From Porto: 1-day MINHO / Guimarães – Braga Tour

Enjoy the captivating history and striking landscapes of northern Portugal’s Minho region on this remarkable one-day tour from Porto. Led by a knowledgeable multilingual guide, you’ll uncover the rich cultural and religious heritage of the picturesque cities of Guimarães and Braga, from the medieval grandeur of Guimarães Castle to the awe-inspiring Bom Jesus do Monte sanctuary. With transportation, admission fees, and free time to explore these architectural marvels, this small-group excursion promises an unforgettable glimpse into the enchanting heart of the Minho. What secrets will you uncover as you traverse these historic streets?

Key Points

• This 1-day tour from Porto takes visitors to the historic cities of Guimarães and Braga in the Minho region.
• The tour includes visits to Guimarães Castle, Braga Cathedral, Sameiro Sanctuary, and Bom Jesus do Monte.
• The tour is priced at €95.00 per person and can be booked with a pay later option.
• The tour is a small-group experience with a maximum of 7 participants and a live, multilingual tour guide.
• The tour includes transportation, visits to monuments, and time to explore the historical centers of Guimarães and Braga.

Tour Overview

This 1-day MINHO tour from Porto whisks visitors on a captivating journey through the historic cities of Guimarães and Braga, immersing them in the region’s rich cultural and architectural heritage for a duration of 9 hours.

Guests will explore the majestic Guimarães Castle, a towering symbol of Portugal’s origins, and the magnificent Braga Cathedral, a stunning Baroque masterpiece.

The tour also ventures to the serene Sameiro Sanctuary and the breathtaking Bom Jesus do Monte, where the interplay of nature and sacred architecture creates an awe-inspiring atmosphere.

This compact yet comprehensive itinerary offers travelers a delightful taste of the MINHO region’s captivating past and present.

Tour Details

The tour is priced from €95.00 per person and offers the flexibility of reserving now and paying later, along with the convenience of free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. Travelers will embark on this small-group experience (maximum 7 participants) led by a live, multilingual guide proficient in English, French, and Portuguese.

Tour Details
Price	From €95.00 per person
Reservation	Reserve now, pay later
Cancellation	Free up to 24 hours in advance
Group Size	Maximum 7 participants
Tour Guide	Live, multilingual (English, French, Portuguese)

This meticulously curated tour provides an immersive journey through the rich historical, religious, and medieval heritage of Guimarães and Braga, two captivating destinations within the Minho region.

Itinerary

From the heart of Porto, the tour embarks on a captivating journey to uncover the rich tapestry of Guimarães and Braga, two jewels within the Minho region.

Visitors are first greeted by the majestic Guimarães Castle, where they’ll spend 105 minutes immersed in the town’s medieval history.

Next, the group travels to the awe-inspiring Braga Cathedral, a striking fusion of architectural styles that commands 105 minutes of exploration.

After, they’ll have 2 hours to freely wander Braga’s historical center, before visiting the serene Sameiro Sanctuary and the breathtaking Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte, with its iconic zigzag staircase.

Highlights

Visitors embark on a captivating journey, first greeted by the majestic Guimarães Castle, where they’ll enjoy the town’s medieval history.

Next, they’ll stand in awe before the striking Braga Cathedral, a fusion of architectural styles that commands attention. Afterwards, they’re free to wander Braga’s historical center, before visiting the serene Sameiro Sanctuary and the breathtaking Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte, with its iconic zigzag staircase.

This tour promises an immersive exploration of the region’s rich cultural and historical heritage, allowing visitors to:

• Discover the Palace of the Dukes and the Castle of Guimarães
• Admire the Bom Jesus Sanctuary and its enchanting gardens
• Explore the Historic Center and Braga Cathedral
• Explore the religious and medieval traditions of Guimarães and Braga
• Appreciate the striking architecture and natural beauty of the sites.

Inclusions and Extras

This tour’s inclusions treat visitors to a delightful array of experiences, allowing them to enjoy the region’s cultural and historical gems without the hassle of paid entrance fees. Transport and a knowledgeable driver/guide are provided, whisking them from site to site, while guided walks through the enchanting gardens of Bom Jesus do Monte and other landmarks offer ample opportunities to soak in the serene ambiance. Though entrance tickets to the castle, cathedral, and other monuments are not included, the tour’s focus on exploring the exteriors and grounds ensures a comprehensive appreciation of Guimarães and Braga’s timeless allure.

Inclusions	Extras
Visits to monuments (without paid entrance tickets)	Paid tours of the monuments (castle and cathedral)
Walk in the gardens	Lunch
Transport and driver/guide	Drinks

Guimarães Castle

The towering Guimarães Castle, a magnificent 10th-century fortress, commands the historic center of this enchanting city, inviting visitors to step back in time and unravel the captivating tales etched within its weathered walls.

As one explores the castle’s meticulously preserved ramparts and towers, they’re transported to a bygone era, where the echoes of royal legacies and centuries-old traditions resonate.

The castle’s strategic position, perched atop a verdant hill, offers breathtaking panoramic views that further enrich the experience.

Visitors can explore the castle’s rich history through interactive exhibits, guided tours, and a chance to wander its atmospheric courtyards and chambers, creating an immersive and unforgettable encounter with Portugal’s medieval heritage.

Braga Cathedral

Soaring majestically above the bustling streets of Braga, the revered Braga Cathedral stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of Portugal’s religious heritage, its imposing neo-classical façade adorned with intricate carvings and ornate architectural flourishes that captivate the senses.

Visitors to this hallowed sanctuary are greeted by a breathtaking interior, where towering granite columns support a vaulted ceiling that seems to reach towards the heavens.

The cathedral’s rich history is woven into every nook and cranny, from the masterfully crafted baroque altarpieces to the ornate choir stalls that showcase the skilled craftsmanship of bygone eras.

As the spiritual heart of Braga, this magnificent cathedral offers a profound glimpse into Portugal’s centuries-old traditions and the unwavering faith that has shaped its cultural identity.

Sanctuary of Bom Jesus Do Monte

Nestled atop a verdant, undulating hillside, the Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte commands a breathtaking panorama over the ancient city of Braga.

Its magnificent Baroque staircase unfurls like a celestial ribbon leading the faithful towards the sacred precinct above.

Pilgrims ascend the 17 terraced segments, adorned with ornate chapels, fountains, and statues, in a symbolic journey towards spiritual enlightenment.

The sanctuary’s grand basilica, with its soaring towers and ornate interior, is a masterpiece of 18th-century Portuguese architecture, a testament to the country’s rich religious heritage.

This sacred site offers visitors a profound experience, inviting them to reflect on the interconnectedness of the physical and the divine.

Recap

The 1-day Minho tour from Porto provides an immersive experience in the historic and scenic Minho region.

Travelers explore the striking architecture and rich cultural heritage of Guimarães and Braga, visiting iconic landmarks like Guimarães Castle, Braga Cathedral, and the Bom Jesus do Monte sanctuary.

With transportation, expert guidance, and free time to wander, this small-group tour offers an opportunity to deeply connect with the region’s captivating past and natural beauty.