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From Porto: Braga and Guimarães Full-Day Trip

1. From Porto: Braga and Guimarães Full-Day Trip

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.

From Porto: Braga and Guimarães Full Day Tour with Lunch

2. From Porto: Braga and Guimarães Full Day Tour with Lunch

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. 

Porto: Guimarães & Braga Tour with Entry Tickets and Lunch

3. Porto: Guimarães & Braga Tour with Entry Tickets and Lunch

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. 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.

From Porto: Wonders of Braga & Guimaraes Private Day Trip

4. From Porto: Wonders of Braga & Guimaraes Private Day Trip

From Porto, discover the beauty of one of the most beautiful regions of Portugal, on a trip in a comfortable vehicle and private driver. On this trip to Minho you will get to know the best of the cities of Braga and Guimarães, two of the oldest and historical in Portugal and recognized by UNESCO. Have a memorable lunch at a local restaurant and choose the places to enjoy: • Braga Downtown, Braga Cathedral, Bom Jesus or Sameiro • Igreja e Convento de Sao Francisco, • Paco dos Duques de Braganca and Guimarães Castle • Arco da Porta Nova e Largo da Nossa Senhora Oliveira Return in comfort to your hotel in Porto after a day that will surely be unforgettable. This is a private experience tour. You can adapt the program according to your preferences.

From Porto: Braga and Guimarães Full-Day Tour

5. From Porto: Braga and Guimarães Full-Day Tour

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.

Braga & Guimarães: Premium Day Tour

6. Braga & Guimarães: Premium Day Tour

Your premium day tour of Braga and Guimarães begins with a pickup in a comfortable and air-conditioned vehicle by your certified guide. You will be led through the streets of Braga, to the busy commercial street of Souto. Along the way, you'll have the chance to gaze at the city's exquisite Baroque facades as well as its beautiful gardens, including the Santa Bárbara Garden. Visit Braga's cathedral, the Sanctuary of Sameiro, and the UNESCO Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte, a Baroque masterpiece and a famous pilgrimage site. Afterward, pause and enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant.  Visit the medieval city of Guimarães where your friendly guide will lead you through the Palace of the Dukes of Bragança. Listen as they recount historical events from Portugal's past, including the history of the country's independence. Continue the tour by discovering the medieval streets and churches of the city. Before finishing the tour, you will also have time to explore the traditional commercial area of this UNESCO World Heritage-listed city.

Barcelos, Braga and Guimarães Private Tour from Porto

7. Barcelos, Braga and Guimarães Private Tour from Porto

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.

Minho: Private Braga and Guimarães Tour

8. Minho: Private Braga and Guimarães Tour

Your first stop will be in Braga, a city known for its heritage and religious events as one of the oldest cities in Portugal and one of the oldest Christian cities in the world. Being a religious city, you must visit the Cathedral of Faith Triangle, and the Sanctuaries of Bom Jesus. The Cathedral of Braga is distinguished by different architectural styles, including Roman, Manueline and Baroque. It is considered a center of Episcopal irradiation, and is one of the most important Romanesque temples in the country. The Bom Jesus Sanctuary is famous for its endless staircases and baroque details, and above being a religious monument it is also a truly romantic and relaxing place, complete with stunning views of the city. Before leaving for Guimarães, you will have a short break in the historic center of Braga, where you can enjoy a tasty, traditional lunch. Guimarães is where the first King of Portugal, D. Afonso Henriques, was born. The history of Guimarães is related to the foundation of the national identity and the Portuguese language. Here you can explore the Guimarães Castle, and see the imposing statue of King Afonso Henriques.

Guimarães: Half-Day Private Tour from Porto

9. Guimarães: Half-Day Private Tour from Porto

Experience the charm and unique personality of Guimarães on a half-day tour. This birthplace of Portugal harmoniously combines the past with the present and has been widely recognized for this ability. In 2012 Guimarães was named a European Capital of Culture, and in 2013 it was chosen European City of Sport. The tour begins at the medieval castle, where a mother and her son waged a battle over the creation of the Portuguese nation. Behind the Castle you will find a small church, where it is believed that the first king of Portugal was baptized. Continue on to the city center, which has been listed by UNESCO as a Cultural Heritage of Humanity Site. The streets and monuments of Guimarães have been so well preserved that you will feel like you have stepped into another era. Discover the magnificent architecture of the Church of São Miguel do Castelo, Palace of the Dukes of Braganza, and Largo Martins Sarmento. Pass by the municipal library, the Monastery of Santa Clara-a-Nova, and the church of Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Oliveira.

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What people are saying about Guimaraes

Overall rating

4.2 / 5

based on 243 reviews

We had a fabulous day with our guy Ricardo! He is amazing. He is attentive and knowledgeable. He was able to answer all our questions and explain the history. He gave us enough time to explore. We never felt rushed. He called the restaurant ahead and arranged delicious vegetarian meal for my friend. And of course the non vegetarian meal was also delicious. He picked a nice restaurant. He was very flexible and accommodating. when he realized that I wanted to climb the 500 steps at Braga Bom Jesus, he dropped me off at the bottom of the hill instead of his normal stopping point mid way. He kept the entire trip entertaining. I love the experience and highly recommended!

Paolo Castro was a wonderful tour leader. He was welcoming, knowledgeable, attentive to the older tourists in our group who needed a hand climbing up and down stairs, he was a safe driver which I felt was very important, and he was patient with those who kept missing the meetup times. The tour was wonderful overall, the 3, course lunch and wine was delicious and the portions were very big. I would strongly recommend this particular tour for anyone who is considering it. Book without hesitation! :)

the day was well organised with pickup taking place on time. The guide Sergio , was friendly and knowledgeable. Travelling with a small group is the best way to your, money well spent. I was kept in the loop at all times and knew exactly what to expect.

Rodrigo was amazing. Best tour and great kind. Speaks English perfectly and made sure we enjoyed the tour. He’s a real asset to the tour company. We have done many tours in Porto and his was the best.

Very good tour, well organized. Sylvia was fantastic. The van was very comfortable. Overall a very pleasant experience.