly with the balloon company.

The Practical Side

The tour costs around $190.30 per person, which might seem steep at first glance. However, considering the private transport, guided visits, and the exclusive wine tasting experience, the value becomes clearer. The tour’s small-group or private nature ensures a relaxed atmosphere, allowing for personalized questions and flexibility. The group discounts and mobile tickets also make planning easier.

What Travelers Say

The reviews are reassuring: one visitor called the winery “a must-see for anyone passing through Alentejo,” emphasizing the quality of the wines and the friendly staff. Another highlighted the guide’s excellent French language skills and the enjoyable walk through the vineyard, which she described as “beautiful” and “worthy of a detour.” They also appreciated the detailed explanations provided during tastings, making the experience both educational and enjoyable.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This private tour suits those looking for a tailored, relaxed experience that combines history, culture, and gastronomy. It’s ideal for couples, families, or small groups who want a more intimate alternative to large bus tours. If you’re keen on wine and olive oil and enjoy immersive cultural visits, you’ll find this tour offers good value.

It’s also suitable for travelers who appreciate some flexibility, as the optional balloon ride can be arranged if booked ahead. Conversely, those on very tight schedules or looking for a very budget-friendly option may find the extra cost and optional extras less appealing.

The Sum Up

This private tour to Évora offers a well-rounded day filled with history, culture, and the chance to indulge in authentic Alentejo wines and olive oils. The focus on personalized service, combined with visits to iconic sites like the Roman Temple, Cathedral, and Chapel of Bones, makes it an ideal choice for travelers who want a deeper, more customized experience. The optional wine tasting at a traditional vineyard, paired with a delicious lunch, adds a layer of flavor that elevates the trip beyond just sightseeing.

The comfort of private transportation and the opportunity to explore at your own pace make this tour a great value for those who prefer a more intimate and educational journey. Remember that the extra costs for tastings and optional balloon rides can enhance your experience, so plan accordingly.

This tour is best suited for those who enjoy cultural exploration paired with food and drink, and who value the convenience of a private, tailored day out of Lisbon.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, children from 3 or 4 years old can participate, especially if they are comfortable in cars and enjoy sightseeing. Child seats are available for young travelers.

What is included in the tour price?
The price covers private transportation, an air-conditioned vehicle with WiFi, bottled water, and a friendly atmosphere. The wine and olive oil tasting at Herdade da Cartuxa is optional and not included in the base ticket.

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 8 to 9 hours, starting at 8:30 am in Lisbon and ending back at the original meeting point.

Can I book a hot air balloon ride?
Yes, if you notify the tour provider in advance, you can include a hot air balloon ride with a balloon company in Évora for a memorable aerial view of the landscape.

Are the sites included in the tour free to visit?
Yes, the Roman Temple, Cathedral, and Chapel of Bones are free to visit. The winery visit and tastings are optional and paid separately.

What should I wear?
Comfortable walking shoes are recommended for exploring Évora’s historic sites and the vineyard. Dress appropriately for the weather, especially if you plan to do the balloon ride.

Is this tour available year-round?
The provided information doesn’t specify seasonal restrictions, but given the outdoor nature of some stops, it’s best to check with the provider for seasonal availability, especially for the balloon ride.

Taking a private day trip to Évora with optional wine tastings truly offers an authentic taste of Portugal’s Alentejo region. Whether you’re into history, wine, or simply relaxing in a scenic setting, this tour combines the best of all worlds, delivered with comfort and tailored service.