Embark on a full-day guided tour of Guimarães and Braga from Porto. Pass through the scenic Minho region and explore the historical centers of these two cities. Optionally, you can also enjoy lunch in a traditional restaurant. Minho is known for having some of the most beautiful natural landscapes in Portugal, as well as being one of the richest regions in history. Explore the area and visit the cities of Guimarães and Braga on a full-day trip from Porto. Guimarães is the birthplace of Portugal and of the first Portuguese king. See the medieval castle of Guimarães and spend some time in the historical city center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The streets and monuments of Guimarães are so well-preserved that it is easy to imagine the past. Go on to spend the afternoon in Braga, one of the oldest Christian cities in the world. After lunch in a local restaurant, visit the cathedral and the historical center. See an important sanctuary, Bom Jesus do Monte, before making your way back to Porto.

Travel in an air-conditioned van from Porto to the cities of Braga and Guimarães on this guided tour. Savor an authentic Portuguese lunch. Get exclusive access to part of Braga Cathedral and stay hydrated on your trip with the included bottled water.  Starts with pickup your hotel or accommodation and relax with your group on the drive in a climate controlled van. Arriving in Braga, we will start by visiting the Bom Jesus Sanctuary and contemplating its magnificent staircase to the top of the church. After a top view of the city, visit the oldest cathedral in the country where you will have exclusive access to the chapel's and high choir. Sit down to a delicious, traditional Portuguese lunch at a restaurant where you can taste the famed "Vinho Verde" that is produced in the region. During the afternoon visit Guimarães. Have time for a calm walk on foot through the medieval city before entering in the Guimarães Castle where the kingdom of Portugal was born.  Continue to the Palace of the Dukes to be dazzled by the luxuries of royalty from other times. A whole history of Portugal will be told by your local guides along the way. Return to your accommodation in Porto at the end of your tour. 

The tour starts with a visit to the birthplace of the Portuguese nation – the city of Guimarães. This was the first city of Portugal chosen by the first king, Afonso Henriques. Known as the cradle of Portugal, Guimarães has preserved a medieval atmosphere at its core and is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. Your first stop takes place in the northern part of the city with a visit to the imposing 10th century castle and the majestic Dukes of Bragança Palace. Afterward the historical Santa Maria Road leads you to the charming square in the heart of the old town, Largo da Oliveira. After a relaxing lunch break in Guimarães that will certainly allow you to enjoy the pleasures of the cuisine of the north of Portugal, it will be time to continue towards Braga, the oldest religious capital of Portugal. Known to the Romans as Bracara Augusta, for centuries Braga has been and archiepiscopal seat and pilgrimage site. Your first stop is Sé, the 12th century cathedral built by Henri de Bourgogne and Dona Teresa. Then you will head to Bom Jesus Sanctuary, a hilltop pilgrimage site. The 581 steps that the pilgrims climb up to the top of Bom Jesus are one of the most glorious stairways in Portugal. After a visit to these landmarks of faith in the country you head back to Porto.

Benefit from pick-up at your hotel in Porto or Vila Nova de Gaia, and then discover the "Cradle of Portugal" on a day trip to Guimarães and Braga. Upon arrival in Guimarães, visit the birthplace of Portugal's first king at the medieval Castle of Guimarães. See the Chapel of St. Michael where he was baptized, and discover the Palace of the Dukes of Bragança. Continue to the Church of Our Lady of Consolation (Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Oliveira) and the Holy Steps. Then, discover a favorite meeting point for several generations in Guimarães on Praça da Oliveira. Marvel at the UNESCO World Heritage monuments of the historic center, including the beautiful Town Hall. Venture down one of the oldest streets of Guimarães on Rua de Santa Maria, and contemplate the Convent of Santa Clara before you take a break for lunch and soak up the city's youthful vibe on Praça de Santiago. Continue in the afternoon at the old city of Braga. Visit Praça da República, admire the unique façade of the Igreja dos Congregados, discover the House of Riddles and the famous A Brasileira café. Go to the fortified tower of the Torre de Menagem and see the 18th-century fountain of the Largo do Paço. Admire the cathedral that survived many earthquakes to emerge as one of Portugal's most important monuments. Then, head to Monte do Bom Jesus, 6 kilometers from the city center, and see the Sanctuary of Bom Jesus de Braga to experience the most famous religious sanctuary in Portugal. Depart Braga as the sun begins to set, and return to Porto to get dropped off at your hotel.

Vinho Verde or Green Wine. Most people know it, a lot of them have tried it and everyone loves it. On our daily tours to the Douro Valley we noticed this from our guests who keep asking if we are going to taste Green Wine during that tour. Thinking about them, and about you, we decided to create this experience. We’ll start in the morning with a medium size producer located in a lovely manor house which was built between the 12th and the 18th century. After a tour around the house, your first taste will take place: one “alvarinho” and one white “vinho verde” will be paired with some local delicious treats. A short drive to the second winery will follow and there you are going to experience an authentic small producer located in a picturesque property where the owner himself will welcome you warmly and will tell you precious information about green wine. We’ll head then to Guimarães, the first capital of Portugal and a Unesco heritage site. This is where we’re going to have a truly genuine Portuguese lunch, with delightful meal options and, of course, green wine. A nice digestive walk through the narrow streets of Guimarães will complete our journey before we head back to Porto. By the end you’ll understand better Green Wine and why it is not green and you will be knowing much more about the first steps of Portugal as an independent kingdom and nation.

Take an amazing tour through the history of Portugal on a private tour of Braga and Guimarães, with round-trip transportation from Porto. Benefit from pickup at your accommodation, and then travel in air-conditioned comfort to one of the oldest cities, known as Bracara Augusta during the Roman Empire when it was the capital of the province of Gallaecia. See landmark monuments, such as the Sé Cathedral and sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte. Marvel at the grandeur of the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Sameiro as you make your way to the medieval city of Guimarães, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its exceptionally well-preserved medieval architecture. Walk the streets of the historic center to see sights such as the Palace of the Dukes of Braganza and Guimarães Castle, built in the 10th century as a defense against the Moors. See the medieval Church of São Miguel do Castelo before getting dropped off at your accommodation in Porto.

Leave the hustle and bustle of Porto for the day for a trip to Guimarães, classified by UNESCO as Cultural Heritage of Humanity site for its historic significance as the place where Portugal was born. Upon arrival in Guimarães you will have some free time to explore the city center and enjoy lunch in a typical restaurant.  Continue to the Dukes of Bragança Palace, known as a Potuguese National Monument for its fabulous façade and wonderful interior. You will also go to Guimarães Castle, where you can climb the tower for panoramic views of the city. End with a stop in Braga and discover one of the most beautiful cities in northern Portugal at sites such as the Sé Church and Sanctuaries of Sameiro and Bom Jesus.