The Porto: Guimarães & Braga Tour offers a captivating opportunity to take in the rich history and stunning architecture of Portugal. This full-day guided journey takes visitors to the UNESCO-listed sites of Guimarães, the birthplace of the nation, and the religious capital of Braga. Travelers can explore the impressive 10th-century castle, savor a traditional Portuguese lunch, and witness the magnificent Braga Cathedral and the iconic Bom Jesus Sanctuary. With seamless transportation and knowledgeable multilingual guides, this tour promises an unforgettable adventure. However, the true allure of this experience lies in the intricate details and stories that await those who embark on this remarkable journey.
Key Points
- This full-day guided tour from Porto takes visitors to the UNESCO-listed sites of Guimarães and Braga, including entry tickets and a traditional Portuguese lunch.
- Highlights include exploring the 10th-century Guimarães Castle, Braga Cathedral, and the Bom Jesus Sanctuary with its grand 581-step staircase.
- The tour includes hotel pickup, transportation, and a knowledgeable multilingual guide to provide historical insights.
- The tour is not suitable for individuals with mobility impairments, and face masks are required during the tour.
- Participants can enjoy a 4.8/5-star rated experience based on positive customer feedback on the tour’s organization, guides, and highlights.
Tour Overview
The full-day guided tour from Porto takes visitors to the historical cities of Guimarães and Braga, with a price tag of £80.45 per person for this small-group experience capped at 8 participants.
Pickup from central Porto accommodations is included, and there’s free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
The 8-hour itinerary covers the birthplace of Portugal, Guimarães, with its UNESCO-listed castle and medieval old town, as well as a traditional Portuguese lunch.
In Braga, the tour explores the oldest religious capital, visiting the Cathedral and the Bom Jesus Sanctuary.
Transportation, entry tickets, and a knowledgeable multilingual guide are all part of the comprehensive package.
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Itinerary Highlights
This guided tour offers a captivating exploration of two historic Portuguese cities. Visitors will begin their journey in Guimarães, the birthplace of Portugal and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. They’ll explore the city’s rich history by visiting the 10th-century Guimarães Castle and wandering through the charming medieval old town. After a traditional Portuguese lunch, the tour moves on to Braga, known as the oldest religious capital of Portugal. Highlights include the impressive Braga Cathedral, dating back to the 12th century, and the Bom Jesus Sanctuary, a hilltop pilgrimage site featuring 581 iconic steps.
Guimarães Highlights | Braga Highlights |
---|---|
Guimarães Castle (10th century) | Braga Cathedral (12th century) |
Medieval old town | Bom Jesus Sanctuary (581 steps) |
Traditional Portuguese lunch | Historic religious capital |
UNESCO World Heritage Site | Hilltop pilgrimage site |
Birthplace of Portugal |
Tour Inclusions
Participants in this guided tour enjoy a comprehensive suite of inclusions.
The tour provides hotel pickup and drop-off, ensuring a seamless start and end to the day. Transportation is handled by comfortable bus or minivan, allowing guests to sit back and enjoy the scenery.
A knowledgeable, multilingual guide accompanies the group, sharing insights and historical context throughout the journey. Entry tickets to Guimarães Castle and Braga Cathedral are included, granting access to these iconic landmarks.
Bottled water with sustainable packaging is provided to keep guests hydrated. With these thoughtful inclusions, the tour offers a well-rounded and hassle-free experience for discovering the highlights of Guimarães and Braga.
Important Information
Certain aspects of the tour may not be suitable for individuals with mobility impairments or wheelchair users. The tour is intended for participants aged 12 to 99, including children aged 4 to 11 and infants 3 and younger. Participants must wear a face mask or protective covering, and large bags or luggage are not allowed on the tour. The following table provides an overview of the participant guidelines:
Category | Age |
---|---|
Adults | 12-99 |
Children | 4-11 |
Infants | 3 and younger |
Customer Feedback
Overall customer satisfaction with the Porto: Guimarães & Braga Tour is high, with an impressive 4.8 out of 5-star rating based on 393 reviews.
Travelers consistently praise the knowledgeable tour guides, who are fluent in English, Spanish, and Portuguese. The seamless transportation and well-organized itineraries also receive positive feedback.
Customers highlight the beauty of both Guimarães and Braga, particularly the impressive Braga Cathedral and the scenic Bom Jesus Sanctuary. Plus, the quality of the traditional Portuguese lunch in Guimarães is noted as a highlight.
With these strong customer reviews, the Porto: Guimarães & Braga Tour appears to offer an excellent small-group experience for visitors to the region.
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Guimarães: Portugal’s Birthplace
Guimarães, the birthplace of Portugal, is a captivating destination on the Porto: Guimarães & Braga Tour.
As the tour’s first stop, visitors explore the 10th-century Guimarães Castle and wander through the enchanting medieval old town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
This historic city holds great significance, as it’s where Portugal’s first king, Afonso Henriques, was born.
During the tour, guests savor a traditional Portuguese lunch in Guimarães, providing an authentic taste of the local cuisine.
With its rich history, well-preserved architecture, and vibrant cultural heritage, Guimarães offers a glimpse into the origins of the Portuguese nation.
Braga: Portugal’s Religious Capital
After exploring the historic city of Guimarães, the tour moves on to Braga, known as the oldest religious capital of Portugal.
This vibrant city is home to the Braga Cathedral, a 12th-century architectural marvel and one of the country’s most significant religious sites. Visitors can also discover the Bom Jesus do Monte Sanctuary, a hilltop pilgrimage site featuring a grand staircase with 581 steps.
The tour offers the chance to take in Braga’s rich religious heritage and admire its stunning landmarks, including:
- Braga Cathedral, a Romanesque-style cathedral dating back to the 12th century
- Bom Jesus do Monte Sanctuary, a hilltop pilgrimage site with a grand 581-step staircase
- The historic city center, known for its charming narrow streets and medieval architecture
- The lively atmosphere and local culture of this prominent religious destination in Portugal
Experience the Tour Firsthand
Embarking on this captivating tour, visitors are immersed in the rich history and vibrant culture of Portugal’s northern region.
The day begins with a convenient pickup from central Porto, followed by a scenic journey to the UNESCO-listed town of Guimarães, the birthplace of Portugal. Exploring the 10th-century castle and wandering the medieval streets offer a glimpse into the nation’s origins.
After a traditional Portuguese lunch, the tour continues to Braga, known as the religious capital, where the impressive cathedral and the iconic Bom Jesus do Monte sanctuary are the highlights.
Throughout the day, a knowledgeable guide provides insightful commentary, ensuring a well-rounded and enriching experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Customize the Tour Itinerary?
Unfortunately, the tour does not offer the ability to customize the itinerary. It’s a set full-day tour with a fixed schedule and attractions. However, participants can provide feedback to the tour operator for potential future changes.
Is There a Discount for Group Bookings?
Yes, the tour operator offers discounts for group bookings. Groups of 4 or more receive a 10% discount, while groups of 6 or more receive a 15% discount off the standard price per person.
What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?
The tour does not have a strict dress code, but participants are advised to dress comfortably for walking and wear weather-appropriate clothing. Casual attire is suitable, and closed-toe shoes are recommended for exploring the historic sites.
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?
According to the tour information, participants are not permitted to bring their own food and drinks. The tour provides bottled water with sustainable packaging, and a traditional Portuguese lunch is included in Guimarães. Outside food and beverages are not allowed.
Do You Offer Private Tours for Solo Travelers?
The tour company does not offer private tours specifically for solo travelers. However, the small group experience, with a maximum of 8 participants, provides an intimate and personalized option for solo travelers to enjoy the tour.
Recap
The Porto: Guimarães & Braga Tour offers a captivating exploration of Portugal’s rich history and architectural wonders. Guests will visit the UNESCO-listed sites of Guimarães and Braga, uncovering the birthplace of the nation and the country’s oldest religious capital. With included entry tickets, a traditional Portuguese lunch, and knowledgeable guides, this immersive experience provides an unforgettable opportunity to explore Portugal’s past and witness its remarkable cultural heritage.
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