Private Tour to Évora with Wine tasting

Traveling from Lisbon to Évora is like flipping through a live history book, with the added bonus of tasting some of Portugal’s finest wines. This private tour offers an immersive day exploring one of Portugal’s most treasured UNESCO World Heritage cities, combined with a visit to a top-notch winery. While the tour hits the highlights and promises a personalized experience, it’s important to understand what’s included, what to expect, and whether this adventure matches your travel style.

What we particularly appreciate about this experience is the careful balance between cultural exploration and tasting local flavors—plus, the convenience of door-to-door pickup. The guide’s knowledge, the scenic drive, and the authentic wine tasting are definite highlights. However, one consideration is that some attractions, like the Chapel of Bones and the Cathedral, require separate admission tickets, which add to the overall cost. This tour is ideal for history buffs, wine lovers, and those who want a comprehensive day trip with expert guidance, all in a private setting that allows for flexibility and personalized attention.

Key Points

• Comfortable Private Experience: Exclusive to your group, with transportation and flexible timing.
• Comprehensive Itinerary: Includes major sites like the Bones Chapel, Roman Temple, and Évora’s historic center.
• Authentic Wine Tasting: Visit a renowned winery, with a tasting session that showcases Alentejo’s renowned wines.
• Cultural and Culinary Highlights: Enjoy a blend of historical insights, regional gastronomy, and scenic views.
• Cost Consideration: While the tour price is $196.79 per person, separate entry fees for certain sites and wine tasting are additional.
• Ideal For: Travelers seeking a deep cultural dive, wine enthusiasts, and those preferring a private, relaxed pace.

This private tour from Lisbon to Évora offers a well-rounded day exploring a city that truly embodies Portugal’s soul. From the moment you’re picked up in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle, the journey kicks off with panoramic views of the Portuguese countryside, setting an ideal tone for the day ahead. The small-group or private format ensures you won’t be rushed and can tailor your experience based on your interests.

The tour’s standout feature is its flexibility: you can customize how long you spend at each site, and your guide provides insightful commentary along the way. This is especially beneficial given the number of historic sites packed into this day trip, each with its own story and atmosphere.

Chapel of Bones: A Ghoulish Reflection on Life

Your first stop is the Chapel of Bones inside São Francisco Church—a haunting yet fascinating site. Built in the 16th and 17th centuries by Franciscan monks, its walls are decorated with human bones and skulls, creating a stark reminder of mortality. As one reviewer noted, the monks aimed to make visitors reflect on life’s fleeting nature, which adds a profound layer of meaning to this visit.

While admission isn’t included in the tour price, the experience is undoubtedly memorable. The 30-minute visit is brief but impactful, especially for those interested in unusual religious art. Be prepared for a slightly eerie atmosphere, but it’s a unique glimpse into historical practices and beliefs.

Évora Cathedral: Climb to the Sky

The Se Catedral de Évora offers breathtaking views from its rooftop, making it a highlight of the trip. Built in the 13th century, it features two very different towers—an architectural curiosity that’s worth exploring. You can expect about an hour here, with the chance to ascend to the roof for sweeping vistas of the city and the surrounding plains.

The cathedral’s interior is equally impressive, with Gothic and Manueline architectural elements. Admission isn’t included, but the ticket costs are reasonable, and the climb is manageable for most visitors. It’s a favorite among travelers, as one reviewer pointed out, for the “amazing views of the whole town and the plains that seem to go on forever.”

Roman Temple: A Surviving Marvel

Adjacent to the cathedral, the Roman Temple of Évora (also called Diana’s Temple) is a well-preserved relic from around two millennia ago. Its columns still stand proud, offering a tangible link to the city’s ancient past. Visiting for around 30 minutes, you’ll appreciate how much of history has endured in this compact site.

Since admission is free, it’s an accessible stop that enriches your understanding of Évora’s layered history. It’s easy to imagine life here during Roman times, with the temple as a silent witness.

Exploring Évora’s Historic Center

The heart of the tour is a three-hour exploration of Évora itself, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1986. Here, you’ll stroll through narrow cobbled streets, admire medieval and Manueline architecture, and feel the vibrant atmosphere of a city that’s both ancient and alive.

Notable sights include the Manuelin Palace and the University of Évora—second oldest in Portugal. The city’s charming shops, cafes, and local markets make it an ideal place to soak up regional life. Our reviews highlight how this part of the tour blends history, modernity, and delicious regional cuisine, with one traveler noting that the food here is “simply outstanding.”

Wine Tasting at Fitapreta Vinhos

The visit to a renowned Alentejo winery at Fitapreta is a true highlight. Expect a 1.5-hour session where you’ll learn about local winemaking traditions and sample a selection of wines. The guide’s knowledge and friendly approach make the tasting more than just sipping—think about understanding the nuances of each vintage and how the region’s climate influences flavor.

Although wine tasting isn’t included in the base price, reviews confirm that this experience is well worth it, especially given the high quality of wines and the personal attention. Many travelers find it a delightful way to conclude their day, with one reviewer mentioning that the winery visit was “outstanding,” and the guide was “trustable and friendly.”

Optional Stop at Almendres Cromelech

If time permits on the way back to Lisbon, your guide might include a stop at the Pre-historic Almendres Cromelech, an impressive megalithic complex. While not guaranteed, this bonus site offers a glimpse into Portugal’s prehistoric past and is highly rated by those who visit.

The tour is conducted in a modern, air-conditioned vehicle, making the roughly 9-10 hour day comfortable. Pickup is offered from Lisbon, and the tour is designed to suit most travelers, with reviews praising the flexible and friendly guidance.

Start time is at 9:00 am, giving plenty of time to comfortably explore each site. The tour is private, meaning only your group participates, which makes for a more relaxed and tailored experience.

Admission costs for some attractions (Chapel of Bones, Cathedral, wine tasting) are not included, so budget for these if you wish to visit everything. The total per-person cost of $196.79 reflects a good value considering the comprehensive itinerary, private transportation, and guided insights.

From the testimonials, it’s clear that guides like Federico significantly enhance the experience. One reviewer praised Federico for being “knowledgeable, friendly, flexible, and trustworthy,” which made the day even more enjoyable. Many guests appreciated the personalized attention and the chance to ask questions freely.

Food is another unexpectedly positive aspect—lunch at The Evora Witch was described as “outstanding,” adding a culinary highlight to the cultural and wine exploration.

This private tour offers a perfect blend of history, architecture, and wine for travelers who crave a deeply personalized experience. It’s especially well-suited for those interested in Portuguese culture, ancient ruins, and regional wines. The flexible schedule allows you to focus on what interests you most, making it a good choice for curious travelers who value quality over quantity.

If you’re traveling to Lisbon and want to explore beyond the city in comfort and style, this trip hits many of the high points without feeling rushed. The inclusion of a wine tasting and the opportunity to see both Roman and medieval sites makes it a well-rounded day out.

However, be prepared for additional costs for some attractions, and consider whether you’d like to explore more independently afterward if you’re a super-enthusiastic history or wine buff.

Is pickup included in the tour?
Yes, pickup from Lisbon is offered, making the experience hassle-free and more convenient.

Are the visits to the Chapel of Bones and Cathedral included in the price?
Admission tickets for these sites are not included, so you should budget an additional amount for entry fees.

How long is the winery visit?
The wine tasting lasts approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, providing a relaxed environment to learn and sample.

Can I customize the stops or timing?
Since this is a private tour, your guide can tailor the experience within the scheduled duration, giving you flexibility.

What is the total duration of the tour?
The entire experience lasts around 9 to 10 hours, covering travel, sightseeing, and tasting.

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Most travelers can participate, but consider mobility levels for sites like the cathedral roof climb or the Bones Chapel.

What are the main highlights I should expect?
The standout moments include the Bones Chapel, panoramic views from the Cathedral, the Roman Temple, and the wine tasting experience.

How do reviews describe the guide’s knowledge?
Guests consistently praise guides like Federico for being very knowledgeable, friendly, and flexible, greatly enhancing the overall experience.

This private tour to Évora with wine tasting offers a thoughtfully curated day that combines Portugal’s historic treasures with its exceptional regional wines. It’s perfect for those who want to avoid crowded group tours, enjoy personalized attention, and dive deep into the cultural and culinary riches of the Alentejo region. While it involves additional costs for site entries and tasting, the value delivered in expert guidance, scenic beauty, and authentic flavors makes it a worthwhile addition to any Lisbon itinerary.

Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a wine lover, or simply seeking a memorable day outside the city, this tour balances education, relaxation, and indulgence beautifully. With a flexible, private approach and rave reviews about the guides, it’s clear that this experience can leave a lasting impression—and plenty of stories to tell back home.