On this day, we will travel south of Portugal, crossing the Salazar Bridge (often compared to the Golden Gate Bridge) and returning via the Vasco da Gama Bridge, the second largest bridge in Europe. Our destination is Évora, a city classified as a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1986. Known as the “White City” and the “City Museum,” Évora captivates visitors with its architectural grandeur, monumental churches, historic squares, white houses, and narrow medieval streets. The city is a blend of cultures, with influences from Romans, Arabs, Jews, and Christians, reflecting the rich tapestry of Portuguese identity.

Once the residence of kings and a center of the arts and sciences during the Avis Dynasty, Évora is now a vibrant city inviting exploration. We will start our tour at the city center, where Évora was taken from the Moors by Geraldo “Sem Medo” (Fearless) in 1166. The city flourished in the Middle Ages, particularly during the Avis Dynasty (1385-1580).

Our tour includes:

• Temple of Diana: A Corinthian-style temple from the early 1st century AD, part of the ancient Évora City forum, originally dedicated to the imperial cult.
• Bone Chapel: Located in the Church of São Francisco, this chapel is lined with human bones, a place where monks once meditated on death.
• Évora Cathedral: A Romanesque-Gothic building from the 13th-14th centuries. Visitors can climb the towers for stunning views over the city and countryside.

We will also visit a cork factory to learn about the production process of the world’s highest quality cork, as Évora is a leading exporter. Additionally, Évora is renowned for its excellent wines. If you’re interested, we can arrange a visit to a prestigious wine producer in the Alentejo region, where you can enjoy a wine tasting session.

The itinerary includes:

Pickup from your hotel / Crossing the Salazar Bridge / Arriving in Évora / City center tour / Temple of Diana / Bone Chapel / Évora Cathedral / Cork factory tour / Optional visit to a wine producer for a tasting session / Return via Vasco da Gama Bridge

Are you ready for this adventure?