Portugal Historic Towns & Lisbon: Cultural Road Trip

Before leaving Tomar and driving to Évora, we recommend a few stops:

• Mata Nacional dos Sete Montes: A peaceful park near the convent, perfect for a morning stroll.
• Church of Santa Maria do Olival, a beautiful Templar burial site.

Say goodbye to Tomar and start driving to Évora. The drive will take about 2 hours and 30 minutes - approximately 143 miles (230 km).

Suggestion for the day: Évora Historic Center

• Roman Temple of Évora (Templo de Diana): Iconic ruins right in the heart of the city, with gardens and panoramic spots nearby.
• Sé de Évora (Évora Cathedral): Climb to the rooftop for sweeping views over the town and Alentejo countryside.
• Historic Streets & Squares: Wander through Praça do Giraldo, the lively central square, and along the narrow lanes lined with whitewashed houses and yellow trim.
• Chapel of Bones (Capela dos Ossos) inside Igreja de São Francisco: Striking and thought-provoking, best visited before evening.

Dinner Options:

• Fialho – classic Alentejo cuisine, long-standing and elegant.
• Taberna Típica Quarta-Feira – authentic, traditional set-menu experience.
• Dom Joaquim – refined local dishes with a modern twist.

After dinner, enjoy the calm streets of Évora by night; the historic center is beautifully lit and quieter once day-trippers leave.

Recommendations for your morning before leaving for Monsaraz, if you have time:

• University of Évora (Colégio do Espírito Santo): Elegant cloisters with azulejo-covered walls.
• Aqueduto da Água de Prata: Renaissance aqueduct that runs into town; some houses are built right into its arches.
• Local Shopping: Consider cork products, olive oil, or Alentejo wines before heading on.

Hit the road for a quick dribbling session of about 1 hour. From Évora to Monsaraz, the distance is approximately 33 miles (53 km).

Suggestion for the day: Monsaraz Hidden Gems

• Wander the Walled Village: Enter through the stone gates and explore the cobbled lanes, whitewashed houses, and charming corners.
• Monsaraz Castle: Climb up the castle walls for panoramic views of the Alqueva Lake, Europe’s largest artificial lake. The castle’s arena (once used for bullfights) is still intact.
• Igreja Matriz de Nossa Senhora da Lagoa: The main church in the village square, simple but historically significant.
• Craft Shops & Local Products: Browse small artisan shops for Alentejo pottery, textiles, cork items, and regional wine.
• Sunset Over Alqueva Lake: The view from the castle walls or the village terraces is unforgettable — golden plains meeting the deep blue of the lake.

Dinner:

• Taverna Os Templários – hearty Alentejo dishes with lake views.
• Sabores de Monsaraz – cozy spot with traditional cuisine.
• Stargazing: Monsaraz is part of the Alqueva Dark Sky Reserve, one of the best stargazing destinations in the world. If the sky is clear, you’ll see an impressive night sky with minimal light pollution.

Bid farewell to Monsaraz and drive to Lisbon for the last part of your trip. The drive will take approximately 115 miles (185 km).

Suggestion for the day: Stroll Around Downtown Lisbon

Lace up your walking shoes and embark on a journey through Lisbon's captivating historical neighborhoods. It’s time to explore Lisbon's vibrant neighborhoods on foot. 

• Start in Chiado, a charming district with elegant shops and cafes. Don't miss Livraria Bertrand, a historic bookstore.
• Move to Baixa, the bustling downtown area with Praça do Comércio, a grand waterfront square. Climb the Arco da Rua Augusta for city views.
• Immerse yourself in Bairro Alto's lively nightlife scene. Wander its maze-like streets filled with bars, restaurants, and traditional Fado music venues.

Can't-Miss Sights:

• São Roque Church: Admire its opulent interior.
• São Pedro de Alcântara Garden: Relax and enjoy panoramic views.
• Ruins of Carmo Church: Reflect on Lisbon's history.
• Santa Catarina Viewpoint: Capture stunning cityscapes.
• Luís de Camões Square: Pay homage to Portugal's literary icon.
• Terreiro do Paço: Soak in the lively atmosphere of this vast waterfront square.
• Santa Justa Lift: Enjoy a unique perspective from this neo-Gothic elevator.

Suggestion for the day: Unveiling Belém's Maritime Marvels

Head to Belém, a UNESCO site showcasing Portugal's maritime past. See the iconic Torre de Belém and Mosteiro dos Jerónimos, and savor Pastéis de Belém, a delicious custard tart.

Don’t Miss:

• Torre de Belém (Belém Tower): Start your exploration at this imposing 16th-century fortress. Marvel at its Manueline architecture, a unique Portuguese style characterized by nautical motifs and intricate stonework. Padrão dos Descobrimentos (Monument to the Discoveries): A short walk away stands this impressive monument commemorating Portugal's Golden Age of Exploration. 
• Mosteiro dos Jerónimos (Jerónimos Monastery): Immerse yourself in the grandeur of this magnificent 16th-century monastery. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it's a masterpiece of Manueline architecture, showcasing intricate stonework and stained-glass windows. 
• Pastéis de Belém: No visit to Belém is complete without indulging in the world-famous Pastéis de Belém, a traditional Portuguese custard tart. This iconic bakery, established in the 18th century, follows a secret recipe that has been passed down through generations. 
• MAAT – Museum of Art, Architecture, and Technology: If you have extra time, consider visiting the MAAT, a contemporary museum housed in a striking modern building on the waterfront. 

One last stop: returning your rental car.

Thank you for choosing us to be your travel companions on this adventure! It's been a pleasure assisting you in creating unforgettable memories. We wish you happy travels and until next time!