From Porto: Braga and Guimarães Full-Day Trip
Hightlight
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English-Speaking
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Group-Friendly
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Reservations
History
Guimarães is revered as the “Cradle of Portugal,” where Afonso Henriques was born in 1110 and proclaimed the nation’s first king in 1139 after the Battle of São Mamede. Its medieval castle and historic center earned UNESCO World Heritage status in 2001.
Braga, founded by Romans as Bracara Augusta in 16 BC, became one of the world’s earliest Christian dioceses in the 3rd century. The Bom Jesus do Monte sanctuary, with its baroque staircase, symbolizes centuries of pilgrimage and devotion.
Highlights
- Discover Guimarães, the birthplace of Portugal and UNESCO site
- Visit Braga’s ancient cathedral and historic center
- Marvel at the baroque Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte
- Enjoy guided entries to both Guimarães Castle and Braga Cathedral
- Travel comfortably through the lush Minho region
Full Description
Depart Porto for a full-day immersion in the Minho region’s historic gems. Begin in Guimarães, exploring the imposing 10th-century castle where Portugal’s independence was forged and strolling the perfectly preserved medieval streets lined with granite houses and iron balconies.
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Continue to Braga, Portugal’s religious capital, for a guided tour of the Sé Cathedral—home to centuries of sacred art—and free time in the vibrant historic center. Ascend to the hilltop Bom Jesus do Monte for panoramic views and its iconic zigzag staircase.
An optional lunch stop lets you savor regional dishes like bacalhau or roasted kid. The day concludes with a relaxed return to Porto, enriched by stories of Portugal’s founding and faith.
Why Choose This Experience?
This expertly curated tour balances guided insights with free exploration, ideal for history enthusiasts. Multilingual guides and small groups (max 27) ensure personalized attention and easy interaction.
Included monument entries and a bonus Porto walking tour the next day add exceptional value, making it the perfect introduction to northern Portugal’s cultural heartland.
What’s Included
- Round-trip air-conditioned minibus transport
- Professional multilingual guide (English, Portuguese, French, Spanish)
- Entrance to Guimarães Castle
- Entrance to Braga Cathedral
- Guided visit to Bom Jesus do Monte Sanctuary
- Free Porto walking tour voucher (valid next day)
- Bottled water onboard
- Insurance and local taxes
- Vegetarian/gluten-free lunch coordination (on request)
- USB charging ports in vehicle
Itinerary
- Pickup: Calçada da Vandoma (next to Porto Cathedral)
- Scenic drive to Braga (1 hour)
- Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte – guided tour, photos, free time (1 hour)
- Braga historic center – guided tour & free time (30 minutes)
- Braga Cathedral – interior guided visit (30 minutes)
- Optional lunch break in Braga (1.5 hours)
- Drive to Guimarães (30 minutes)
- Guimarães Castle – visit & free time (20 minutes)
- Guimarães old town – guided walk & free exploration (1 hour)
- Return drive to Porto (1 hour)
- Drop-off: R. de Alexandre Herculano or original pickup point
Pricing
From $68 per person
Meeting Point
Calçada da Vandoma, Porto – directly beside Porto Cathedral (Sé do Porto). Look for Living Tours staff in red uniforms holding branded signs.
How to get there
- 5-minute walk from São Bento Train Station
- 10-minute walk from Ribeira or Clérigos Tower
- Metro: São Bento station (Line D) – exit toward cathedral
- Taxi drop-off at Porto Cathedral plaza
- Limited street parking nearby (paid zones)
Good to Know
What to bring
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Sun hat and sunscreen
- Light jacket (Bom Jesus can be windy)
- Camera
- Small euro cash for lunch/souvenirs
- Reusable water bottle
Know before you go
- Max group size: 27 guests
- Vegetarian/gluten-free lunch options (request in advance)
- Tour may run bilingual if needed
- Duration approximate—traffic and site schedules may adjust timing
- No large bags or luggage allowed
- Free Porto walking tour starts at Living Tours Agency (Rua Mouzinho da Silveira 352)
Reviews
- Diego was incredibly knowledgeable and engaging—answered every question in depth; driver Mike was skilled and fun!
- Pedro spoke excellent English, was friendly, and made both cities come alive—highly recommend this tour.
- Professional guide, well-organized day, and a wonderful introduction to Portugal’s historic roots.
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FAQ's
Can I choose a private tour instead of joining a group?
Yes, private tours are available upon request for a more personalized experience with flexible pacing and dedicated transport. You’ll enjoy the same itinerary but with your own guide and vehicle, ideal for families, photographers, or those preferring undivided attention. Private options accommodate 1–8 guests in a luxury minivan and include hotel pickup/drop-off within Porto. Pricing starts higher than the group rate but offers greater comfort and customization—contact Living Tours directly at booking to confirm availability and receive a tailored quote. This upgrade is especially popular during peak season when small-group tours fill quickly.
What should I expect at the lunch stop in Braga?
The 1.5-hour lunch break is free time in Braga’s lively historic center, surrounded by traditional restaurants and cafés serving Minho specialties like arroz de pato, rojões, and the famous Abade de Priscos pudding. Your guide recommends trusted venues with set menus (approx. €15–20) featuring vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free options if pre-requested. Some restaurants offer outdoor seating near the cathedral square for people-watching. While lunch is not included in the tour price, the guide assists with translations, reservations, or dietary needs. Quick takeaway options like pastéis de bacalhau are available if you prefer a shorter stop. This break perfectly balances guided structure with authentic local flavor.
Is the Bom Jesus staircase mandatory to climb?
No, climbing the full 577-step baroque staircase is entirely optional and not required to enjoy the sanctuary. A funicular railway (included in your visit) operates every 30 minutes, whisking guests to the hilltop church in under 3 minutes with stunning views en route. Once at the top, explore the panoramic terrace, sacred art museum, and gardens at your own pace. For those who choose the stairs, the allegorical fountains and chapels along the way represent the Stations of the Cross—many guests climb down for photos and exercise while riding up. The site is fully accessible via funicular, and your guide times the visit to avoid peak crowds. This flexibility suits all fitness levels.
Are the castle and cathedral entries guided inside?
Yes, both monument entries include expert guided commentary inside the sites. At Guimarães Castle, your guide leads you through the keep, battlements, and chapel, explaining its 10th-century defenses and role in Portugal’s founding. The 20-minute visit allows time for photos from the tower. In Braga Cathedral, the 30-minute tour covers the treasury, twin organs, and royal tombs, with highlights like the mummified heart of a 14th-century archbishop. Your tickets are pre-arranged to skip lines, and the guide uses a microphone system for clear narration in smaller groups. After the guided portion, you’re free to linger or re-photograph key areas before moving on.
What is the free Porto walking tour included?
Every participant receives a voucher for a complimentary 2.5-hour Porto walking tour on the following day, operated by Living Tours in English or Spanish. Choose from 9:30 am or 4:30 pm departures starting at their agency (Rua Mouzinho da Silveira 352, near São Bento). The route covers UNESCO landmarks like Clérigos Tower, Lello Bookstore (exterior), Ribeira waterfront, and hidden azulejo façades, led by a local expert. No reservation needed—just present your voucher. This bonus experience (valued at €15) lets you explore Porto’s soul at a relaxed pace after your Minho day trip, creating a seamless two-day northern Portugal immersion. Vouchers are valid for your entire stay.
