Guimarães & Braga Small Group Tour, Lunch & All Tickets Included

Exploring the historic charm of Guimarães and Braga is an opportunity not to be missed. This small group tour provides an immersive experience, guiding visitors through the medieval wonders of these two renowned Portuguese cities. From the UNESCO-listed Palace of the Dukes to the imposing 11th-century cathedral, the tour offers a comprehensive look at the region’s captivating past. Coupled with a traditional Portuguese lunch, the experience promises an authentic cultural encounter. With all entrance fees covered, travelers can focus on soaking up the rich history and stunning architecture that define Guimarães and Braga. What else awaits on this remarkable journey?

Key Points

• This full-day tour covers the two oldest cities in Portugal, Guimarães and Braga, and includes a guided experience, small group size, and hotel pickup/drop-off.
• The tour highlights the medieval charm of Guimarães, including the Palace of the Dukes of Bragança and Guimarães Castle, both UNESCO World Heritage sites.
• In Braga, the tour visits the impressive Braga Cathedral, a blend of Romanesque and Gothic architectural styles, providing insight into Portugal’s religious and cultural heritage.
• A traditional Portuguese lunch at a local restaurant is included in the tour, offering an authentic dining experience with regional dishes and beverages.
• The tour ensures full access to all historic landmarks with included entrance fees, making it a convenient and stress-free experience.

Tour Overview

This full-day tour allows visitors to uncover the charm and history of Guimarães and Braga, Portugal’s two oldest cities, with the guidance of a professional guide.

The small group tour, limited to a maximum of 8 travelers, will take you to the Palace of the Dukes of Bragança and Guimarães Castle in the medieval town of Guimarães.

In Braga, you’ll visit the Sanctuary of Bom Jesus and the historic cathedral from the 11th century.

The tour includes a traditional Portuguese lunch with drinks, as well as entrance fees to the Braga Cathedral and Guimarães Castle.

Hotel pickup and drop-off are provided, making the logistics of the tour hassle-free.

Guimarães: Medieval Charm

Guimarães, the birthplace of Portugal, captivates visitors with its well-preserved medieval charm, where the Palace of the Dukes of Bragança and the iconic Guimarães Castle stand as testaments to the city’s rich history.

Wander through the narrow, cobbled streets, admiring the traditional architecture and soaking in the peaceful ambiance.

The Palace of the Dukes of Bragança, a 15th-century UNESCO World Heritage site, offers a glimpse into the lavish lives of Portugal’s royal family.

Nearby, the 10th-century Guimarães Castle looms over the city, inviting visitors to explore its towers and ramparts.

This captivating medieval town provides a delightful contrast to the modern cities of Portugal, making it a must-visit destination on the tour.

Braga: Historic Cathedral

After exploring the medieval charms of Guimarães, the tour takes visitors to the historic city of Braga, home to the impressive Braga Cathedral.

Dating back to the 11th century, this cathedral stands as one of the oldest in Portugal, showcasing a blend of Romanesque and Gothic architectural styles that captivate visitors.

As the group enters the cathedral, they’ll be struck by the grand scale and ornate details that have been meticulously preserved over the centuries.

The guide will share insights into the cathedral’s rich history and point out notable features, such as the intricately carved altars and the impressive pipe organ.

This stop on the tour offers a chance to take in Portugal’s religious and cultural heritage.

Portuguese Lunch Experience

A traditional Portuguese lunch with drinks is included in the tour, allowing visitors to savor the flavors of the region.

The lunch is served at a local restaurant, providing an authentic dining experience. Guests can expect to sample a variety of classic Portuguese dishes, such as hearty stews, fresh seafood, and flavorful rice-based meals.

The meal is accompanied by regional wines or other beverages, complementing the flavors of the food. This included lunch is a highlight of the tour, giving travelers a chance to enjoy the local culinary culture and enjoy a delicious, well-rounded meal after a day of exploring the historic cities of Guimarães and Braga.

Entrance Fees Included

The tour includes entry fees to the Braga Cathedral and Guimarães Castle, ensuring visitors have full access to explore these historic landmarks without additional costs. This allows travelers to enjoy the rich cultural heritage of these two oldest cities in Portugal.

The entrance fees cover:

1. Braga Cathedral – One of the most important Romanesque cathedrals in Portugal, dating back to the 11th century.
2. Guimarães Castle – A well-preserved medieval castle that was once the seat of the first king of Portugal.
3. Palace of the Dukes of Bragança – A magnificent 15th-century palace that showcases the grandeur of Guimarães’ royal past.

Pickup and Drop-off

For this tour, the organizers provide hotel pickup and drop-off from centrally located Porto hotels, ensuring a seamless start and end to the day’s explorations.

Travelers simply need to specify their hotel location when booking, and the tour company will arrange the transportation to and from the tour sites. This service eliminates the hassle of navigating public transportation or finding one’s way to the meeting point.

Guests can sit back, relax, and let the driver handle the logistics. At the end of the day, the same transport will return participants to their original departure point, making for a stress-free and convenient experience throughout the full-day tour.

Confirmation and Booking

Confirmation of the tour booking is provided at the time of purchase, allowing travelers to proceed with confidence. The tour company also has a clear cancellation policy, offering a full refund if the reservation is canceled at least 24 hours in advance, ensuring flexibility for participants.

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, but infant seats are available for those traveling with young children.

Pickup and drop-off is conveniently provided from centrally located Porto hotels, making transportation hassle-free.

With a maximum group size of 8 travelers, you’ll enjoy a more personalized and intimate experience throughout the day.

Accessibility and Cancellation

While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, infant seats are available to accommodate families traveling with young children.

Plus, the company offers a flexible cancellation policy, providing a full refund if the reservation is canceled at least 24 hours in advance. This ensures that customers can plan their trip with confidence, knowing they can receive a full refund if their plans change.

The tour’s accessibility and cancellation details are clearly outlined to help travelers make an informed decision and plan their trip accordingly.

Whether you’re traveling with a baby or need to adjust your plans, this tour provides the necessary accommodations and flexibility to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the Tour Be Customized to Include Additional Sites?

Yes, the tour can generally be customized to include additional sites, though this may incur extra fees. Travelers should inquire with the tour operator about the possibility and costs of modifying the itinerary to fit their preferences.

Is It Possible to Start the Tour at a Different Time?

Yes, the tour start time can be customized. The provider typically offers an 8:30 AM departure, but they may be able to accommodate an alternative start time if requested, subject to availability and additional fees.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Group Bookings?

The tour operator may offer discounted rates for group bookings, though details are not provided in the tour overview. Travelers should inquire about group pricing when booking to determine if any discounts are available.

Can the Tour Be Booked as a Private Experience?

Yes, the tour can be booked as a private experience. Customers have the option to arrange a private tour for their group, which allows for a more personalized experience and flexibility in the itinerary. Private tours are subject to availability and additional fees may apply.

What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?

There is no strict dress code for this tour. Comfortable, casual attire suitable for walking is recommended. Wear layers as the weather may change throughout the day. Comfortable walking shoes are advised to fully enjoy the historic sites visited.

Recap

This tour offers a comprehensive exploration of Guimarães and Braga, two of Portugal’s oldest and most historically significant cities.

Visitors can enjoy the medieval charm of Guimarães, including the UNESCO-listed Palace of the Dukes of Bragança, and the grandeur of Braga’s 11th-century cathedral.

The tour includes a traditional Portuguese lunch, all entrance fees, and seamless access to the region’s iconic landmarks, making it a convenient and enriching experience.