Porto: Guimaraes & Braga Small Group Tour with Lunch and Tickets
Description
Guimarães, the birthplace of the nation and a UNESCO World Heritage site, exudes a medieval atmosphere with its 10th-century castle and 15th-century Ducal Palace. A stroll through the heart of the city's streets and squares will immerse you in the palpable charm and rich history of Guimarães. During our visit, we'll explore the imposing castle, admire the majestic Dukes of Bragança Palace, and wander through the historic center. After a relaxing lunch break included in the tour, we'll continue our journey to Braga, known as the oldest Portuguese city and the religious capital of Portugal. For centuries, Braga has been a prominent archiepiscopal seat and pilgrimage site. Our exploration of Braga will include a visit to its 11th-century Cathedral, followed by a tour of the Bom Jesus Sanctuary, a UNESCO World Heritage site nestled in the scenic hills surrounding the city. Join us on our small-group tour to discover the most iconic monuments and exclusive spots in these historic cities.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Pickup & Start Point: Your Braga & Guimaraes Tour begins with a convenient pickup in Porto city center, where your local guide will greet you warmly. From here, enjoy a comfortable scenic drive northwards to the first stop of this unforgettable day.
Arrive at the iconic Bom Jesus do Monte, a breathtaking sanctuary perched on the hills above Braga. Experience the famous Baroque stairway known as the Via Crucis — a path lined with chapels and statues telling the story of Christ’s Passion. Admire the historic funicular, the oldest water-powered funicular in the world. Soak in the panoramic views and lush gardens surrounding the sanctuary.
Next, head to the heart of Braga city to visit the majestic Braga Cathedral, the oldest cathedral in Portugal. Explore its stunning Romanesque and Gothic architecture, wander the cloisters and chapels, and absorb the medieval atmosphere that makes this a must-see spiritual landmark.
Charming local restaurant: savor a traditional meal featuring regional specialties from Braga, accompanied by refreshing Vinho Verde local wine — a crisp, lightly sparkling white wine native to Northern Portugal. Vegetarian options are also available upon request to ensure everyone enjoys an authentic and delicious dining experience.
Travel onward to Guimarães, the birthplace of Portugal. Visit the medieval Guimarães Castle, where legends say the first Portuguese king, D. Afonso Henriques, was born. Walk the ancient walls and imagine the battles fought to defend this fortress, crucial to Portuguese identity.
Just a short walk from the castle is the impressive Ducal Palace, once the residence of the Dukes of Braganza. Admire the stately architecture, period furnishings, and lush gardens, reflecting the wealth and history of one of Portugal’s noble families.
Visit Guimaraes medieval town with your guide and pause at Largo da Oliveira, the vibrant square at the heart of Guimarães’ historic center. Admire the Padrão do Salado monument and enjoy the lively atmosphere with your guide sharing stories of the town’s rich heritage.
Finish your tour wandering the UNESCO-listed historic center of Guimarães. It's time to enjoy some free time at this beautifully preserved medieval town which is considered the "Cradle of Portugal," brimming with cultural landmarks and traditional architecture.
After some free time to explore, your guide will meet you here to gather the group and escort you back to Porto, sharing final insights about the street’s history and its beautiful buildings along the way.
After a full day immersed in history, culture, and breathtaking sights, relax on the drive back to Porto where your tour concludes with drop-off at two central locations or a nearby central spot for your convenience.
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
Most centrally located Porto hotels (when accessible). We will confirm your pickup time and location the day previous to the tour.
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- May be operated by a multi-lingual guide
- Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking
- Vegetarian option is available, please advise at time of booking if required
Reviews(454)
Nuno is an excellent guide and very knowledgeable and accommodating. Lunch was delicious. The free time at every location was very welcomed and nice. The sights are great, it is a must do in my opinion.
Philip was humorous and funny guide that shared information that helped us to understand history in Portugal. The lunch was very tasty and gave us time to know others in our group. I would highly recommend this tour.
George was our guide. Very professional with a wealth of knowledge to share. The place he took us for lunch was very good
I really enjoyed this tour. I was in Porto for a few days and decided to take a day trip. The meeting place was close to my hotel and easy to find. The drive was not far so we did not spend a ton of time in the car. Our guide was great and very personable sharing enough information, but not too much. The castle was beautiful and the church was stunning. There was a medieval festival going on at the time so that was pretty cool. We had a little time to ourselves at each of the stopping points. Lunch was traditional Portuguese food. It was very good and plenty of food. I would recommend the tour.
Being able to get to visit both of these interesting sites was a great experience. We were in Porto for a month and was glad to be able to venture further.
A great experience! Our guide, Miguel, was fantastic and very communicative— would highly recommend the tour.
We had a great day on this tour: Braga and Guimaraes are interesting with lots of history. Our tour guide Alex was very friendly, knowledgeable, and able to answer all our questions.
David was excellent—very knowledgeable, friendly, and provided great service. To reach the top of the church, you need to climb a long flight of stairs. If you’re unable to do that, David offered alternative routes so we could avoid the long, steep climb. The tour itself is simple, but David made it engaging and enjoyable. All of his recommendations made the visit much more memorable and enhanced the overall experience.
This tour was amazing. Our guide, David, was incredibly knowledgeable, funny, and passionate about the region’s history. The small-group size made the experience feel intimate, and we never felt rushed. The lunch at a family owned restaurant was delicious. Highly recommend this to anyone looking for the perfect journey between the birth of the nation and the country's religious roots.
Two beautiful spots outside of Porto to visit. Our tour guide, David was excellent. We did not feel rushed and he gave us so much historical background without overwhelming us! Lunch was fabulous as well. Highly recommend this tour and it was worth the cost! Don’t miss these two unique and beautiful cities!!
