Full-Day Braga & Guimarães Semi-Private Tour With Lunch

Exploring the rich heritage of northern Portugal has never been easier. This full-day tour whisks travelers from Porto to the UNESCO-listed cities of Braga and Guimarães, where they’ll uncover centuries-old architecture and enjoy the region’s captivating history. With a knowledgeable local guide leading the way, guests can expect a seamless and personalized experience, complete with skip-the-line access and a traditional Portuguese lunch. Whether you’re a history buff or simply seeking an authentic cultural adventure, this semi-private tour offers a chance to delve deeper into the heart of these remarkable destinations.

This experience made our list of the 10 Best Private Tours In Guimaraes.

Key Points

• This full-day tour visits two UNESCO World Heritage sites, the Braga Cathedral and Guimarães Castle.
• The tour includes a 3-hour guided visit in each city and a traditional Portuguese lunch.
• Transportation from Porto and skip-the-line access to the main attractions are provided.
• The tour is limited to 8 participants for a personalized experience with a multilingual guide.
• Gratuities and additional expenses beyond the included lunch are not covered.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Details

This full-day Braga & Guimarães semi-private tour whisks visitors away to explore two UNESCO World Heritage sites with a knowledgeable guide, skipping ticket lines and indulging in a regional Portuguese lunch.

The 8-hour tour is limited to just 8 participants, ensuring a more personalized experience.

The journey begins with pickup in Porto, followed by a 1-hour transfer to Braga for a 3-hour guided tour.

Next, guests enjoy a 1-hour lunch of local cuisine before heading to Guimarães for another 3-hour exploration.

The tour concludes with a 30-minute return to Porto.

Along the way, the live guide provides commentary in Spanish, Portuguese, and English.

Inclusions

The tour includes a professional guide, entrance tickets to the Braga Cathedral and Guimarães castle, hotel pickup, a lunch of regional Portuguese cuisine, and drop-off at Avenida dos Aliados. The tour’s inclusions ensure a convenient and enriching experience for participants. Here’s a breakdown of what’s covered:

What’s Included	Details
Professional Guide	Provides live commentary in Spanish, Portuguese, and English
Entrance Tickets	Skip the ticket line at the Braga Cathedral and Guimarães castle
Transportation	Hotel pickup and drop-off at Avenida dos Aliados
Lunch	A meal of traditional Portuguese dishes

The inclusions cover the key elements of the tour, making it a comprehensive and hassle-free experience for visitors.

Exclusions

While the tour includes several key elements, it doesn’t cover gratuities or any additional food and drinks beyond the specified lunch, which you will need to cover themselves.

The exclusions for this tour are:

• Gratuities for the guide and driver
• Any food or drinks beyond the included regional Portuguese lunch
• Additional snacks or beverages during the day
• Personal expenses such as souvenirs or other optional activities
• Transportation to and from the tour pickup location

Participants are encouraged to budget appropriately for these excluded items to ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience on the Full-Day Braga & Guimarães Semi-Private Tour with Lunch.

Itinerary

The tour begins with a pickup in Porto, followed by a one-hour transfer to the historic city of Braga. Once in Braga, you will spend approximately three hours exploring the city’s key landmarks, including the magnificent Braga Cathedral. After the visit, the group will enjoy a one-hour lunch of regional Portuguese cuisine. The tour then continues with a 30-minute transfer to Guimarães, where you will spend three hours exploring the city’s rich history, including a visit to the Guimarães Castle. Finally, the tour returns to Porto, completing the day’s activities.

Itinerary	Duration
Pickup in Porto	–
Transfer to Braga	1 hour
Tour and visit of Braga	3 hours
Lunch in Braga	1 hour
Transfer to Guimarães	30 minutes
Tour and visit of Guimarães	3 hours
Return to Porto	30 minutes

More Great Tours Nearby

Key Highlights

This tour offers the chance to visit two UNESCO World Heritage sites in a single day, providing an immersive glimpse into Portugal’s rich history. Participants will learn about the country’s past as they explore the magnificent Braga Cathedral and the Guimarães Castle.

Key highlights of this experience include:

• Skipping the ticket lines for seamless access to the top attractions
• Enjoying the insight and expertise of a live tour guide fluent in Spanish, Portuguese, and English
• Savoring a delicious lunch of authentic regional Portuguese cuisine
• Traveling in a small group limited to 8 people for more personalized attention
• Benefiting from hotel pickup and drop-off for a hassle-free day.

Pickup and Transfer

The tour begins with hotel pickup in Porto, where participants are transported to the historic city of Braga, located just one hour away. The drive offers a scenic glimpse of the picturesque Portuguese countryside as the group makes its way to the first destination.

Upon arrival in Braga, the guide provides detailed commentary, ensuring travelers are well-informed about the city’s rich history and cultural significance.

The transfer to Guimarães, the birthplace of Portugal, takes approximately 30 minutes, allowing participants to sit back and relax before exploring the next UNESCO-listed site.

Throughout the journey, the small group size ensures personalized attention from the knowledgeable guide, enhancing the overall experience.

Braga Tour

After the transfer from Porto, the tour starts with a comprehensive exploration of Braga, one of Portugal’s oldest cities and a crucial center of religious and cultural significance.

The guide will lead the group through the highlights, including:

• The impressive Braga Cathedral, one of the finest Romanesque-Gothic cathedrals in the country, with its ornate interior and historical legacy.
• The Bom Jesus do Monte sanctuary, a Baroque masterpiece that’s one of Braga’s most iconic sights, featuring a grand staircase and stunning views.

The charming historic center, with its winding alleys, 18th-century architecture, and lively plazas.

The Arcada, a distinctive covered shopping street perfect for exploring local crafts and souvenirs.

The Praça da República, the main square that’s home to the Archbishop’s Palace and other important landmarks.

Guimarães Tour

Following the exploration of Braga, the tour moves on to the historic town of Guimarães, widely regarded as the birthplace of the Portuguese nation. The guide will lead the group through the city’s well-preserved medieval center, showcasing its rich heritage and importance in the country’s history.

Visitors will marvel at the impressive Guimarães Castle, a 10th-century fortification that played a crucial role in Portugal’s independence. Next, they’ll visit the Palace of the Dukes of Braganza, an elegant 15th-century residence that provides insight into the lives of Portuguese nobility.

The tour culminates with free time to stroll through the charming streets, admire the architecture, and soak in the vibrant atmosphere of this cultural gem.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Modify the Tour Itinerary to Suit My Preferences?

The tour provider may allow some flexibility in the itinerary to accommodate personal preferences. However, significant changes could incur additional costs or be unfeasible. It’s best to discuss any requests with the tour operator prior to booking.

What Is the Language Proficiency of the Tour Guide?

The tour guide is fluent in Spanish, Portuguese, and English, allowing them to provide informative commentary for participants from various language backgrounds during the tour. This ensures a seamless and engaging experience for all attendees.

Is the Tour Suitable for Children or Families?

The tour appears suitable for families as it offers small group sizes and includes entrance tickets, lunch, and hotel pickup. However, the long duration and focus on historical sites may not appeal to all children.

Can I Purchase Additional Food or Drinks During the Tour?

Yes, participants can purchase additional food or drinks during the tour, as the inclusions only cover the listed meals. Travelers can buy snacks, beverages, or extra dishes at their own expense throughout the day.

Is the Transportation Comfortable and Air-Conditioned?

The transportation for this tour is comfortable and air-conditioned. The small group tour vehicle provides a pleasant journey between the destinations, ensuring a comfortable experience throughout the day.

Recap

This full-day tour provides a comprehensive exploration of two captivating UNESCO World Heritage sites in Portugal.

With a small group size and knowledgeable guide, travelers can enjoy a personalized experience, skip ticket lines, and enjoy the rich history and culture of Braga and Guimarães.

Seamless transportation and a traditional Portuguese lunch make this tour a hassle-free and memorable way to discover the highlights of these remarkable destinations.

You can check availability for your dates here: