Évora & Alentejo Day Tour: Roman Ruins, Chapel of Bones & Wine

Summary

Discover Évora’s Roman Heritage and Alentejo Wine Culture

If you want to walk through real Portuguese history—not just see it from behind glass—this Évora tour is for you. You’ll explore ancient streets, stand inside a chapel lined with bones, taste proper Alentejo wine right where it’s made, and hear stories you won’t find in guidebooks.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing that hit me as we stepped onto Évora’s old cobblestones was the faint scent of orange blossoms—someone nearby had a tiny tree in their courtyard. Our guide, João, greeted us by the city walls and led us straight into the heart of the historical center. The streets twist and turn, sometimes so narrow you brush against whitewashed houses with blue trim. João pointed out a bakery where locals grab their morning pão com chouriço; I made a mental note to stop there later.

We wandered past the Roman Temple of Diana—its columns still standing tall after nearly two thousand years. There’s no plaque shouting its story at you; instead, João filled us in on how it survived earthquakes and invasions. A few steps away, the Cathedral loomed overhead—Portugal’s largest gothic church. Inside, sunlight filtered through stained glass and landed on cool stone floors. The silence was almost heavy, broken only by our footsteps and a distant bell.

The Chapel of Bones (Capela dos Ossos) was next. It’s not for everyone—I’ll admit I hesitated at the doorway—but curiosity won out. Skulls and bones line every inch of the walls, arranged in patterns that are oddly beautiful and unsettling at once. There’s a Latin inscription above the entrance: “We bones that are here await yours.” João explained how monks built it to remind people about life’s fleeting nature. I caught myself whispering without realizing it.

Later, we drove out past fields dotted with cork oaks and grazing sheep to a family-run winery just outside town. The air smelled faintly sweet from crushed grapes drying in the sun. We tasted three different Alentejo wines—my favorite was a bold red with hints of cherry—and nibbled on local cheese and bread dipped in peppery olive oil. Our host told stories about harvest traditions while her dog dozed under the table.

Before heading back, we strolled through a park where peacocks strutted between old stone ruins—apparently bits salvaged from monasteries demolished ages ago. No signs or crowds here; just quiet corners to sit for a minute before returning to modern life.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Évora's Historic Sites

• Walking tour in Évora historic centre
• Visit Chapel of Bones and Sacred Art
• Visit Roman Temple of Diana
• See Portugal's largest Gothic cathedral
• Wine tasting in Alentejo
• Visit Gothic-style church
• View frescoes and tile panels interior
• Walk around park ruins with peacocks
• Pass by palace and former convent

Top questions

Is this Évora tour suitable for children?

Yes! Kids are welcome but must be accompanied by an adult. Some sites like the Chapel of Bones can be intense for younger children—let us know if you have concerns.

How long does the tour last?

The full experience usually takes around 8 hours including travel time from Lisbon or nearby areas.

Are food or drinks included?

You’ll enjoy wine tastings (with non-alcoholic options available) plus local snacks like cheese and bread during our winery visit.

Is there much walking involved?

You’ll walk through Évora’s historic center on mostly flat ground with some cobblestones; comfortable shoes are best.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup and drop-off, all transport by comfy car or minivan, an expert local guide throughout, full insurance coverage, wine tasting at an Alentejo winery (with snacks), plus entry to main monuments like the Chapel of Bones and Cathedral.