4.9(86 reviews)
Authentic Braga & Guimarães Historical Tour
From€59
8 hours
Porto, Portugal
About this activity
Experience the rich history of Braga and Guimarães on this guided tour, including a traditional lunch and green wine tasting.
Highlights
- Explore Braga's historic center
- Visit Guimarães Castle
- Discover the Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte
- Enjoy a traditional Portuguese lunch
- Taste authentic green wine
Full description
Step back in time and immerse yourself in the rich history of Braga and Guimarães on this captivating day trip. Wander through Braga's historic center, marvel at the Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte, and explore the medieval Guimarães Castle. Savor a traditional Portuguese lunch and indulge in a tasting of the renowned green wine, all while being guided by a knowledgeable local expert. This tour offers a perfect blend of culture, history, and gastronomy, ensuring an unforgettable experience in Northern Portugal.
Included / Excluded
- Guided tour of Braga and Guimarães
- Lunch featuring local cuisine
- Tasting of green wine
- Personal expenses
Itinerary
1
Pass by: Upon arrival in Guimarães, we begin our tour in the upper part of the city, where the Guimarães Castle is located. Our guide will tell you about Portugal's early history as you pass Portugal's oldest medieval castle and begin the descent into the city center.
Admission: NOT_APPLICABLE
2
This church dates back to the 13th century and is currently classified as a national monument. It is a building built in the Romanesque style, which was rebuilt at the beginning of the 20th century according to its original appearance. There is a legend associated with this church, according to which the first king of Portugal, D. Afonso Henriques, was baptized here.
Duration: 10 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
3
Pass by: This palace dates back to the beginning of the 15th century and its construction was ordered by D. Afonso (son of King D. João I) at the time of his marriage to D. Constança de Noronha. Over the years it served several purposes, causing wear and tear. At the beginning of the 20th century, the restoration of the palace began. It is classified as a national monument and currently serves as a museum, displaying works of tapestry, furniture, Chinese porcelain and paintings.
Admission: NOT_APPLICABLE
4
Along the descent to the residential area of the city, we will pass through Rua de Santa Maria, one of the first streets in Guimarães, which served as the main connection between the convent of D. Mumadona Dias, the residential area and the Castle.
Duration: 15 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
5
This is a social square for the inhabitants of Guimarães, where you can find restaurants, bars and terraces, surrounded by the city's typical architecture. According to the legend, the name of the square is due to the apostle James who, on a pilgrimage, left an image of the Virgin Mary here. A church was built there in the 12th century, which was demolished in the 19th century.
Duration: 10 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
6
Largo da Oliveira is one of the most emblematic and historic squares in Guimarães, Portugal. Its name comes from an ancient olive tree that symbolizes peace and tradition. This place has been the scene of significant events over the centuries, including medieval courts and crucial moments in the formation of Portugal as a nation.
Duration: 20 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
7
In addition to the church, Largo da Oliveira is known for the Padrão do Salado, a monument that celebrates the victory of D. Afonso IV over the Moors in the battle of Salado in 1340.
Duration: 5 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
8
From Largo da Oliveira you can see the church of Nossa Senhora da Oliveira - Colegiada de Guimarães, whose origins date back to a monastery founded in the first half of the 10th century by Countess Mumadona Dias. The current church was built in 1387 by order of King D. João I, following models of Gothic architecture.
Duration: 15 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
9
Braga Cathedral is one of the most emblematic and historic monuments in Portugal. Located in the city of Braga, this Catholic cathedral is a testament to the country's cultural and religious richness. Its construction dates back to the end of the 11th century, having been sacred and dedicated to the Virgin Mary by Bishop D. Pedro in 10891. The Braga Cathedral is considered the first Portuguese cathedral, built several decades before the founding of the nation itself.
Duration: 30 minAdmission: YES
10
The Bom Jesus do Monte Sanctuary is a jewel of the religious architecture and landscaping, located in Braga. With over 600 years of history, this site of Christian pilgrimage is a notable example of the European Sacri Monti, created after the Council of Trent in the 16th century. The sanctuary's Via Crucis, which winds up the mountainside, is made up of chapels, fountains and sculptures representing the Passion of Christ, culminating in the neoclassical church built between 1784 and 1811. The Staircase of the Five Senses, a baroque work, is a of the most emblematic elements of the set, symbolizing the human senses through fountains and statues. Bom Jesus do Monte was recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2019, standing out for its harmonious integration with the natural landscape and its cultural and spiritual importance. The sanctuary offers panoramic views of Braga and is a testament to the religious tradition and influence of the Catholic Church in the region.
Duration: 1 hourAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
11
The Sanctuary of Nossa Senhora do Sameiro, or simply Santuário do Sameiro, is one of the most important places of Marian worship in Portugal, located in the city of Braga. Founded on June 14, 1863 by Father Martinho António Pereira da Silva, the sanctuary is a symbol of devotion to the Virgin Mary. Sameiro is the second largest Marian pilgrimage center in Portugal, after the Sanctuary of Fátima, and is a place that attracts not only devotees, but also tourists, due to its rich history and its privileged location at the top of the mountain, at 566 meters of altitude. It offers a spectacular view over the city of Braga and the surrounding landscape.
Duration: 30 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
Important information
Know before you book
- Tour operates rain or shine; dress appropriately for the weather.
- Please inform the operator of any dietary restrictions in advance.
- Minimum booking of two people required for the tour to proceed.
Know before you go
- Wear comfortable walking shoes for cobblestone streets.
- Bring a camera to capture the scenic views and historic sites.
- Check the weather forecast and dress accordingly.
Cancellation policy
Free cancellation up to 1 days before the activity starts
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Accessibility
- Infant Seats Available
Good to know
- Travel time is already included with the total tour duration.
- Green wine - legal age to drink is 18 years old and above
Traveler reviews
4.986 reviews
5
82
4
2
3
1
2
1
1
0
Diana is a wonderful tour guide!
Highly recommended for this small group tour with Diana! Diana is a wonderful tour guide with great communication skills, calm attitude, extensive knowledge of local history and culture, and great driving skills. She is also noted for her ability to have a good laugh with the guests while navigating the towns.
Jie_DMay 16, 2026VIATOR
Not as interesting as expected
Not as interesting as expected
C4371LXrobertcMay 9, 2026TRIPADVISOR
Excellent visit to Braga and Guimareas
A full day out visiting two cities nearby to Porto, both interesting but different to one another. Our guide, Antonio, was very knowledgeable about locall history and we felt like we were in safe hands. The tour is well paced with enough time to enjoy each location.
Jo_LMay 3, 2026VIATOR
We were very disappointed with this tour and would not recommend it.
Length of visit in Bom Jesus Do Monte, The itinerary stated that we would have one hour for sightseeing, but the guide only gave us 35 minutes. We also had to climb several hundred steps, so there was simply not enough time to explore, and we didn’t even have the chance to enter the church
Explorer04293638840May 3, 2026TRIPADVISOR
Highly recommended day trip from Porto
An amazing day out! Highly recommend this trip. The sites were brilliant and Ivo was knowledgeable and enthusiastic. We would go again.
rachelbY7496JOApr 24, 2026TRIPADVISOR
Additional information
Travel time is already included with the total tour duration.
Green wine - legal age to drink is 18 years old and above