The Birth place of Portuguese Nation, with its Historical centre classified as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO since 2001. Also Capital European of Culture in 2012. Guimarães is a city full of History and Heritage, walking along the narrow streets is like returning to the middle age, thanks to the heritage so well preserved nowadays. Know everything about Guimarães on this half day private tour from Porto. Visit the most important places, walk through the historical centre and visit the well-known Guimarães Castle!

Included:

• Professional guide
• Hotel pickup and drop-off
• Transport by air-conditioned vehicle
• Guimarães Castle Entrance Fee
• Porto City Walking Tour (available from the day after your experience)

Itinerary:

• Your expert guide will pick you up from your hotel, accommodation, or meeting point and drive you to Guimarães. Along the way, the guide will share insights into Portuguese history, development, and cultural heritage.
• Guimarães is considered the birthplace of Portugal, as it is where Afonso Henriques, who later became the first king of Portugal, was born. The historical center, once enclosed within the city walls, is closely tied to the formation and identity of Portugal. It has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage site for the originality and authenticity of its restoration.
• The presence of the castle evokes a captivating blend of legend, poetry, and heroism that marks the beginning of Portuguese history. On Monte Largo (Broad Hill) - known as alpis latitus in Latin documents of the era - the foundation of the future nation of Portugal began to take shape. Enjoy a guided tour of the castle, offering breathtaking views of the city from its ancient walls.
• The small church of São Miguel do Castelo was built in the 13th century, although tradition suggests that it may have been constructed in the 12th century by Count Dom Henrique (Henry of Burgundy), where he is said to have baptized his son, Dom Afonso Henriques, the first King of Portugal.
• The construction of the Palace of the Dukes of Bragança, inspired by French manor houses, began in the early 15th century. It was commissioned by D. Afonso de Barcelos, the first Duke of Bragança and the illegitimate son of D. João, Master of Avis, who would later become King João I. After the Dukes of Bragança relocated to the Palace of Vila Viçosa in Alentejo, the building gradually fell into disrepair, eventually serving as a military barracks in 1807. Admire this magnificent structure from the outside—admission is not included.
• The city retains a well-preserved, harmonious heritage, evident in its elegant iron verandas, granite balconies and porticos, stately mansions, arches linking narrow streets, weathered paving stones, towers, and cloisters. For a moment, you may feel as if you've stepped into a medieval scene, where noble families built their residences over the centuries, such as the Mota Prego house, Vila Flor and Toural palaces, and others that give Guimarães its distinct character. We will explore the heart of the city at Largo da Oliveira, home to the Padrão do Salado and the Collegiate Church of Nossa Senhora da Oliveira, which houses the renowned Alberto Sampaio Museum. Passing the battlemented Paços Municipais (City Hall), enter the Praça de Santiago, which in the Middle Ages welcomed pilgrims traveling to Compostela and today welcomes both locals and visitors in its restaurants and terraces. The Convent of Santa Clara, the Casa do Arco, and other distinguished homes are situated along Rua da Santa Maria, leading to the upper part of the city.