Discover the historical capitals of Minho, Braga & Guimarães, with ease on this all-inclusive, slow-paced, and comfortable private day tour.
The journey begins with a meeting with the guide at your accommodation, and a visit to Guimarães Historical Center and Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the birthplace of the first King of Portugal, D. Afonso Henriques.
Then, we will visit the Palace of the Dukes of Bragança, an impressive medieval palace with a rich collection of medieval treasures. The tour also includes a walk through the historical center of Guimarães, where we will taste traditional sweets in a local pastry shop.
We will then head to Braga, renowned for its delicious cuisine, were we will savor 3-course regional lunch.
In the afternoon, we will explore the famous Bom Jesus, and delve into the city's rich history by visiting the Sé de Braga, the oldest cathedral in the country.
After a day filled with history, culture, and heritage immersion in the heart of Minho, it's time to return to Porto, where you can reflect on the unforgettable experiences of this remarkable journey. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the comfortable ride back to your accommodation.
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1) Meeting with your guide:
Your guide will meet you at your accommodation, to start your private experience (All inclusive) in the 2 historical capitals of Minho region - Braga & Guimarães.
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2) Visit the UNESCO Medieval Palace, Castle and Historical Centre of Guimarães
We will start this incursion through the history of Portugal, visiting the "Castle of the Foundation", one of the monumental emblems of the History of Portugal as a nation, as tradition says that it was in its interior that D. Afonso Henriques was born, 1st King of Portugal (12th century).
In this heritage ensemble we will also find the Church of São Miguel do Castelo, small in size but large in symbolism as the first king of Portugal was baptized here.
After the origins of our kingdom, we will have the opportunity to discover this monumental palace, built by the 8th Count of Barcelos, which is today one of the most important tourist attractions in the city of Guimarães, and is also the Official Residence of the President of the Portuguese Republic, in the North of the country.
These monuments are part of the vast heritage of the city of Guimarães, making it "the Cradle of the Portuguese Nation".
We will then wander through the medieval alleys, among the “terreiras” houses, the traditional commerce, the squares full of inviting terraces and the outstanding monuments that make up this beautiful old town, with a tasting of a regional pastry to give us the right energy for discovery.
This experience includes:
- Exterior guided visit of the Castle of Guimarães
- Entrance and guided tour of the Ducal Palace and Church of São Miguel
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3) Sample local flavors with traditional pastries and regional products:
Feel like the Nobility who lived in the Ducal Palace and, walking jovially inside the Historical Centre of the "cradle city", delight yourself with its millenary sweets, tasting one of the wonderful sweets of this city, from the small typical pastries of the medieval streets.
This experience includes:
- Tasting of traditional sweets
- Moment of free time
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4) Taste a 3-course lunch in Braga's famous cuisine:
"The pleasure of banquets should be measured, not by the abundance of delicacies, but by the gathering of friends and the interaction between them " - Cicero
All this discovery made us hungry... And, while we are in Minho, the gastronomic experience to which we invite you will make you appreciate the richness of the region's gastronomy, at a table where the flavors and scents are deliciously full of authenticity and tradition in a local restaurant.
This lunch includes:
- Appetizer
- Main course (meat, fish or vegetarian option)
- Drinks (water, juices or wine)
- Dessert
- Coffee
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5) Explore Braga's Historical Centre and the 12-century Cathedral:
Let's go back in time... 2000 years , that is!
This voyage will be accomplished by strolling through the streets of the Historical Centre of the ancient Roman "Bracara Augusta" city, nowadays known as Braga, Best European Destination 2021.
Amid the excitement of traditional commerce in a young and vibrant city, we will discover one of the most visited places in the city: the first and oldest Portuguese Cathedral to be built (11th century), with walls that testify to around 900 years of Portuguese history.
The history of this city is rooted in medieval monuments, roman ruins hidden around every corner and squares and gardens that color the baroque elegance that adorns the buildings all over the city.
This experience includes:
- Guided tour of the Historical Centre of Braga
- Entrance and guided tour of the Cathedral
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6) Discover the famous Bom Jesus Sanctuary and the Sacred Hill:
We will now visit Bom Jesus Sanctuary, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, one of the most sought after destinations in the city of Braga and Minho region.
We will discover it, transported by the oldest hydraulic-powered funicular in the world, with a glimpse of the world-famous staircase, whose fountains and baroque statues surround it in a mantle of centuries-old vegetation, in a privileged scenario over the city of Braga.
This experience includes:
- Guided tour to the Bom Jesus Sanctuary and Funicular
- Moment of free time
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7) Return to your accommodation:
It is time to return, relaxed, to your accommodation. While doing so, you'll be able to recall the day's memories, photos and videos of the memorable moments spent in our company and share them with your group of friends and family.
Thank you for your preference.
We hope to see you soon!
Audio: English, Spanish, French, Portuguese