Exploring the historic cities of Braga and Guimarães, known as the "Rome of Portugal" and the "Cradle of Portugal," respectively, is a captivating day trip from Porto. Discover the impressive Braga Cathedral, savor a traditional Portuguese lunch, and learn about Guimarães’ well-preserved medieval architecture, including the iconic Guimarães Castle. This journey immerses visitors in the country’s rich heritage and religion, providing a glimpse into Portugal’s formative years. With hotel pickup and drop-off, entrance tickets, and bottled water included, this tour promises a seamless and enriching cultural experience. But what secrets do these ancient cities hold, waiting to be uncovered by the discerning traveler?
Key Points
- Explore the historic cities of Braga and Guimarães, known as the ‘Rome of Portugal’ and the ‘Cradle of Portugal’, respectively, on this day trip from Porto.
- Discover the impressive Braga Cathedral and the charming historic center, followed by a delightful traditional Portuguese lunch in Braga.
- Visit the iconic Guimarães Castle, the birthplace of the first king of Portugal, and marvel at the well-preserved medieval architecture of the city.
- Enjoy ample free time to freely explore the picturesque streets, hidden gems, and vibrant atmosphere of both Braga and Guimarães.
- The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, ensuring a seamless and enriching cultural experience, with COVID-19 safety measures in place.
Tour Overview
This day trip whisks visitors away from Porto to explore the historic cities of Braga and Guimarães, the ‘Cradle of Portugal‘, for a 9-hour journey through the nation’s rich heritage and religion.
Available in Portuguese, English, and Spanish, the tour immerses guests in the medieval charm of these two vibrant destinations.
Braga, known as the ‘Rome of Portugal’, and Guimarães, the birthplace of the first king of Portugal, offer a glimpse into the country’s formative years.
Travelers will enjoy free time to wander the cobblestone streets, visit iconic landmarks, and savor a traditional Braga lunch.
With hotel pickup and drop-off options, this comprehensive day trip provides a seamless and enlightening experience.
Highlights of the Trip
The day trip’s highlights invite visitors to explore the medieval cities of Braga and Guimarães, which embody Portugal’s rich heritage and religious history.
In Braga, often referred to as the ‘Rome of Portugal‘, travelers can discover the city’s impressive cathedral, one of the oldest in the country, and stroll through its charming historic center.
Guimarães, known as the ‘Cradle of Portugal‘, offers a glimpse into the nation’s formative years, with its well-preserved medieval architecture and the iconic Guimarães Castle, the birthplace of the first king of Portugal.
The tour also includes a delightful lunch in a typical Braga restaurant, allowing visitors to savor the flavors of the region.
Detailed Itinerary
After pickup from the meeting point or hotel, the day trip begins with a visit to the historic city of Braga, where travelers have around 2 hours to explore at their own pace. Next, they indulge in a delightful lunch at a typical Braga restaurant, savoring the local flavors of the region. Following the meal, the tour continues to the medieval town of Guimarães, the ‘Cradle of Portugal’, where visitors can spend another 2 hours discovering the city’s well-preserved architecture and the iconic Guimarães Castle, the birthplace of the first king of Portugal. Finally, the day trip concludes with a drop-off at Avenida dos Aliados in Porto.
| Braga | Duration | Guimarães |
|---|---|---|
| Visit historic city | 2 hours | Visit ‘Cradle of Portugal’ |
| Lunch at typical restaurant | – | Discover medieval architecture |
| Savor local flavors | – | Explore Guimarães Castle |
| – | – | 2 hours of free time |
| – | – | Drop-off in Porto |
Inclusions and Exclusions
The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off (if option selected), a delightful lunch at a typical Braga restaurant, refreshing bottled water, and entrance tickets to the monuments visited.
You’ll savor the flavors of the region as you indulge in a hearty, traditional Portuguese meal. The lunch is an integral part of the experience, allowing you to learn about the local culture and cuisine.
With all the logistics taken care of, you can sit back, relax, and fully enjoy the historic cities of Braga and Guimarães. The tour ensures a seamless and enriching day trip from Porto, leaving no detail unattended.
Important Information
Children must be accompanied by an adult to ensure their safety and enjoyment during the tour. Infant seats are available upon request for families traveling with young children. Importantly, the tour may be operated by a multilingual guide, catering to the diverse linguistic needs of the participants. Plus, COVID-19 safety measures may affect the vehicle capacity and modify certain tour plans to comply with local regulations and prioritize the well-being of all guests.
| Key Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Multilingual Guide | The tour may be operated by a guide fluent in Portuguese, English, and Spanish. |
| COVID-19 Measures | Vehicle capacity and tour plans may be adjusted to comply with local regulations. |
| Infant Seats | Available upon request for families traveling with young children. |
| Adult Supervision | Children must be accompanied by an adult for their safety and enjoyment. |
Hotel Pickup and Drop-off
Guests can opt for the convenient hotel pickup and drop-off service, which simplifies their travel arrangements and allows them to focus on enjoying the day’s activities.
The tour operator will pick you up from your hotel or a designated meeting point in Porto and transport you directly to the historic cities of Braga and Guimarães.
At the end of the day, you’ll be dropped off right at Avenida dos Aliados in the heart of Porto, making your return journey seamless.
This added service ensures a stress-free experience, so you can fully learn about the rich cultural heritage of these remarkable destinations without worrying about logistics.
Simply sit back, relax, and let the tour guide handle the transportation.
Lunch in Braga
A delightful lunch at a typical Braga restaurant awaits participants, providing a delectable taste of the region’s renowned culinary heritage.
Savoring the flavors of traditional Portuguese cuisine, the meal offers a harmonious blend of locally sourced ingredients and time-honored recipes that exemplify the gastronomic richness of this historic city.
Diners can expect a variety of regional specialties, from the flavorful bifana (pork sandwich) to the hearty caldo verde (kale and potato soup).
The warm, convivial atmosphere of the restaurant complements the delicious fare, allowing participants to enjoy the local culture and hospitality.
This luncheon break promises to be a highlight of the day, nourishing both the body and the spirit.
Free Time Exploration
Ample time is allotted during the day trip for participants to freely explore the captivating medieval cities of Braga and Guimarães, seeing the rich cultural tapestry and architectural marvels that define these historic destinations.
In Braga, often referred to as the ‘Rome of Portugal,’ visitors can wander through the picturesque streets, marvel at the impressive Sé Cathedral, and discover hidden gems like the Palácio do Raio, a stunning 18th-century Baroque palace.
In Guimarães, the Cradle of Portugal, travelers can stroll through the charming old town, visit the imposing Guimarães Castle, and soak in the vibrant atmosphere of this UNESCO World Heritage site.
Recap
This captivating day trip from Porto immerses visitors in Portugal’s rich history and heritage.
Explore the impressive cathedral and savor a traditional Portuguese lunch in Braga, the ‘Rome of Portugal.’
Discover the well-preserved medieval architecture, including the iconic Guimarães Castle, in the ‘Cradle of Portugal.’
This seamless and enriching cultural experience provides a glimpse into the country’s formative years, leaving travelers with a deeper appreciation for Portugal’s historic significance.
