Guimarães Medieval Tour

Plunge into the enchanting medieval past of Guimarães, where a guided tour unveils the city's iconic landmarks and captivating historic narratives.

Guimarães, the birthplace of Portugal, boasts a rich medieval heritage that captivates visitors. The Guimarães Medieval Tour offers an immersive experience, allowing travelers to explore the city’s iconic landmarks, from the imposing 10th-century castle to the UNESCO-listed historic center. Guided by knowledgeable locals, the tour promises a memorable adventure through Portugal’s past, blending historic sites with stunning natural landscapes. Whether you’re a history buff or simply seeking an authentic cultural experience, this tour promises to transport you back in time.

Key Points

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  • A full-day, 9-hour guided tour in Guimarães that explores up to 5 medieval monuments and natural environments in small groups of up to 6 travelers.
  • Includes pickup and drop-off, insurance, taxes, fees, and photo documentation, but excludes lunch, tips, and non-mentioned activities.
  • Highlights include the 10th-century Guimarães Castle, UNESCO-listed historic center, and the 15th-century Palace of the Dukes of Braganza.
  • Offers a comprehensive experience with a knowledgeable local guide and opportunities for short hikes in picturesque rural and natural settings.
  • Highly rated with a 5.0 score based on 1 review, featuring an exceptional experience and a knowledgeable guide.

Tour Overview

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What does the Guimarães Medieval Tour entail?

It’s a full-day, 9-hour tour that takes small groups of up to 6 travelers to explore the historic city of Guimarães. A local guide accompanies the group, providing insider knowledge.

Visitors will see up to 5 monuments and enjoy short hikes in both natural/rural environments and the city itself.

The tour includes pickup and drop-off, insurance, taxes, fees, and photo documentation. However, it excludes lunch, tips, and any activities not explicitly mentioned.

The tour starts at 8:30 AM from a meeting point in Porto and returns to the same location.

Inclusions and Exclusions

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The Guimarães Medieval Tour includes several key amenities. Pickup and drop-off, as well as insurance, taxes, and fees are all covered.

Travelers will also receive photos from the tour. However, the tour excludes other expenses, activities not mentioned, lunch, and tips/gratuities.

While these optional items aren’t included, the tour provides a comprehensive experience with a knowledgeable local guide who leads visits to up to 5 monuments and small hikes in natural and rural environments.

Meeting and Pickup Details

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The Guimarães Medieval Tour offers pickup from several locations, including Oporto, Guimarães, Braga, or other areas as notified prior to booking.

The meeting point is at R. de Guilherme da Costa Carvalho 38, 4000-125 Porto, Portugal. The tour ends back at the meeting point.

The start time is 8:30 AM. Confirmation is received at the time of booking.

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible but does have infant seats available. It’s not suitable for individuals with serious medical conditions, and the child rate applies when sharing with two paying adults.

Additional Information

Though the Guimarães Medieval Tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, it does provide infant seats for those traveling with young children.

The tour is located near public transportation, making it convenient for guests. Confirmation is received at the time of booking.

However, the tour may not be suitable for individuals with serious medical conditions. The child rate applies when sharing with two paying adults.

Pricing and Reviews

The Guimarães Medieval Tour is priced from $132.22 per person, with variation based on group size.

Travelers can take advantage of free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience. The tour has earned a 5.0 rating based on 1 review, with praise for its exceptional experience and knowledgeable guide.

The tour includes:

  • Pickup and drop-off
  • Insurance, taxes, and fees
  • Photos of the tour

It excludes other expenses, activities not mentioned, lunch, and tips/gratuities.

Highlights of the Guimarães Medieval Tour

As travelers embark on the Guimarães Medieval Tour, they’ll have the opportunity to explore up to 5 captivating monuments that showcase the city’s rich heritage.

They’ll visit the imposing Guimarães Castle, a 10th-century fortress that dominates the city’s skyline.

Next, they’ll wander through the charming historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage site, admiring its well-preserved medieval architecture.

The tour also includes a stop at the Palace of the Dukes of Braganza, a stunning 15th-century royal residence.

Along the way, travelers will enjoy small hikes in the surrounding natural and rural environments, providing a glimpse into Guimarães’ picturesque landscapes.

Exploring the Historic City of Guimarães

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What makes the historic city of Guimarães so captivating? Guimarães’ well-preserved medieval architecture and historic sites transport visitors back in time.

Highlights include:

  • The imposing 10th-century Guimarães Castle, a symbol of Portugal’s independence
  • The Palace of the Dukes of Braganza, a magnificent 15th-century Gothic-style palace
  • The historic old town, with its narrow, winding streets and charming plazas
  • The Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Oliveira, a Romanesque-style church dating back to the 14th century
  • Panoramic views from the top of Monte da Penha, accessible by cable car.

Together, these sites offer a glimpse into Guimarães’ rich heritage and the birth of the Portuguese nation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Languages Does the Guide Speak?

The guide for this tour speaks the local language, Portuguese. They may also be able to communicate in other common languages, such as English, to accommodate international travelers, but the tour details do not specify which additional languages are available.

How Much Walking Is Involved During the Tour?

The tour includes small hikes in natural/rural environments and the city, so there’s a moderate amount of walking involved. The exact distance and duration of the walking portions may vary based on the specific sites visited.

Can We Make Stops for Food and Restrooms?

Yes, the tour allows for stops at local cafes and restaurants for food and restrooms. The itinerary is flexible, so travelers can take breaks as needed throughout the day.

Are Discounts Available for Students or Seniors?

The tour doesn’t explicitly mention student or senior discounts, but you can check with the provider to see if they offer any. The price is listed as starting from $132.22 per person, which may vary based on group size.

Can We Customize the Tour Itinerary for Our Group?

Yes, the tour provider can customize the itinerary for the group. They offer flexibility to adjust the monuments and activities based on the group’s interests and preferences, as long as it’s within the overall tour duration and scope.

The Sum Up

The Guimarães Medieval Tour offers an immersive journey through Portugal’s rich medieval heritage. Visitors can explore the iconic Guimarães Castle, stroll through the UNESCO-listed historic center, and enjoy scenic hikes, all with the guidance of knowledgeable local experts. This small-group tour provides a comprehensive and memorable experience, seamlessly blending the city’s historic and natural wonders.