Full Day Tour Évora, Monsaraz, Esporão

Road route to Évora. Leaving Lisbon, we will cross the Tagus River to its south bank, in a very pleasant journey, enjoying the beautiful landscapes of the Alentejo, among the vineyards, holm oaks and cork oaks (the tree that produces cork).

Visit to the Church of São Francisco and Chapel of Bones. National Monument and Ex-libris of Évora, the Capela dos Ossos is a truly unique place, whose intention is to lead us to reflect on the transience of our earthly life and lead it in accordance with Christian values.

The Roman Temple is one of the largest and best preserved in the Iberian Peninsula. Built in the 1st century, it is classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Ex-libris of Évora. Opposite, we will be able to appreciate Jardim Diana, a beautiful green space, at the top of the hill, where you can breathe the pure air of Alentejo and enjoy a beautiful view!

Built in Roman-Gothic style, it is the largest medieval Cathedral and unparalleled in the rest of the country. It has an oak pipe organ in the high choir and several magnificent architectural elements, notably the "lantern tower". In addition to all this, its terrace is the highest point in Évora, where you have an incredible view of the city and the entire region around it!

After a short walk, we will arrive at the esplanade, where you can see the Church of Santo Antão and a marble fountain crowned in baroque style, with 8 spouts, each associated with each main street of the square.

Leaving towards the border with Spain, we will arrive at Monsaraz, a medieval village suspended in time, inside a castle that is classified as a National Monument, full of history and a privileged viewpoint! Passing through Porta da Vila and walking through its shale streets, there are several options of places and styles to have lunch in Monsaraz, offering a variety of typical dishes, seafood and an excellent drinks menu.

Based on the Renaissance style, the current Igreja Matriz was built in the 16th century. XVI, has a panel of tiles representing Nossa Senhora da Conceição, artistic decorations and eight side chapels. The main altar, in gilded carving, features two large wooden sculptures, of Saint Augustine and Saint Mónica.

Within the walls, in addition to other historical points, such as the Clock Tower, the Pelourinho, the Fresco Museum, there are many places, such as cellars, souvenir shops, curiosities and interesting articles, with emphasis on handicrafts in various forms, such as ceramics, tapestry, horn, cork, leather and wickerwork. In the back part of the castle, it is where you have the best view of the region and where you can take beautiful photographs, with the Alqueva lake as a backdrop (one of the largest artificial lakes in Europe, formed by the Guadiana River dam). and Spain, which is on the other side.

Passing through beautiful landscapes, where the vineyards stand out, we will arrive at one of the hallmarks of the estate, which is Torre do Esporão. Considered as one of the most important towers built in the passage from the Middle Ages to the Modern, it is constituted in the old manor on the estate of Mendes de Vasconcelos, a noble family, linked to the House of Bragança. Integrated in the World Wine Route, Wine Tourism at Herdade do Esporão was the first certified in Portugal. After getting to know the tunnel of the barrels and the wine cellar, the highlight of the visit is the Wine Tasting, with the presentation of 3 different samples, to close the day with a golden key!

Road route to Lisbon