Private Évora & Monsaraz Wine Tour from Lisbon: Esporão Tasting

Summary

Alentejo Private Day Trip: Évora, Esporão Winery & Monsaraz Village

If you want to see real Alentejo—history-packed towns, proper wine tasting at Esporão, plus those wide-open views from Monsaraz—this private tour covers it all without rushing you around.

What’s the experience like?

The day started early in Lisbon—our driver picked us up right outside our apartment in Campo de Ourique. The city was just waking up, bakeries opening their doors, the smell of fresh bread drifting out. We settled into the Mercedes (WiFi actually worked), water bottles ready for the road ahead. Heading east, the landscape changed fast: city blocks gave way to olive groves and those endless Alentejo plains. I remember catching sight of storks nesting on power poles as we got closer to Évora—our guide Pedro said it’s a spring thing here.

Évora itself feels like stepping into another time. Praça do Giraldo was already buzzing with locals grabbing coffee at Café Arcada—there’s this hum of conversation that fills the square. We wandered past wrought-iron balconies and whitewashed houses, then Pedro led us to the Roman Temple. It’s hard to believe those columns have stood for over 2,000 years; you can still see little patches of moss between the stones if you look close. The Cathedral loomed nearby—huge and solid, with bells that echo across the rooftops.

I’ll admit, the Chapel of Bones is something you don’t forget easily. The air inside is cool and smells faintly of incense and old stone. Skulls and bones line every inch—it’s strange but oddly peaceful. Pedro explained how it was built by Franciscan monks as a reminder about life’s fragility.

Afterwards, we drove out to Herdade do Esporão for wine tasting. The estate stretches out forever—vineyards on one side, cork trees on the other. We tried three different wines (the white was my favorite), paired with local cheese and olives. Our host Ana shared stories about harvest season and how they still use some traditional methods alongside modern tech.

The last stop was Monsaraz—a hilltop village that looks straight out over Alqueva Dam and miles of quiet countryside. Walking along the castle walls as the sun started to dip, you could hear nothing but birds and distant church bells. There’s a tiny shop near the main gate selling handmade pottery; I picked up a small blue bowl as a keepsake.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Évora & Alentejo Wine Tour

• Pickup in Lisbon
• Wine tasting at Esporão Winery
• Visit medieval village of Monsaraz
• Explore Chapel of Bones
• Stroll Praça do Giraldo
• See Roman Temple of Évora
• Tour Cathedral of Évora
• Drop-off in Lisbon

Top questions

Is this tour suitable for families with young kids?

Yes, families are welcome! Infant seats are available if needed, and there’s plenty of space in our vehicles for strollers or prams.

How long does the tour last?

The full experience usually takes about 10 hours including travel time from Lisbon, but we can adjust pacing based on your preferences.

Are vegetarian options available during wine tasting?

Absolutely—just let us know any dietary needs when booking so we can arrange suitable snacks at Esporão winery.

Will there be free time in Évora or Monsaraz?

You’ll have time to explore both towns at your own pace after guided visits; grab a coffee or browse local shops if you like.

What’s included

Your private day includes pickup/drop-off at your Lisbon hotel or apartment, all transport in a comfy Mercedes (with WiFi), bottled water throughout the day, expert local chauffeur-guide, wine tasting session at Herdade do Esporão (with snacks), plus entry to main sights like Chapel of Bones. Just bring comfy shoes—and maybe an appetite for cheese!