Évora and Monsaraz with Alentejo Wine Tasting from Lisbon

Enter one of Portugal’s most striking monuments, the Chapel of Bones in Évora. Built in the 16th century by Franciscan monks, this small chapel is lined floor to ceiling with the bones and skulls of an estimated 5,000 people.

As you step inside, the atmosphere is both eerie and fascinating. Columns and arches are covered with carefully arranged bones, and the haunting inscription above the entrance reads: “We bones that are here, for yours await.”

Walk slowly through the chapel to take in the powerful symbolism meant to remind visitors of the transience of life. Your guide will explain why the monks chose to build such a place, how the bones were collected, and what this unusual site reveals about faith and society in the 16th century.

Though macabre at first glance, the Chapel of Bones is also deeply reflective, offering travelers a unique window into Portugal’s history, spirituality and culture.

Discover the remarkable Roman Temple of Évora, one of the best-preserved Roman monuments on the Iberian Peninsula. Built in the 1st century AD, it originally stood at the heart of the Roman forum and is believed to have been dedicated to Emperor Augustus, later associated with the goddess Diana.

As you approach, admire its elegant Corinthian columns rising above a stone platform, a striking reminder of Évora’s ancient past. Despite centuries of history, invasions and even its use as a medieval slaughterhouse, the temple still retains much of its original grandeur.

Your guide will explain the role this temple played in Roman Évora, how it survived through the Middle Ages, and why it became a symbol of the city’s heritage. Standing here, you’ll see how layers of history coexist in Évora, from Roman foundations to medieval and modern architecture all around the square.

Admire the exterior of the Évora Cathedral, the largest medieval cathedral in Portugal and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built between the 12th and 13th centuries, it combines Romanesque and Gothic styles and dominates the city with its solid granite structure.

From the square, notice the striking twin towers, the central rose window and the richly carved portal that welcome visitors into the church. Your guide will point out the architectural details that reveal centuries of history and explain how the cathedral became a symbol of faith and power in medieval Portugal.

Standing outside, you can also appreciate how the cathedral connects with the surrounding cityscape, rising above the whitewashed houses and narrow streets of Évora. It is one of the landmarks that best represents the city’s long past and its enduring role as a cultural and religious center.

See the exterior of the Church of São Francisco, one of Évora’s most important landmarks. Built in the late 15th and early 16th centuries, it reflects the transition from Gothic to Manueline architecture, the distinctive Portuguese style inspired by the Age of Discoveries.

From the outside, notice the elegant façade decorated with maritime motifs, intricate stonework and the large entrance portal that once welcomed royal processions. The church’s size and design reflect Évora’s prosperity during the reign of King Manuel I, when Portugal’s overseas empire was at its peak.

Although famous for housing the Chapel of Bones inside, this visit focuses on the exterior. Your guide will explain the history of the church, its connection to the Franciscan order and how it became one of the city’s best-known monuments, blending spirituality with architectural grandeur.

Arrive at Praça do Giraldo, Évora’s lively main square and the heart of local life. Surrounded by elegant arcaded buildings, cafés and shops, this historic plaza has been a meeting point for centuries, once the stage of markets, festivals and even royal proclamations.

In the center, admire the Renaissance marble fountain topped with eight spouts, each representing one of the city’s streets. The square is overlooked by the Church of St. Antony and framed by whitewashed houses that showcase the charm of Alentejo architecture.

Here you will have free time to enjoy lunch at one of the many cafés and restaurants. Taste regional dishes, sip a glass of local wine, or simply relax while watching the everyday rhythm of Évora. It’s the perfect moment to experience the city at your own pace before continuing your journey.

Stroll through the medieval village of Monsaraz, a hilltop gem overlooking the Alentejo plains and the vast Alqueva Lake. Enclosed by ancient walls, the village feels frozen in time, with cobbled streets, whitewashed houses and flowered balconies creating a postcard-perfect atmosphere.

As you walk, discover the castle built by the Knights Templar in the 13th century and enjoy breathtaking views from its ramparts across rolling vineyards, olive groves and the shimmering waters of the reservoir.

Your guide will share stories of Monsaraz’s strategic importance through the centuries, from Roman times to Moorish rule and Christian reconquest. With no rush, this is a chance to take photos, soak up the quiet charm and simply enjoy the beauty of one of Portugal’s most picturesque villages.

Stop at the Ervideira Wine Shop, a family-owned winery in Monsaraz known for its award-winning wines and innovative techniques. Here you’ll be welcomed into a relaxed atmosphere to sample some of the best vintages of the Alentejo.

During the tasting, discover the unique characteristics of local grape varieties and learn how the region’s hot climate, schist soils and centuries of tradition shape the flavors in your glass. Wines may include crisp whites, full-bodied reds and the famous Invisible Wine, a unique white created from red grapes.

Your host will guide you through the tasting, sharing insights into winemaking methods and the Ervideira family’s long history in the region. This stop is not only about savoring wine but also about connecting with the culture and passion that defines Alentejo’s identity.