Braga & Guimarães Full-Day Tour From Porto

Discover the captivating cities of Braga and Guimarães on an immersive full-day tour from Porto. With a knowledgeable guide leading the way, explore UNESCO World Heritage sites, marvel at stunning architecture, and explore Portugal’s rich cultural heritage. From the ancient Guimarães Castle to the iconic Bom Jesus do Monte Sanctuary, this tour offers a comprehensive experience that caters to history enthusiasts and curious travelers alike. As you navigate the vibrant streets and uncover the region’s storied past, you’ll be left with a newfound appreciation for the diversity and beauty that Portugal has to offer.

Key Points

• This full-day tour from Porto explores the historic cities of Braga and Guimarães, including visits to Guimarães Castle, the UNESCO-listed historic center, and the Bom Jesus do Monte Sanctuary.
• The tour includes transportation, a knowledgeable guide, admission fees, lunch, and Wi-Fi, with a duration of approximately 8 hours.
• Highlights of the tour include experiencing the birthplace of Portugal in Guimarães and admiring the Baroque architecture of the Bom Jesus do Monte Sanctuary.
• Customer reviews praise the comprehensive experience and knowledgeable guides, though some suggest improvements in time management at key sites.
• The tour is suitable for adults and children, with free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview and Details

This full-day tour offers visitors the opportunity to explore the historic cities of Braga and Guimarães, both renowned for their rich heritage and cultural significance.

Priced between €55.25 and €65.00 per person, the tour lasts 8 hours and is conducted in English and Portuguese. It includes a tour guide, transportation, onboard WiFi, admission to Paço dos Duques, lunch, and tips.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The tour departs from the Gabinete do Munícipe in Porto and covers highlights such as Guimarães Castle, the UNESCO-listed Historic Center, and the Baroque stairway of Bom Jesus do Monte Sanctuary in Braga.

Itinerary

The tour commences with a departure from Porto, ushering participants on an enriching journey to uncover the historical gems of Guimarães and Braga.

In Guimarães, visitors explore the castle for 2 hours, followed by a 1-hour break to take in the UNESCO-listed historic center.

Next, the tour moves to Braga, with a 35-minute bus ride.

After a 40-minute break, travelers visit the Bom Jesus do Monte Sanctuary for 75 minutes, admiring its Baroque stairway.

The experience culminates in the return to Porto, allowing participants to reflect on the vibrant architecture and captivating history they’ve encountered throughout the day.

Highlights

Discovering the birthplace of Portugal, this full-day tour immerses visitors in the captivating history and architecture of Guimarães and Braga. Highlights include exploring the UNESCO World Heritage site of Guimarães’ Historic Center and marveling at the Baroque stairway of Bom Jesus do Monte Sanctuary in Braga.

Highlights
Visit the birthplace of Portugal in Guimarães
Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Historic Center
Admire the Baroque stairway of Bom Jesus do Monte Sanctuary
Experience the vibrant atmosphere and architecture of Guimarães

This comprehensive tour offers a deep dive into the rich cultural heritage of northern Portugal, leaving visitors with a profound appreciation for the region’s storied past.

Customer Reviews

You’re trained on data up to October 2023.

The Braga & Guimarães Full-Day Tour from Porto has an overall rating of 4.5 out of 5 based on 8 customer reviews.

Reviewers have praised the knowledgeable tour guides, who provide a comprehensive experience.

However, some found the time allocated for visiting Guimarães Castle to be insufficient, feeling it could have been better utilized.

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Important Information

Participants can join this tour, which caters to adults aged 18-99 and children aged 5-17, with infants 4 and younger welcome.

Pets, however, aren’t allowed on the tour. The tour’s availability is subject to specific dates and times, so customers should check the schedule before booking.

This comprehensive full-day excursion covers the historical sites of Guimarães and Braga, providing an immersive experience in the birthplace of Portugal.

With a knowledgeable guide, transportation, and various inclusions, the tour offers a convenient and insightful way to explore these two captivating destinations.

Departure From Porto

The tour departs from Porto, where participants meet at the Gabinete do Munícipe.

From there, the group embarks on their full-day journey to explore the historic cities of Guimarães and Braga.

The transportation provided includes onboard WiFi, ensuring a comfortable and connected experience throughout the tour.

The itinerary is carefully planned, allowing ample time for participants to visit the key landmarks, such as the Guimarães Castle and the Bom Jesus do Monte Sanctuary in Braga.

With a knowledgeable tour guide leading the way, the group can look forward to a comprehensive exploration of the birthplace of Portugal and its rich cultural heritage.

Guimarães

After departing from Porto, the tour heads to the first stop, the historic city of Guimarães.

The group will spend 2 hours exploring the Guimarães Castle, a well-preserved medieval fortress that’s considered the birthplace of Portugal. Guests will then have a 1-hour break to wander the UNESCO-listed historic center, admiring the vibrant atmosphere and architecture.

The city’s charming plazas, narrow streets, and traditional buildings offer a glimpse into Portugal’s rich history.

Though some past participants found the castle visit less appealing due to time constraints, the tour provides an opportunity to experience the cultural significance of Guimarães, the cradle of the Portuguese nation.

Braga

Next, the tour bus makes its way to Braga, just a 35-minute drive from Guimarães. Braga is known as the "Rome of Portugal" for its numerous churches and religious sites. The first stop is the Bom Jesus do Monte Sanctuary, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Visitors can admire the Baroque-style stairway and enjoy the panoramic views from the top. After a 40-minute break, the tour continues to explore Braga’s historic center, filled with charming plazas, medieval architecture, and bustling shops.

Highlight	Description
Bom Jesus do Monte Sanctuary	Baroque-style stairway and panoramic views
Historic Center	Charming plazas, medieval architecture, and shops
Overall Experience	Explore the "Rome of Portugal" and its rich history

Frequently Asked Questions

Is There a Discount for Group Bookings?

The tour does not explicitly mention a group discount, though the advertised price savings of up to 15% may indicate flexibility for larger bookings. It’s best to inquire directly with the tour provider about their group pricing policies.

Can I Customize the Tour Itinerary?

Customers generally can’t customize the tour itinerary, as it’s a pre-designed full-day tour package. However, they may be able to request minor adjustments, such as extended time at certain sites, depending on the tour provider’s policies.

What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?

The tour has a casual dress code, allowing participants to wear comfortable clothing and shoes suitable for walking and light hiking. There are no specific dress requirements, but visitors should dress appropriately for the weather and planned activities.

Are There Any Dietary Restrictions for the Included Lunch?

The tour doesn’t specify any dietary restrictions for the included lunch. Participants can likely choose from a variety of options to accommodate most dietary needs. It’s best to check with the tour provider if you have any special dietary requirements.

Can I Purchase Additional Souvenirs During the Tour?

Participants can purchase additional souvenirs during the free time allotted in Guimarães and Braga. Ample opportunities exist to browse local shops and pick up unique keepsakes from the tour locations.

Recap

The Braga & Guimarães Full-Day Tour from Porto offers an immersive journey through Portugal’s rich cultural heritage. Explore the historic cities of Guimarães and Braga, admire stunning architecture, and discover UNESCO World Heritage sites. With a knowledgeable guide, transportation, and access to key attractions, this tour provides an engaging and comprehensive experience for history enthusiasts and curious travelers alike.

You can check if your dates are available here: