Hard to identify what we liked best about this tour as we loved just about every aspect of the day spent with the incomparable Diogo, the tour operator. His communication skills, personal warmth, encyclopedic knowledge of Portuguese history and culture provided us with an experience that was unrivaled anywhere. We went to the Megalithic sites outside Evora first and spent a considerable amount of time exploring all three. We never felt rushed and it was such a rich experience to be with someone who possesses great love and pride for his country as well as a reverence for what came before us. We explored Evora walking around this charming city and enjoying lunch at a local and truly authentic restaurant. We have been on many tours but this tour of Evora and the ancient sites was unrivaled. It was the only tour that combined a visit to the city and the exploration of the Megalithic sites. There is no better guide than Diogo. He is a naturalist and a historian wrapped into one. We cannot recommend him more enthusiastically!
About Activity
What's Included
Includes
- Fresh water
- Driver/guide (full time trip leader)
- Private Tour in Air Conditioned Mini Van
- Baggage transport is limited to 4 medium-sized suitcases.
- Pick-up and drop-off available from Lisbon/Sintra central hotels or Lisbon Cruise Terminal/airport.
Excludes
- Food and drinks
- Entrance fees
- Gratuities are not included.
Departure & Return
Departure Point
- Traveler pick up offered
Itinerary
During the Roman era, known as Liberalitas Julia, Évora was a prominent city in the Lusitania province. The magnificent Roman Temple, also known as the Temple of Diana, is a well-preserved structure from the 1st century AD and stands as a symbol of the city's Roman heritage. Évora flourished during the Middle Ages, becoming a major religious and educational center. Many of its most famous buildings, including the Cathedral and the University, date from this period. We will visit the 13th-century Cathedral, a striking example of Gothic architecture, and the intriguing Bones Chapel, a poignant reminder of human fragility. As we walk through the city, you'll marvel at how Évora seamlessly blends its ancient heritage with the lively atmosphere of university life.
The Almendres Cromlech dates back to between 6000 and 5000 BCE, making it one of the oldest megalithic sites in the world. It predates Stonehenge by about 2000 years. While the exact purpose remains unknown, it is believed to have served as a ceremonial or religious site. The alignment of the stones suggests it may have been used for astronomical observations, marking solstices and equinoxes.
The Anta Grande do Zambujeiro is a vital part of Portugal’s megalithic heritage, showcasing the advanced social and engineering skills of its prehistoric inhabitants. It is a popular tourist attraction, drawing visitors interested in ancient history, archaeology, and the mysteries of prehistoric societies. The Anta Grande do Zambujeiro stands as a remarkable testament to the ingenuity and spiritual life of Portugal’s ancient inhabitants, offering a tangible connection to a distant past.
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Additional Info
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Reviews
Our guide Diogo was incredibly knowledge and passionate about Portugal. We felt very fortunate to have such a wonderful guide. The bone chapel, although a short visit, is a must see. The various megalithic sites are very interesting in their history, and you can literally place your hand on a stone placed there almost 8000 years ago. The stork nests on the way to Evora are an added treat to see. We ate at a wonderful restaurant, and even had time to visit the Christ the King statue on our way back! It’s a great tour of discovery!
Diogo was great! I booked this trip because my husband wanted to see the stone circle so I booked this as the best timing and convenience and I am so glad I did! The sites were beautiful and Diogo was not only super knowledgable but very friendly and personable. By the end of the tour it felt like we were spending the day with a friend. I have already recommended this tour and this group to several people who are planning trips to Portugal soon. Obrigada!
We had a fabulous day viewing the megaliths and exploring historic Evora with Diogo. His knowledge of the sites, the Alentejo area, and complex Portuguese history in general is exceptional. We learned so much on this tour due to Diogo's ability to explain, answer our questions, and make the information interesting. Our conversations were wide ranging and enjoyable.The sites on this tour are amazing! It was a pleasure to spend the day with Diogo.
What a fabulous tour of the Megaliths and nearby Evora by Diogo. He is the perfect guide with extensive knowledge and outstanding driving skills. We had complex discussions of anthropology and more simple ones of the history of the area. Be sure to book this very accommodating tour and guide! Fascinating and educational - beautiful views, so much culture and history!
Fabulous experience - Diogo was an amazing guide - incredible megaliths and Evora is beautiful And rich in history
This was the second private tour that we took through Essencia da Latitude. We had the same tour guide (Diogo) which was great. Evora is a must see when visiting Portugal. The Megaliths were interesting. It was great that Diogo decided to show the Megaliths in the morning otherwise the afternoon would have been very hot. Diogo recommended a great place for lunch (in a windmill) . If you take this tour, ask for Diogo since he is very knowledgeable and extremely pleasant
Diogo was an amazing tour guide and his knowledge of the history and biology of the region really made the trip special. He also took us to a wonderful restaurant in a windmill that had some of the best food we had in Portugal. We were able to see everything we wanted in the Èvora area and more! We would highly recommend this trip and Diogo as a guide.
This was the highlight of our trip, hands down. As a couple with no car rental during our trip, we would have never seen any of these incredible sites. We hadn't expected going up to any really interacting with any of the sites which was allowed which was the cherry on top. If you are interesting in a unique, engaging and once in a lifetime tour, this is certainly the excursion for you. There was water in the car, host was considerate and thorough, and the restaurant you eat at during the lunch was some of the tastiest we had in Portugal.
If you are interested in some of the natural history and archaeology, plus a great exploration of the Alentejo countryside, this will be a fit for you. Explore Évora and see the tourist highlights, then venture into the countryside and fields to learn about the Alméndres Cromlech and the menhirs. Daniel was a very congenial, informed, knowledgeable and entertaining guide. We stopped for a typical Portuguese lunch that felt like visiting someone’s home: warm, welcoming but authentic and truly representative.
This was an excellent experience! I learned so much from my guide, Daniel, and we were able to allocate our time perfectly to what I wished to see. The Capela dos Ossos, Cromlech and Menhir de Meada are awe inspiring. I’m grateful to have been there. There’s so much more to learn beyond the sights. I highly recommend!
One of the best trips i ever made. The Alentejo region and mainly Evora are fantastic historical sites. Archaeological studies found human presence from thousand of years in this area. Evora Historical Center is amazing, never thought this location was so important for the human history in our planet. The Roman temple is located at a very nice spot and is a very good example of the architecture at the time. Last but not least, the bone chapel is one of those unique sites in the world. Very interesting history and building method. You could spend the whole day just admiring the interior. The guide was extremely kind and helpful through the whole tour. Can't be wrong booking this trip, so much history and education in one day. Hope to do it again soon.
Absolutely worth seeing, fantastic experience.... Diego is a friendly, fantastic guide with a great knowledge, a safe driver and flexibly meets every wish of his guests
Spectacular for the whole family. It is worth making a trip to Lisbon and enjoy to see other areas of Portugal such as Évora. It is no longer the first I do and I continue to strongly recommend
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