Guimarães: Guided Day Tour With Lunch and Drinks

Guimarães, the birthplace of Portugal, beckons visitors to uncover its rich history and stunning architecture. This guided day tour promises an immersive experience, exploring the medieval city center, the iconic castle, and the captivating Santuário da Nossa Senhora da Penha. But the journey doesn’t end there – a delightful Portuguese lunch in Braga, accompanied by regional wines, sets the stage for further discoveries. As the tour continues, the breathtaking Sanctuaries of Sameiro and Bom Jesus, with the oldest funicular in the Iberian Peninsula, await those eager to dive deeper into the cultural tapestry of this UNESCO World Heritage site.

This experience made our list of the 4 Best Lunch Experiences In Guimaraes.

Key Points

• This 8-hour private guided tour explores the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Guimarães, including the historical city center, castle, and Santuário da Nossa Senhora da Penha.
• The tour includes a typical Portuguese lunch in Braga featuring local cuisine and wine, as well as visits to the Sanctuaries of Sameiro and Bom Jesus.
• The tour is led by an English, Portuguese, French, and Spanish-speaking guide who provides insights into the cultural and architectural significance of the landmarks.
• Participants have the option to take a tuktuk ride through Braga’s historic city center, subject to availability, for a unique perspective of the Baroque architecture.
• The tour package includes hotel pickup and drop-off, and has a starting price of Kč 4,385 per person with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

The Guimarães Guided Day Tour offers a private, immersive experience focused on the culture and traditions of Northern Portugal.

Over the course of 8 hours, guests will discover the UNESCO World Heritage sites in Guimarães, including the historical city center, castle, and Santuário da Nossa Senhora da Penha.

Following this, they’ll enjoy a typical Portuguese lunch in Braga, featuring local cuisine and wine. Depending on availability, a tuktuk tour of Braga’s city center may also be included.

The tour concludes with visits to the Sanctuaries of Sameiro and Bom Jesus, home to the oldest funicular in the Iberian Peninsula.

Pickup and drop-off, as well as an English-speaking guide, are provided.

Pricing and Inclusions

Pricing for the Guimarães Guided Day Tour starts from Kč 4,385 per person.

The 8-hour tour includes a private experience focusing on the culture and traditions of Northern Portugal. Participants will discover UNESCO World Heritage sites in Guimarães, enjoy a typical Portuguese lunch in Braga, and potentially take a tuktuk tour of the Braga city center.

Hotel pickup and drop-off, as well as an English, Portuguese, French, and Spanish-speaking guide, are included.

While gratuities and snacks aren’t covered, the tour offers the flexibility of free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Highlights of the Tour

Discovering the UNESCO World Heritage sites in Guimarães is a highlight of the tour.

Visitors will explore the historical city center, the grand castle, and the Santuário da Nossa Senhora da Penha.

After, they’ll enjoy a typical Portuguese lunch in Braga, savoring local cuisine and wine.

The tour may also include a tuktuk ride through Braga’s city center, depending on availability.

Plus, the tour takes guests to the Sanctuaries of Sameiro and Bom Jesus, featuring the oldest funicular in the Iberian Peninsula.

Guided Exploration

During the guided exploration, visitors embark on a captivating journey through the historic heart of Guimarães. The tour guide, fluent in multiple languages, brings the city’s rich heritage to life, sharing fascinating insights into its UNESCO-listed landmarks.

Highlights include:

1. Strolling through the meticulously preserved medieval city center, with its charming cobblestone streets and traditional architecture.

2. Marveling at the imposing Guimarães Castle, a powerful symbol of the city’s long and storied past.

3. Visiting the Santuário da Nossa Senhora da Penha, a hilltop sanctuary offering breathtaking views over the surrounding countryside.

Throughout the tour, visitors enjoy the culture and traditions of northern Portugal, leaving with a deeper appreciation for this captivating destination.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Lunch and Wine

Following the guided exploration of Guimarães’ historic landmarks, the tour includes a delightful Portuguese lunch in the nearby city of Braga.

Participants will savor local cuisine and wine at a traditional restaurant, seeing the culinary heritage of Northern Portugal. The menu typically features dishes made with fresh, seasonal ingredients, showcasing the region’s rich gastronomic traditions.

Lunch is accompanied by a selection of regional wines, allowing visitors to further appreciate the flavors and complexity of Portuguese viticulture. This dining experience complements the cultural and architectural highlights of the tour, providing a well-rounded introduction to the local way of life.

Braga Tuk-Tuk Tour

After lunch, the tour often includes a tuktuk ride through the historic city center of Braga, subject to availability.

The energetic tuktuks zip past centuries-old cathedrals, plazas, and landmarks, offering a thrilling perspective of the city.

This added excursion allows visitors to:

1. Admire the stunning Baroque architecture of Braga’s historic district.
2. Weave through the lively, pedestrian-friendly streets and squares.
3. Capture unique photos from the open-air tuktuk vantage point.

The tuktuk tour provides an exhilarating complement to the day’s exploration of Northern Portugal’s culture and traditions in Guimarães and Braga.

Sanctuaries and Funicular

The tour then proceeds to the Sanctuaries of Sameiro and Bom Jesus, which feature the oldest funicular in the Iberian Peninsula dating back to 1882. This historic funicular transports visitors up the steep incline to the sanctuaries, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Once at the top, guests can explore the ornate churches and shrines, each with their own unique architectural and cultural significance.

Sanctuary	Architectural Style	Historical Significance
Sameiro	Neoclassical	Dedicated to the Virgin Mary
Bom Jesus	Baroque	Features a renowned staircase with 14 Baroque chapels
Funicular	Oldest in Iberian Peninsula	Constructed in 1882

Participant Guidelines

Participants must meet certain guidelines to join this tour. The tour isn’t suitable for individuals with mobility impairments.

Participants are required to bring a passport or ID card, comfortable shoes, and appropriate clothing. Plus, the tour prohibits the following items: luggage or large bags, bikes, and alcoholic drinks in the vehicle.

These guidelines ensure the safety and comfort of all participants throughout the day-long excursion. By adhering to these rules, guests can fully enjoy the cultural and historical experiences that the Guimarães Guided Day Tour has to offer.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No, participants are not allowed to bring their own food and drinks on the tour. The tour includes a typical Portuguese lunch and drinks, so outside food and alcoholic drinks are not permitted in the vehicle.

How Accessible Is the Tour for Individuals With Disabilities?

The tour is not suitable for individuals with mobility impairments, as it involves walking and accessing sites that may not be fully accessible. The tour provider advises against participation for those with limited mobility.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for Participating in the Tour?

The tour appears to have no age restrictions, but it’s noted as not being suitable for individuals with mobility impairments. Participants must be able to walk and navigate the sites comfortably throughout the day.

Can I Extend the Length of the Tour Beyond 8 Hours?

While the standard tour length is 8 hours, it may be possible to extend the tour with additional activities and services for an additional fee. Interested participants should check with the tour operator for customization options.

Is It Possible to Customize the Itinerary of the Tour?

It’s possible to customize the itinerary of the tour. Travelers can work with the tour provider to adjust the activities, duration, and focus areas based on their interests and preferences. However, additional fees may apply for customization.

Recap

This guided day tour of Guimarães and Braga offers a captivating exploration of Portugal’s rich history and stunning landscapes. From the medieval charm of Guimarães to the awe-inspiring sanctuaries in Braga, the tour immerses visitors in the country’s cultural heritage. With a delightful Portuguese lunch and regional wines, this experience promises an unforgettable day filled with memorable moments and a deeper appreciation for the beauty of Northern Portugal.

You can check if your dates are available here: