Private Full day tour from Lisbon to Evora with wine tasting

Exploring Portugal’s Alentejo region through this private full-day tour from Lisbon offers a balanced blend of history, culture, and wine. For around $266 per person, your day is filled with visits to the UNESCO World Heritage city of Évora, renowned for its Roman temple, medieval streets, and lively Praça do Giraldo. The journey includes a guided wine tasting session at a celebrated local winery, making it a rewarding experience for those eager to combine cultural sights with authentic tasting moments.

What we particularly love about this tour is how smoothly it combines walking through historic sites with the comfort of a private vehicle, allowing you to relax and soak in the scenery. Also, the inclusion of a guided wine tasting in English means you won’t miss out on understanding the nuances of the region’s wines. However, a potential consideration is the private tour’s nine-hour duration, which might be a long day if you’re not used to extensive sightseeing. This experience suits travelers who appreciate a personalized touch, value culture, and want to explore beyond Lisbon’s city limits without the hassle of planning.

Key Points

Personalized Experience: Private transport and guided tour ensure a flexible, intimate visit.
Historic Sights: Roman ruins, Gothic cathedral, and medieval streets showcase Évora’s layered past.
Wine Tasting: A 1.5-hour session at a renowned winery introduces you to local vintages.
Nearby Treasures: Optional visits to Vila Viçosa, Monsaraz, or Évoramonte Castle add scenic and historic variety.
Perfect for Curious Travelers: Ideal if you love history, architecture, wines, and authentic small-group experiences.
All-Inclusive Feel: Hotel pickup, drop-off, and a comfortable vehicle make the day seamless.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring the Heart of Portugal: A Deep Dive into the Tour

Prefer personalized experiences? Here are other private options we've covered in Evora

Starting with Évora: Portugal’s UNESCO Jewel

From the moment your private driver picks you up in Lisbon, the journey to Évora feels like a step back in time. The drive takes roughly an hour and a half, during which you can enjoy views of rolling hills and vineyards—an early hint of the scenic beauty to come. We loved the way the tour offers hotel pickup, removing the stress of public transport or independent driving, especially if you’re short on time or traveling with family.

Once in Évora, the tour kicks off at Praça do Giraldo, the city’s lively central square. The square is a great starting point, buzzing with cafes and street performers, perfect for a quick coffee and a pastel de nata before diving into history. From here, you can see the Church of Santo Antão and the Chafariz, a marble fountain with eight spouts, symbolizing the convergence of streets—highlighting the city’s medieval layout. Travelers appreciated how this area encapsulates the city’s lively atmosphere, making it an ideal spot for some photos or people-watching.

Roman Roots and Medieval Marvels

A major highlight is the visit to the Roman Temple of Évora—also called the Templo de Diana. It’s one of the best-preserved Roman structures on the Iberian Peninsula and offers a tangible connection to the past. We loved the way the tour guides explain its history, giving context to its significance and how it once was part of a larger Roman forum.

Next, the Évora Cathedral (Sé de Évora) offers sweeping rooftop views of the city and surrounding plains. Climbing up provides a vantage point to see the medieval streets below and appreciate the urban fabric that has persisted for centuries. Inside the cathedral, the Gothic architecture and interior chapels reveal centuries of religious and artistic history, making it a site worth a detailed look.

The Capela dos Ossos and Other Quirky Sights

The Igreja de São Francisco and its adjacent Capela dos Ossos are unmissable for those interested in something a little eerie yet fascinating. Adorned with human bones and skulls, this chapel reminds visitors of life’s fleeting nature. Several travelers have noted how this site’s starkness leaves a lasting impression, offering a contemplative pause amid their sightseeing.

More Great Tours Nearby

University and Cultural Heritage

The University of Évora, founded in the 16th century, is one of the oldest universities in Portugal. Its Mannerist architecture and peaceful cloisters provide insight into the city’s academic past. It’s a quiet corner of the city, offering a contrast to the bustling square.

While in Evora, here are other experiences we've covered

Wine Tasting: Savoring the Flavors of Alentejo

No tour of Évora would be complete without experiencing its renowned wines. The included 1.5-hour guided tasting is a highlight, offering four carefully selected wines paired with crackers. The experience is both educational and enjoyable—an opportunity to understand what makes Alentejo wines unique: their smoothness, rich fruit flavors, and balanced tannins. Travelers often remark that the tasting enhances their appreciation of the region’s vinicultural tradition.

