From Porto: Braga & Guimarães Tour

The "From Porto: Braga & Guimarães Tour" provides an excellent opportunity to explore Portugal’s rich history and cultural heritage. Visitors can enjoy the UNESCO-listed Guimarães Castle, the iconic Sé de Braga cathedral, and the stunning Baroque staircase at Bom Jesus do Monte. Led by an expert guide, the tour offers insights into the religious significance and the role these sites played in shaping the nation’s identity. Whether it’s the birthplace of Portugal or the captivating Baroque architecture, this day trip from Porto promises an enriching experience that’ll leave you intrigued and eager to discover more.

Key Points

• This full-day tour from Porto explores the historic cities of Guimarães and Braga, known for their UNESCO-listed sites and rich cultural heritage.
• Highlights include visiting Guimarães Castle, the medieval town center, and the iconic Bom Jesus do Monte Sanctuary in Braga.
• The tour provides private guided commentary in multiple languages, ensuring an insightful and personalized experience for participants.
• Entrance fees, transportation, and travel insurance are included, making it a comprehensive and hassle-free sightseeing package.
• The tour is suitable for visitors interested in Portugal’s history, architecture, and religious significance, with options to climb the Baroque staircase at Bom Jesus.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

For this Braga and Guimarães tour, prices start from €5,012 per person.

The tour lasts 8 hours and offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Customers can also choose the "Reserve now & pay later" option.

The tour includes hotel or meeting point pick-up, visits to the Guimarães Castle, the historic center of Guimarães, and the Bom Jesus do Monte Sanctuary in Braga.

A private guided tour with an expert in Portuguese history is provided, and the tour is available in multiple languages.

Entrance fees, travel insurance, and water bottles are included, but lunch is not.

Itinerary Highlights

The tour begins with a pick-up from the hotel or a preferred meeting point. Travelers will first explore Guimarães, known as the Birthplace of Portugal, and visit the UNESCO-listed Guimarães Castle. Next, they’ll stroll through the historic center and enjoy local cuisine. The journey continues to Braga, rich in religious significance, where they’ll visit the iconic Sé de Braga, one of the oldest cathedrals in Portugal. The tour culminates at the Bom Jesus do Monte Sanctuary, where guests can ascend the Baroque staircase or take the funicular.

Itinerary Highlights
Visit Guimarães	Explore Guimarães Castle	Stroll historic center
Journey to Braga	Visit Sé de Braga	Discover Bom Jesus do Monte

Guided Experience

An expert guide accompanies travelers throughout the tour, providing valuable insights into Portuguese history and culture.

The guide is knowledgeable about the significant sites visited, including the UNESCO-listed Guimarães Castle and the iconic Sé de Braga cathedral. Offering commentary in English, Portuguese, Spanish, and French, the guide ensures an engaging and informative experience for all participants.

The private tour also includes a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle, allowing for a seamless and enjoyable journey between the historic cities of Guimarães and Braga.

With the guide’s expertise, visitors gain a deeper appreciation for the rich heritage and cultural traditions that define this captivating region of Portugal.

Inclusions

Included in the tour package are the entrance fees to both the Guimarães Castle and the Sé de Braga cathedral, ensuring visitors can fully explore these iconic landmarks without additional costs.

Travelers won’t have to worry about paying for their own travel insurance, as it’s covered as part of the tour. Complimentary bottled water is provided throughout the day to keep everyone hydrated.

While lunch isn’t included, the tour gives ample time for participants to sample the local cuisine in Guimarães and Braga on their own.

The tour package provides a comprehensive experience, taking care of the key logistics so guests can focus on enjoying the journey.

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Important Information

Comfortable shoes are recommended for this tour, as it involves walking through the historic centers of both Guimarães and Braga.

The tour also includes visiting sites like Guimarães Castle and the Bom Jesus do Monte Sanctuary, which may require some uphill walking.

The tour includes:

1. Full travel insurance to provide peace of mind during your journey.
2. Bottled water provided throughout the day to help you stay hydrated.
3. Drop-off at your hotel or preferred meeting point after the tour, ensuring a seamless end to your experience.

After a full day of exploring these two enchanting Portuguese cities, you’ll be glad you dressed comfortably and prepared for the activities ahead.

Birthplace of Portugal

One of the highlights of this tour is the visit to Guimarães, known as the Birthplace of Portugal.

This historic city is considered the cradle of the Portuguese nationality, as it’s where Portugal’s first king, Afonso Henriques, was born and raised.

Explore the well-preserved Guimarães Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that dates back to the 10th century.

Wander through the charming medieval streets and squares of the historic center, getting a glimpse into Portugal’s past.

Sample local cuisine and soak up the atmosphere of this significant cultural destination, the birthplace of the Portuguese nation.

Religious Significance

The tour also visits the historic city of Braga, which holds great religious significance in Portugal.

Braga is home to the Sé de Braga, one of the oldest cathedrals in the country. Visitors will have the opportunity to explore this impressive structure and learn about its rich history.

Plus, the tour includes a visit to the Bom Jesus do Monte Sanctuary, a renowned pilgrimage site renowned for its stunning Baroque staircase. Guests can choose to ascend the staircase or take the funicular for a more leisurely approach.

The religious sites in Braga offer a glimpse into Portugal’s deep-rooted Catholic heritage.

1. Explore the historic Sé de Braga cathedral
2. Visit the Bom Jesus do Monte Sanctuary
3. Ascend the Baroque staircase or take the funicular

Baroque Staircase

Ascending the Bom Jesus do Monte Sanctuary’s Baroque staircase is a breathtaking experience for visitors. The staircase features 17 landings, each adorned with chapels, fountains, and statues. Visitors can choose to climb the 577 steps or ride the historic funicular up the hill. The staircase’s design symbolizes the soul’s ascent to heaven, with each landing representing a different stage of life. The intricate baroque architecture, with its ornate decorations and religious iconography, creates a mesmerizing visual experience.

Step Count	Landings	Chapels	Fountains	Statues
577	17	17	17	17

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Lunch is not included in the tour, but travelers can bring their own food and drinks. Water bottles are provided. It’s recommended to wear comfortable shoes for the day’s activities.

Is There a Discount for Children or Seniors?

The tour does not explicitly mention discounts for children or seniors. However, it’s best to inquire with the tour operator about any available discounts or special pricing for these groups when booking the tour.

Can I Customize the Tour Itinerary to My Preferences?

The tour offers some flexibility to customize the itinerary to suit personal preferences. Travelers can discuss desired changes or additional stops with the tour provider prior to booking.

How Do I Get a Refund if I Need to Cancel the Tour?

Customers can get a full refund if they cancel the tour up to 24 hours in advance. The tour operator offers a flexible cancellation policy, allowing customers to receive their money back with no penalties for timely cancellations.

Are There Any Additional Fees or Taxes Not Included in the Price?

There are no additional fees or taxes beyond the tour price of €5,012 per person. The price includes all entrance fees, transportation, and travel insurance. Lunch is the only cost not covered in the tour package.

Recap

This tour offers an immersive exploration of Portugal’s historic gems. Visitors will discover the UNESCO-listed Guimarães Castle, the iconic Sé de Braga cathedral, and the stunning Bom Jesus do Monte, while learning about the region’s rich cultural heritage and religious significance. Accompanied by an expert guide, the experience is made comfortable with air-conditioned transportation, providing a seamless and enriching journey through Portugal’s past.

You can check if your dates are available here: