Porto: Braga & Guimarães Full Day Tour

The "Porto: Braga & Guimarães Full Day Tour" offers a compelling journey through the historical heart of Northern Portugal. Exploring the magnificent Bom Jesus sanctuary and immersing oneself in the architectural wonders of Braga and Guimarães, this tour promises an enriching experience for anyone seeking to uncover the region’s captivating past. Guided by knowledgeable professionals, travelers will not only savor local delicacies but also gain a deeper appreciation for the cultural heritage that has shaped these enchanting cities. With its carefully curated itinerary and inclusions, the tour sets the stage for an unforgettable day of discovery – one that may just leave you yearning to uncover more of Portugal’s hidden gems.

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

Key Points

• This full-day tour from Porto visits the historic cities of Braga and Guimarães, showcasing their architectural and cultural highlights.

• In Braga, the tour includes the iconic Bom Jesus sanctuary, the Church of Congregados, and the Sé Cathedral, as well as the castle tower and medieval wall.

• The tour in Guimarães features a hearty local lunch, a walking exploration of the town’s key sites like the castle and Romanesque church, and a visit to Toural Square.

• The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, air-conditioned transportation, professional guides, walking tours, and entrance fees.

• Recommendations include wearing comfortable clothing and shoes, preparing for stairs and uneven terrain, and enjoying the local cuisine during the lunch.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

The tour’s name is "Porto: Braga & Guimarães Full Day Tour", which costs from $98.90 per person and lasts 8 hours.

It’s available in Spanish, English, and Portuguese.

Pickup is from hotels in the historic centers of Porto/Gaia or nearby central streets for non-central Airbnbs.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

The tour is offered in private or small groups.

Highlights include visiting the Bom Jesus sanctuary, exploring the historic centers of Braga and Guimarães, enjoying a local lunch, and seeing key landmarks like Guimarães Castle and Braga Cathedral.

Comfortable clothing and shoes are recommended.

Itinerary Highlights

In Braga, the tour explores the iconic Bom Jesus sanctuary, offering panoramic city views from its hilltop location.

Visitors then discover Braga’s historic center, including the Church of Congregados and the imposing Sé Cathedral, which blends Romanesque and Gothic architectural styles.

The tour also showcases the old castle tower and remnants of the medieval wall, providing a glimpse into the city’s rich past.

In Guimarães, the tour features a local lunch followed by a walking exploration of the historic center.

Highlights include Guimarães Castle, the Romanesque Church of St. Miguel, and the quaint narrow streets leading to Padrão do Salado and Nossa Senhora da Oliveira Church, culminating in a visit to the lively Toural Square.

Braga Exploration

Bom Jesus sanctuary, with its iconic baroque staircase, stands as the focal point of Braga’s exploration. Visitors marvel at the panoramic city views from the hilltop shrine before delving into the historic center. The Church of Congregados and Sé Cathedral, with its blend of Romanesque and Gothic styles, captivate with architectural splendor. Beyond these landmarks, the old castle tower and remnants of the medieval wall offer a window into Braga’s storied past.

Landmark	Significance
Bom Jesus Sanctuary	Iconic baroque staircase, panoramic city views
Church of Congregados	Exemplary historic architecture
Sé Cathedral	Blends Romanesque and Gothic styles
Castle Tower & Medieval Wall	Remnants of Braga’s historic fortifications

Guimarães Discoveries

Venturing beyond Braga, the tour continues to the historic town of Guimarães, where visitors savor local delicacies during a hearty lunch.

Embarking on a walking tour of the city’s historic center, guests encounter the imposing Guimarães Castle and the Romanesque Church of St. Miguel.

Meandering through the narrow streets, they arrive at Padrão do Salado and the Nossa Senhora da Oliveira Church.

The tour culminates at Toural Square, the site of the weekly fair, offering a glimpse into the vibrant cultural heritage of this charming Portuguese town.

Throughout the journey, the knowledgeable guide provides insights, enhancing the overall immersive experience.

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Included Services

What services are included in this Braga and Guimarães tour?

The tour package includes hotel pickup and drop-off, transportation in an air-conditioned minivan, and a professional tour guide.

Visitors will enjoy walking tours of the historic centers of both Braga and Guimarães, with entrance fees covered for Guimarães Castle and Braga Cathedral.

A local lunch featuring regional delicacies is also provided.

The tour offers flexibility, with both private and small group options available.

Comprehensive coverage of the top landmarks and experiences in these two significant Portuguese cities is ensured, making this a convenient and value-packed day trip from Porto.

Recommendations

Wear comfortable clothes and shoes for this day-long tour exploring the historic cities of Braga and Guimarães.

The tour includes:

1. Extensive walking through the charming streets and landmarks of these two cities.
2. Climbing up to the Bom Jesus sanctuary in Braga for panoramic city views.
3. Navigating uneven terrain and stairs at the medieval Guimarães Castle.
4. Enjoying a sit-down lunch featuring local Portuguese specialties.

Be prepared for a full day of immersive sightseeing and activities.

Dress in layers and wear sturdy, comfortable footwear to maximize your enjoyment of this comprehensive tour.

Availability

The availability of the Porto: Braga & Guimarães Full Day Tour can be checked on the tour provider’s website or by contacting their customer service.

The tour operates on specific dates and times, so it’s important to verify availability for the desired travel dates. Customers can easily check the calendar on the website to see which days the tour is offered.

The tour provider offers both private and small group options, so availability may vary based on group size preferences.

Interested parties should book their tour in advance to ensure availability, as spaces can fill up, especially during peak travel seasons.

Customer Reviews

Based on the available information, the Porto: Braga & Guimarães Full Day Tour boasts an impressive overall rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 22 customer reviews.

Reviewers have praised several key aspects of the tour:

1. Knowledgeable and engaging guides who provide insightful commentary.
2. Comfortable and reliable transportation in air-conditioned minivans.
3. Excellent service and organization throughout the entire experience.
4. Enjoyable local cuisine served during the lunch portion of the tour.

The overwhelmingly positive feedback underscores the high-quality nature of this comprehensive day trip, making it an attractive option for those seeking to explore the historic cities of Braga and Guimarães from Porto.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Dress Code for This Tour?

The recommended dress code for this tour is comfortable clothes and shoes. Participants should wear practical attire that allows them to move freely and explore the historic destinations comfortably throughout the day.

Are There Any Dietary Restrictions Accommodated?

The tour accommodates dietary restrictions with prior notice. Guests should inform the provider of any dietary needs, and the tour will make arrangements to provide suitable meals during the lunch portion of the itinerary.

How Long Is the Drive Between Braga and Guimarães?

The drive between Braga and Guimarães typically takes around 30 minutes. This short distance allows the tour to efficiently visit both historic cities in a single day excursion.

Can I Purchase Additional Souvenirs During the Tour?

The tour provides opportunities to purchase souvenirs during the walking tours of Braga and Guimarães. Visitors can explore the local shops, markets, and craft stalls found in the historic centers to find unique items to bring home.

Is It Possible to Extend the Tour to Include Additional Sites?

Yes, it’s often possible to extend a tour to include additional sites. Travelers should check with the tour operator about customizing the itinerary or booking a private tour to visit more destinations within the tour duration.

Recap

Enjoy northern Portugal’s rich history and stunning landscapes on this comprehensive full-day tour. Explore the religious and architectural gems of Braga, indulge in a local lunch in Guimarães, and uncover the captivating heritage of both cities. With knowledgeable guides, seamless transportation, and carefully curated sites, this tour offers an unparalleled opportunity to discover the best of Portugal’s northern region.

You can check if your dates are available here: