Private Full day tour from Lisbon to Evora with wine tasting

Discovering Évora: A Full-Day Private Tour with Wine Tasting from Lisbon

If you’re looking to get a taste of Portugal’s historic charm, this private full-day tour from Lisbon to Évora offers a solid way to see some of the most iconic sights and enjoy local wines. While we haven’t done it ourselves, reviews and details from travelers suggest this trip balances history, culture, and scenic beauty quite well.

What really caught our eye? First, the chance to walk through a UNESCO World Heritage Site that’s packed with Roman ruins, medieval streets, and impressive Gothic architecture. Second, the included wine tasting session at a local vineyard sounds like a highlight, especially if you’re into discovering regional wines and pairing them with local snacks.

That said, some travelers mention that for a whole day, the drive can feel a bit long—around 3.5 hours total in transit—so if you’re sensitive to long car rides, it might be worth considering how well you’ll handle the trip. This tour is best suited for those who want a comprehensive, comfortable experience that combines sightseeing, history, and a taste of local flavors, all in a private setting.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Comfortable private transport means no worrying about navigating or group hassles.
• Includes a guided walking tour in Évora, giving you insights into the city’s Roman and medieval past.
• Wine tasting session provides a relaxed way to explore regional flavors.
• Additional nearby visits like Vila Vicosa or Monsaraz can be added based on your interests.
• Child-friendly options are available, with baby car seats for little ones.
• Price reflects a full 9-hour experience, but extra hours cost more.

An Introduction to the Tour Experience

This private full-day trip promises a convenient and immersive way to explore Évora, a city celebrated for its historical significance and beautifully preserved architecture. Starting from Lisbon, you’ll enjoy a comfortable ride in a private van, giving you time to relax and soak in the Portuguese countryside before arriving at your destination.

One of the best parts of this experience is the chance to wander through Praça do Giraldo, the bustling heart of Évora, where the vibe is lively and charming. The city’s compact size makes it easy to navigate on foot, and your guide will point out the highlights along the way—like the Roman Temple of Évora or the Sé de Évora, a stunning cathedral with panoramic rooftop views.

Adding to the appeal, the wine tasting session at a well-known local winery lets you sample four wines in a relaxed setting, paired with crackers. This isn’t just a quick sip; it’s a thoughtfully guided experience where you’ll learn about regional varieties and wine-making traditions.

However, the long drive—about 1 hour and 45 minutes each way—means you’ll spend some time on the road, which might be tiring for some. Still, the private nature of the tour means your schedule is flexible, and you can focus on what interests you most.

What to Expect During the Day

Start with Pickup & Transit: Your adventure begins with pickup from one of five Lisbon-area locations, including Carcavelos, Sintra, Cascais, Estoril, or Lisbon itself. The ride in a comfortable, air-conditioned van takes around 105 minutes to reach Évora.

Walking Tour of Évora: Once there, you’ll join a guided walk through the city’s main sights. Expect to see the Roman ruins, such as the well-preserved Temple of Diana, which is one of the finest Roman structures in the Iberian Peninsula. The city’s cathedral, Sé de Évora, is a highlight with its soaring Gothic architecture and the rooftop viewpoint offering sweeping vistas of the plains.

You’ll also visit the Igreja de São Francisco and the Capela dos Ossos—a fascinating, if slightly eerie, chapel decorated with human bones. These sites give a real sense of Portugal’s historical layers—spanning Roman times through the Middle Ages.

Visit to a Local Winery: After exploring the city, the tour heads to a nearby winery for a 1.5-hour guided tasting. Here, you’ll sample four wines, learn about the region’s wine-making traditions, and enjoy pairing them with crackers. The reviews rave about the quality of wines and the engaging guide, describing the tasting as a relaxing highlight.

Additional Options: After wine, you can choose to extend your trip with visits to nearby attractions like Vila Vicosa, known for its marble architecture and royal history, or Monsaraz, a medieval hilltop village offering stunning views over Alqueva Lake. Each option takes about 30-45 minutes, so you can tailor your experience based on your interests.

Return Journey: After the exploration and tasting, you’ll hop back into the van for the return trip, again around 1 hour and 45 minutes, ending with drop-offs at your original pickup points.

Deep Dive into Évora’s Highlights

More Great Tours Nearby

Praça do Giraldo and Surroundings

This lively square captures the essence of Évora—colorful cafes, street performers, and historic buildings. It’s the perfect starting point for your walk and a great spot for coffee or a quick pastel de nata.

Roman Temple of Évora

Standing prominently in the square, the Templo de Diana dates back to the 1st century AD. It’s one of the best-preserved Roman structures in Portugal and offers an instant connection to the city’s ancient past. Travelers mention that seeing it in person feels quite special after hearing about its history.

