Minho: Private Braga and Guimarães Tour

The Minho region of northern Portugal boasts a rich cultural and architectural heritage that captivates visitors. This private tour delves into the historic cities of Braga and Guimarães, showcasing their iconic landmarks and offering an immersive experience. Travelers will explore the imposing Braga Cathedral, the renowned Bom Jesus Sanctuary, and the Guimarães Castle – the birthplace of Portugal’s first king. Throughout the journey, they’ll be enchanted by the region’s Romanesque architecture, picturesque landscapes, and authentic Portuguese way of life. With private transportation and an expert guide, this comprehensive tour promises to unveil the secrets and stories that have shaped the Minho’s captivating past and present.

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

Key Points

• This private tour explores the historic cities of Braga and Guimarães, showcasing the cultural and architectural heritage of the Minho region.
• Highlights include the Cathedral of Faith Triangle, Bom Jesus Sanctuary in Braga, and Guimarães Castle, the birthplace of the first King of Portugal.
• The tour includes private transportation, a private expert guide, a traditional local lunch, and a complimentary Porto city walking tour the following day.
• Visitors can enjoy the rich history, captivating landscapes, and authentic Portuguese way of life of the Minho region.
• The tour caters to various dietary needs and offers a personalized experience, with seamless exploration of Braga and Guimarães.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

This private tour invites visitors to explore the historic cities of Braga and Guimarães, providing an enriching experience that showcases the region’s cultural and architectural heritage.

The tour lasts 9 hours and includes pickup from Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia.

Highlights include visiting the Cathedral of Faith Triangle and Bom Jesus Sanctuary in Braga, as well as exploring Guimarães Castle, the birthplace of the first King of Portugal.

The tour also includes private transportation, a private expert guide, a traditional lunch with vegetarian and gluten-free options, and a complimentary Porto city walking tour the following day.

Comfortable clothing and shoes are recommended, and dietary restrictions can be accommodated upon request.

Tour Highlights

Visitors on this private tour can explore the historical cities of Braga and Guimarães, uncovering the region’s cultural and architectural heritage. In Braga, they’ll visit the Cathedral of Faith Triangle and the Bom Jesus Sanctuary, two of the city’s most iconic landmarks. Guimarães, the birthplace of the first King of Portugal, offers a chance to explore its well-preserved castle and witness the city’s medieval charm.

Braga Highlights	Guimarães Highlights
Cathedral of Faith Triangle	Guimarães Castle
Bom Jesus Sanctuary	Birthplace of the first King of Portugal
Historic City Center	Medieval Architecture
Roman Ruins	Cobblestone Streets

This tour provides a comprehensive introduction to the Minho region’s past and present, allowing visitors to enjoy its rich history and captivating landscapes.

Inclusions

The tour includes private van/minibus transportation and a private expert guide to accompany guests throughout the experience.

Plus, a traditional lunch with vegetarian and gluten-free options is provided.

Customers also receive a complimentary Porto city walking tour available the day after the main tour. This ensures a comprehensive and personalized experience, catering to various dietary needs.

The private transportation and knowledgeable guide allow for a seamless exploration of the historical cities of Braga and Guimarães, maximizing the time spent at each location.

The complimentary Porto walking tour on the following day offers an opportunity to further take in the rich cultural heritage of the northern region.

Exclusions

Entrance fees to museums and monuments, unless otherwise specified, aren’t included in the tour price.

Similarly, guests are responsible for covering the cost of any meals and drinks not mentioned in the inclusions.

Plus, personal expenses and gratuities, though optional, are excluded from the package. This allows guests the flexibility to personalize their experience and budget according to their preferences.

While the tour includes transportation, a private guide, and a traditional lunch, visitors will need to cover the cost of any additional activities or refreshments they choose to partake in during the excursion.

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Important Information

Comfortable clothing and shoes are recommended for participants on this private tour of Braga and Guimarães.

Vegetarian and gluten-free meal options are available upon request, catering to various dietary needs.

On top of that, a complimentary Porto city walking tour is provided to all customers the day after the main experience. This allows guests to further enjoy the rich history and culture of the region.

Guests should note that entrance fees to museums and monuments aren’t included in the tour price, nor are personal expenses or gratuities.

However, the tour does include private transportation, an expert guide, and a traditional local lunch, ensuring a comprehensive and enjoyable experience.

Braga Cathedral and Sanctuary

One of the highlights of the private tour is a visit to the Cathedral of Faith Triangle and the Bom Jesus Sanctuary in Braga. These historic sites offer visitors a glimpse into the religious and architectural heritage of the region. The Cathedral of Faith Triangle, also known as the Braga Cathedral, is the oldest surviving medieval cathedral in Portugal. Its intricate Gothic and Baroque design showcases the evolution of Portuguese architecture over the centuries. The Bom Jesus Sanctuary, located just outside Braga, is renowned for its iconic Baroque staircase that symbolizes the Stations of the Cross. Visitors can explore the sanctuary’s gardens and take in the breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.

Feature	Cathedral of Faith Triangle	Bom Jesus Sanctuary
Architectural Style	Gothic, Baroque	Baroque
Historical Significance	Oldest medieval cathedral in Portugal	Iconic Baroque staircase
Highlights	Intricate design, evolution of Portuguese architecture	Stunning gardens, panoramic views

Guimarães Castle and Old Town

The medieval Guimarães Castle, the birthplace of the first King of Portugal, stands as a testament to the nation’s rich history.

Visitors can explore the castle’s well-preserved towers and battlements, gaining insights into the military architecture and strategic importance of this iconic landmark.

The nearby historic Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, showcases the city’s vibrant cultural heritage through its charming cobblestone streets, picturesque plazas, and traditional buildings.

Strolling through the Old Town, travelers can admire the remarkable Romanesque architecture, visit the 10th-century São Miguel Church, and discover the lively squares that host local markets and festivals, offering a glimpse into the authentic Portuguese way of life.

Porto Walking Tour

Porto’s free walking tour offers travelers an immersive glimpse into the city’s rich history and vibrant culture.

Guided by local experts, the tour takes visitors on a meandering journey through Porto’s picturesque Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its stunning Romanesque architecture and lively plazas.

Strolling along the winding cobblestone streets, you will discover hidden gems like the Ribeira District, with its colorful buildings and riverside views.

The tour also includes a visit to the iconic Clérigos Church and Tower, offering panoramic vistas of the city.

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, this complimentary walking tour provides an engaging and authentic introduction to the charms of Porto.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can We Visit Additional Sites During the Tour?

Yes, visitors can typically visit additional sites during the tour, subject to time constraints and agreement with the tour provider. The tour itinerary can often be customized to accommodate specific interests or requests.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

Yes, the tour duration can be extended. Customers can request an extended tour to visit additional sites or spend more time at the included destinations. The tour provider will accommodate such requests, subject to availability and additional fees.

What Is the Cancellation Policy for This Experience?

The cancellation policy typically allows for full refunds with 48 hours’ notice. Partial refunds may be available with less notice, though the specific policy can vary. Travelers should review the cancellation terms when booking to understand the applicable policy.

Do You Provide Child Seats or Strollers?

Yes, the tour provider offers child seats and strollers for families with children. Clients should request these items at the time of booking to ensure availability. The provider aims to accommodate all guests’ needs for a comfortable and enjoyable experience.

Is There a Discount for Group Bookings?

Yes, group bookings may qualify for a group discount. The specific discount amount depends on the size of the group. Customers should inquire about group rates when making their reservation.

Recap

This immersive private tour of the Minho region provides an in-depth exploration of Braga and Guimarães, showcasing the area’s rich cultural and architectural heritage.

Visitors will be captivated by the Romanesque architecture, captivating landscapes, and authentic Portuguese way of life as they discover the past and present of these historic cities with the guidance of an expert.

You can check availability for your dates here: