Cultural Route – Braga & Guimarães – From Porto

Exploring the cultural richness of northern Portugal, this private tour takes travelers on a captivating journey from Porto to the historic cities of Braga and Guimarães. With a knowledgeable guide leading the way, visitors will uncover the ancient roots of Braga, once known as Bracara Augusta, and explore the national significance of Guimarães, the birthplace of Portugal’s first king. Lasting approximately 9 hours and priced from $110.50 per person, the tour includes round-trip transportation, entrance fees, and bottled water, ensuring a seamless and immersive experience. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or simply seeking to learn about the cultural narratives of these UNESCO World Heritage Sites, this tour promises to leave a lasting impression.

Key Points

• This private cultural tour takes visitors from Porto to the historic cities of Braga and Guimarães, showcasing their deep roots in Portuguese history and architecture.
• Highlights include the Braga Cathedral, Bom Jesus do Monte sanctuary, Guimarães Castle, and the Penha Mountain, offering insights into Portugal’s birth as a nation.
• The tour includes round-trip transportation, entrance fees, and a local guide, providing a comprehensive experience for visitors.
• Guimarães is recognized as the cradle of Portuguese nationality, while Braga has ancient Roman roots as the capital of the Gallaecia province.
• The tour is priced at $110.50 per person, with a duration of 9 hours and options for live guides in English, Portuguese, or Spanish.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

This cultural route from Porto takes visitors on an enriching journey through the historic cities of Braga and Guimarães.

Priced from $110.50 per person, the 9-hour private tour offers a comprehensive experience with a live guide in English, Portuguese, or Spanish.

Flexibility is key, as travelers can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

The tour includes round-trip transportation from Porto, all entrance fees, bottled water, and comprehensive insurance coverage.

Whether exploring the ancient Roman roots of Braga or the birthplace of Portuguese nationality in Guimarães, this cultural route promises an immersive exploration of the region’s rich heritage.

Historical Significance

Originating in the ancient Roman Empire, Braga was known as Bracara Augusta and has long been an influential commercial city since the 1st century BC. Guimarães, on the other hand, is considered the cradle of Portuguese nationality. It was the site of independence from León and the birthplace of Afonso Henriques, the first king of Portugal. Both cities have been recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, with Guimarães receiving the distinction in 2001 and Braga in 2019.

City	Historical Significance
Braga	Origin in the ancient Roman Empire; known as Bracara Augusta, significant commercial city since I BC.
Guimarães	Cradle of Portuguese nationality; site of independence from León; birthplace of Afonso Henriques, first king.
UNESCO World Heritage Sites	Guimarães (2001), Braga (2019).

Key Attractions

The tour takes visitors to several key attractions in Braga and Guimarães.

In Braga, the magnificent Braga Cathedral stands tall, boasting over 1,000 years of history and intricate Baroque architecture.

Nearby, the Bom Jesus do Monte sanctuary is a must-see, with its grand Baroque staircase and breathtaking views from the top.

In Guimarães, the medieval Castle of Guimarães offers a glimpse into the city’s past as the birthplace of Portugal.

The Penha Mountain also provides stunning panoramic vistas of the surrounding landscape.

Plus, the historic town center of Guimarães, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, enchants visitors with its well-preserved medieval buildings and lively atmosphere.

Inclusions

What does the tour include?

The cultural route from Porto to Braga and Guimarães offers a comprehensive package. Guests are provided with pickup and drop-off services in Porto, if selected.

Entrance fees for all the key attractions, such as the Castle of Guimarães and Braga Cathedral, are covered. Private transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle is included, along with bottled water.

A local Portuguese guide/driver accompanies the tour to provide insights and commentary. All fees and taxes are included in the tour price.

The package also provides personal accident and liability insurance. However, meals, gratuities, and personal expenses aren’t part of the inclusions.

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Accessibility

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, but it does accommodate strollers/prams and provides infant seats.

The tour is also pet-friendly, allowing visitors to bring their furry companions along.

While meals, gratuities, and personal expenses aren’t included, the tour provides bottled water for all participants.

Plus, the tour operator offers personal accident and liability insurance, ensuring the safety and well-being of all guests.

The tour give you a comfortable and accessible experience for a wide range of travelers.

• Not wheelchair accessible
• Stroller/pram accessible
• Infant seats available
• Pet friendly
• Personal accident and liability insurance provided

Braga’s Ancient Roots

Braga’s roots date back to the ancient Roman Empire, when it was known as Bracara Augusta. As a significant commercial city since the 1st century BC, Braga has a rich history closely intertwined with the Roman era. The city’s strategic location and importance are reflected in its ancient past:

Significance	Details
Commercial Hub	Bracara Augusta was a thriving commercial center, connecting northern Portugal to the broader Roman network.
Administrative Center	The city served as the capital of the Roman province of Gallaecia, underscoring its administrative prominence.
Religious Importance	Braga was home to important Roman temples, highlighting its religious significance in the empire.

These ancient roots continue to shape Braga’s identity and importance as a cultural and historical destination in northern Portugal.

Guimarães’ National Importance

Guimarães holds a unique place in Portuguese national history. As the birthplace of Afonso Henriques, the first king of Portugal, this city is considered the cradle of Portuguese nationality.

The city was the site of Portugal’s independence from the Kingdom of León, a pivotal moment in the country’s history. Guimarães is home to several historical landmarks that reflect its significance, including:

• The Castle of Guimarães, a well-preserved fortress dating back to the 10th century
• The Ducal Palace, a grand medieval residence that once housed the rulers of Portugal
• The Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Oliveira, a Romanesque church with stunning architectural features
• The Largo da Oliveira, a picturesque town square that serves as the heart of Guimarães
• The UNESCO World Heritage site designation, which recognizes the city’s outstanding cultural and historical value.

Reserve Your Experience

To reserve this captivating Cultural Route exploring Braga and Guimarães, simply follow a few easy steps.

The tour is priced from $110.50 per person and lasts 9 hours. You can choose a private tour with a live guide in English, Portuguese, or Spanish.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Booking now allows you to pay later.

The tour includes pickup/drop-off in Porto, entrance fees, private transportation, bottled water, and a local Portuguese guide.

While not wheelchair accessible, the tour does accommodate strollers and infant seats. Pets are welcome too.

Just remember, meals, tips, and personal expenses aren’t included.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is There a Lunch Break Included During the Tour?

The tour details don’t mention a lunch break. It appears meals are not included, so participants would need to arrange their own lunch during the 9-hour tour.

Can I Customize the Itinerary or Activities?

Yes, the tour can be customized to the traveler’s preferences. The private nature of the tour allows for flexibility in the itinerary and activities, which can be discussed with the guide prior to the tour.

Do I Need to Bring My Own Water/Snacks?

The tour includes bottled water, so guests don’t need to bring their own. However, snacks aren’t provided, so they may want to bring their own. Guests can also purchase refreshments during the tour if desired.

What Is the Group Size for This Private Tour?

The tour is a private one, so the group size is flexible and can accommodate individual travelers or small groups. Bottled water is provided, but bringing additional snacks or drinks is not required as it’s not included in the tour.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Seniors or Students?

The tour doesn’t explicitly mention any discounts for seniors or students. However, some tour providers may offer discounted rates for these groups, so it’s best to check with the tour operator directly to inquire about any available discounts.

Recap

This captivating cultural route from Porto to Braga and Guimarães offers a chance to take in the rich heritage and stunning architecture of these UNESCO World Heritage Sites. With round-trip transportation, entrance fees, and a knowledgeable guide, visitors can explore the ancient roots of Braga and the birthplace of Portugal’s first king in Guimarães, making for an engaging and informative experience.

You can check if your dates are available here: