Private Tour: Évora and Almendres Cromlech Day Trip from Lisbon

A few facts about the town of Évora: it has 55,000 inhabitants; it is more than 2,000 years old; and it is under the designation of UNESCO. Within the walls of the wonderfully preserved town center are ancient Roman temples, medieval cathedrals, and narrow cobblestoned streets.

Begin your day trip with a pickup from your central Lisbon hotel, and then hop inside a comfortable minivan with your private guide. During the hour-long drive, gaze out at the Portuguese countryside and learn about the history and culture of the places you’re about to visit.

On arrival in Évora, visit the grand Gothic Cathedral, built in the 12th century, and the medieval cloisters. Climb to the roof of the building to get a great view of the town and the surrounding countryside.

Next, stop by the Temple of Diana, the famed Roman temple that was dedicated to Augustus, emperor of Rome. Then, check out the Chapel of Bones (Capela dos Ossos) inside the Church of St Francis. As the name suggests, the mysterious chapel is made up of human bones.

After lunch (own expense), head out to Tourega Villa, an old Roman farm. Learn about the history of the place as well as about the daily life of farming 2,000 years ago. Then, continue to Anta Grande do Zambujeiro (Great Dolmen of Zambujeiro), the oldest domen on the Iberian peninsula. Located among the tranquil cork and olive trees, the dolmen dates back about 6,000 years.

Make your final stop of the tour at the Almendres Cromlech, a Neolithic stone circle, which is aligned with the Summer Solstice. Wander around the ancient circle, said to be the largest existing group of structured menhirs in the Iberian Peninsula, and hear how the stones were likely used for sacred rituals.

Your tour then concludes with a drop-off at your hotel in Lisbon.