Private Évora Half-Day Tour: Bones Chapel & Cathedral Tickets

Summary

Explore Évora’s Hidden Corners with a Local Guide

If you want to see Portugal beyond Lisbon without any stress, this private Évora tour is a solid pick. You’ll get insider stories from your local driver, skip ticket lines at top sights like the Bones Chapel and Cathedral, and explore at your own pace—all in comfort.

What’s the experience like?

The morning started with our driver picking us up right outside our apartment in Lisbon—no need to rush or find a meeting spot. The car was spotless, WiFi worked fine, and there were cold bottles of water waiting for us. We set off towards Évora, passing through sleepy villages and olive groves that looked almost silver in the early light. Our chauffeur, João, chatted about local legends and pointed out cork trees along the way—something I’d never noticed before.

First stop: the Chapel of Bones. I’ll be honest, walking into a room lined with real human bones is something you don’t forget. The air inside felt cool and still, almost heavy. João explained how monks built it centuries ago as a reminder that life’s short—a bit eerie but fascinating. There’s even a poem above the entrance if you look up; easy to miss if you’re not paying attention.

We wandered through Évora’s old streets next. Praça do Giraldo was buzzing—kids chasing pigeons, locals sipping coffee at Café Arcada (try their pastel de nata if you get a chance). The Roman Temple stands just around the corner; hard to believe those columns have survived over 2,000 years. Our guide shared stories about Roman times and pointed out details on the stonework most people walk right past.

The last highlight was Évora Cathedral. You can climb up for city views—worth it if you don’t mind narrow stairs. Inside, sunlight filters through stained glass onto ancient stone floors. It’s quieter than Lisbon’s cathedrals, which made it feel more personal somehow.

On the drive back to Lisbon, we swapped stories with João about Portuguese food and he gave us tips for dinner spots in Campo de Ourique Market. We got dropped off right where we started—no hassle at all.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Évora Private Half-Day Tour

• Pickup in Lisbon
• Visit Bones Chapel
• Explore Praça do Giraldo
• See Roman Temple
• Tour Évora Cathedral
• Drop-off in Lisbon

Top questions

How long does the tour last?

The tour takes about half a day including travel time from Lisbon—usually around 5 hours total depending on traffic and how long you spend at each stop.

Are tickets to attractions included?

Yes, entry tickets for both the Bones Chapel and Évora Cathedral are included in your tour price.

Is this tour suitable for families with small children?

Absolutely! Infant seats are available upon request and strollers/prams are welcome onboard.

Can I customize the itinerary or make extra stops?

The schedule is flexible—you can spend more or less time at each site based on your interests. Just let your driver know what works best for you.

What’s included

Your private Mercedes ride comes with WiFi onboard, bottled water, hotel pickup/drop-off in Lisbon, entry tickets to both the Bones Chapel and Évora Cathedral, plus an experienced local chauffeur who shares stories along the way. Infant seats are available if needed—and service animals are welcome too.