From Porto: Braga & Guimarães Tour

Exploring the historic cities of Braga and Guimarães is a must for any visitor to northern Portugal. This full-day tour from Porto promises an immersive experience, delving into the rich cultural heritage of these captivating destinations. Travelers can look forward to discovering the birthplace of Portugal in Guimarães, a UNESCO World Heritage site, before marveling at the stunning Baroque architecture of Braga’s Bom Jesus do Monte Sanctuary. With private transportation, flexible scheduling, and expert guidance, this tour offers a comprehensive and convenient way to uncover the hidden gems of these two fascinating cities.

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

Key Points

• This 8-hour private tour takes visitors from Porto to explore the historic cities of Braga and Guimarães, offering a comprehensive experience of Portugal’s cultural heritage.
• The tour includes visits to Guimarães Castle, Braga Cathedral, and the Bom Jesus do Monte Sanctuary, with entrance fees and private transportation provided.
• Guimarães, the birthplace of Portugal, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its well-preserved historic center and medieval castle.
• Braga, home to the oldest cathedral in Portugal, offers the impressive Bom Jesus do Monte Sanctuary with its iconic Baroque staircase.
• The tour features a flexible cancellation policy, private air-conditioned transportation, and a knowledgeable guide to enhance the culture.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Duration and Availability

The tour lasts for 8 hours, with available start times varying by day. Travelers can check the tour’s availability to see when the tour departs.

This full-day excursion provides ample time to explore the historic cities of Braga and Guimarães.

Guests have the flexibility to cancel their booking up to 24 hours in advance free of charge.

The tour includes private transportation, ensuring a comfortable and efficient journey between sites.

Whether you’re an early riser or prefer a later start, the tour’s schedule can accommodate different preferences.

With a mix of guided experiences and free time, the tour offers an immersive and well-rounded exploration of northern Portugal’s cultural heritage.

Tour Inclusions

This tour includes a private air-conditioned vehicle to transport guests, providing a comfortable and convenient experience throughout the day. Plus, full travel insurance is provided, offering peace of mind for the journey. Entrance fees to both Guimarães Castle and the Cathedral are covered, allowing seamless access to these historic sites. Complimentary water bottles are supplied to keep travelers hydrated. A private guided tour with expert knowledge of Portuguese history is included, ensuring an informative and immersive exploration of the destinations. However, lunch is not provided as part of the tour package.

Inclusions	Details
Private A/C Vehicle	For comfortable transportation
Full Travel Insurance	Provides peace of mind
Castle & Cathedral Entrances	Seamless access to historic sites
Water Bottles	To keep travelers hydrated

Key Highlights

Guimarães, the birthplace of Portugal, stands as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, boasting a captivating history and well-preserved architecture. Visitors can explore the city’s historic center and the iconic Guimarães Castle, a testament to the nation’s origins.

Plus, the tour takes travelers to Braga, home of the oldest cathedral in Portugal, as well as the Bom Jesus do Monte Sanctuary, an impressive religious site accessible by foot or funicular. Guests will have the opportunity to admire the stunning architecture and learn about the rich cultural heritage of these two historic Portuguese cities during the guided tour.

Explore Guimarães

As the birthplace of Portugal, Guimarães beckons visitors to explore its well-preserved historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site brimming with captivating architecture and rich cultural heritage.

The Guimarães Castle, a magnificent 10th-century fortress, stands as a testament to the city’s storied past. Guests can wander the charming cobblestone streets, admiring the elegant plazas and medieval buildings that line them.

The Praça de São Tiago, the city’s main square, is a particularly enchanting spot, home to the 14th-century Palace of the Dukes of Bragança. Travelers will also have the chance to visit the Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Oliveira, a beautiful Romanesque church that has been a crucial part of Guimarães’ history for centuries.

More Great Tours Nearby

Visit Guimarães Castle

The imposing Guimarães Castle, a well-preserved 10th-century fortress, stands as a remarkable testament to the city’s storied past.

