Private 8-hour tour to Braga and Guimaraes from Porto Hotel w/ driver and guide

Porto , Portugal

Private 8-hour tour to Braga and Guimaraes from Porto Hotel w/ driver and guide

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About this experience

This private tour is a journey to the real beginning of the portuguese nation. You will go to the place where Portugal was born and where everything started.
Your private driver and tour guide will pick you up from your place of choice in Porto and start driving towards Guimaraes. This city is regarded as the birthplace of Portugal, and hosts a very wide variety of monuments and old buildings.

Get to know the charming city centre of gothic buildings, traditional houses and delightful plazas. You will visit the ancient castle of Guimaraes, which is considered as the first of Portugal. This city has been declared as World Heritage site by the UNESCO in the year 2001 due to its high amount of historic and emblematic monuments.

You will visit the oldest town in the whole country, Bracara de Augusta (Braga), which exists since the 1st Century BC.

Available options

Braga and Guimaraes

Pickup included

Private Braga & Guimaraes new

Duration: 8 hours<br/>Pickup included

What's included

Private official tour guide for 8 hours

Local Taxes

Private luxury vehicle with private driver for 8 hours

Pick up and drop off in Oporto (hotel, apartment or cruise port)

Detailed itinerary

Begin your journey in Braga, one of Portugal’s oldest cities, known for its deep religious heritage. The city is a blend of ancient and modern, with numerous historical buildings, gardens, and cafes.

Next, explore Guimarães, often referred to as the birthplace of Portugal. This charming city is steeped in history and is known for its well-preserved medieval architecture, making it a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Stop 3

Visit the iconic Guimarães Castle, a symbol of Portugal's foundation and independence. Perched on a hill, the castle offers a glimpse into the nation's medieval past and stunning views of the surrounding area.

Stop 4

Stroll through the historic center of Guimarães, a captivating area filled with narrow cobbled streets, traditional houses, and historic monuments. The area exudes a sense of medieval charm and authenticity.

This beautifully restored palace offers a glimpse into the life of Portuguese nobility. Its architecture is a blend of medieval and modern, with impressive collections of tapestries and furniture.

A small chapel near Guimarães Castle, known for its historical significance as the likely location of the baptism of Afonso Henriques, the first king of Portugal.

These charming squares in the historic center are surrounded by old houses, cafes, and shops, offering a lively atmosphere and a great place to relax and people-watch.

Stop 8

This sanctuary is a must-visit in Braga. Located atop a hill, it's renowned for its stunning baroque stairway that leads to the church. The views from the top are breathtaking, and the surrounding park offers a tranquil retreat.

A striking example of Baroque architecture in Braga, known for its unique façade adorned with blue azulejos (tiles).

Stop 10

Conclude your tour at the Sé de Braga, one of Portugal's most important religious buildings. This cathedral is a beautiful blend of Romanesque, Gothic, Manueline, and Baroque architecture, reflecting its centuries-old history.

What's not included

Entrance fees

Food and drinks

Available languages

Guide guide

PT EN ES

Reviews breakdown

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Important information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Specialized infant seats are available

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

In case of needing a infant seat please request at time of booking

Important notes

- SAVE COVID-19 SAFE - As this is a private tour we take care of maintaining social distance
- Please provide pick up details at time of booking

About Porto

Porto, the second-largest city in Portugal, is a vibrant coastal city known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and delicious cuisine. With its picturesque Ribeira district, historic bridges, and world-famous port wine cellars, Porto offers a unique blend of cultural heritage and modern charm.

Top Attractions

Ribeira District

The Ribeira district is the historic heart of Porto, known for its colorful buildings, narrow streets, and lively atmosphere. It's a UNESCO World Heritage site and a must-visit for anyone coming to Porto.

Historical 2-3 hours Free to explore

Livraria Lello

Livraria Lello is one of the most famous bookstores in the world, known for its stunning neo-Gothic interior and as an inspiration for J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter series.

Cultural 1 hour €6 (includes a book voucher)

Clérigos Tower

The Clérigos Tower is a iconic Baroque bell tower that offers panoramic views of Porto. Climbing the 240 steps to the top is well worth the effort for the breathtaking views.

Architecture 1 hour €5

Dom Luís I Bridge

This double-deck iron bridge spans the Douro River, connecting Porto to Vila Nova de Gaia. The upper deck offers stunning views of the river and the city.

Architecture 30 minutes Free

Port Wine Cellars

Vila Nova de Gaia is home to many of Porto's famous port wine cellars, where you can learn about the history of port wine and enjoy tastings.

Cultural 2-3 hours €10-€30

Must-Try Local Dishes

Francesinha

A hearty sandwich made with layers of meat, covered in melted cheese and a special sauce, served with fries.

Lunch/Dinner Contains meat and dairy

Bacalhau à Brás

A traditional Portuguese dish made with shredded cod, onions, potatoes, and eggs.

Lunch/Dinner Contains fish and eggs

Tripas à Moda do Porto

A traditional Porto dish made with tripe, beans, and spices, slow-cooked to perfection.

Lunch/Dinner Contains meat

Pastéis de Nata

Delicious custard tarts with a flaky pastry crust, often dusted with cinnamon or powdered sugar.

Dessert Contains dairy and eggs

Popular Activities

Hiking in the Serra do Pilar Kayaking on the Douro River Sunbathing at Praia do Castelo do Queijo Enjoying a port wine tasting Visiting the Livraria Lello Exploring the Ribeira district Swimming at Praia do Castelo do Queijo Boat tours on the Douro River

Best Time to Visit

May to September

This is the peak tourist season with warm weather and plenty of sunshine. It's ideal for exploring the city and enjoying outdoor activities.

18°C to 28°C 64°F to 82°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Portuguese
Widely spoken: English, Spanish, French
English: Widely spoken in tourist areas

Currency

Euro (EUR)

Time Zone

GMT+1 (Western European Time)

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Porto is generally a safe city for travelers, with low violent crime rates. However, petty crime, such as pickpocketing and bag snatching, can occur in tourist areas and on public transportation.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight, especially in tourist areas and on public transportation
• Be cautious when using taxis, and always ensure the meter is running or agree on a price before starting your journey
• Avoid walking alone at night in quiet or poorly lit areas

Getting there

By air

Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport • 11 km (7 miles) from city center

By train

Porto Campanhã, Porto São Bento

By bus

Porto Bus Terminal (Terminal de Camionagem de Porto)

Getting around

Public transport

The metro system is efficient and easy to use, with six lines connecting major points of interest.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Bolt, Uber

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Ribeira Bolhão Foz do Douro Miguel Bombarda

Day trips

Braga

50 km (31 miles) • Full day

Braga is a historic city known for its beautiful churches, monasteries, and the Bom Jesus do Monte sanctuary.

Guimarães

40 km (25 miles) • Full day

Guimarães is a historic city known as the birthplace of Portugal. It's home to a well-preserved medieval center and the stunning Guimarães Castle.

Douro Valley

80 km (50 miles) • Full day

The Douro Valley is a stunning wine region known for its terraced vineyards, port wine cellars, and scenic boat tours.

Festivals

São João Festival • June 23-24 Festa de São João • June 24 Porto Wine Festival • September

Pro tips

Visit the Livraria Lello bookstore early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the crowds and long queues
Take a port wine tasting tour to learn about the history of port wine and sample a variety of wines from different cellars
Explore the historic center of Porto on foot, as many of its narrow streets and charming squares are best discovered by walking
Try the local cuisine, such as Francesinha, Bacalhau à Brás, and Tripas à Moda do Porto, at traditional restaurants and cafes
Take a day trip to the Douro Valley to see the stunning vineyards, visit port wine cellars, and enjoy a scenic boat tour on the Douro River