4.9(93 reviews)
Braga and Guimaraes Full-Day Tour
From€219
9 hours
Porto, Portugal
About this activity
Discover the rich history and culture of Braga and Guimaraes on this full-day private tour from Porto, including guided visits and a traditional lunch.
Highlights
- Explore Braga's Bom Jesus Sanctuary
- Visit Guimaraes' medieval castle
- Discover the historic center of Guimaraes
- Enjoy a traditional Portuguese lunch
- Experience the rich cultural heritage of Minho region
Full description
Immerse yourself in the captivating history and culture of Portugal's Minho region with a private full-day tour from Porto to Braga and Guimaraes. Begin your journey in Braga, known as the 'Rome of Portugal,' and visit the iconic Bom Jesus Sanctuary, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Continue to Guimaraes, the birthplace of Portugal, to explore its well-preserved medieval castle and the historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Throughout the day, enjoy personalized attention from your guide and savor a traditional Portuguese lunch at a local restaurant. This tour offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and gastronomy, providing an unforgettable experience in Northern Portugal.
Included / Excluded
- Private transportation from Porto
- Guided tours of Braga and Guimaraes
- Lunch at a local restaurant
- Personal expenses and gratuities
Itinerary
1
Pass by: Your expert guide will collect you from your hotel/accommodation or meeting point and will drive you to Braga, our first stop. On your way to the Minho Region, your guide will give you insights regarding the Portuguese history, development and cultural facts of portuguese heritage.
Admission: NOT_APPLICABLE
2
The first stop and visit will be at the highest point of our tour: Sitting at the top of the hill of the same name, at 566 metres of altitude, the Shrine of Our Lady of Sameiro is one of the most visited places of Marian worship in Portugal, providing a privileged view over the city of Braga. Every year attracting many devotees, especially during the pilgrimages of the first Sunday of June and the third Sunday of August.
Duration: 20 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
3
Sitting at the top of the hill of the same name, at 566 metres of altitude, the Shrine of Our Lady of Sameiro is one of the most visited places of Marian worship in Portugal, providing a privileged view over the city of Braga. Every year attracting many devotees, especially during the pilgrimages of the first Sunday of June and the third Sunday of August.
Duration: 30 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
4
The first cathedral, older than Portugal. The Cathedral of Braga was the first Portuguese cathedral, erected several decades before the founding of the country. It began to be built at the end of the 11th century, and was concecrated and dedicated to the Virgin Mary by Bishop Pedro in a solemn session on August 28, 1089. Competing in power with the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela and is the jewel of the city. D. Henrique and D. Teresa, parents of the first king of Portugal, are buried in the Chapel of Kings.
Duration: 30 minAdmission: YES
5
It's now time for a break. If you chose the lunch included option the guide will take you to a local restaurant where you will have a delicious traditional portuguese meal with drinks included. Try the very famous "Vinho Verde" wine, a white wine with unique caracteristics. If you decided to not to include lunch on your tour, you will have free time and restaurant options to lunch on your own or to explore a bit more Braga's old city center. (Vegetarian option during lunch is available, make sure you request it during the booking process)
Duration: 1 hourAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
6
After lunch, we will go on a short drive to Guimarães: Is considered the birthplace of Portugal because Afonso Henriques, who went on to be the first king of Portugal, was born here.
Duration: 2 hoursAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
7
The castle´s presence evokes the exciting mixture of legend, poetry and heroism that surrounds the beginning of Portuguese history. On this Monte Largo (Broad Hill), the nucleus of the future nation of Portugal was first developed. In circa 968, Mumadona, the countess of Galicia, ordered a castle to be built on this site, where the population could seek refuge from the constant attacks unleashed upon them by the hordes of Vikings, who arrived by sea from the north of Europe, and the Muslims, who made raids from the territories that they occupied to the south. On taking over the governorship of the province known as Portucalense from his father-in-law, Alfonso VI of León, Count Henry ordered another larger and more solid construction to be built. This represented the beginning of the important defensive structure that we can now see today, dominated by the square keep that stands between the four towers guarding each of the four corners of the walls. Although this is not strictly documented, it is very likely that the building that stands against the inner part of the northern wall was the residence of Count Henry and the birthplace of his son Afonso Henriques, the first king of Portugal.
Duration: 30 minAdmission: YES
8
The small church of S. Miguel do Castelo was built in the 13th century. However, according to tradition, this church would have been built in the 12th century by Count Dom Henrique (Henry of Burgundy), where he would have baptised his son, the 1st King of Portugal Dom Afonso Henriques. Of Romanic style and reduced dimensions, this church reveals great simplicity in terms of decoration. Inside, under the floor of this church lie buried the great warriors of the nation’s founding period
Duration: 10 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
9
The historical centre in the area that was within the Guimarães city walls, is associated with the formation and identity of Portugal, and was classified a World Heritage site based on the originality and authenticity applied in its restoration. The city still has a harmonious, well-preserved heritage that is evident in the graceful iron verandas, granite balconies and porticos, mansions, arches connecting the narrow streets, paving slabs smoothed by time, towers and cloisters. For a moment you might imagine yourself to be in a mediaeval setting, where the nobility built their houses over time, such as the Mota Prego house, the Vila Flor and Toural palaces, and the many others that give Guimarães its unique atmosphere.
Duration: 30 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
Important information
Know before you book
- This is a private tour; the price is per group, not per person.
- Hotel pickup and drop-off are included from Porto; please provide your accommodation details.
- The tour operates rain or shine; plan accordingly.
Know before you go
- Wear comfortable walking shoes for cobblestone streets.
- Bring a camera to capture the scenic beauty 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
- Stroller Accessible
- Easy Public Transport
Good to know
- Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking
- Please kindly be aware that the overall duration of the activity could be influenced by traffic conditions. We highly advise against scheduling any additional activities or making other plans within the hour following the anticipated completion time.
- Vegetarian and Gluten-free meal options are available if requested before the day of the booking. Make sure you inform us before the tour starts.
- Discover Porto in a unique way with a Free Walking Tour with Living Tours, available to all customers who book this activity. Our Free Walking Tour is available on a daily basis, in English and Spanish, at 9:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. departing from Living Tours Agency located in Rua Mouzinho da Silveira 352, 4050-418 Porto
Traveler reviews
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Day trip to Braga and Guimarães
As a group of four, we decided to pay extra and do the small bus tour, and it was a great option which we would recommend. Paolo Monteiro was our driver and guide, and he was a a safe and confident driver. Paolo's knowledge and enthusiasm was excellent and we all learnt so much about Braga and Guimarães - it really was the best day out. Thank you from Val, Graeme and friends from the UK.
630valcMay 11, 2026TRIPADVISOR
Very educational
Very well explained and much patience is from Carlos the guide
Roxana NMay 10, 2026TRIPADVISOR
Ana Alves - an excellent guide
Ana Alves is an excellent guide, with an admirable knowledge of history - in addition to being a fun person and with a unique sense of humor. We love!
Y8078ASgabrielaaMay 9, 2026TRIPADVISOR
Obrigado Bruno !!!
When in Porto for your next Full Day tour, Bruno is your guy. He was very knowledgeable and friendly and accommodating while showing us around the towns of Guimaraes and Braga.
Lauro LMay 1, 2026TRIPADVISOR
We had a wonderful day with the best driver/guide in Porto. Very professional and with great knowledge and helpful
We had an unforgettable tour with the best guide/driver of Porta, Paulo M. An unforgettable experience. Very helpful, with a lot of knowledge and sympathy. Thank you Paulo we hope to come back soon with you.
Adriana PApr 27, 2026TRIPADVISOR
Additional information
Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking
Please kindly be aware that the overall duration of the activity could be influenced by traffic conditions. We highly advise against scheduling any additional activities or making other plans within the hour following the anticipated completion time.
Vegetarian and Gluten-free meal options are available if requested before the day of the booking. Make sure you inform us before the tour starts.
Discover Porto in a unique way with a Free Walking Tour with Living Tours, available to all customers who book this activity. Our Free Walking Tour is available on a daily basis, in English and Spanish, at 9:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. departing from Living Tours Agency located in Rua Mouzinho da Silveira 352, 4050-418 Porto