Porto , Portugal

Braga and Guimarães Tour from Porto

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About this experience

Guimarães, known as the cradle of the Portuguese nation, we will stop at the imposing Guimarães Castle, a medieval fortress dating back to the X century where you will delve into the rich history of the place. Follow by a visit to Paço dos Duques de Bragança, an XV-century palace that was the residence of the Portuguese royal family. With its stunning architecture and authentic furnishings, the Palace offers a fascinating insight into the aristocratic life of the time. Next we will leave for Braga, a city full of tradition and religiosity. We will visit the Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte, a pilgrimage site famous for its monumental staircase and the beautiful garden that surrounds it. Climbing the steps to the top is a unique and rewarding experience, with stunning views of the city. In the historic center of Braga, you will have the opportunity to explore its picturesque streets, admire the baroque architecture, and visit the majestic Braga Cathedral, one of the oldest in Portugal.

Available options

Lunch NOT Included

What's included

WiFi on board

Guided Tour

Free WiFi Complimentary

Air-conditioned vehicle

Ticket to Paço dos Duques

Detailed itinerary

Admire the sanctuary of Bom Jesus de Braga

Visit the famous sanctuaries of the old city of Braga

Stop 2

Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the historic city of Guimarães

Discover the birthplace of a nation and see the castle where the first king of Portugal was born

O Santuário do Bom Jesus do Monte localiza-se na freguesia de Tenões, na cidade, concelho e distrito de Braga, em Portugal. Fica situado nas proximidades do Santuário de Nossa Senhora do Sameiro.

Stop 4

Guimarães Castle is one of the most important and emblematic monuments in Portugal. It was an important strategic point of defense during the Middle Ages. It is considered the cradle of the Portuguese nation, as it was there that Dom Afonso Henriques, the first king of Portugal, was born in 1111.

The castle has undergone several transformations over the centuries but still maintains its medieval character. With its imposing walls, towers, and panoramic views, it is a place where visitors can explore Portugal's history and enjoy beautiful scenery.

The Paço dos Duques de Bragança is a Renaissance palace built in the 15th century by the first Duke of Bragança, Dom Afonso, as his summer residence.

The palace is known for its stunning Renaissance architecture and lush gardens. It has an imposing tower and a majestic facade that can be seen from the historic center of Guimarães.

What's not included

snacks

Lunch

Gratituides

Available languages

Guide guide

PT EN

Reviews breakdown

Tripadvisor 3.5

2 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Public transportation options are available nearby

Specialized infant seats are available

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Minimum drinking age is 16 years

May be operated by a multi-lingual guide

About Porto

Porto, the second-largest city in Portugal, is a vibrant coastal city known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and delicious cuisine. With its picturesque Ribeira district, historic bridges, and world-famous port wine cellars, Porto offers a unique blend of cultural heritage and modern charm.

Top Attractions

Ribeira District

The Ribeira district is the historic heart of Porto, known for its colorful buildings, narrow streets, and lively atmosphere. It's a UNESCO World Heritage site and a must-visit for anyone coming to Porto.

Historical 2-3 hours Free to explore

Livraria Lello

Livraria Lello is one of the most famous bookstores in the world, known for its stunning neo-Gothic interior and as an inspiration for J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter series.

Cultural 1 hour €6 (includes a book voucher)

Clérigos Tower

The Clérigos Tower is a iconic Baroque bell tower that offers panoramic views of Porto. Climbing the 240 steps to the top is well worth the effort for the breathtaking views.

Architecture 1 hour €5

Dom Luís I Bridge

This double-deck iron bridge spans the Douro River, connecting Porto to Vila Nova de Gaia. The upper deck offers stunning views of the river and the city.

Architecture 30 minutes Free

Port Wine Cellars

Vila Nova de Gaia is home to many of Porto's famous port wine cellars, where you can learn about the history of port wine and enjoy tastings.

Cultural 2-3 hours €10-€30

Must-Try Local Dishes

Francesinha

A hearty sandwich made with layers of meat, covered in melted cheese and a special sauce, served with fries.

Lunch/Dinner Contains meat and dairy

Bacalhau à Brás

A traditional Portuguese dish made with shredded cod, onions, potatoes, and eggs.

Lunch/Dinner Contains fish and eggs

Tripas à Moda do Porto

A traditional Porto dish made with tripe, beans, and spices, slow-cooked to perfection.

Lunch/Dinner Contains meat

Pastéis de Nata

Delicious custard tarts with a flaky pastry crust, often dusted with cinnamon or powdered sugar.

Dessert Contains dairy and eggs

Popular Activities

Hiking in the Serra do Pilar Kayaking on the Douro River Sunbathing at Praia do Castelo do Queijo Enjoying a port wine tasting Visiting the Livraria Lello Exploring the Ribeira district Swimming at Praia do Castelo do Queijo Boat tours on the Douro River

Best Time to Visit

May to September

This is the peak tourist season with warm weather and plenty of sunshine. It's ideal for exploring the city and enjoying outdoor activities.

18°C to 28°C 64°F to 82°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Portuguese
Widely spoken: English, Spanish, French
English: Widely spoken in tourist areas

Currency

Euro (EUR)

Time Zone

GMT+1 (Western European Time)

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Porto is generally a safe city for travelers, with low violent crime rates. However, petty crime, such as pickpocketing and bag snatching, can occur in tourist areas and on public transportation.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight, especially in tourist areas and on public transportation
• Be cautious when using taxis, and always ensure the meter is running or agree on a price before starting your journey
• Avoid walking alone at night in quiet or poorly lit areas

Getting there

By air

Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport • 11 km (7 miles) from city center

By train

Porto Campanhã, Porto São Bento

By bus

Porto Bus Terminal (Terminal de Camionagem de Porto)

Getting around

Public transport

The metro system is efficient and easy to use, with six lines connecting major points of interest.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Bolt, Uber

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Ribeira Bolhão Foz do Douro Miguel Bombarda

Day trips

Braga

50 km (31 miles) • Full day

Braga is a historic city known for its beautiful churches, monasteries, and the Bom Jesus do Monte sanctuary.

Guimarães

40 km (25 miles) • Full day

Guimarães is a historic city known as the birthplace of Portugal. It's home to a well-preserved medieval center and the stunning Guimarães Castle.

Douro Valley

80 km (50 miles) • Full day

The Douro Valley is a stunning wine region known for its terraced vineyards, port wine cellars, and scenic boat tours.

Festivals

São João Festival • June 23-24 Festa de São João • June 24 Porto Wine Festival • September

Pro tips

Visit the Livraria Lello bookstore early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the crowds and long queues
Take a port wine tasting tour to learn about the history of port wine and sample a variety of wines from different cellars
Explore the historic center of Porto on foot, as many of its narrow streets and charming squares are best discovered by walking
Try the local cuisine, such as Francesinha, Bacalhau à Brás, and Tripas à Moda do Porto, at traditional restaurants and cafes
Take a day trip to the Douro Valley to see the stunning vineyards, visit port wine cellars, and enjoy a scenic boat tour on the Douro River