Exploring the medieval heritage of Northern Portugal can be a captivating experience. This private tour from Porto takes visitors to the historic cities of Braga and Guimarães, offering a seamless and personalized journey through the Minho province’s rich history and architecture. With a knowledgeable guide and private transportation, travelers can discover the grand Baroque cathedral in Braga and uncover the cultural significance of Guimarães, the ‘birthplace of Portugal‘ and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The tour’s convenient features, such as pickup, drop-off, and complimentary amenities, ensure a comfortable and immersive exploration. However, the real draw lies in the opportunity to unveil the intriguing stories that have shaped these remarkable destinations.
Key Points
- The private tour explores the historic cities of Braga and Guimarães in the Minho province, providing insights into the region’s rich cultural heritage.
- Visitors can discover well-preserved medieval architecture, significant landmarks, and the role of these cities in the formation of the Portuguese nation.
- The tour includes a private driver and knowledgeable guide, ensuring a comfortable and personalized experience with hotel pickup and drop-off.
- Comprehensive insurance coverage, including liability and accident protection, is included to provide added peace of mind for travelers.
- The tour package offers complimentary amenities such as mineral water and onboard WiFi, enhancing the overall sightseeing experience.
It's also worth checking out some other tours and experiences nearby.
Exploring the Minho Province
The private tour to Braga and Guimarães explores the former province of Minho, showcasing its rich history and cultural heritage.
This northern region of Portugal is renowned for its well-preserved medieval towns, picturesque landscapes, and deep-rooted traditions.
Visitors will discover Braga, one of the oldest Christian cities in the country, with its impressive cathedral, historic center, and religious sites.
The tour also takes guests to Guimarães, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where they can stroll through the charming cobblestone streets and admire the well-conserved architecture that reflects the town’s significant role in the formation of the Portuguese nation.
Throughout the journey, the private guide provides insightful commentary, bringing the Minho province’s past to life.
Historic City of Braga
Located in the northern region of Portugal, Braga is one of the country’s oldest Christian cities, boasting a rich history and impressive religious architecture.
Dominated by its grand cathedral, the historic center of Braga showcases well-preserved buildings and squares that reflect the city’s significance as the ecclesiastical capital of Portugal.
Visitors can explore the Sé de Braga, a stunning Baroque cathedral, and the adjacent Archbishops’ Palace, which houses an impressive collection of religious art and artifacts.
The tour also includes a stop at the lively Praça da República, the main square surrounded by charming cafes and shops.
Through the guidance of a knowledgeable private guide, travelers can uncover the captivating past and cultural heritage of this historic Portuguese destination.
UNESCO-Listed Guimarães
After exploring the historic city of Braga, the tour continues to the charming UNESCO-listed town of Guimarães, often referred to as the ‘birthplace of Portugal.’ This well-preserved medieval settlement boasts a captivating historic center filled with beautifully restored buildings, cobblestone streets, and lively plazas that provide a glimpse into the country’s early history.
| Highlight | Description |
|---|---|
| Praça de Santiago | The main square, lined with grand historic buildings |
| Paço dos Duques de Bragança | The 15th-century palace of the Dukes of Braganza |
| Castelo de Guimarães | The well-preserved 10th-century castle, a symbol of Portuguese independence |
| Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Oliveira | An impressive Romanesque church dating back to the 14th century |
| Largo da Oliveira | A charming plaza with outdoor cafes and shops |
Private Transportation and Guide
A private driver and guide accompany participants throughout the tour, providing personalized attention and insights into the history and culture of the region.
The private transportation ensures a comfortable and convenient experience, allowing travelers to sit back and enjoy the scenic drive from Porto to Braga and Guimarães.
Along the way, the knowledgeable guide shares stories and facts about the Minho province, bringing the destinations to life.
With hotel pickup and drop-off, as well as WiFi and bottled water onboard, the tour is designed to cater to the needs of each guest, making it a seamless and memorable experience from start to finish.
Liability and Accident Coverage
The tour package includes liability insurance and personal accident coverage, providing travelers with an added layer of protection during their private excursion to Braga and Guimarães. This coverage ensures that guests can fully enjoy the experience without worrying about potential risks or liabilities. Should any unforeseen incidents occur, the insurance policy will cover medical expenses and other related costs, giving travelers peace of mind throughout the tour.
| Coverage | Limits | Deductible |
|---|---|---|
| Liability | $1,000,000 | $0 |
| Accident | $25,000 | $0 |
| Baggage | $1,500 | $100 |
The comprehensive insurance plan offered with this tour package helps create a safe and secure environment for all participants, allowing them to focus on exploring the rich history and cultural landmarks of Braga and Guimarães.
Pickup and Drop-off Service
One of the key conveniences offered with this private tour to Braga and Guimarães is the included pickup and drop-off service from your hotel or a designated location in Porto.
Travelers don’t have to worry about arranging their own transportation, as the tour package handles all the logistics from start to finish.
The driver will pick you up at the agreed-upon time and location, ensuring a seamless and stress-free start to your day.
At the end of the tour, you’ll be dropped off right back at your original departure point, no need to find your own way back.
This personalized service allows you to fully learn about the cultural exploration without the hassle of navigation.
Mineral Water and WiFi
Complimentary mineral water and onboard WiFi come as standard amenities on this private tour, ensuring travelers’ comfort and convenience throughout the day.
Having access to refreshing water is especially important on a full-day excursion, allowing guests to stay hydrated as they explore the historic cities of Braga and Guimarães.
The WiFi service also enables visitors to stay connected, share photos, and look up information about the sites they’re visiting in real-time.
These thoughtful inclusions make the tour more enjoyable and help maximize the sightseeing experience. Travelers can relax and focus on taking in the sights without having to worry about their basic needs or staying offline during the journey.
Booking and Cancellation Policy
This private tour to Braga and Guimarães costs $163.61 per person.
Travelers can reserve their spot now and pay later, with the option to cancel for free up to 24 hours in advance. This flexible booking policy allows visitors to secure their tour without having to pay upfront. Should plans change, they can cancel the reservation at no extra cost, as long as it’s done a day before the tour.
The tour includes transportation, a private driver/guide, and amenities like WiFi and water, ensuring a comfortable and convenient journey to explore the historic cities of Braga and Guimarães.
Here's a few more nearby tours and experiences we think you'll like.
- Douro Valley Tour: Wine Tasting, Cruise and Lunch From Porto
- Douro Valley Historical Tour With Lunch, Winery Visit With Tastings and Panoramic Cruise
- 3-Hour Porto Highlights on a Electric Bike Guided Tour
- Craft Beer & Food Tour in Porto
- Douro Valley Tour: 2 Vineyard Visits, River Cruise, Winery Lunch
- Porto 3-Hour Food and Wine Tasting Tour
Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Are Additional Admission Fees?
The tour does not include entry fees to any attractions. Visitors are responsible for purchasing their own tickets to sites like the historic center of Guimarães. The cost of these additional admission fees is not specified in the tour description.
Is a Local Lunch Included in the Tour?
No, a local lunch is not included in the tour price. The tour description states that food and drinks are excluded from the inclusions. Travelers will need to purchase their own lunch during the tour.
Can the Tour Accommodate Special Dietary Needs?
The tour can accommodate special dietary needs, such as vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free, upon request. Guests should notify the tour provider of any dietary requirements when booking to ensure their needs are met during the tour.
Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?
The tour does not explicitly offer an option to extend the duration. However, travelers may inquire with the tour provider about the possibility of customizing the tour length to meet their needs, which they may accommodate based on availability.
Do We Get Discounted Rates for Larger Groups?
The tour operator offers discounted group rates for larger parties. Specifically, groups of 3 or more receive a 10% discount off the per-person price of $163.61. However, the maximum group size is limited to 7 people.
Not for you? Here's more of our most recent tour reviews happening neaby
- From Porto: Guided Hike to Gerês Park
- From Porto: Santiago De Compostela Full Day Tour
- Lisbon Airport Private Transfer
- Full-Day Tour to Porto From Santiago De Compostela
- Half-Day Walking Tour Tasting Local Food in Porto
- Santiago and Valença Do Minho Full Day Private Tour
- Porto: Day Trip to Douro Including Lunch and Rivercruise
- Best of Douro Valley Wine Full Day Private Tour
- Private Surf Lesson
- HIKE at DOURO VALLEY W/ Winery Visit and Tasting
- From Porto: 516 Arouca Bridge and Paiva Walkways Guided Tour
- Stand up Paddle Discovering Desert Beaches of Douro River – Pick up Included
- Learn How to Make Pastel De Nata in a Beautiful Porto Home
- Porto: Private Transfer From Oporto Airport to Vigo
- Porto: Private Santiago Compostela & Valença Do Minho Tour
Recap
This private tour offers an immersive exploration of Northern Portugal’s captivating medieval heritage.
Travelers will discover the historic city of Braga, dominated by its grand Baroque cathedral, and uncover the cultural significance of Guimarães, the ‘birthplace of Portugal’ and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
With private transportation, a knowledgeable guide, and amenities like WiFi and mineral water, this tour provides a seamless and personalized experience to explore the Minho province’s rich history and architecture.