Exploring the historic cities of Braga and Guimarães is an excellent way to discover Portugal’s rich cultural heritage. This day trip from Porto promises an intimate experience, limited to just 8 participants. Visitors will be captivated by Braga’s stunning Sé Cathedral and the Baroque grandeur of Bom Jesus do Monte Sanctuary, followed by a traditional Portuguese lunch. The journey then continues to Guimarães, where the impressive Palace of the Dukes and ancient Guimarães Castle await. With an array of inclusions and rave customer reviews, this excursion offers an unforgettable opportunity to delve deeper into northern Portugal’s past.
Key Points
- Explore the historical cities of Braga and Guimarães on a 9-hour guided day trip from Porto, including a 1.5-hour lunch break in Braga.
- Visit iconic landmarks in Braga, known as the "Rome of Portugal," such as the 11th-century Sé Cathedral and the Bom Jesus do Monte Sanctuary.
- Discover Guimarães, the "Cradle of Portugal," and its well-preserved Palace of the Dukes and 10th-century Castle.
- Enjoy a typical Portuguese lunch featuring local cuisine and dishes like hearty stews, fresh seafood, and traditional Bacalhau.
- Convenient hotel pickup and drop-off available for an additional cost, and the tour is limited to 8 participants for an intimate experience.
Tour Overview
The "Braga and Guimarães Day Trip with Lunch from Porto" tour offers an immersive exploration of two historic Portuguese cities.
This 9-hour excursion delves into the rich culture and heritage of Braga and Guimarães, with hotel pickup and drop-off available. Priced from $107.47 per person, the tour provides great value, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
Led by knowledgeable guides in multiple languages, groups are limited to 8 participants for a more intimate experience. Enjoy a lunch break in Braga and ample time to discover the key sites of these captivating destinations known as the "Rome of Portugal" and the "Cradle of Portugal."
Looking for more options in Braga District? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.
Exploring Braga
Braga, known as the "Rome of Portugal," welcomes visitors with its rich history and impressive religious architecture.
Braga, the "Rome of Portugal," enchants visitors with its storied past and magnificent religious structures.
The city’s main highlights include:
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Sé Cathedral of Braga: One of the oldest cathedrals in Portugal, dating back to the 11th century and blending Romanesque, Gothic, and Baroque styles.
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Bom Jesus do Monte Sanctuary: A renowned pilgrimage site featuring a monumental Baroque staircase and panoramic views.
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Sameiro Sanctuary: A neoclassical church dedicated to the Virgin Mary, known for its stunning interior.
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Praça da República: The vibrant city center with historic buildings, cafés, and shops.
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Avenida da Liberdade: A tree-lined boulevard with elegant architecture and a lively atmosphere.
Lunch in Braga
After exploring the historic sights of Braga, travelers can look forward to a delightful lunch at a typical Portuguese restaurant.
The included lunch break lasts 1.5 hours, providing ample time to savor local cuisine and culture.
Diners can expect to sample authentic Portuguese dishes, such as hearty stews, fresh seafood, or traditional Bacalhau (salted cod).
The lunch venue is conveniently located, allowing participants to recharge before continuing the day’s adventure in the captivating city of Guimarães.
This mealtime respite is a highlight of the day trip, blending delicious food with immersion in Braga’s rich heritage.
Traveling to Guimarães
After visiting Braga’s historic landmarks, travelers embark on the 30-minute journey to the captivating city of Guimarães.
Travelers embark on a 30-minute journey from Braga’s historic landmarks to the captivating city of Guimarães.
This picturesque town, known as the "Cradle of Portugal," offers a glimpse into the country’s rich history and cultural heritage.
Highlights include:
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Exploring the Palace of the Dukes, a grand medieval palace that once housed the first kings of Portugal.
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Climbing the ramparts of the Guimarães Castle, a well-preserved 10th-century fortress.
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Admiring the architectural gems of the historic city center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
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Discovering the S. Miguel Chapel, a Romanesque jewel dating back to the 12th century.
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Taking in the vibrant atmosphere of the lively town square.
Discovering Guimarães
The 30-minute journey from Braga brings travelers to the captivating city of Guimarães, renowned as the "Cradle of Portugal" for its pivotal role in the nation’s history.
Visitors explore the Palace of the Dukes, a stunning medieval palace that served as the residence of the first Portuguese royal dynasty.
Nearby, the Guimarães Castle, a 10th-century fortification, stands as a symbol of Portugal’s independence.
The tour also includes a visit to the S. Miguel Chapel, a Romanesque gem nestled in the historic city center.
With its well-preserved medieval architecture, Guimarães offers a glimpse into Portugal’s formative years.
Key Highlights
This comprehensive day trip provides travelers the opportunity to enjoy the rich historical and cultural heritage of two captivating Portuguese cities – Braga and Guimarães.
Dubbed the "Rome of Portugal," Braga boasts the impressive Sé Cathedral, the magnificent Bom Jesus Sanctuary, and the serene Sameiro Sanctuary.
Braga, the "Rome of Portugal," boasts impressive cathedrals, sanctuaries, and a serene atmosphere.
In Guimarães, visitors can explore the well-preserved Palace of the Dukes, the iconic Guimarães Castle, and the charming São Miguel Chapel.
This tour offers a seamless blend of must-see landmarks, delectable local cuisine, and the chance to uncover the essence of Portugal’s birthplace.
Key highlights include:
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Discovering Braga’s medieval wonders
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Savoring a typical Portuguese lunch in Braga
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Marveling at the historic sites of Guimarães
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Tracing Portugal’s origins in the "Cradle of Portugal"
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Enjoying convenient transportation throughout the day
Inclusions and Logistics
The tour package includes a range of convenient features to enhance the overall experience.
Hotel pickup and drop-off at the Igreja da Lapa in Porto are available for an additional cost. A delicious lunch at a typical restaurant in Braga is provided, along with bottled water throughout the day.
Entrance tickets to all the key monuments and sites are included, ensuring a seamless experience.
The tour is conducted in various languages, including Portuguese, English, French, and Spanish, catering to a diverse audience.
With a maximum group size of 8 participants, the tour offers an intimate and personalized exploration of these historic cities.
Customer Feedback
Customers have praised the Braga and Guimarães Day Trip for its exceptional quality and value.
Reviews highlight:
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Guide expertise, with Chuck commending Carla’s knowledgeability and friendliness, and Sabrina complimenting Wilson for an enjoyable experience.
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Efficient transportation, earning a 4.8/5 rating.
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Impressive historical sites, including the Sé Cathedral, Bom Jesus Sanctuary, and Guimarães Castle.
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Delicious lunch at a typical Braga restaurant.
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Overall tour value, with a UK traveler noting great worth despite an accidental private tour.
With an impressive 4.7/5 rating from 54 reviews, this day trip offers an immersive cultural experience in Northern Portugal’s medieval gems.
Since You Asked
Are There Any Restroom Breaks During the Tour?
The tour includes restroom breaks, with time allocated for lunch in Braga. Participants can use restroom facilities at the various sites visited, as well as during the scheduled lunch stop.
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?
No, you can’t bring your own food and drinks on this tour. Lunch at a typical restaurant in Braga is included, and bottled water is provided. The tour doesn’t allow for outside food or beverages to be brought along.
Is the Tour Wheelchair Accessible?
The tour is not specifically wheelchair accessible. The itinerary involves walking at the sites, and the transportation is a van. Travelers with mobility challenges should check with the tour operator about accommodations before booking.
Can I Take Photographs Inside the Monuments?
Yes, participants are generally allowed to take photographs inside the monuments visited during the tour. However, it’s important to follow any specific rules or restrictions that may be in place at each site.
Do We Have Free Time to Explore on Our Own?
Yes, the tour includes free time for independent exploration at both Braga and Guimarães. Participants can wander the historic sites and neighborhoods on their own to discover more of the cities’ rich heritage and culture.
The Sum Up
This day trip from Porto to Braga and Guimarães offers a captivating blend of cultural heritage and traditional cuisine. Visitors can explore the stunning Sé Cathedral and Bom Jesus do Monte Sanctuary in Braga, followed by a delightful Portuguese lunch. The journey then continues to Guimarães, where the impressive Palace of the Dukes and ancient Guimarães Castle await. This intimate excursion promises an unforgettable experience for a small group of 8 participants.
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