Braga and Guimarães Day Trip from Porto

Start by exploring the stunning city of Braga, taking in breathtaking views from the Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte. Next, step back in time as you explore Portugal’s oldest cathedral, where you’ll enjoy exclusive access to the interior of the chapels and the high choir of the monument. Pause for a traditional, Portuguese lunch at an authentic restaurant while enjoying a glass of Vinho Verde, a regional specialty!

After lunch, your guide will take you the medieval city of Guimarães, where you’ll explore a historical castle and be mesmerized by the lavish lives of past royals at the Palace of the Dukes. End your tour with a charming stroll through the city’s historic center. Wind through the narrow paths of the ancient city and stop for a souvenir at one of the many local shops before heading back to Porto.

Braga and Guimarães Day Trip from Porto Tour Description

Your 8-hour tour includes:

• Local tour guide

• Roundtrip transportation from Porto, with hotel pick up and drop off

• Admission to Braga Cathedral, Castle of Guimarães and Ducal Palace

• Private access to exclusive rooms and fast track entrance to monuments

• Traditional Portuguese lunch with famous Vinho Verde

• Small group experience of 8 people max

Hotel Pick Up

Your adventure through northern Portugal begins at your hotel in Porto, where your local guide will be waiting to whisk you away! Hop into your comfy vehicle for the day, where you will also meet your intimate group of only 8 people at most.

Buckle up and take in the views as you get ready to explore one of Portugal’s most captivating regions. With such a small group size, you’ll spend the day enjoying a truly personalized experience with plenty of one-on-one attention from your guide!

Take in the View from the Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte

Your first stop of the day will be in Braga, a breathtaking city north of Porto. Prepare to be mesmerized as your guide leads you to the Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte, a jaw-dropping, mountaintop sanctuary. The extraordinary site is renowned for its impressive staircase, encompassing 557 steps leading to the basilica. Take in the breathtaking, scenic views along with the incredible architecture as your guide explains the church’s rich history.

Visit the Oldest Cathedral in the Country

Next, follow your friendly guide to the oldest cathedral in all of Portugal! Marvel at the historic Cathedral of Braga as you wander through its impressive interior, taking in every intricate detail. You and your group members will even be granted exclusive access to the interior of the chapels, along with the high choir of the monument!

Enjoy a Traditional Portuguese Lunch

After a captivating exploration of Braga, it’s time to refuel with a mouthwatering lunch break! Your guide will bring you to the Diana Restaurant, where you’ll indulge in a delicious, authentic Portuguese lunch. Sample traditional cuisine, savoring the rich flavors and aromas that are typical of northern Portuguese fare. Of course, pair your meal with a glass of the famous Vinho Verde, or Green Wine, a regional specialty!

Visit Castelo de Guimarães

Following your decadent lunch, it’s time to say goodbye to Braga and begin exploring nearby Guimarães, an incredibly enchanting medieval city. Your guide will begin by taking you to the Castelo de Guimarães, one of the oldest castles in Portugal. As the site where the first Portuguese king was raised, the historic castle holds extreme significance to the country, and is symbolic of Portugal’s independence.

Take in the captivating site as your knowledgeable guide details its prominent history and importance within Portugal.

Explore the Palace of the Dukes

Continue immersing yourself in Portugal’s fascinating history as you’re led to the Palace of the Dukes of Braganza. Step back in time as you learn about the royals that once called this palace home. Marvel at the ornate details and architecture as you imagine the luxurious lives that lived here long ago, while your guide details more about the palace’s intriguing past.

Wander Through the Historic Center of Guimarães

Complete your tour of ancient Guimarães with a stroll through its medieval historic center. Wander through the narrow alleyways of the city, taking in the charming sights along the way and stopping for breathtaking photo opportunities. This is also a perfect time to pop into one of the many local shops for a special souvenir!

After exploring Guimarães’s enchanting historic center, it will be time to hop back into your vehicle for a relaxing drive back to the beautiful city of Porto.