Stretching across southern Portugal, the Alentejo region is known for its vast plains, historic towns, and deeply rooted wine culture shaped by generations of local producers. This private full-day journey from Lisbon takes you to the UNESCO-listed city of Évora, where Roman, medieval, and Renaissance influences coexist within beautifully preserved walls, continuing through the scenic countryside to the beautiful town of Montemor-o-Novo and concluding at a traditional Alentejo wine estate, where local flavours and warm hospitality bring the region to life.
On your private full-day excursion, you will:
- Enjoy convenient pick-up and drop-off at your hotel in Lisbon;
- Travel to Évora, a UNESCO World Heritage City known for its remarkably preserved medieval streets and Roman heritage;
- Take a guided walking tour through Évora’s historic centre, discovering centuries of Roman, Moorish, and Portuguese influences;
- Visit the Roman Temple of Évora, one of the best-preserved Roman monuments on the Iberian Peninsula;
- See Évora Cathedral, a striking medieval landmark blending Romanesque and Gothic architecture;
- Visit the famous Chapel of Bones, a unique and thought-provoking monument decorated with thousands of human bones;
- Stop at the Montemor-o-Novo Castle ruins, offering sweeping views over the Alentejo countryside and historic fortifications;
- Visit a traditional Alentejo wine estate surrounded by vineyards and rural landscapes;
- Embark on a guided tour of the vineyards and property, learning about local grape varieties and the winemaking process;
- Taste red, white, and rosé wines paired with regional specialities including local cheese, cured sausages, and traditional Alentejo bread.
Your journey begins with pick-up from your hotel in Lisbon, where you will meet your professional driver-guide and head east towards the Alentejo region, known for its golden plains, cork oak forests, and exceptional wines. As you travel through the countryside, your guide will introduce you to the region’s rural traditions and historical significance.
Your first stop will be the captivating city of Évora, where you’ll begin a guided walking tour through the historic centre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with centuries of history. Your exploration includes the remarkably preserved Roman Temple of Évora, often referred to as the Temple of Diana, one of Portugal’s most important Roman landmarks. You’ll also admire the imposing exterior of Évora Cathedral, a striking medieval structure that dominates the city skyline.
One of the highlights of your visit is the fascinating Chapel of Bones, where thousands of human bones and skulls decorate the walls in a thought-provoking reminder of the passage of time. Your guide will explain the symbolism behind this unique monument and its place in Évora’s history. Following your guided tour, you’ll enjoy free time to have lunch at a local restaurant (at your own expense) and wander Évora’s charming streets, where artisan shops showcase traditional cork products, ceramics, and regional crafts.
In the afternoon, you’ll continue through the scenic Alentejo countryside toward the lesser-known town of Montemor-o-Novo, where you’ll stop at the historic Montemor-o-Novo Castle dating back to the 13th Century. From the castle ruins, you can take in sweeping views of the surrounding plains while learning about the town’s strategic importance in medieval times.
Your final stop will be an Alentejo wine estate, where you’ll discover the region’s renowned winemaking traditions. During a guided visit to the vineyards and property, you’ll learn about local grape varieties and production techniques shaped by the region’s warm climate and fertile soils. The experience concludes with a tasting of red, white, and rosé wines, accompanied by regional products including local cheeses, cured sausages, and traditional Alentejo bread.
After a full day of history, culture, and wine, you’ll relax on the comfortable return journey to Lisbon, arriving back at your hotel with a deeper appreciation for the heritage and flavours of the Alentejo region.
