Private Évora Half-Day Tour from Lisbon: Chapel of Bones & Roman Temple

Summary

Luxury Chauffeured Évora City Tour: History & Hidden Corners

If you want to see Évora’s real side without rushing or missing key sights, this private half-day tour is for you. You’ll get local stories, skip tourist crowds, and travel in comfort—all while soaking up centuries of history and culture.

What’s the experience like?

The morning air in Lisbon still felt cool when our driver pulled up in a sleek Mercedes—WiFi already connected, water bottles chilled. We headed east, watching the city fade into rolling Alentejo fields. It’s about 90 minutes to Évora, but honestly, it went by fast with our chauffeur sharing stories about the region’s cork trees and olive groves. If you’re lucky, you’ll spot storks nesting on old chimneys along the way.

First stop: Capela dos Ossos. I’d seen photos before, but nothing really prepares you for those walls—skulls and bones stacked from floor to ceiling, all arranged with eerie precision. The chapel sits inside the Royal Church of St. Francis; there’s this faint scent of wax and stone that lingers as you walk in. Our guide explained how monks built it as a reminder of life’s shortness. It sounds heavy, but somehow it’s peaceful too.

Popping out into Praça do Giraldo next felt like stepping into another world—sunlight bouncing off whitewashed buildings, locals chatting at Café Arcada (try their galão if you need a caffeine kick). The square buzzes with life: kids running around the fountain, shopkeepers setting up displays under wrought-iron balconies. You can’t help but slow down here.

The Roman Temple is just a short stroll away—over 2,000 years old and still standing proud. Our guide pointed out the Corinthian columns; apparently they’ve survived earthquakes and invasions. There’s something surreal about seeing ancient stones right in the middle of town while mopeds zip past.

We wrapped up at Évora Cathedral—the biggest medieval cathedral in Portugal. Climbing its narrow spiral staircase was a bit of a workout (watch your step!), but the view from the top is worth every breath: terracotta rooftops stretching out to distant hills. Before heading back to Lisbon, we grabbed pastel de nata from a bakery near the cathedral—still warm from the oven.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Évora Half-Day Highlights

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

Top questions

How long does the drive from Lisbon to Évora take?

It usually takes about 90 minutes each way by car, depending on traffic.

Is there time for coffee or snacks during the tour?

Yes! There are breaks in Praça do Giraldo where you can grab coffee or pastries at local cafés.

Are infant seats available for families?

Absolutely—just let us know in advance so we can have them ready for your ride.

Can I bring my stroller or pram?

No problem at all; our vehicles have space for strollers and prams.

Is this tour suitable for people with limited mobility?

The main sites are accessible, though some areas (like climbing the cathedral tower) involve stairs. Let us know your needs—we’ll do our best to help.

What’s included

Your private Mercedes vehicle comes with WiFi and bottled water onboard. Pickup and drop-off at your hotel or apartment in Lisbon are included. Our knowledgeable chauffeur will guide you through every stop—from the Chapel of Bones to Évora Cathedral—and we provide infant seats if needed. Service animals are welcome too!