Visitors can explore its grand towers, defensive walls, and inner courtyards, which provide a glimpse into the medieval era. The castle’s strategic location on a hilltop overlooking the city adds to its striking appearance.

As part of the tour, guests will have the opportunity to wander through the castle’s halls and learn about its rich history from the knowledgeable local guide.

Whether you’re a history buff or simply seeking to learn about the region’s cultural heritage, a visit to Guimarães Castle is an essential component of this captivating Braga and Guimarães tour.

Discover Braga

Next, the tour delves into the historic city of Braga, home to Portugal’s oldest cathedral.

Visitors can explore the magnificent Braga Cathedral, a Romanesque masterpiece that has stood tall for over nine centuries. Its impressive facade and intricate details showcase the evolution of architectural styles over the ages.

From the cathedral, the group proceeds to the Bom Jesus do Monte Sanctuary, a stunning Baroque staircase leading up to a grand church. Visitors can either climb the 17 terraced staircases or take the iconic funicular railway to reach the top, offering panoramic views of the city below.

Braga’s rich history and architectural wonders provide a captivating contrast to the earlier visit to Guimarães.

Bom Jesus Do Monte Sanctuary

Towering above the city of Braga, the Bom Jesus do Monte Sanctuary commands attention with its impressive Baroque-style staircase leading up to a grand church at the summit.

This 18th-century sanctuary is considered one of the finest examples of Baroque architecture in Portugal.

Visitors can ascend the 116-meter long staircase, which features six different terraces, each with its own themed fountains and statues. Alternatively, they can opt for the funicular to reach the top.

Once there, they’ll be rewarded with stunning views over Braga and the surrounding countryside.

The sanctuary’s spiritual significance and architectural grandeur make it a must-see on any tour of northern Portugal.

Recommendations and Booking

Alongside the impressive architecture and historic sights, the tour also offers some recommendations to enhance the experience.

Comfortable shoes are advised for the walking portions, particularly the ascent of the Bom Jesus do Monte Sanctuary.

Plus, visitors can reserve their spot now and pay later, ensuring their place on the tour. This flexibility allows travelers to plan their trip in advance without the immediate financial commitment.

The tour also includes full travel insurance, providing peace of mind during the journey. With the option to cancel up to 24 hours before the start, guests can book with confidence, knowing they can adjust their plans if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Request a Vegetarian or Halal Lunch?

Yes, you can request a vegetarian or halal lunch for this tour. The tour operator is happy to accommodate dietary preferences with advance notice, so be sure to let them know your requirements when booking the tour.

Is Transportation Provided Between Porto and the Tour Sites?

Yes, transportation is provided. The tour includes a private air-conditioned vehicle that takes guests from the starting point to the tour sites and back. This provides a convenient and comfortable way to travel between locations during the 8-hour tour.

Is the Tour Suitable for Children or Elderly Participants?

The tour is suitable for most participants, including children and the elderly. It includes private transportation and guided tours, but travelers should ensure they can manage the physical activities like walking and ascending the Bom Jesus do Monte Sanctuary.

Can the Tour Be Customized to Visit Additional Sites?

The tour can be customized to visit additional sites, though this may incur extra fees. Travelers should discuss their interests with the tour operator to see if the itinerary can be personalized to meet their needs.

What Happens if the Weather Is Bad During the Tour?

If the weather is bad during the tour, the company will work to adapt the itinerary as needed. They’ll take measures to ensure the safety and comfort of participants, such as finding indoor activities or rescheduling outdoor portions of the tour.

Recap

This full-day tour offers an immersive experience into the rich cultural heritage of northern Portugal. With private transportation, flexible scheduling, and expert guidance, travelers can discover the birthplace of Portugal in Guimarães and explore the captivating historical cities of Braga and Guimarães.

From the well-preserved Guimarães Castle to the stunning Bom Jesus do Monte Sanctuary, this tour provides a comprehensive exploration of Portugal’s most fascinating destinations.

You can check availability for your dates here: