Braga & Guimarães Full-Day Tour From Porto

Exploring Portugal’s historic cities of Braga and Guimarães from Porto can be a captivating day trip. This full-day tour provides visitors the opportunity to discover UNESCO-listed landmarks, from Guimarães’ well-preserved old town and iconic castle to Braga’s renowned Bom Jesus do Monte Sanctuary. With knowledgeable guides and seamless transportation, travelers can enjoy the country’s cultural heritage. What makes this tour particularly intriguing, however, is the chance to experience the serene atmosphere and stunning views that these remarkable sites have to offer. It’s an experience that may just leave you wondering what other hidden gems Portugal has in store.

This experience made our list of the 22 Best Tours In Guimaraes.

Key Points

• This full-day tour covers the historic cities of Braga and Guimarães, showcasing Portugal’s birthplace and UNESCO-listed treasures.
• The tour explores the well-preserved historic center of Guimarães, including the iconic Guimarães Castle and the Dukes’ Palace.
• Visitors can discover the Bom Jesus do Monte Sanctuary in Braga, featuring a grand staircase with six terraces and accessible via a historic funicular railway.
• The tour includes transportation between designated points, a knowledgeable guide, and admission to the key attractions in Guimarães and Braga.
• The tour departs from central Porto and provides breaks for visitors to explore the sites at their own pace.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

Covering the historic cities of Braga and Guimarães, this full-day tour from Porto showcases Portugal’s birthplace and its UNESCO-listed treasures.

Departing from central Porto, you’ll visit the medieval town of Guimarães, where you’ll explore its well-preserved historic center and the iconic Guimarães Castle.

After some free time, the tour continues to Braga, known as the ‘Rome of Portugal.’ Here, you’ll marvel at the Bom Jesus do Monte Sanctuary, one of the country’s most impressive religious sites.

With a professional guide, comfortable transportation, and skip-the-line access to key attractions, this tour offers a convenient and comprehensive introduction to northern Portugal’s rich cultural heritage.

Guimarães Highlights

The tour explores the medieval town of Guimarães, visiting its well-preserved historic center and the iconic Guimarães Castle.

Guests will wander through the UNESCO-listed historic district, admiring the architecture and learning about the town’s significance as the birthplace of Portugal.

They’ll see the Dukes’ Palace, a magnificent 15th-century Gothic structure that now houses a museum showcasing the history of the region.

The highlight of the visit is the Guimarães Castle, a well-preserved 10th-century fortress that offers panoramic views of the city.

Strolling through the charming cobblestone streets, visitors will get a sense of the town’s rich cultural heritage and its role in the formation of the Portuguese nation.

Braga Sanctuary

After exploring the historic town of Guimarães, the tour heads to the city of Braga, known as the religious capital of Portugal.

Visitors will discover the magnificent Bom Jesus do Monte Sanctuary, a Baroque pilgrimage site perched atop a hill and accessible via a historic funicular railway.

This impressive complex features a grand staircase with six terraces symbolizing the five senses and the virtues. Visitors can climb the 116-meter high stairs or take the funicular to reach the hilltop sanctuary, which offers stunning views over Braga.

The sanctuary’s baroque architecture, fountains, and statues create a serene and spiritual atmosphere, making it a highlight of the tour.

Tour Itinerary

The tour commences with a departure from the Gabinete do Município in Porto, before exploring the UNESCO World Heritage site of Guimarães for approximately two hours.

Visitors will then have a one-hour break to explore Guimarães at their own pace.

The tour then proceeds to the Braga District, where guests will have a 40-minute break and 75 minutes to visit the area. The highlight of this part of the tour is the Bom Jesus do Monte Sanctuary in Braga.

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Tour Inclusions

This full-day tour from Porto includes a knowledgeable guide who’ll accompany visitors throughout the journey. Plus, transportation between the designated meeting point, Guimarães, and Braga is provided. Complimentary onboard Wi-Fi allows guests to stay connected.

Admission to the Paço dos Duques in Guimarães is also covered in the tour price. However, lunch and gratuities are excluded from the package.

The tour grants access to the Guimarães Castle, the historic center of Guimarães (a UNESCO World Heritage site), and the Bom Jesus do Monte Sanctuary in Braga.

With a maximum savings of 10%, this tour offers an excellent value for visitors looking to explore northern Portugal’s cultural highlights.

Tour Pricing and Booking

Customers can save up to 10% on the full-day tour from Porto to Braga and Guimarães, with prices ranging from €65.00 to €58.50 per person. Travelers can reserve their spot now and pay later, with free cancellation available up to 24 hours in advance. Visitors should check the tour’s availability for desired starting times.

Booking Option	Price
Standard Price	€65.00
Discounted Price	€58.50
Cancellation Policy	Free up to 24 hours
Reservation	Pay Later

The convenient booking options and flexible cancellation policy make this tour an attractive choice for visitors seeking to explore the birthplace of Portugal.

Transportation and Guide

Although the tour departs from the Gabinete do Município in Porto, travelers will be transported to the historic cities of Braga and Guimarães in comfortable vehicles equipped with onboard WiFi.

Throughout the day, a knowledgeable tour guide will provide insightful commentary, ensuring visitors make the most of their exploration of Portugal’s birthplace.

The guide will lead the group through the UNESCO World Heritage site of Guimarães, sharing the fascinating history and architecture of this medieval town.

In Braga, the guide will introduce the magnificent Bom Jesus do Monte Sanctuary, allowing participants to appreciate the cultural and religious significance of this iconic landmark.

Tour Duration and Breaks

The full-day tour departs from Porto and allows ample time for exploring the historic cities of Braga and Guimarães, with strategic breaks throughout the day. After a 2-hour visit to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Guimarães, guests enjoy a 1-hour break to rest and recharge. The tour then moves on to Braga, where a 40-minute break is followed by a 75-minute visit to the impressive Bom Jesus do Monte Sanctuary.

Tour Duration	Guimarães	Braga
2 hours	1 hour break	40 minute break, 75 minute visit
Full-day

The carefully planned itinerary ensures travelers make the most of their time while staying energized and engaged throughout this immersive cultural experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is This Tour Suitable for Children?

Yes, this tour is suitable for children. The tour includes visits to historic sites and sanctuaries, which can be educational and engaging for families. There are also breaks built into the itinerary for rest and refreshment.

Can We Stop for Photos During the Tour?

Yes, the tour typically allows for photo stops. The guide will provide ample opportunities during the visits to take photos of the key sites and landmarks. Guests can capture memorable moments throughout the day.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour?

Yes, there may be an option to extend the tour. Customers should check with the tour provider if longer or customized tour options are available. Additional fees may apply for extending the duration or adding extra stops.

Are There Any Accessibility Accommodations Available?

The tour offers accessibility accommodations for guests with disabilities. Wheelchair-accessible transportation is provided, and the historic sites have ramps and elevators to ensure full accessibility. Guests are encouraged to discuss any special needs when booking the tour.

Can We Customize the Tour Itinerary?

Yes, the tour itinerary can be customized to accommodate the traveler’s preferences. The tour provider is typically open to adjusting the tour schedule, activities, and timings to meet the individual’s needs.

Recap

The Braga & Guimarães Full-Day Tour from Porto offers an enriching opportunity to explore Portugal’s historic and cultural heritage.

Visitors can discover the well-preserved treasures of Guimarães, the birthplace of Portugal, and marvel at the grandeur of Braga’s Bom Jesus do Monte Sanctuary.

With knowledgeable guides and seamless transportation, this tour provides an immersive experience in the heart of Portugal’s history and spirituality.

You can check availability for your dates here: