Évora Day Trip from Lisbon: Cathedral, Chapel of Bones & Wine Tasting

Medieval Évora in One Day: Roman Temples, Bone Chapel & Local Wine

You travel from Lisbon to the medieval walled city of Évora, visiting the Roman Diana Temple, the 12th-century cathedral, and the 17th-century Chapel of Bones with its bone-lined interior. The day includes a Portuguese wine and olive tasting, all transport, entry fees, and water. You return to Lisbon in the late afternoon.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Evora's historic sites and tasting

• Visit Diana Temple
• Walk through Praça do Giraldo
• Tour Évora Cathedral
• Explore Chapel of Bones
• Enjoy olive and wine tasting

The Experience

The bus is already rolling when you settle in. You're heading inland from Lisbon toward Évora, a medieval city that UNESCO locked down as a World Heritage site back in 1986. The drive takes you past the Tagus valley, and by mid-morning you're walking into Praça do Giraldo, the main square where Portuguese history actually happened: executions, inquisition burnings, land reform debates. It's not a pretty postcard moment. It's the weight of centuries sitting in front of you, and the medieval walls are still standing around it.

Your guide takes you to the Diana Temple first, one of the best-preserved Roman temples on the Iberian Peninsula, and then into the Évora Cathedral, which was founded in 1186 and consecrated in 1204. The cathedral is the largest medieval one in Portugal, and the shift from Romanesque to Gothic architecture is written right into the stone. After that comes the Chapel of Bones, built in the 17th century by three Franciscan friars who wanted to remind people that life is fragile. The message carved above the entrance says it plainly: "We bones that are here, for yours we wait." It's not morbid the way you'd expect. It's more like standing in front of something honest.

Before heading back to Lisbon, you stop for olive and wine tasting. The kind where you're supposed to touch it, look at it, smell it, then taste it. Portuguese wine is not what most people know, and the tasting walks you through what the region actually produces. The whole day is maybe eight or nine hours, and the air-conditioned vehicle means you're not melting between stops. Bottled water is on board, and if you need WiFi, it's there too.

What’s included

• Air-conditioned vehicle transport from Lisbon to Évora and back.
• entry to the Évora Cathedral and Chapel of Bones.
• guided visits to the Diana Temple and Praça do Giraldo.
• Portuguese wine and olive tasting.
• bottled water throughout the day.
• WiFi on board.

Days and timesDaily · 09:00

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 11 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyInfant seats availablePublic transport nearby

Operated by Madruga Tours

Is this one for you?A good fit if you want Évora's main sights (the Roman temple, medieval cathedral, and bone chapel) without arranging your own transport or buying tickets separately. The fixed itinerary means you see the historic center and taste local wine all in one day, returning to Lisbon by evening.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English, Spanish and Portuguese.

How long is the day trip from Lisbon to Évora?

The full day is approximately 8–9 hours, including travel time, guided stops, and the wine tasting.

What is the Chapel of Bones?

A 17th-century chapel built by Franciscan friars, decorated with human bones and skulls arranged in patterns. The entrance bears the inscription "We bones that are here, for yours we wait."

Is entry to the cathedral and chapel included?

Yes, entry to both the Évora Cathedral and the Chapel of Bones is included in the tour.

What kind of wine tasting is offered?

An olive and wine tasting that engages all the senses. You observe, touch, smell, and taste Portuguese wines and local olives.

Is the vehicle air-conditioned?

Yes, the tour uses an air-conditioned vehicle for comfort during travel between Lisbon and Évora.

When was Évora designated a UNESCO World Heritage site?

Évora was classified as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1986.

Can children and infants go on this tour?

Yes, infants and small children can participate. Prams, strollers, and specialized infant seats are available.

Is there public transportation near Évora if I want to explore on my own?

Public transportation options are available nearby if you want to venture out independently during the tour.