On our private tour to Guimarães and Braga, travelers will embark on a journey through Portugal's rich history and culture.
Our first stop, Guimarães, often referred to as the "cradle of the nation," will take you back in time to the medieval era with its narrow streets, picturesque alleys, and charming plazas. Here, we will visit the impressive Guimarães Castle, the Dukes of Braganza Palace, and the historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Next, we will head to Braga, known for its baroque architecture, stunning churches, and vibrant cultural scene. We will explore the city's many highlights, including the stunning Bom Jesus do Monte Sanctuary, the Romanesque Braga Cathedral, and the bustling historic center.
Throughout the tour, our knowledgeable guide will share fascinating stories and insights about the history, art, and culture of these two incredible cities, making this private tour an unforgettable experience.
Inclusions & Exclusions
✔ Transport in luxury vehicles, with maximum comfort and extra equipment tailored to your needs.
✔ Certified Tourist Driver.
✔ Personal accident and liability insurance.
✔ Our executive vehicles offer Wi-Fi, bottled water, refreshments, and a relaxing atmosphere.
✖ Gratuities are not included and are left to individual discretion.
✖ Extra - Typical Lunch (Starter - Main course – Drink – Dessert – Coffee) with Wines (25,00€)
✖ Extra - Ticket - Tesouro - Museu da Sé de Braga (3,00€)
✖ Extra - Ticket - Capelas e Coro Alto (2,00€)
✖ Extra - Ticket - Catedral de Braga (2,00)
✖ Extra -Ticket - Paço dos Duques (5,00€)
✖ Extra - Ticket - Castelo (2,00€)
Departure & Return
Departure:
Praça da Liberdade 19, 4000-322 Porto, Portugal
At the door of the Intercontinental Hotel
Return: End right where it started.
Itinerary
1
Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Oliveira
The occupation of the site originates in a pre-Romanesque monastery, founded by Mumadona Dias in 949
It is classified as National Monument since 1910.
Duration: 10 minutes
2
Largo da Oliveira
Antigos Paços do Concelho - Old Town Hall
Its construction will have begun in the 14th century until the mid-15th century.
Currently, the Delegation of The Cultural & Landscape Touring and Heritage, of the Regional Tourism Entity of Porto and Northern Portugal, is installed in this building.
Duration: 10 minutes
3
Padrao do Salado
This gothic porch was built in the 14th century as a memorial of the Salado Battle.
Duration: 10 minutes
4
Praca de S. Tiago
An ancient square that still preserves its medieval features.
Duration: 10 minutes
5
Rua de Santa Maria
This was one of the first streets to be opened in Guimarães and linked the Monastery of Guimarães - now converted into the Museum Alberto Sampaio - and the castle.
This is the most medieval street in Guimarães and we can find several architectural testimonies of it's past.
Duration: 15 minutes
6
Paco dos Duques de Braganca
Visit the Palace of the Dukes of Braganza - a 15th-century palace That it was once the residence of the Dukes of Braganza and is now a museum that showcases the rich history of the region.
Optional (6 € p/person)
Duration: 40 minutes
7
Igreja de Sao Miguel do Castelo
This is a Church of the 12th century, of Romanesque Style, with small dimensions but great importance as it is linked to the period of the foundation of nationality.
It is classified as a National Monument.
Duration: 10 minutes
8
Guimaraes Castle
Visit the Guimarães Castle - a medieval castle built in the 10th century that served as the birthplace of the Portuguese nation is known for its stunning views of the city.
Optional (2 € p/person)
Duration: 20 minutes
9
Largo do Toural
(OPTIONAL)
Toural Square is considered, nowadays, the heart of the city. In the 17th century it was a square outside the main door of the village, where the cattle fair - and other products - were held.
Duration: 15 minutes
10
Arco da Porta Nova
Known as New Door (Porta Nova), it is located at the top of one of the most relevant arteries of the city, the Souto Street or commerce street. However, the arch that we know today acquired its configuration only in the XVIII century.
Duration: 10 minutes
11
Largo do Paco
The construction of this building lasted from the 14th to the 20th centuries.
The building is currently occupied by the rectory of the University of Minho and the Public Library of Braga.
Duration: 10 minutes
12
Santa Barbara Garden
Facing the Garden of Santa Barbara, there is a preserved medieval wing of the archepiscopal palace, a work of the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries.
Duration: 20 minutes
13
Braga Tower
Torre de Menagem
What’s left of Castle of Braga, it's donjon and some spread pieces, is the product of a fourteenth century construction campaign.
It was a century of intense military constructions activity and to which corresponds most of the medieval defence structures, either castles or urban fences.
Duration: 15 minutes
14
Braga Cathedral
This historic cathedral dates back to the 12th century and is one of the city's most iconic landmarks. A Roman Catholic cathedral with a mix of Gothic, Baroque, and Romanesque architectural styles.
Optional (4 € p/person)
Duration: 45 minutes
15
Bom Jesus Funicular
The Lift of Bom Jesus (Elevator Bom Jesus) is a funicular standing over a slope and is composed of two booths that move over railways connected by a cable.
Working as counterbalance of one another, both go up and downhill alternately and simultaneously along two parallel tracks over a course of 274 meters. Each booth has the capacity to 39 people, including the driver.
This 19th century lift is the first to be built in the Iberian Peninsula.
Optional (2 € p/person)
Duration: 15 minutes
16
Bom Jesus do Monte
The Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte, UNESCO World Cultural Heritage since 08 July 2019, is the result of multiple architectural interventions.
It is believed to be a site of devotion since the 14th century.
The construction of the actual sanctuary began in the 18th century and lasted until the 19th century.
Duration: 30 minutes
Additional info
• Specialized infant seats are available
• Service animals allowed
• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• Wheelchair accessible
