Minho is like a small country itself. Its history and traditions, together with an unique architecture and cuisine, makes it one of the most special places in Portugal. Guimarães, know as the cradle of Portugal, and Braga, the city of the Archbishops, are the two most important cities in the region, and both worth a visit.

The tour starts at 09:00 AM, when our private driver-guide will pick you up at your accommodation. You'll be driven out of town, into the region of Minho, in the North of Portugal. As soon as you leave Porto, you'll imediately see a different landscape, with mountains filled with trees, vineyards and small farming fields, that will dazzle you.

Our first stop will be in Guimarães, the city known to be the Cradle of Portugal. Here you'll learn all about a man, called Afonso Henriques, who became the first King of Portugal. If you like history, this place is a must!

We'll start by visiting Guimarães Castle, a medieval fortification, located on the top of a hill, from where you can enjoy the most spectacular view.
Afterwards, we'll pass by the ancient S. Miguel Church, from the 12th century, and the Braganza Ducal Palace.

As we go walking down the hill, you'll come across ancient houses, narrow streets and former convents, giving to the city center a medieval vibe and one of the reasons why Guimarães was considered World Heritage Site by UNESCO. We'll pass by Santa Maria Street, Saint Claire's Church, Santiago Square and Nossa Senhora da Oliveira Church.
After exploring the city center, it's time for a typical Portuguese lunch in a local restaurant.

In the afternoon we'll go on with our adventure and visit Braga,  one of the most important religious places in the country. In Braga you'll find dozens of catholic churches but we have selected the most important and beautiful. We'll start with Bom Jesus Shrine, a pilgrimage site with an unique Neoclassical Basilica, surrounded by a romantic park. This is one of the most recent World Heritage Sites, classified in 2019. Here we'll give you some free time to explore the astonishing gardens and admire the view over the city.

Before returning to Porto, we'll stop at the Cathedral of Braga, for a short visit. This is a landmark for the Portuguese catholics, since its considered the oldest one in the country. It's an imposing building where three architectonic styles combine: Romanesque, Manueline and Baroque.

Afterwards, we'll return to Porto and drop you off in your accommodation. 

 

Tour Highlights

Ancient History

Beautiful Churches and Medieval centers

Visit the Cradle of Portugal

Main Attractions

Guimarães Castle, considered the first and most emblematic in Portugal

Explore the old town of Guimarães, World Heritage Site, with beautiful streets filled with history

Visit the Cathedral of Braga the oldest cathedral in Portugal and, still nowadays, a religious icon

Bom Jesus Shrine, a gem of the Portuguese religious architecture

About this tour

Duration: Up to 8 hours, usually between 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. However the schedule can be adapted according to your needs.

Private: Our tours are always private, just you and our guide/driver, for your safety and health. We follow very strict COVID-19 protocol guidelines, instructed by Turismo de Portugal.
Lunch and visits are not private, but the partners that provide these services are also approved by the Portuguese Health Department.

Tailor made: The tour will be adjusted and scheduled according to your specific interests and needs.

Pick you up and Drop off on the agreed spot: Our driver will pick you up at any agreed previously spot, like your hotel, airport, cruise terminal or another meeting point.

Our Guarantee: Our driver/guide will drive you during your tour, sharing stories and curiosities about the places you’ll visit as well as its historical context. Since our driver is also the guide, it’s possible that the guide won’t always join you on your visits inside of monuments. Find out why.

CANCELLATION POLICY:
Up to 96 hours: no charge
From 96 to 48 hours: 50% penalty
Less than 48 hours or no-show: 100% penalty

The price includes:

Entraces in Guimarães Castle and Cathedral of Braga

Lunch in a local restaurant

Private and exclusive Driver / Guide

Modern and Comfortable luxury Mercedes vehicle

Pick-up and Drop-off at a designated spot

Free wifi and bottled water

Hand sanitizer and protection masks

24h/7 Customer Service Assistance

The price does not include:

Entrances in monuments and activities not mentioned in the program

Other meals and drinks

Personal expenses

Gratuities

Tailor this tour

Vinho Verde Tasting in a local shop - €10,00 / person