Évora Cathedral

Built in the 12th century and featuring a mix of Gothic and Romanesque styles, the cathedral’s rooftop is accessible for panoramic views. Many reviews highlight these views as breathtaking, giving a sense of the city’s scale and the plains beyond.

Igreja de São Francisco & Capela dos Ossos

This church’s interior is unexpectedly haunting due to the Bone Chapel, lined with skulls and bones. While some visitors find it eerie, others find it a compelling reminder of mortality and medieval art.

University of Évora & Cloisters

One of Portugal’s oldest universities, the campus offers beautiful Mannerist architecture and peaceful cloisters. It’s a quieter spot to absorb the city’s academic history.

Wine Tasting Experience

The included tasting is valued for its quality and the approachable guide who explains each wine’s story. Travelers have appreciated the pairing with crackers and the opportunity to ask questions. It’s a lovely way to slow down and enjoy regional flavors.

Exploring Nearby Treasures

If you have extra time, the tour offers options to visit Vila Vicosa, a town with a royal palace, or Monsaraz, with its medieval streets and lake views. Each site is about 30–45 minutes away from Évora and adds another layer of history and scenery to your day.

Vila Vicosa is especially noted for its marble and royal legacy, while Monsaraz offers an iconic hilltop setting that many travelers describe as breathtaking. These visits are optional but can be tailored to your interests, making the tour quite flexible.

The Logistics: Comfort, Timing, and Practicalities

Transportation: The private van provides a comfortable setting for the long drive, with air conditioning and a professional driver. The total driving time is about 3.5 hours, split into two segments, allowing for rest and conversation.

Duration & Schedule: This is a 9-hour experience, starting at a flexible pickup time. The itinerary is designed to balance sightseeing, tasting, and travel, avoiding overly rushed moments.

Child-Friendly Elements: The tour offers baby car seats for children up to 24 months for an extra fee (10 euros), and it’s important to inform the provider about your child’s age, height, and weight beforehand. In Portugal, using proper car seats is mandatory, so bringing your own is an option if preferred.

Cost & Value: At $266 per person, this experience is not inexpensive, but it covers transportation, guiding, and wine tasting. Travelers generally find value in the personalized experience and the chance to explore in comfort without the hassle of self-driving.

Cancellation & Flexibility: Full refunds are available if canceled at least 24 hours in advance, providing some peace of mind given unpredictable plans.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience suits travelers who want a comprehensive, relaxed day exploring Évora, especially those interested in history, architecture, and regional wine. It’s perfect for couples, small groups, or anyone comfortable with a full day of sightseeing and driving. Since it’s private, it offers flexibility and comfort, making it a good choice if you prefer avoiding large tour groups.

It’s also suitable for families with small children if you bring your own car seat, as the tour provides them. Travelers who enjoy a mix of cultural discovery and wine tasting will find this combination particularly appealing.

Final Thoughts

This private tour from Lisbon to Évora with wine tasting balances the pleasures of exploring a UNESCO World Heritage city with the enjoyment of regional wines. It’s a thoughtful way to add depth to your Portugal visit without feeling overwhelmed — the private setting and guided experiences make for a comfortable and engaging day.

While the long drive might be a consideration, the scenic routes and well-curated stops help make the journey enjoyable rather than tiring. The inclusion of wine tasting adds a delightful touch, especially if you’re eager to learn about local flavors in a relaxed environment.

If you love discovering charming towns, marveling at ancient ruins, and savoring good wine, this tour will likely tick many boxes. Just be prepared for a full day, and bring your curiosity and camera to capture the stunning views.

FAQ

How long is the drive from Lisbon to Évora?
The round-trip drive takes about 3 hours and 30 minutes in total, with approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes each way in the private van.

What’s included in the price?
The tour price covers hotel pickup and drop-off, guided walking tour, professional driver, comfortable air-conditioned transport, a 9-hour experience, and the wine tasting session with four wines.

Are there options to visit other nearby sites?
Yes, you can extend your experience to include visits to Vila Vicosa, Monsaraz, or Évoramonte Castle, each about 30–45 minutes from Évora.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, with advanced notice and the use of appropriate child car seats, which can be provided for an extra fee. Make sure to inform the provider about your child’s age, height, and weight.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, sunglasses, hat, camera, food, sunscreen, and water are recommended. Remember that smoking isn’t allowed during the tour.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, full refunds are available if you cancel at least 24 hours before the tour. Cancellations between 48 and 72 hours incur a 50% penalty, and less than 48 hours, a 100% penalty applies.

Is the tour flexible with timing?
Yes, pickup times are generally flexible, and the private nature allows some room to tailor the schedule to your preferences.

This tour offers an engaging and comfortable way to see Évora’s highlights, taste regional wines, and enjoy the scenic Alentejo countryside. If history, culture, and good wine appeal to you, it’s worth considering for your Portugal trip.

You can check availability for your dates here: