Historic Day Tour: Braga & Guimarães with Experience Oporto
Difficulty
easy
Duration
9 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most visitors comfortable with a full day of moderate walking and standing during guided tours.
Overview
Spend a day walking through time with Experience Oporto’s Braga & Guimarães Tour, visiting some of Portugal’s most significant historic cities. Witness grand cathedrals, medieval castles, and UNESCO-listed streetscapes on this immersive 9-hour adventure.
Braga & Guimarães Tour
For all ages! • Use for the day • Experience Pack
Select participants and date
About This Adventure
Embark on a captivating 9-hour tour of Braga and Guimarães, two of Portugal's historic gems. Explore Braga's grand sanctuaries and the stunning Cathedral Sé, then wander through Guimarães' UNESCO-listed center, including its iconic castle. This immersive experience combines rich history with breathtaking architecture, making it truly unforgettable.
Duration: 9 hours
In this tour, we visit historic Braga, one of the oldest religious cities in the world, famous for its grand sanctuaries. We’ll visit the Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte and its famous staircase that narrates the sacred path.
Description
Descend to the center of Braga, where we’ll take a guided walking tour. Admire the exterior of emblematic monuments such as the old Archbishop’s Palace, Arco da Porta Nova, Santa Bárbara garden, Chafariz dos Castelos, among others, and visit the Cathedral Sé, the oldest in the country. After free time where you can opt for a delicious lunch (optional), the tour continues towards Guimarães, the birthplace of Portugal, where you will explore its magnificent historic center declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit the Guimarães Castle and return to Porto.
Includes
• Transportation by Minibus • Professional Guide • Traditional lunch with Beverage included (when previously reserved). • Entrance to Braga Cathedral • Entrance to Guimarães Castle
Excludes
• Meals and beverages • Personal expenses and gratuities.
Important to Know
• Schedule: 08:45 AM • Frequency: Daily • Duration: 9 hours • Languages: Portuguese, English, French, and Spanish • Not conducted: December 25th and January 1st
Adventure Tips
Wear Comfortable Walking Shoes
The tour involves extensive walking on uneven cobblestone streets, so sturdy footwear is essential.
Bring a Reusable Water Bottle
Stay hydrated throughout the day, especially during summer months when temperatures can rise.
Pack Light Layers
Weather can change quickly—bring a light jacket or sweater for morning chill or cooler evenings.
Have a Camera Ready
Historic sites and panoramic viewpoints provide excellent photo opportunities, so keep your camera accessible.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- European robins frequent urban parks and gardens in both cities
- Common kestrels can be spotted soaring near Guimarães Castle
History
Guimarães is recognized as the birthplace of Portugal, crucial to the nation’s early formation in the 12th century, with the castle playing a pivotal defensive role.
Conservation
Local efforts focus on preserving medieval architecture and limiting urban encroachment to maintain the integrity of the UNESCO heritage sites.
Select participants and date
Adventure Hotspots in Porto
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Comfortable Hiking or Walking Shoes
Essential for navigating cobblestone streets and stairs comfortably throughout the day.
Reusable Water Bottle
Helps prevent dehydration, particularly on warm days.
summer specific
Light Jacket or Sweater
Necessary for cooler morning and evening temperatures.
spring|fall|winter specific
Sunscreen and Hat
Protects against sun exposure during daylight hours.
summer specific