From Porto: Braga and Guimarães Full Day Tour With Lunch

Set out on a captivating journey through Portugal’s rich history and culture with a full-day tour from Porto to the enchanting cities of Braga and Guimarães. This 8-hour excursion offers an immersive experience, showcasing iconic sites like the Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte, Braga Cathedral, and the Guimarães Castle. With a traditional Portuguese lunch and a small group guided by a multilingual expert, travelers can expect an enriching exploration of the country’s architectural and religious heritage. But what secrets await within the walls of these historic destinations? Uncover the stories that have shaped the nation’s past and present.

This experience made our list of the 20 Best Full-Day Tours In Porto.

Key Points

• This full-day guided tour from Porto takes visitors to the historic cities of Braga and Guimarães, including a traditional Portuguese lunch.
• Highlights of the tour include the Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte, Braga Cathedral, Guimarães Castle, and the Palace of the Dukes of Braganza.
• The tour provides a small group experience with a live multilingual guide, hotel pickup, and fast-track entry to monuments.
• Participants can explore the Baroque architecture, rich history, and cultural heritage of these two significant Portuguese destinations.
• The tour is suitable for a wide range of travelers, including adults, children, and infants, with booking flexibility and positive guest reviews.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview and Details

This full-day guided tour from Porto takes visitors to the historic cities of Braga and Guimarães, offering a comprehensive exploration of northern Portugal’s rich cultural heritage.

Priced at €39 per person, the 8-hour excursion includes hotel pickup, a small-group experience limited to 8 participants, and a live multilingual guide.

Highlights include visits to the Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte, Braga Cathedral, a traditional Portuguese lunch, and Guimarães Castle and Palace.

With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and a reserve now, pay later option, this tour is a convenient and flexible way to discover these two significant destinations near Porto.

Itinerary Highlights

The tour begins with pickup from Porto accommodations between 8:15 AM and 8:45 AM, setting the stage for a day of immersive exploration.

The first stop is the Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte, where visitors can admire its impressive architecture and take in the panoramic views.

Next, the group explores Braga Cathedral, gaining exclusive access to the chapels and high choir.

After a traditional Portuguese lunch, the tour continues to Guimarães Castle and the Palace of the Dukes of Braganza.

Guests have 30 minutes of free time to wander the historic streets of Guimarães before the return journey to Porto.

Included Features

As part of the Braga and Guimarães Full Day Tour, guests can look forward to a host of included features.

The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, ensuring a seamless experience. Guests will also enjoy a small group setting limited to 8 participants, providing a more intimate and personalized experience.

The live tour guide, fluent in Spanish, English, and Portuguese, will lead the group with expertise and offer fast-track entry to the monuments, saving valuable time.

Plus, bottled water is provided throughout the day, keeping participants hydrated during the excursion.

• Hotel pickup and drop-off
• Small group experience limited to 8 participants
• Live tour guide fluent in Spanish, English, and Portuguese
• Fast-track entry to monuments
• Bottled water provided

Guest Reviews and Ratings

Guests who’ve experienced the Braga and Guimarães Full Day Tour have left overwhelmingly positive reviews, with an overall rating of 4.8 out of 5 based on 429 reviews.

The tour guide received a superb 4.9/5 rating, with reviewers praising their fluency in Spanish, English, and Portuguese, as well as their expertise and engaging storytelling.

Participants were also highly satisfied with the transportation, rating it 4.9/5, and the overall service and organization of the tour, both receiving 4.8/5 ratings.

The tour’s efficient use of fast-track entry and small group size of up to 8 people contribute to the excellent guest experience.

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Participant Information

Although suitable for a wide range of participants, the Braga and Guimarães Full Day Tour caters to adults aged 13 to 99, children aged 5 to 12, and even infants 4 and younger.

The tour is available in Spanish, English, and Portuguese, ensuring a seamless experience for international travelers.

Flexible booking options make it easy for participants to plan their trip, with a reserve now and pay later option available.

The small group size, limited to 8 participants, provides a more personalized and intimate tour experience.

• Suitable for adults (ages 13-99), children (ages 5-12), and infants (age 4 and younger)
• Languages available: Spanish, English, Portuguese
• Flexible booking options, including reserve now and pay later
• Small group size, limited to 8 participants

Sanctuary of Bom Jesus Do Monte

The Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte is the first stop on the Braga and Guimarães Full Day Tour.

This magnificent 18th-century sanctuary sits atop a steep stairway with 116 ornate steps, each representing a different biblical theme. Visitors can climb the stairs or take a funicular railway to reach the top.

The sanctuary’s baroque architecture, featuring intricate sculptures and fountains, creates a serene and spiritual atmosphere. Guests will have 45 minutes to explore the sanctuary, taking in the stunning views and learning about its rich history and religious significance.

This stop provides an opportunity to take in Portuguese culture and architecture.

Braga Cathedral and High Choir

After admiring the grandeur of the Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte, the tour moves on to explore the impressive Braga Cathedral.

Boasting over 1,000 years of history, this architectural gem offers exclusive access to its chapels and high choir.

Visitors can marvel at the intricate details of the Baroque-style interior, including:

• Stunning gilded altarpieces and ornate carvings
• Beautifully preserved medieval cloister
• Impressive Renaissance-era organ pipes
• Breathtaking views from the high choir overlooking the cathedral’s vast interior

With fast-track entry and a knowledgeable guide, the tour ensures an enriching experience at this iconic religious site.

Guimarães Castle and Palace

From Braga, the tour proceeds to the historic town of Guimarães, which is widely regarded as the birthplace of Portugal. The tour first visits the Guimarães Castle, a well-preserved 10th-century castle that stands as a testament to the city’s rich history. Visitors can explore the castle’s towers, walls, and courtyards, and learn about its role in shaping the early days of the Portuguese nation.

Following the castle, the tour moves on to the Palace of the Dukes of Braganza, a grand 15th-century palace that once served as the residence of the Dukes of Braganza, one of the most powerful noble families in Portugal. Visitors can admire the palace’s ornate architecture and step back in time to experience the grandeur of the country’s royal past.

Feature	Description
Guimarães Castle	A 10th-century castle that showcases the city’s historical significance
Palace of the Dukes of Braganza	A 15th-century palace that was the residence of a powerful noble family
Duration	30 minutes at each site
Highlights	Exploring the castle’s towers, walls, and courtyards, and admiring the palace’s ornate architecture
Included	Fast-track entry to both monuments

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Customize the Tour to Include Additional Stops?

The tour can be customized to include additional stops, but it may require a modification to the itinerary and pricing. Travelers can discuss their preferences with the tour operator to see if accommodations can be made.

Will There Be Restroom Breaks During the Tour?

The tour includes scheduled restroom breaks throughout the day. Guests will have the opportunity to use restroom facilities at the various sites visited, such as the Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte and in Guimarães. Ample time is allotted for these breaks.

How Much Walking Is Involved Throughout the Day?

The tour involves moderate walking, with stops at historic sites and monuments. Participants can expect to walk approximately 1-2 miles throughout the day, with opportunities to rest during the included lunch and free time in Guimarães.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

Participants are allowed to bring their own food and drinks on the tour. However, a traditional Portuguese lunch is included in the tour price, which offers a more immersive cultural experience. Bottled water is also provided for participants.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

There’s no option to extend the tour duration. The tour is a fixed 8-hour experience, including hotel pickup, visits to top sites, and a traditional Portuguese lunch. Flexible booking options are available, but the itinerary and timeline can’t be changed.

Recap

This captivating full-day tour from Porto offers an enriching exploration of Portugal’s historic cities of Braga and Guimarães. Travelers can enjoy the region’s rich culture and heritage, visiting iconic sites like the Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte, Braga Cathedral, Guimarães Castle, and the Palace of the Dukes of Braganza. With a small group, live multilingual guide, and a traditional Portuguese lunch included, it’s an exceptional opportunity to discover the essence of northern Portugal.

You can check if your dates are available here: