A Roman temple, an aqueduct with houses built into it, a fortress-cathedral and a knight called "the Fearless": Évora told by a local. Book for €1.50 and decide at the end what it was worth.
Fun fact: In Évora, people literally built their homes inside the arches of the 16th-century aqueduct, making use of every gap.
Highlights
- Two thousand years of history in a UNESCO World Heritage city
- Portugal's most famous Roman temple
- Houses built inside an aqueduct
- The fortress-cathedral and Giraldo Square
- Legends of Geraldo "the Fearless"
Full description
Évora is a time capsule in the heart of the Alentejo. Romans, Moors, kings and knights left their mark on every stone, which is why the whole city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Your local guide reveals it starting by the Silver Water Aqueduct, a 16th-century masterpiece with houses literally slotted between its arches, and through the Roman Arch of Dona Isabel, a doorway straight into ancient Ebora. In Giraldo Square, the city's beating heart, you'll hear the exploits of Geraldo "the Fearless", popular revolts and French invasions. You'll get up close to the fortress-like Cathedral and the famous Roman Temple, Évora's most photographed monument, while discovering the story of the Inquisition and the Marquis of Pombal's clash with the Jesuits. We'll pass the churches of São Francisco and Graça and finish in the peaceful Public Garden, among strutting peacocks. How does it work? The €1.50 you pay when booking is just a booking fee: it saves your spot in the group, but it doesn't go to the guide. The tour itself is pay-what-you-want: at the end, you give your guide whatever you feel they've earned. Most people leave €15–20 per person, but here your smile sets the price, not a rate card.
Route
Duration: 2 h 40 min
- Meeting point
On foot
1Silver Water Aqueduct
Guided visit · 10 min
Meeting point behind Porta Velha da Lagoa
On foot (3 min)
2Houses built into the aqueduct
Guided visit · 10 min
Homes squeezed between its arches
On foot (5 min)
3Roman Arch of Dona Isabel
Guided visit · 10 min
The gateway to Roman Évora
On foot (5 min)
4Giraldo Square
Guided visit · 15 min
Geraldo the Fearless, revolts and French invasions
On foot (5 min)
5Évora Cathedral
Guided visit · 15 min
The fortress-cathedral and its reliquary
On foot (3 min)
6Roman Temple
Photo stop · 15 min
Évora's most photographed monument, the Inquisition and the Jesuits
On foot (8 min)
7São Francisco Church
Guided visit · 10 min
The great Franciscan convent (seen from outside)
On foot (3 min)
8Graça Church
Guided visit · 10 min
Renaissance harmony and its mysterious giants
On foot (3 min)
9Public Garden
Pass by · 10 min
Finale among peacocks and palace ruins
For reference only: the route and times may change on the day.
Duration: 2 h 40 min
Shared group
Up to 6 people
Guide / driver speaks
English
What's included
Local guide in English
Walking tour of almost 3 hours through the historic centre
Stories, curiosities and insider tips from a local
Not included
The pay-what-you-want contribution to the guide, at the end (average €15–20 per person)
Entrance fees (monuments seen from outside)
Food, drinks and transport
Meeting point
Évora, Portugal
The exact meeting point is provided in the booking confirmation.
Important information
Not suitable for
- Wheelchair users
What to bring
- Comfortable shoes
- Water and sun protection (summers are hot)
- Cash for the tip
Not allowed
- Groups of more than 6 people, even if booked separately
Good to know
- Look for the blue umbrella with yellow "Free Tour" letters
- Arrive 10–15 minutes early
- The tour runs rain or shine
- At the end, tip what you think is fair, in cash
Cancellation policy
Free cancellation up to the start time of the tour: your booking fee is refunded. If your plans change, please cancel so another traveller can take your spot.
Company's general termsShowHide
Pay-what-you-want free tour: the €1.50 paid when booking is a booking fee and does not include payment for the guide. At the end, each person gives the guide what they feel is fair, cash only, in euros (the average is €15–20 per person). Maximum 6 people per booking: we do not accept groups of more than 6 people, even if they book separately. More of you? For larger groups we ask for a prepayment of €12 per adult and €5 per child, or you can book a private tour. Monuments are visited from the outside: entrance fees not included. Drinks, food and transport not included. Stops may vary depending on the guide, the weather or events in the city. Free cancellation up to the start time.
Questions and answers
Where is the pick-up?
At the hotel, rental or address you give when booking. The company confirms the exact spot and time.
Can I bring children?
Yes. Count children in the number of people. For child seats or other needs, write to the company through the booking messages.
Can we stop wherever we like?
On a private service the vehicle is just for your group: agree stops with the driver, within the service's duration.
Can I cancel?
Free cancellation up to the start time of the tour: your booking fee is refunded. If your plans change, please cancel so another traveller can take your spot.
How do I pay?
Online, by card, Apple Pay or Google Pay. You get the confirmation by e-mail straight away.
What if I have more questions?
After booking, talk to the company through the booking messages. Before that, write to us at [email protected].
