Guimarães & Braga Small Group Tour, Lunch & All Tickets Included

The Guimarães & Braga Small Group Tour offers an immersive exploration of Portugal’s historic charm. Travelers can discover the Gothic-style Palace of the Dukes of Bragança, climb the 10th-century Guimarães Castle, and admire the captivating Baroque Sanctuary of Bom Jesus. With a traditional Portuguese lunch, professional guide, and all necessary entrance fees included, the tour provides a seamless and enriching experience for a maximum of 8 visitors. But what we love about this tour from the rest, and why should one consider adding it to their Portugal itinerary?

This experience made our list of the 25 Best Lunch Experiences In Porto.

Key Points

• This small group tour from Porto explores the historic cities of Guimarães and Braga, including guided visits to the Palace of the Dukes of Bragança and Guimarães Castle.
• The tour includes a traditional Portuguese lunch and visits to the Sanctuary of Bom Jesus and Braga Cathedral in the afternoon.
• Knowledgeable guides provide insights into the cities’ history and culture throughout the tour.
• The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, entrance fees, and bottled water in sustainable packaging.
• The tour is not wheelchair accessible but does have infant seats available, with a maximum group size of 8 travelers.

Tour Overview

This full-day tour takes travelers to explore the historic charm of Guimarães and Braga, two of Portugal’s oldest cities, from Porto.

Visitors will uncover the rich heritage of these destinations, starting with a guided walk through the Palace of the Dukes of Bragança and the imposing Guimarães Castle in the morning.

After a traditional Portuguese lunch, the tour continues in Braga, where travelers will visit the stunning Sanctuary of Bom Jesus and the magnificent Braga Cathedral.

Throughout the day, the knowledgeable guide will provide insights into the cities’ history and culture, ensuring an enriching and memorable experience.

With entrance fees and transportation included, this small-group tour offers a hassle-free way to discover these architectural gems.

Highlights of Guimarães

Visiting the Palace of the Dukes of Bragança, a captivating 15th-century Gothic-style structure, offers a glimpse into Guimarães’ regal past as the birthplace of Portugal’s first king.

Wandering through the palace’s grand halls and courtyard, visitors can envision the opulent lives of the former ruling family.

Nearby, the Guimarães Castle, a well-preserved 10th-century fortress, stands as a testament to the city’s strategic importance.

Climbing to the top of the castle’s towers provides sweeping views over the charming historic center, with its quaint plazas, winding streets, and medieval architecture.

These iconic landmarks allow travelers to enjoy Guimarães’ rich heritage and understand why it’s considered the birthplace of the Portuguese nation.

Highlights of Braga

In Braga, travelers can explore the captivating Sanctuary of Bom Jesus, a Baroque complex that’s considered one of Portugal’s architectural masterpieces.

Nestled atop a lush hill, the Sanctuary features a grand staircase with 116 steps, each representing a different human virtue or moral lesson. As visitors ascend the staircases, they’re treated to breathtaking views of the surrounding verdant landscape and the city below.

Beyond the Sanctuary, the Braga Cathedral also awaits discovery. This medieval cathedral, built in the 11th century, is the oldest in Portugal and boasts a stunning combination of Romanesque, Gothic, and Baroque architectural styles.

Visitors can explore the cathedral’s intricate interiors, which feature ornate altars, intricate carvings, and impressive stained-glass windows.

Included Experiences

The tour provides travelers with a comprehensive experience, including a professional guide to lead the way, hotel pickup and drop-off for seamless transportation, and a traditional Portuguese lunch with drinks to savor local flavors.

Entrance fees to the Braga Cathedral and Guimarães Castle are also included, allowing visitors to fully enjoy the historic monuments without additional costs.

Throughout the tour, bottled water in sustainable packaging is provided, ensuring a refreshing and eco-friendly experience.

The small group size, with a maximum of 8 travelers, ensures a more personalized and intimate exploration of the two oldest cities in Portugal.

Whether a vegetarian or not, the tour caters to various dietary needs, making it accessible for all.

Tour Logistics

For this small-group tour, travelers can expect to be picked up from their hotel in Porto and transported directly to the historical sites in Guimarães and Braga. The tour may be led by a multilingual guide, catering to diverse language preferences among the group. While the tour is not wheelchair accessible, infant seats are available to accommodate families.

The tour logistics are as follows:

Inclusions	Details
Transportation	Hotel pickup and drop-off
Group Size	Maximum of 8 travelers
Accessibility	Not wheelchair accessible, infant seats available
Confirmation	Received at time of booking

The tour may be canceled due to poor weather or if the minimum number of travelers is not met. Travelers can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Cancellation Policy

Regarding the tour’s cancellation policy, travelers can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Cancellations made less than 24 hours before the scheduled start time won’t be eligible for a refund.

The tour may be canceled due to poor weather conditions or if the minimum number of participants isn’t met. In the event of a cancellation by the tour operator, travelers will receive a full refund.

The confirmation received at the time of booking will provide all the necessary details about the cancellation policy. It’s important to review this information carefully to ensure a smooth booking process and to be aware of the tour’s terms and conditions.

Additional Details

Confirming the booking at the time of purchase provides travelers with all the necessary details about the tour, including its accessibility and transportation options.

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, but infant seats are available for those traveling with young children. Most travelers can easily participate in the small group experience, as it operates near public transportation.

While the guide may be multilingual, the tour is primarily conducted in the language specified during the booking process. Travelers can expect a personalized experience with a maximum of 8 participants.

Should the tour be canceled due to poor weather or low enrollment, a full refund is provided to those who booked at least 24 hours in advance.

What to Expect

On this immersive small-group tour, travelers can expect to uncover the rich historical and cultural heritage of two of Portugal’s oldest cities – Guimarães and Braga.

In Guimarães, they’ll explore the Palace of the Dukes of Bragança and Guimarães Castle, both significant landmarks that offer a glimpse into the country’s medieval past.

In Braga, the tour visits the stunning Sanctuary of Bom Jesus and the impressive Braga Cathedral, showcasing the region’s religious architecture and traditions.

Throughout the day, travelers will enjoy a traditional Portuguese lunch and have the opportunity to ask their knowledgeable guide questions, ensuring they gain a deeper understanding of the destinations.

The small group size allows for a more personalized experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the Tour Be Customized to Include Additional Destinations?

The tour can likely be customized to include additional destinations, but this would depend on the specific requests and availability. Travelers should inquire with the tour provider about the possibility of adding extra stops or modifying the itinerary.

Is It Possible to Extend the Tour Duration or Explore the Cities Independently?

The tour duration can be extended by speaking with the tour operator, who may offer additional options for independent exploration. Travelers can also choose to explore the cities on their own before or after the guided tour.

What Is the Dress Code or Recommended Attire for the Tour?

The tour does not have a strict dress code, but comfortable walking shoes and weather-appropriate attire are recommended. Visitors should dress casually and practically for a full-day sightseeing tour that involves both indoor and outdoor activities.

How Accessible Is the Tour for Guests With Mobility or Special Needs?

The tour may not be fully accessible for guests with mobility or special needs. While infant seats are available, the tour is not wheelchair accessible. Guests with special needs should contact the tour operator to discuss accommodation options.

Are There Any Age Restrictions or Considerations for Children on the Tour?

Children must be accompanied by an adult on the tour. Infant seats are available. There are no specific age restrictions, but the tour may not be suitable for very young children due to the walking and sightseeing activities.

Recap

The Guimarães & Braga Small Group Tour offers an immersive exploration of Portugal’s historic charm.

Visitors will discover captivating sights, indulge in a traditional Portuguese lunch, and enjoy the expertise of a professional guide, all while experiencing the region with a small group.

This tour provides an enriching and seamless way to explore the cultural and architectural highlights of Guimarães and Braga.