Enjoy the scenic landscapes of Minho, noted for its popular Vinho Verde, and visit two of the region’s historic cities, Guimarães and Braga, to discover their architectural heritage. The first stop on this full-day tour is Guimarães, the birthplace of Portugal. The city center has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2001. Marvel the Guimarães Castle, dating from the 10th century, where you’ll learn about the early period of Portugal’s history. Admire the Dukes of Bragança Palace and the architecture of this medieval city, full of unique buildings, streets, and squares.
Continue to Braga, a city once occupied by the Romans and one of the most important Christian centers of Portugal. Take a break to enjoy a traditional lunch with Vinho Verde. After that continue learning about the history of Braga and pay a visit to its most important landmarks such as the Cathedral from the 11th century, Bom Jesus do Monte, and the Sameiro Sanctuary. You will arrive back to Porto close to 5pm.
Inclusions & Exclusions
✔ Small goup tour - Maximum up to 8 people
✔ Entrances to monuments included
✔ Expert tour guide
✔ Hotel pick up and drop off
✔ Bottled water
✔ Premium air-conditioned vehicle
✔ Lunch
✖ Gratuities
Pickup Locations
1. Casa da Companhia, Vignette Collection, an IHG hotel
2. Saboaria
3. Eurostars Aliados
4. Vincci Ponte de Ferro
5. Wine & Books Hotels | Porto
6. S. Bento Residences
7. Se Catedral Hotel Porto, Tapestry Collection By Hilton
8. Youropo - Capela
9. Youropo - Cosy
10. Hotel Porto River Infante
11. Mercure Porto Centro Aliados
12. Hotel das Virtudes
13. Hotel Porto Interface Trindade By Kavia
14. Oca Republik Hotel
15. Youropo - Downtown
16. Ribeira Douro Hotel
17. Hotel Aliados
18. Porto River Aparthotel
19. Hotel Porto Trindade
20. Cocorico - Hotel & Restaurant
Additional Info: We will notify each booking by email regarding the pick up time prior to the day of the tour. The clients should wait for our guide by the door of the address provided.
Itinerary
1
Guimaraes Castle
Upon arrival in Guimarães, we begin our tour in the upper part of the city, where the Guimarães Castle is located. Our guide will tell you about Portugal's early history as you pass Portugal's oldest medieval castle and begin the descent into the city center.
2
Igreja de Sao Miguel do Castelo
This church dates back to the 13th century and is currently classified as a national monument. It is a building built in the Romanesque style, which was rebuilt at the beginning of the 20th century according to its original appearance. There is a legend associated with this church, according to which the first king of Portugal, D. Afonso Henriques, was baptized here.
Duration: 10 minutes
3
Paco dos Duques de Braganca
This palace dates back to the beginning of the 15th century and its construction was ordered by D. Afonso (son of King D. João I) at the time of his marriage to D. Constança de Noronha. Over the years it served several purposes, causing wear and tear. At the beginning of the 20th century, the restoration of the palace began. It is classified as a national monument and currently serves as a museum, displaying works of tapestry, furniture, Chinese porcelain and paintings.
4
Rua de Santa Maria
Along the descent to the residential area of the city, we will pass through Rua de Santa Maria, one of the first streets in Guimarães, which served as the main connection between the convent of D. Mumadona Dias, the residential area and the Castle.
Duration: 15 minutes
5
Praca de S. Tiago
This is a social square for the inhabitants of Guimarães, where you can find restaurants, bars and terraces, surrounded by the city's typical architecture. According to the legend, the name of the square is due to the apostle James who, on a pilgrimage, left an image of the Virgin Mary here. A church was built there in the 12th century, which was demolished in the 19th century.
Duration: 10 minutes
6
Largo da Oliveira
Largo da Oliveira is one of the most emblematic and historic squares in Guimarães, Portugal. Its name comes from an ancient olive tree that symbolizes peace and tradition. This place has been the scene of significant events over the centuries, including medieval courts and crucial moments in the formation of Portugal as a nation.
Duration: 20 minutes
7
Padrao do Salado
In addition to the church, Largo da Oliveira is known for the Padrão do Salado, a monument that celebrates the victory of D. Afonso IV over the Moors in the battle of Salado in 1340.
Duration: 5 minutes
8
Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Oliveira
From Largo da Oliveira you can see the church of Nossa Senhora da Oliveira - Colegiada de Guimarães, whose origins date back to a monastery founded in the first half of the 10th century by Countess Mumadona Dias. The current church was built in 1387 by order of King D. João I, following models of Gothic architecture.
Duration: 15 minutes
9
Se de Braga
Braga Cathedral is one of the most emblematic and historic monuments in Portugal. Located in the city of Braga, this Catholic cathedral is a testament to the country's cultural and religious richness.
Its construction dates back to the end of the 11th century, having been sacred and dedicated to the Virgin Mary by Bishop D. Pedro in 10891. The Braga Cathedral is considered the first Portuguese cathedral, built several decades before the founding of the nation itself.
Duration: 30 minutes
10
Bom Jesus Do Monte
The Bom Jesus do Monte Sanctuary is a jewel of the religious architecture and landscaping, located in Braga. With over 600 years of history, this site of Christian pilgrimage is a notable example of the European Sacri Monti, created after the Council of Trent in the 16th century.
The sanctuary's Via Crucis, which winds up the mountainside, is made up of chapels, fountains and sculptures representing the Passion of Christ, culminating in the neoclassical church built between 1784 and 1811. The Staircase of the Five Senses, a baroque work, is a of the most emblematic elements of the set, symbolizing the human senses through fountains and statues.
Bom Jesus do Monte was recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2019, standing out for its harmonious integration with the natural landscape and its cultural and spiritual importance. The sanctuary offers panoramic views of Braga and is a testament to the religious tradition and influence of the Catholic Church in the region.
Duration: 60 minutes
11
Sanctuary of Our Lady of Sameiro
The Sanctuary of Nossa Senhora do Sameiro, or simply Santuário do Sameiro, is one of the most important places of Marian worship in Portugal, located in the city of Braga. Founded on June 14, 1863 by Father Martinho António Pereira da Silva, the sanctuary is a symbol of devotion to the Virgin Mary.
Sameiro is the second largest Marian pilgrimage center in Portugal, after the Sanctuary of Fátima, and is a place that attracts not only devotees, but also tourists, due to its rich history and its privileged location at the top of the mountain, at 566 meters of altitude. It offers a spectacular view over the city of Braga and the surrounding landscape.
Duration: 30 minutes
Additional info
• Specialized infant seats are available
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• Travel time is already included with the total tour duration.
• Green wine - legal age to drink is 18 years old and above
