A Roman temple, an aqueduct with houses built into it, a fortress-like cathedral and the knight “the Fearless”: discover Évora through a local’s stories. Book for €1.50 and decide what it’s worth at the end.
Fun fact: In Évora, houses are literally built into the arches of a 16th-century aqueduct: residents made use of every space.
Highlights
- Two thousand years of history in a UNESCO World Heritage city
- Portugal’s most famous Roman temple
- Houses built into an aqueduct
- The fortress-like cathedral and Praça do Giraldo
- Legends of Geraldo “the Fearless”
Full description
Évora is a time capsule in the heart of the Alentejo. Romans, Arabs, kings and knights left their mark on every stone, which is why the entire city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Your local guide will show you around, starting by the Água de Prata Aqueduct, a 16th-century masterpiece with houses literally built into its arches, and crossing the Roman Arch of Dona Isabel, a direct gateway to ancient Ebora. At Praça do Giraldo, the heart of the city, you’ll hear tales of Geraldo “the Fearless,” popular uprisings and French invasions. You’ll get a close-up look at the fortress-like cathedral and the famous Roman Temple, Évora’s most photographed monument, while learning about the Inquisition and the Marquis of Pombal’s clash with the Jesuits. We’ll pass by the churches of São Francisco and da Graça and finish in the peaceful Public Garden, among the peacocks. How does it work? The €1.50 you pay when booking is just a booking fee: it reserves your place in the group, but it doesn’t go to the guide. The tour itself is pay-what-you-wish: at the end, you give your guide whatever you think they’ve earned. Most people leave €15–20 per person, but here the price is set by your smile, not by a fixed fee.
Route
Duration: 2 h 40 min
- Meeting point
On foot
1Acueducto de Água de Prata
Guided visit · 10 min
Meeting point behind Porta Velha da Lagoa
On foot (3 min)
2Casas encajadas en el acueducto
Guided visit · 10 min
Homes built between its arches
On foot (5 min)
3Arco romano de Dona Isabel
Guided visit · 10 min
The gateway to Roman Évora
On foot (5 min)
4Praça do Giraldo
Guided visit · 15 min
Geraldo Sem Pavor, uprisings and French invasions
On foot (5 min)
5Catedral de Évora
Guided visit · 15 min
The fortress-like cathedral and its reliquary
On foot (3 min)
6Templo romano
Photo stop · 15 min
The most photographed monument, the Inquisition and the Jesuits
On foot (8 min)
7Iglesia de São Francisco
Guided visit · 10 min
The great Franciscan convent (exterior visit)
On foot (3 min)
8Iglesia da Graça
Guided visit · 10 min
The Renaissance and its mysterious giants
On foot (3 min)
9Jardín Público
Pass by · 10 min
Finish 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
Spanish
What's included
Local Spanish-speaking guide
Almost 3-hour walking tour of the historic center
Stories, fun facts and recommendations from a local
Not included
Your pay-what-you-wish contribution to the guide at the end of the tour (the average is €15–20 per person)
Admission to monuments (exterior visits only)
Food, drinks and transportation
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 (it gets very hot in summer)
- Cash for the tip
Not allowed
- Groups of more than 6 people, even if they book separately
Good to know
- Look for the blue umbrella with yellow “Free Tour” lettering
- Arrive 10–15 minutes before the start time
- The tour runs rain or shine
- At the end, leave whatever tip you consider fair, in cash
Cancellation policy
Free cancellation until the tour start time: your booking fee will be refunded. If your plans change, cancel to free up your spot for another traveler.
Company's general termsShowHide
Free tour with a pay-what-you-wish contribution: the €1.50 booking fee is not included in the guide’s payment. At the end of the tour, each person gives the guide what they consider fair, in cash and euros only (the average is €15–20 per person). Maximum 6 people per booking: we don’t accept groups of more than 6, even if they book separately. Are you a larger group? For large groups, we require prepayment of €12 per adult and €5 per child, or you can book a private tour. Monuments are viewed from the outside; admission is not included. Drinks, food and transportation are not included. Stops may vary depending on the guide, the weather or events in the city. Free cancellation until the tour 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 until the tour start time: your booking fee will be refunded. If your plans change, cancel to free up your spot for another traveler.
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].
