Private Full Day Tour of Guimarães and Braga

Northern Portugal’s rich history and stunning architecture come alive on a private full-day tour of Guimarães and Braga. Visitors can explore the UNESCO-listed Guimarães Castle, the majestic Palace of the Dukes, and the iconic Bom Jesus do Monte sanctuary, all while enjoying personalized transportation, a knowledgeable guide, and delicious local cuisine. From the birthplace of Portugal to the religious capital, this captivating journey promises an immersive cultural experience that leaves travelers eager to uncover more of the region’s captivating stories.

Key Points

• Offers a private full-day tour to explore the historic cities of Guimarães and Braga in northern Portugal.
• Includes transportation, a knowledgeable guide, lunch with drinks, and all entrance fees.
• Highlights key attractions like Guimarães Castle, Palace of the Dukes, Braga Cathedral, and Bom Jesus do Monte.
• Provides wheelchair accessibility, stroller access, and infant seats for a comfortable experience.
• Offers pickup and drop-off at the hotel or within Porto and Gaia for convenience.

Tour Overview

This private full-day tour takes visitors on an exploration of the historic cities of Guimarães and Braga, located in northern Portugal.

Starting at 8:30 am, the tour includes private transportation and a knowledgeable guide, ensuring a personalized experience.

The tour covers key attractions, such as the Sameiro Sanctuary, Bom Jesus do Monte, Braga Cathedral, Guimarães Castle, and the Palace of the Dukes of Bragança.

Lunch with drinks is provided, and all entrance fees are included in the price, which varies depending on the group size.

The tour is wheelchair accessible, with infant seats available, though a moderate level of physical fitness is required.

Inclusions and Exclusions

The tour includes private transportation with a knowledgeable guide, as well as lunch with drinks. You’ll gain entrance to several historic sites, including the Sameiro Sanctuary, Bom Jesus do Monte and its Basilica, Braga Cathedral, Guimarães Castle, and the Palace of the Dukes of Bragança. However, the tour excludes personal expenses, services not specified, and gratuities. Accessibility is considered, with the tour being wheelchair and stroller accessible, allowing service animals, and providing infant seats. Dietary restrictions must be communicated during booking.

Inclusions	Exclusions
Private transportation and guide	Personal expenses
Lunch with drinks	Services not specified
Entrance fees to key sites	Gratuities (optional)
Insurance and fees

Pickup Information

Pickup is available within Porto and Gaia. For other locations, you’ll need to contact the tour operator.

The pickup and drop-off will be at your hotel, so you don’t have to worry about finding the starting point. The confirmation for the tour will be received at the time of booking, ensuring a smooth process.

Whether you’re staying in Porto or Gaia, the tour will conveniently pick you up and return you to your accommodations at the end of the day. Just let the operator know your location, and they’ll handle the rest.

Accessibility and Requirements

The tour is wheelchair accessible, though some areas may not be fully accessible. Strollers are also allowed, and service animals are welcome. The tour is located near public transportation for easy access. Infant seats are available for those who need them. A moderate level of physical fitness is required, as some walking may be involved. Dietary restrictions should be communicated at the time of booking to ensure accommodations.

Accessibility Feature	Availability
Wheelchair Accessible	Some areas may not be
Stroller Accessible	Yes
Service Animals Allowed	Yes
Near Public Transportation	Yes
Infant Seats	Available
Physical Fitness Level	Moderate

Guimarães: Birthplace of Portugal

Guimarães, the historic city nestled in northern Portugal, lays claim as the birthplace of the nation. It was here, in the 12th century, that Portugal’s first king, Afonso Henriques, was born and crowned.

The city’s well-preserved medieval center, with its cobblestone streets and ancient landmarks, offers a glimpse into Portugal’s origins. Visitors can explore the imposing Guimarães Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the Palace of the Dukes of Bragança, which showcases the grandeur of the country’s royal heritage.

Strolling through the charming plazas and squares, travelers can enjoy the city’s rich history and vibrant cultural traditions, making Guimarães a must-see destination on any tour of northern Portugal.

Braga: Religious Capital

Along With the historic city of Guimarães, the tour also ventures to the religious capital of Portugal – Braga.

Braga is renowned for its deep-rooted religious heritage, embodied by the magnificent Braga Cathedral. Founded in the 11th century, this impressive structure blends Romanesque and Gothic architectural styles. Visitors can explore the cathedral’s intricate details and learn about its rich history.

The tour also takes guests to the Bom Jesus do Monte, a stunning sanctuary with an iconic baroque staircase that’s one of Portugal’s most iconic landmarks.

With its religious significance and architectural marvels, Braga offers a captivating glimpse into Portugal’s spiritual traditions.

Sameiro Sanctuary and Bom Jesus

One of the highlights of the tour is a visit to the Sameiro Sanctuary, a significant religious site located just outside Braga.

This hilltop sanctuary offers breathtaking views of the city and the surrounding region. Visitors will also explore the Bom Jesus do Monte, a Baroque sanctuary known for its impressive staircase and basilica.

The tour includes:

1. Admiring the Sameiro Sanctuary and its stunning architecture.
2. Climbing the Bom Jesus do Monte’s iconic 116-meter staircase.
3. Marveling at the Bom Jesus Basilica’s intricate interior.
4. Learning about the rich history and cultural significance of these renowned religious sites.

Braga Cathedral and Palace of the Dukes

After exploring the serene Sameiro Sanctuary and the iconic Bom Jesus do Monte, the tour now turns its attention to the historic Braga Cathedral and the majestic Palace of the Dukes.

At the Braga Cathedral, guests will marvel at the impressive Baroque architecture and learn about its rich history dating back to the 11th century.

Next, the tour takes visitors to the Palace of the Dukes, a 15th-century royal residence that showcases the grandeur of Portuguese nobility. Guests can admire the palace’s ornate façade, opulent interiors, and beautifully landscaped gardens.

These iconic landmarks offer a glimpse into Portugal’s cultural heritage and provide a fitting conclusion to an enriching day of discovery.

Recap

This private full-day tour offers a comprehensive exploration of northern Portugal’s cultural and historical highlights. Visitors will discover the UNESCO-listed Guimarães Castle, the grand Palace of the Dukes, and the iconic Bom Jesus do Monte sanctuary. With private transportation, a knowledgeable guide, and all entrance fees included, this tour provides a seamless and engaging experience, showcasing the region’s rich heritage and stunning architecture.