Exploring the historic cities of Guimarães and Braga on a full-day tour from Porto is an excellent way to explore Portugal’s rich heritage. Visitors can discover the birthplace of the nation’s first king, marvel at impressive Baroque architecture, and wander through charming medieval streets. With a professional driver handling the transportation, travelers can sit back and enjoy the scenic countryside while learning about the region’s captivating past. Whether seeking architectural wonders or immersing oneself in centuries-old culture, this tour promises an enriching experience that may just leave you eager to uncover more of what Northern Portugal has to offer.
Key Points
- This full-day tour takes visitors from Porto to explore the historic cities of Guimarães and Braga, both renowned for their rich cultural heritage.
- Guimarães, the birthplace of Portugal’s first king, offers opportunities to discover its castle, impressive palace, and well-preserved medieval city center.
- The tour includes a visit to the iconic Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte in Braga, a Baroque masterpiece with stunning views over the city.
- Private transportation and experienced multilingual guides ensure a comfortable and informative journey tailored to the interests and needs of the group.
- Flexible booking options, including private tour packages, make it easy to plan and enjoy this comprehensive exploration of northern Portugal’s historic landmarks.
Tour Overview
This full-day tour takes visitors from Porto to explore the UNESCO-listed historic city of Guimarães and the ancient city of Braga, offering a comprehensive experience of northern Portugal’s rich heritage.
The tour includes pickup from your hotel in the Porto city center, ensuring a seamless start to your day.
Over the course of 8 hours, you’ll have the opportunity to discover the birthplace of Portugal’s first king in Guimarães, marvel at its impressive castle and historic landmarks, and then venture to Braga to visit the famous Sanctuary of Bom Jesus de Braga and other significant churches and squares.
With a private vehicle and professional driver, you can relax and learn about the sights and stories of these two remarkable destinations.
Highlights in Guimarães
One of the tour’s highlights in Guimarães is exploring the historic city center, a UNESCO World Heritage site that’s considered the birthplace of Portugal. Visitors can wander through the charming medieval streets, admiring the well-preserved architecture and soaking in the city’s rich history.
| Top Sites in Guimarães | |
|---|---|
| Guimarães Castle | The imposing 10th-century castle where Portugal’s first king was born. |
| Paço dos Duques de Bragança | The impressive palace that was once the residence of the dukes of Braganza. |
| Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Oliveira | A magnificent Romanesque church with beautiful tile work and religious art. |
Portugal’s Birthplace
Guimarães is considered the birthplace of Portugal, as it’s where the country’s first king, Afonso Henriques, was born in the 12th century.
The city’s historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage site, offers visitors a chance to explore the well-preserved medieval architecture and learn about the nation’s origins.
At the heart of the city stands the Guimarães Castle, a stunning fortress that was once the home of Afonso Henriques.
Nearby, the Palace of the Dukes of Braganza provides a glimpse into the lavish lifestyle of the country’s early rulers.
As the cradle of Portugal’s identity, Guimarães is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in the rich history and cultural heritage of this fascinating country.
Exploring Historic Braga
After exploring the historic Guimarães, the tour then ventures to the city of Braga, another important destination in northern Portugal.
Braga is renowned for its wealth of religious architecture, including the famous Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte, which visitors can admire during the tour.
The group will also discover Braga’s charming city center, filled with medieval churches, historic plazas, and landmarks like the Braga Cathedral – one of the oldest cathedrals in Portugal.
Wandering through Braga’s quaint streets, the tour provides an authentic glimpse into the country’s rich religious heritage and the enduring traditions that continue to shape this captivating city.
Sanctuary of Bom Jesus
The Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte is the highlight of the Braga leg of the tour, standing as one of Portugal’s most renowned religious sites. Visitors marvel at its stunning Baroque architecture, which features an iconic staircase winding up the hillside to reach the impressive complex at the summit.
The sanctuary boasts:
- The famous Baroque staircase with its beautiful landscaping and decorative fountains.
- The impressive church at the top, featuring an ornate façade and interior.
- Stunning views overlooking the city of Braga from the hilltop location.
- Opportunities to explore the tranquil gardens and paths surrounding the sanctuary.
This breathtaking site is a must-see during the Braga portion of the tour.
Private Transportation
For this full-day tour, participants enjoy private vehicle transportation from their hotel in Porto’s city center.
The private transportation allows the tour group to travel at their own pace and make the most of their time in these two culturally significant destinations.
The professional driver ensures a comfortable and hassle-free journey to both the historic town of Guimarães and the city of Braga.
The vehicle is equipped with air conditioning, ensuring a pleasant ride regardless of the weather. Travelers can sit back, relax, and take in the scenic views as they’re driven to each stop on the itinerary.
The private transportation service is a convenient and efficient way to explore the highlights of Guimarães and Braga in a single day.
Experienced Tour Guides
Along with the private transportation, the Braga and Guimarães Full-Day Tour provides experienced guides who lead the group through these historic destinations.
The multilingual guides, fluent in Spanish, English, and Portuguese, share their deep knowledge of the region’s rich cultural heritage and ensure participants make the most of their time.
The guides:
- Provide fascinating insights into the history and significance of the sites visited.
- Offer recommendations on the best places to explore and take photos.
- Adapt the tour to the interests and needs of the group.
- Ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience from start to finish.
Booking and Pricing
Booking the Braga and Guimarães Full-Day Tour is easy, with prices starting at €155.00 per person. Travelers can reserve their spot now and pay later, taking advantage of the tour’s free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance.
The tour’s pricing is straightforward and transparent:
| Details | Cost |
|---|---|
| Adult Ticket | €155.00 |
| Child Ticket (under 12) | €125.00 |
| Private Tour (up to 8 people) | €1,240.00 |
| Free Cancellation | Up to 24 hours before tour |
Whether visiting as a solo traveler or with a group, the Braga and Guimarães Full-Day Tour offers a convenient and flexible booking experience.
Recap
This full-day tour from Porto offers visitors a chance to explore the historic cities of Guimarães and Braga.
Guests will discover the birthplace of Portugal’s first king, admire the impressive Palace of the Dukes of Braganza, and marvel at the Baroque Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte.
With private transportation and experienced tour guides, the tour provides a seamless and comfortable experience.
