Historic Guimarães serves up some of Portugal’s most satisfying lunch experiences. The standout options are straightforward and memorable. I especially love the Douro Valley wine tours, where hearty Portuguese meals come paired with excellent local wines. The small-group tours to Braga and Guimarães hit the sweet spot – you’ll enjoy authentic regional dishes in carefully chosen local restaurants without the tourist crowds.
For history buffs who love good food, the UNESCO sites tour combines the best of both worlds, featuring a traditional lunch between castle visits. The experience feels genuine and untouristy, exactly what savvy travelers seek.
These are my favorite food tours in Guimarães, ranked from most essential to optional:
Key Points
- The Braga & Guimarães Semi-Private Tour and the Full Day Braga & Guimarães Experience both include a traditional Portuguese lunch at an authentic restaurant.
- The Guimarães Guided Day Tour features a typical Portuguese lunch with drinks as part of the tour package.
- The Douro Valley Private Tours offer a relaxing lunch in the Pinhão village, with dietary options available for fish, meat, vegetarian, and gluten-free diets.
- Lunch experiences in Guimarães often showcase the region’s traditional cuisine and local Vinho Verde wine.
- Many of the tour operators offer flexibility for reserve-now-pay-later options, allowing for budget-friendly lunch experiences in Guimarães.
Douro Valley: PRIVATE TOURS With Wine Tasting and Lunch
The Douro Valley: Private Tours with Wine Tasting and Lunch offer an immersive experience for visitors to explore the stunning landscapes and renowned vineyards of this historic region.
Priced at $158.53 per person, these 9-hour tours provide a comprehensive itinerary that includes hotel pickup, visits to two local wine estates, guided wine tastings, a traditional lunch in Pinhão village, and a relaxing river cruise on a Rabelo boat.
The tours cater to a variety of dietary preferences, with options for fish, meat, vegetarian, and gluten-free meals. Guests are advised to wear comfortable shoes, bring a hat and sunscreen, and refrain from smoking or consuming alcohol during the tour.
Pickup is available from any hotel in Porto’s downtown, and the multilingual guides ensure a seamless and informative experience for all participants.
With free cancellation and a pay-later option, these Douro Valley tours offer a budget-friendly way to discover the region’s rich winemaking heritage and picturesque scenery.
Read our full review: Douro Valley: PRIVATE TOURS With Wine Tasting and Lunch Review
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Full-Day Braga & Guimarães Semi-Private Tour With Lunch
A full-day, semi-private tour to the historic cities of Braga and Guimarães allows visitors to uncover Portugal’s rich heritage. Priced from $100.40 per person, the 8-hour excursion promises an intimate experience, with group sizes limited to just 8 participants.
During the tour, guests will explore the UNESCO-listed Bom Jesus Sanctuary and Guimarães Castle, learning about the country’s history and culture from knowledgeable guides like Violetta and Bruno.
Pickup in Porto kicks off the day, with a 1-hour drive to Braga for a 3-hour guided tour. After lunch, the group heads to Guimarães for another 3-hour guided visit.
The tour includes entrance fees, transportation, and a delicious lunch, all while offering the convenience of hotel pickup. With an impressive 4.8/5 rating from past travelers, this small-group experience promises excellent value, outstanding customer service, and unforgettable sights.
Just be sure to leave any large bags at home, as they’re not permitted on the tour.
Read our full review: Full-Day Braga & Guimarães Semi-Private Tour With Lunch Review
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Guimarães: Guided Day Tour With Lunch and Drinks
Priced from $184.95 per person, this 8-hour guided day tour immerses visitors in the rich history and vibrant culture of Guimarães and Braga.
With hotel pickup and drop-off included, guests will enjoy a typical Portuguese lunch and drinks as they explore UNESCO World Heritage sites. The tour features a live guide available in multiple languages, as well as a private tuktuk tour of Braga’s city center, subject to availability.
Highlights include the historic city center of Guimarães, Guimarães Castle, and the Santuário da Nossa Senhora da Penha.
In Braga, visitors can ride the oldest funicular in the Iberian Peninsula at Bom Jesus. Throughout the day, you will experience local culture, traditions, gastronomy, and heritage.
Comfortable clothing and shoes are recommended, and large bags or luggage aren’t allowed. Tour operators reserve the right to reschedule or cancel due to weather or road conditions.
Read our full review: Guimarães: Guided Day Tour With Lunch and Drinks Review
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From Porto: Braga & Guimarães Full Day Experience With Lunch
Departing from Porto, this full-day, small-group tour transports visitors on a captivating journey to explore the historic cities of Braga and Guimarães.
Over the course of 9 hours, travelers can save up to 30% on the €160 price, with the tour now offered at €112 per person. With the flexibility of reserve-now-pay-later and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, this experience is budget-friendly and convenient.
Led by knowledgeable guides fluent in Portuguese, English, French, and Spanish, the tour highlights the region’s rich cultural and historical significance.
Key stops include the UNESCO-listed Guimarães, the birthplace of Portugal, as well as the impressive Palace of the Dukes of Braganza and the majestic Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte.
Complementing the sightseeing, travelers will enjoy a traditional Portuguese lunch featuring local cuisine and Vinho Verde at a small, authentic restaurant.
With an overall rating of 4.7/5 based on traveler reviews, this tour is a must-do experience for those visiting the northern region of Portugal.
Read our full review: From Porto: Braga & Guimarães Full Day Experience With Lunch Review
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are Vegetarian/Vegan Lunch Options Available on the Tours?
Vegetarian and vegan lunch options are often available on guided tours in Guimaraes. Many local restaurants cater to these dietary preferences, offering a range of plant-based dishes to accommodate visitors with diverse dietary needs.
What Is the Dress Code for the Lunch Experiences?
There’s generally no strict dress code for the lunch experiences. Casual, comfortable attire is recommended, as the focus is on enjoying the meal and the local culture. Visitors should dress appropriately for the weather and the setting.
Can Dietary Restrictions Be Accommodated on the Tours?
Most tour providers can accommodate dietary restrictions with advance notice. They’ll work to provide suitable meal options for vegetarian, vegan, or other dietary needs so you can fully enjoy the lunch experience.
How Long Do the Lunch Breaks Typically Last During the Tours?
Lunch breaks on the tours typically last around 1-2 hours, providing ample time for visitors to enjoy a leisurely meal and recharge before continuing their exploration. Most tour operators are accommodating of dietary restrictions to ensure a pleasant dining experience.
Is Transportation to and From the Lunch Venues Included in the Tour?
Transportation to and from the lunch venues isn’t typically included in tours. However, some tour operators may offer this as an added convenience for an additional charge. It’s best to check with the specific tour provider for details on any transportation options they provide.
Recap
Guimarães offers a range of exceptional lunch experiences. From private Douro Valley wine tours to guided city tours with meals, visitors can savor local cuisine while exploring the historic city. These full-day experiences provide a well-rounded introduction to Guimarães’ highlights, making them budget-friendly and efficient options for those seeking an immersive culinary and sightseeing adventure.