Private - Full Day - Uncover Braga and Guimarães

8 hours

Moderate

Minimum age: 13

A full day tour filled with history and content, accompanied with an expert guide who will lead you through Braga and Guimarães on a 8 hours private tour.

Find out the famous Triângle of faith in Braga and the well-known Guimarães Castle one of the 7 wonders of Portugual. Discouver the beauty of Bom Jesus Sanctuary and Sameiro both reciving many visitors every year.

At Guimarães, known as the brith of the nation, has one of the most beautiful historical centres of the country. walk along the old town feeling like you've returned to medieval times.

You'll be given many important references about each city during the day by the guide who will show you the most important sights, monuments and places. Apreciate also the local gastronomy on a delicious lunch at a local restaurant.


Included:

  • Portuguese Lunch with drink included (Vegatarian & Gluten-free options available if informed in advance)
  • Driver/guide
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Private tour
  • Transport by air-conditioned vehicle
  • Porto City Walking Tour (available from the day after your experience)


Itinerary:

  • Your expert guide will pick you up from your hotel, accommodation, or designated meeting point and drive you to Braga, our first stop. Along the way, your guide will provide insights into Portuguese history, the development of the nation, and fascinating cultural facts about the country's rich heritage.
  • Our first visit will be to the highest point of the tour: The Shrine of Our Lady of Sameiro, perched at 566 meters on a hill of the same name. This site is one of the most popular Marian pilgrimage destinations in Portugal, offering breathtaking views over the city of Braga. It draws countless devotees every year, especially during the pilgrimages on the first Sunday of June and the third Sunday of August.
  • The Cathedral of Braga, the first Portuguese cathedral, predates the founding of the nation. Construction began in the late 11th century, and it was consecrated on August 28, 1089, in a solemn ceremony led by Bishop Pedro. The cathedral rivaled the power of the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela and is considered the jewel of Braga. It also houses the tombs of D. Henrique and D. Teresa, the parents of Portugal's first king, in the Chapel of Kings.
  • It's now time for a break. If you've chosen the lunch-included option, your guide will take you to a local restaurant to enjoy a delicious traditional Portuguese meal, complete with drinks. Don’t miss the opportunity to try the famous "Vinho Verde" wine, known for its unique qualities. If you opted out of the included lunch, you will have free time to explore Braga’s charming old city center or choose a restaurant to dine at your leisure. (Vegetarian options are available with advance notice during the booking process.)
  • After lunch, we will embark on a short drive to Guimarães, known as the birthplace of Portugal, as it is where Afonso Henriques, the country’s first king, was born.
  • The castle here evokes the thrilling mix of legend, poetry, and heroism that marks the beginning of Portuguese history. The origins of the castle date back to 968, when Countess Mumadona of Galicia ordered its construction to protect the local population from Viking and Muslim raids. Later, Count Henry, after inheriting the Portucalense province from his father-in-law, Alfonso VI of León, commissioned a larger, more fortified structure that eventually became the castle we see today, dominated by its square keep and four corner towers. It is believed that within these walls stood the residence where Afonso Henriques, the first king of Portugal, was born.
  • The small church of S. Miguel do Castelo, built in the 13th century, is another historical gem. According to tradition, this Romanesque-style church was originally erected in the 12th century by Count Dom Henrique, who baptized his son Afonso Henriques here. Inside, beneath its modest floor, lie the remains of the warriors who fought during the nation’s founding period.
  • The historical center of Guimarães, enclosed by the city's ancient walls, is deeply connected to the formation of Portugal and is now a UNESCO World Heritage site. Its restoration preserves the original authenticity of its medieval streets, marked by elegant iron verandas, granite balconies, arches, and towers. As you stroll through the narrow lanes, you'll feel transported back in time, surrounded by the noble homes and palaces—such as the Mota Prego house, Vila Flor Palace, and Toural Palace—that make Guimarães truly unique.
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