ORIGIN TOURSDiscover the roots of Portugal Find your tour
Montemor-o-NovoÉvora Charter of 1203

Montemor-o-Novo & Évora Day Trip from Lisbon

Discover the origins of Central Portugal on a day trip to Montemor-o-Novo and Évora. Explore the medieval castle, the Roman Temple, and the Évora Cathedral.

Duration
6 h
From Lisbon
81 km
Guide
English
Pickup
Available
Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible

Highlights

  • Discover the origins of towns, castles, and monumental architecture
  • Walk through history with local insights and hidden stories
  • Visit both Montemor-o-Novo and Évora in one engaging day
  • Explore the majestic Évora Cathedral, a masterpiece of architecture
  • Stand before the Roman Temple and marvel at its enduring columns

About this tour

Step into the origins of Central Portugal on this immersive tour, where history, architecture, and culture come alive. Explore Montemor‑o‑Novo, a hilltop town whose medieval castle and ancient roots tell stories of settlement, defense, and the very foundations of the Alentejo region.

Walk through streets shaped by centuries of human life, from early inhabitants to strategic medieval planning, and learn how this town influenced Portugal’s history.

Next, journey to Évora, one of Portugal’s most historically layered cities and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Stand before the Roman Temple, built in the 1st century CE, and marvel at its enduring columns that whisper the city’s imperial past.

Explore the majestic Évora Cathedral, a masterpiece blending Romanesque and Gothic architecture, and discover the stories of kings, craftsmen, and communities that shaped this vibrant city.

This tour is more than sightseeing — it’s a journey into origins. Every monument, every street, and every hill reveals how these cities evolved and how people connected with their environment across centuries. From strategic hilltops to sacred temples, uncover the stories that built Central Portugal.

Included

  • Visit to Montemor-o-Novo
  • Visit to Évora
  • Local insights and hidden stories
  • Exploration of Roman Temple
  • Exploration of Évora Cathedral

Not included

  • Meals
The origin story

Montemor-o-Novo Charter of 1203

Montemor-o-Novo grew around a hilltop castle on the road between Lisbon and the Alentejo. King Sancho I granted the town its charter in 1203, and its medieval walls still crown the hill above the plain. It is also the birthplace of Saint John of God, born here in 1495 and founder of the Hospitaller order that still cares for the sick around the world.

Things to do in Montemor-o-Novo →
The origin story

Évora Roman city

Évora has been a city for more than two thousand years. The Romans built its temple in the 1st century, the Moors held it for four centuries, and Christian Portugal made it a royal city, with a cathedral begun in the late 12th century. Kings of the Avis dynasty lived here, and the whole historic centre, from the temple to the Chapel of Bones, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Things to do in Évora →

Know before you go

  • Wear comfortable shoes for walking
  • Bring a camera for photos
Check availability →

Continue the story