Porto: Day Trip to Barcelos, Ponte De Lima, and Braga

Explore the captivating towns of Northern Portugal on a day trip from Porto. This guided excursion takes you through the historic sites of Barcelos, Ponte de Lima, and Braga, immersing you in local culture and gastronomy. With stops at the Pottery Museum and the stunning Bom Jesus Basilica, you’ll uncover the region’s rich heritage. But what awaits you in these charming destinations that’ll make this an unforgettable experience?

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Key Points

This day trip from Porto explores the historic towns of Barcelos, Ponte de Lima, and Braga in Northern Portugal, offering cultural and gastronomic experiences.
The tour is priced from $366.69 for up to 4 people and lasts 7-8 hours, including hotel pickup, transportation, entrance fees, lunch, and refreshments.
Highlights include the Pottery Museum and food market in Barcelos, thematic gardens and a leisurely lunch in Ponte de Lima, and the Braga Cathedral and Bom Jesus Basilica.
The tour is not suitable for individuals with mobility issues, and comfortable shoes, a hat, camera, sunscreen, and water are recommended.
Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and smoking is prohibited during the tour.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

This day trip from Porto takes visitors to three historic towns in Northern Portugal: Barcelos, Ponte de Lima, and Braga.

Priced from $366.69 per group of up to 4 people, the tour lasts 7-8 hours. Travelers can take advantage of free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

The tour includes hotel pickup, transportation, entrance fees, lunch, and refreshments. However, it’s not suitable for those with mobility issues.

Guests should come prepared with comfortable shoes, a hat, camera, sunscreen, and water. Smoking isn’t allowed.

Availability varies, so it’s recommended to check before booking.

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Itinerary Details

As part of the day trip, the tour begins with hotel pickup from locations in Greater Porto, excluding the historic zone, between 8 am and 8 pm.

The first stop is Barcelos, where visitors have 1.5 hours to explore the town, visit the Pottery Museum, browse the food market, and take photos.

Next, the tour heads to Ponte de Lima, allotting 2 hours for a break, lunch, sightseeing, and a visit to the thematic gardens.

Finally, the tour travels to Braga, spending 1 hour and 45 minutes visiting the cathedral, town center, and the Bom Jesus Basilica, if time permits.

Participants are dropped off at designated locations in Vila Nova de Gaia or Campo 24 de Agosto.

Highlights of the Tour

The day trip offers visitors a chance to explore three historic towns in Northern Portugal, each with its own unique charm and cultural heritage.

In Barcelos, guests can visit the Pottery Museum and browse the lively food market to experience local customs and traditions.

In Ponte de Lima, travelers can enjoy a leisurely lunch and explore the thematic gardens.

The final stop in Braga features the impressive Braga Cathedral and the magnificent Bom Jesus Basilica, showcasing the region’s rich religious and architectural history.

Throughout the journey, guests can savor local gastronomy and enjoy the local way of life.

Inclusions and Exclusions

The tour includes guided visits to Barcelos, Ponte de Lima, and Braga, as well as transportation by car and entrance tickets to any museums or monuments visited.

This tour features guided visits to Barcelos, Ponte de Lima, and Braga, with transportation and museum/monument entry included.

Lunch and refreshments are also provided. However, the tour isn’t suitable for those with mobility impairments or wheelchair users.

Participants are advised to wear comfortable shoes, bring a hat, camera, sunscreen, and water. Smoking isn’t allowed during the tour.

Guests should check availability for starting times and group size before booking.

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Recommendations and Important Information

Guests should wear comfortable shoes and bring a hat, camera, sunscreen, and water for the day trip to Barcelos, Ponte de Lima, and Braga.

Smoking isn’t allowed on the tour. Be sure to check availability for starting times and group size before booking.

This tour isn’t suitable for people with mobility issues or wheelchair users.

With historic landmarks, local gastronomy, and cultural experiences, this day trip showcases the best of Northern Portugal.

Following the provided recommendations will ensure guests have an enjoyable and comfortable excursion exploring Barcelos, Ponte de Lima, and Braga.

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Exploring Barcelos

What makes Barcelos such a charming stop on this day trip? The lively pottery market, filled with colorful ceramics and friendly artisans, is a highlight.

Visitors can browse the stalls, interact with the makers, and perhaps even try their hand at pottery-making.

The town’s historic center, with its cobblestone streets and medieval architecture, offers a glimpse into Portugal’s rich past.

Don’t miss the impressive Barcelos Cross, a renowned symbol of the town.

With free time to explore, travelers can soak up the local atmosphere, sample regional delicacies, and capture the vibrant spirit of this Northern Portuguese gem.

Discovering Ponte De Lima

After exploring the lively pottery market and historic center of Barcelos, the day trip continues on to Ponte de Lima, a charming town with a rich cultural heritage.

The group will have around 2 hours to stroll along the picturesque riverside, admire the medieval bridge, and visit the thematic gardens.

Stroll along the picturesque riverside, admire the medieval bridge, and explore the thematic gardens in Ponte de Lima.

Lunch in one of the local restaurants is included, allowing travelers to savor the flavors of Northern Portuguese cuisine.

This stop provides a chance to immerse in the town’s tranquil atmosphere and appreciate its well-preserved architecture before heading off to the final destination, the city of Braga.

Visiting Braga

The final stop on the day trip is the city of Braga, which is renowned for its rich religious heritage and well-preserved historic center.

Visitors will have around 1 hour and 45 minutes to explore Braga’s highlights, including the iconic Braga Cathedral, the town center, and the striking Bom Jesus do Monte Basilica, if time permits.

The Braga Cathedral, dating back to the 11th century, is one of the most significant Romanesque monuments in Portugal.

The tour also allows free time to stroll through the charming streets and soak up the city’s vibrant atmosphere.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are There Any Discounts Available for Students or Seniors?

The tour provider does not offer any discounts for students or seniors. The standard price of $366.69 per group (up to 4 people) applies to all travelers regardless of age or student status.

Can the Tour Be Customized to Include Additional Stops?

The tour can be customized to include additional stops, but this may incur extra costs. Customers should contact the tour provider to discuss their specific requirements and any potential modifications to the standard itinerary.

How Many Languages Do the Tour Guides Speak?

The tour guides speak multiple languages, typically including English, Portuguese, and often other European languages like Spanish or French. This ensures they can effectively communicate with and accommodate guests from various backgrounds.

Is There an Option to Book a Private Tour Instead of a Group Tour?

Yes, there’s an option to book a private tour. The tour description mentions the price is "From $366.69 per group (up to 4)," indicating a private tour for small groups is available.

Can the Tour Be Extended to Include a Wine Tasting Experience?

Yes, the tour can be extended to include a wine tasting experience. Customers can request this add-on when booking, which will provide an opportunity to sample local wines and learn about the region’s winemaking traditions.

The Sum Up

This day trip from Porto offers a delightful exploration of Northern Portugal’s historic charm. Visitors will discover the pottery traditions of Barcelos, the picturesque riverside town of Ponte de Lima, and the stunning Bom Jesus Basilica in Braga. With all transportation and entrance fees included, it’s an effortless way to experience the cultural riches of this beautiful region.