Optional Excursions to Nearby Gems

After exploring Évora, the tour offers the chance to visit nearby treasures such as Vila Viçosa, a town filled with white marble buildings and royal history, or Monsaraz, a hilltop medieval village with panoramic views over Alqueva Lake. Each destination takes approximately 30–45 minutes by car, allowing you to tailor your day based on your interests—whether you prefer history, scenic vistas, or architectural charm.

Vila Viçosa is perfect if you’re interested in royal legacies or marble architecture, while Monsaraz appeals to those who love stunning views and atmospheric streets. Évoramonte Castle offers a different kind of historical experience—a fortress with Manueline touches, built after the Moorish conquest.

Practical Considerations and Value

The tour spans about nine hours, making it a full but comfortable day. The inclusion of hotel pickup and drop-off simplifies logistics, and the private vehicle ensures a relaxed pace with plenty of opportunities for photos and questions. The guide’s commentary in English adds local insights, making the experience both educational and engaging.

Price-wise, at $266 per person, this tour offers good value considering the personalized service, expert guiding, private transport, and wine tasting. It’s especially appealing for couples or small groups who prefer a more intimate experience over crowded tours. The boundaries of the nine-hour window mean you get a well-rounded visit without feeling rushed.

Important Details

Travelers should bring comfortable shoes for walking, sunglasses, a hat, and camera. Since Portugal mandates car seats for babies and children, the tour offers options for baby seats at an extra cost, but you’re welcome to bring your own. The tour requires prior notice of children’s ages and sizes to ensure appropriate seating.

Cancellation policies are clear: full refunds are available if canceled at least 24 hours in advance, but shorter notice incurs penalties, so planning ahead is wise.

Summary of the Experience

This private day trip from Lisbon to Évora is a carefully curated experience that balances history, culture, and wine. It’s perfect if you want a flexible, intimate way to discover one of Portugal’s most beautiful cities without the hassle of planning every detail yourself. The inclusion of a guided wine tasting adds a flavorful layer to the trip, giving you a taste of the region’s renowned wines in a relaxed setting.

The tour’s flexibility with optional nearby visits allows you to customize your day, whether you’re a history buff, a wine enthusiast, or simply someone seeking authentic Portuguese charm. The journey itself, in a comfortable vehicle, ensures you arrive refreshed and ready to explore.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This tour suits travelers who value personalized service, want to maximize their time in Évora and surrounding sights, and appreciate a blend of cultural and culinary experiences. It’s especially appealing for those interested in history and architecture, as well as wine lovers eager to learn about Alentejo’s vinicultural heritage. If you prefer a structured yet intimate day out with all logistics handled, this tour is a sound choice.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?
Yes, the tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Lisbon, making the day hassle-free.

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts about nine hours, providing ample time to explore Évora and nearby attractions comfortably.

What does the wine tasting involve?
You’ll enjoy a guided tasting of four exceptional wines, paired with crackers, in English, at a well-known local winery.

Can I visit other nearby sights?
Yes, the tour offers options to visit Vila Viçosa, Monsaraz, or Évoramonte Castle, each about 30-45 minutes away.

Are children allowed on this tour?
Yes, but you must inform the provider beforehand if traveling with children so appropriate car seats can be arranged.

What should I bring?
Bring comfortable shoes, sunscreen, hat, camera, food, water, and sunglasses.

Is the tour suitable for people with limited mobility?
Given the walking involved at sites and the use of a private vehicle, travelers with mobility concerns should inquire further.

How do I pay for extra hours or services?
Extra hours beyond nine are paid directly to the driver at the end of the tour.

What languages are available for the guide?
Guidance is available in English, with other languages like French, German, and Portuguese possibly available.

What is the cancellation policy?
Cancellations made 72 hours to 48 hours before incur a 50% penalty; less than 48 hours results in a full charge.

To sum it up, this private tour offers a rich, well-paced day exploring one of Portugal’s most captivating towns, with the added pleasure of tasting its celebrated wines. It’s ideal for those seeking a personalized experience, blending history, architecture, and flavor in a scenic setting. Whether you’re traveling as a couple, a family, or a small group, you’ll leave with a deeper appreciation of Évora and its region, along with plenty of memorable moments.