Guimarães: 1 Day With Lunch, Here Portugal Was Born!

Tucked away in northern Portugal, the historic city of Guimarães holds the key to understanding the country’s origins. This 1-day tour takes visitors on a captivating journey through the birthplace of Portugal, where they’ll uncover the rich tapestry of culture, architecture, and local cuisine that has defined the nation for centuries. From the iconic Guimarães Castle to the grand Palace of the Dukes of Braganza, each stop on the itinerary promises to immerse travelers in the essence of Portugal’s past. But the true magic lies in the experiences that await, inviting visitors to connect with the spirit of this enchanting destination.

Key Points

• Explore the birthplace of Portugal with a 1-day guided tour, including visits to Guimarães Castle, the Palace of the Dukes of Braganza, and the Sanctuary of Penha.
• Experience authentic Portuguese cuisine with a traditional lunch featuring local dishes and flavors, complementing the day’s culture.
• Enjoy a personalized small-group tour with a maximum of 6 participants, allowing for a more intimate and tailored experience.
• Benefit from flexibility with multiple pickup and drop-off options, ensuring a convenient start and end to your adventure.
• Discover the historic streets, architecture, and local traditions that make Guimarães the "birthplace of Portugal" during this well-balanced itinerary.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

The Guimarães: 1 Day With Lunch tour offers visitors a comprehensive exploration of Guimarães, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known as the birthplace of Portugal and its first king.

Lasting one day and priced from $137.26 per person, this private tour accommodates up to 6 people with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

Highlights include Guimarães Castle, the Palace of the Dukes of Braganza, and the Sanctuary of Penha with its cable car views.

Guests will enjoy a walking tour through historic streets, regional cuisine, and the opportunity to discover the authenticity and local culture of this important Portuguese destination.

Itinerary Details

Pickup location options for the tour include Aeroporto do Porto, Povoa de Varzim, Porto, and Vila do Conde.

The key activities begin with a 1.5-hour visit to a monastery, followed by a 20-minute stop at an aerial viewpoint.

Guests can optionally visit the Igreja e Oratórios de Nossa Senhora da Consolação e Santos Passos for 45 minutes.

After, there’s a 2.5-hour break for lunch and free time for shopping or sightseeing.

The tour then visits the Palace of the Dukes of Braganza for 40 minutes and Guimarães Castle for 20 minutes.

Unique Experience

Small group tours (2 to 6 people) offer a personalized experience, allowing guests to focus on authenticity, tradition, and local culture.

The well-thought-out schedule balances exploration and relaxation, ensuring an immersive journey through Guimarães. Direct communication with the tour guide and flexibility to tailor the itinerary based on interests further enhances the unique experience.

Visitors can dive into the birthplace of Portugal, discovering the rich history and vibrant local life at their own pace.

This intimate setting creates an opportunity to connect with the destination on a deeper level, making for an unforgettable day in the cradle of the nation.

Culinary Adventure

Included in the tour is a traditional lunch featuring local cuisine, providing an immersive culinary journey for guests. Meals are sourced from local chefs and restaurants, allowing visitors to savor the region’s specialties and fresh seafood.

The culinary experience is an integral part of exploring Guimarães, as it immerses travelers in the authentic flavors and traditions of Portugal. Whether it’s a hearty stew, freshly-caught fish, or a sweet dessert, the lunch offers a delightful opportunity to indulge in the local culinary delights.

The meal is carefully curated to complement the day’s activities, creating a well-balanced exploration of Guimarães’ history, culture, and gastronomy.

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Accessibility and Recommendations

The tour is not suitable for individuals with mobility impairments or wheelchair users, as the itinerary may present accessibility challenges. However, the tour organizers recommend wearing comfortable shoes and clothing to ensure a pleasant experience.

Recommendation	Reason
Comfortable Shoes	For extended walking tours
Casual Clothing	To blend in with the local culture
No Baby Strollers	Not permitted on the tour
No Intoxication	Maintains safety and decorum
No Smoking	Respects the historic sites

Prohibited items include baby strollers, intoxication, smoking, bikes, alcohol, drugs, and electric wheelchairs. Tips and personal expenses are also not included in the tour price.

Entrance Fees and Availability

According to the information provided, the tour’s entrance fees and availability are subject to certain conditions.

While lunch and the scheduled activities are included in the tour price, entrance fees for certain sites may be subject to availability. For instance, the cable car ascent to the Sanctuary of Penha viewpoint is contingent on operational status.

Similarly, access to the Igreja e Oratórios de Nossa Senhora da Consolação e Santos Passos is an optional add-on that depends on its opening hours.

Guests are advised to inquire about the current status of these inclusions upon booking to ensure a seamless experience. Proper planning helps manage expectations and maximize the enjoyment of this historic journey.

Pickup and Drop-off Locations

For this tour, guests have the flexibility to be picked up and dropped off at various locations in the region. The pickup options include Aeroporto do Porto, Povoa de Varzim, Porto, and Vila do Conde.

At the end of the tour, guests will be returned to the same locations as the pickup points. This convenience allows for easy access and flexibility, ensuring a seamless start and end to the day’s adventure.

Whether guests are coming from the airport, their hotel, or another nearby city, the tour provider has made arrangements to accommodate a range of pickup and drop-off preferences, providing a hassle-free experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is This Tour Available on Weekends?

The tour is available on weekends. According to the information provided, the tour has a private option for up to 6 people, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

Can I Customize the Tour Itinerary?

Yes, this tour can be customized to suit your preferences. The tour provider offers direct communication and flexibility to tailor the itinerary based on your interests, ensuring a personalized experience.

Are Child/Infant Discounts Available?

The tour doesn’t explicitly mention child or infant discounts. However, it states the tour is private and customizable, so customers can likely discuss any specific needs or discounts with the tour provider directly.

Do You Offer Hotel Pickup/Drop-Off Services?

Yes, the tour offers convenient pickup and drop-off services at various locations, including airports, hotels, and other predetermined spots to ensure a seamless start and end to your day of exploration.

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

No, you can’t bring your own food and drinks on the tour. The tour includes a traditional lunch featuring local cuisine, so outside food and drinks are not permitted. The focus is on the immersive culinary experience.

Recap

Exploring Guimarães, the birthplace of Portugal, offers a unique and immersive cultural experience. The 1-day tour showcases the city’s rich history, from the iconic Guimarães Castle to the Palace of the Dukes of Braganza. Visitors can savor traditional local cuisine, take in stunning aerial views, and wander through the charming streets, all while connecting with the roots of the Portuguese nation. This private tour provides an accessible and comprehensive introduction to this captivating destination.

You can check if your dates are available here: