From Porto: Full-Day Trip of Minho Region

Set out on a captivating journey through the enchanting Minho region from Porto. This full-day tour offers an immersive experience, exploring the stunning Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte, historic Braga Cathedral, and the iconic Guimarães Castle. Enjoy Portugal’s rich heritage, savor a leisurely lunch in Braga, and discover the UNESCO World Heritage sites. For just $64.58 per person, this 9-10 hour adventure promises an unforgettable exploration of the Minho’s captivating sights and cultural treasures.

Key Points

• This full-day trip from Porto to the Minho region is priced at $64.58 per person and lasts 9-10 hours.
• The tour includes visits to the Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte, Braga Cathedral, and Guimarães Castle, the birthplace of Portugal.
• Travelers can enjoy a 1.5-hour lunch break in Braga to sample local cuisine.
• Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and the option to reserve and pay later is offered.
• The tour departs from Rua de Mouzinho da Silveira 352, near St. Bento Station in Porto.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The full-day trip from Porto to the Minho region is priced from $64.58 per person and lasts 9-10 hours.

This trip offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Customers can also reserve their spot now and pay later.

The tour starts from Rua de Mouzinho da Silveira 352 in Porto, near St. Bento Station.

Key highlights include the Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte, Braga Cathedral, lunch in Braga, and Guimarães Castle – the birthplace of Portugal.

The tour allows visitors to experience Portugal’s oldest cities and rich history.

Itinerary and Highlights

Starting from the meeting point at Rua de Mouzinho da Silveira 352 in Porto, near St. Bento Station, the tour takes you on a journey through the Minho region.

The itinerary includes:

1. Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte: Spend an hour exploring this iconic religious site.

2. Braga Cathedral: Discover the impressive architecture of Portugal’s oldest city for 30 minutes.

3. Lunch in Braga: Enjoy a 1.5-hour lunch break to savor the local cuisine.

4. Guimarães Castle: Explore the 10th-century national symbol and birthplace of Portugal for 20 minutes.

Detailed Tour Description

As the tour begins, visitors embark on a journey to discover the rich history and cultural heritage of the Minho region, a short drive from the vibrant city of Porto.

They’ll explore the 9th-century settlement of Guimarães, known as the birthplace of Portugal. In Braga, they’ll marvel at the city’s impressive architecture, including the iconic Braga Cathedral.

The tour also includes a visit to the Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Throughout the day, travelers will have the opportunity to enjoy the region’s past while experiencing its unique charm and beauty.

Stops Along the Way

Visitors begin their immersive journey in the Minho region at the Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte, a sacred site perched atop a hill.

Next, they’ll explore:

1. Braga Cathedral – Portugal’s oldest see, boasting impressive Baroque architecture.

2. Braga for lunch – Savoring local cuisine in the heart of the city.

3. Guimarães Castle – Exploring the 10th-century national symbol and birthplace of Portugal.

4. Guimarães’ historic center – Wandering through the UNESCO World Heritage-listed walled city.

This thoughtfully curated tour showcases the best of Minho’s rich history, architecture, and culture.

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Sanctuary of Bom Jesus Do Monte

Though perched atop a hill, the Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte is the first stop on this immersive Minho region tour.

Visitors will spend around an hour exploring the 18th-century sanctuary and its unique Baroque staircase. This UNESCO World Heritage site features ornate chapels, gardens, and stunning views over the city of Braga.

Ascending the 116 steps via the monumental staircase is a highlight, representing the Stations of the Cross.

With its beautiful architecture and serene atmosphere, the sanctuary provides an inspiring introduction to the region’s rich cultural and religious heritage.

Braga Cathedral and Lunch

After exploring the Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte, the tour continues to the Braga Cathedral. Guests will have 30 minutes to discover this impressive religious structure, the oldest cathedral in Portugal.

The highlights include:

1. Ornate Baroque façade with twin bell towers.

2. Stunning interior with elaborate gilded decorations.

3. Guided tour to learn about the cathedral’s history and significance.

4. Free time to wander the surrounding plazas and streets before heading to lunch in Braga.

The tour then transitions to a 1.5-hour lunch break, allowing participants to savor local cuisine in the historic city of Braga.

Guimarães Castle and Walking Tour

After lunch in Braga, the tour now heads to the historic city of Guimarães.

Visitors first explore the iconic Guimarães Castle, a 10th-century national symbol. The castle offers stunning views over the city and the surrounding countryside.

Following the castle visit, the group embarks on a walking tour of Guimarães’ well-preserved medieval center, a UNESCO World Heritage site. They’ll see the Palace of the Bragança Dukes, São Miguel Church, Martins Sarmento Square, and the charming Santa Maria Street.

The tour culminates at the City Hall, Santiago Square, and the Senhora da Oliveira Church, showcasing Guimarães’ rich history and architecture.

Inclusions, Exclusions, and Important Information

The tour includes a guided tour, entrance fees to the Bom Jesus Sanctuary, Braga Cathedral, and Guimarães Castle, as well as a walking tour in Guimarães.

However, it excludes lunch, personal expenses, tips, and any optional activity costs.

Customers should bring comfortable shoes and a sun hat, and note that the tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users.

The tour doesn’t operate on December 25th and January 1st.

Based on 14 reviews, the overall rating is 4.1/5, with the guide rated 4.5/5 and transportation 5/5.

Key information:

1. Inclusions: Guided tour, entrance fees, walking tour

2. Exclusions: Lunch, personal expenses, tips, optional activities

3. What to bring: Comfortable shoes, sun hat

4. Restrictions: Not suitable for wheelchair users, doesn’t operate on 25/12 and 01/01

The Sum Up

This captivating full-day trip from Porto to the Minho region offers visitors a chance to explore Portugal’s rich cultural heritage. Highlights include the stunning Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte, the historic Braga Cathedral, and the iconic Guimarães Castle. With a leisurely lunch in Braga and immersive experiences at UNESCO World Heritage sites, this tour is a perfect adventure for history enthusiasts and culture lovers alike, all at an affordable price of $64.58 per person.

You can check availability for your dates here: