From Porto: Braga and Guimarães - Private Tour

Embark on an expertly guided tour of the Minho region's historical city of Braga. Your knowledgeable guide will collect you from your hotel or designated meeting point and provide interesting insights into Portugal's rich history and cultural heritage during the drive.

Our tour will begin with a visit to Sameiro Shrine, located at the highest point of our itinerary. Sitting atop a hill at 566 meters above sea level, the Shrine of Our Lady of Sameiro offers stunning views of Braga and is one of the most popular places for Marian worship in Portugal. It attracts numerous devotees each year, particularly during the first Sunday of June and third Sunday of August.

The Sameiro Shrine is perched atop a 566-meter hill and offers one of the best views of Braga. It's one of Portugal's most visited places of Marian worship and attracts numerous devotees every year, particularly during the pilgrimages of the first Sunday of June and the third Sunday of August.

The Braga Cathedral, built several decades before the founding of Portugal, is the country's oldest cathedral. Its construction began in the 11th century and it was consecrated and dedicated to the Virgin Mary in a solemn session in 1089. Competing in power with the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, it is a jewel of the city and the final resting place of D. Henrique and D. Teresa, the parents of the first king of Portugal.

During your Minho Tour, it's time for a break and a chance to indulge in some delicious Portuguese cuisine. If you opted for the lunch included option, your guide will take you to a local restaurant where you'll be treated to a traditional meal with drinks included. Be sure to try the famous "Vinho Verde" white wine, known for its unique characteristics. If you decided to skip lunch on your tour, you'll have free time to explore Braga's old city center and find a restaurant on your own. Vegetarian options are also available, just remember to request them during the booking process.

Our next stop is Guimarães, known as the birthplace of Portugal because it was where the first king of Portugal, Afonso Henriques, was born. It's just a short drive from our lunch stop in Braga, so sit back and enjoy the ride as we con

Guimarães Castle is a historic fortress located on Monte Largo, a hill where the nucleus of the future nation of Portugal was first developed. The castle was originally built in circa 968 by Mumadona, the countess of Galicia, to protect the population from Viking and Muslim attacks. Later, Count Henry ordered the construction of a larger and more solid castle, which included a square keep and four towers guarding each corner. It is believed that Count Henry's residence was also located within the castle walls, and that his son Afonso Henriques, the first king of Portugal, was born there. The castle's presence evokes a mixture of legend, poetry, and heroism that surrounds the beginning of Portuguese history.

The small and humble church of S. Miguel do Castelo dates back to the 13th century, but according to tradition, it may have been built even earlier, in the 12th century, by Count Dom Henrique. It is said that he used this church to baptize his son, the 1st King of Portugal Dom Afonso Henriques. Despite its simplicity in decoration, the church showcases Romanic style and holds great historical significance. Underneath the church floor, lie buried the great warriors of the nation's founding period.

Guimarães, known as the birthplace of Portugal, is a city steeped in history and tradition. Explore the historical center, which was once enclosed within the city walls, and is now classified as a World Heritage Site. Admire the graceful iron verandas, granite balconies and porticos, and the many towers and cloisters. You'll feel transported back in time as you stroll along the narrow streets, with their arches and smoothed paving slabs. The city's well-preserved heritage is evident in the many mansions, such as the Mota Prego house, the Vila Flor and Toural palaces, that lend Guimarães its unique atmosphere. Discover the originality and authenticity of the city's restoration as you experience this mediaeval time capsule for yourself.