Small Group Day Trip to Braga & Guimarães – Lunch Included4.9(472 Reviews)8 hours
From€120.00per person
Listing ID : 43104
4.9(472 Reviews)
Small Group Day Trip to Braga & Guimarães – Lunch Included
8hDuration
English, Spanish, PortugueseSpeaking Guide
Mobile ticketAccepted
About this experience
Duration8 Hours
Group SizeUp to 8 People
Starts AtPorto
LanguagesEnglish, Spanish, Portuguese
Small Group Full-Day Tour
Braga and Guimarães with Lunch Included
Discover the birthplace of Portugal and its most sacred sanctuaries on an intimate full-day journey through northern history.
This Braga and Guimarães full-day tour takes a small group of up to eight guests through two of Portugal's most historically significant cities, combining religious heritage, medieval architecture, and authentic northern cuisine in a single memorable day.
Pick-up is arranged directly from your hotel or accommodation, making the start of the day effortless. The intimate group format ensures a relaxed pace and personal attention throughout every stop.
From the iconic sanctuary perched above Braga to the medieval streets where Portuguese nationhood was forged, this route covers landmarks that shaped an entire civilization. A traditional lunch midway through the day gives guests time to rest and savour the flavours of the Minho region.
Tour Highlights
Ascend the legendary staircase of Bom Jesus Sanctuary and take in panoramic views over Braga from the top of the mountain.
Gain exclusive access to the interior chapels and high choir of the oldest cathedral in Portugal, a privilege not available on standard visits.
Enjoy a traditional northern Portuguese lunch at Diana Restaurant, paired with the region's celebrated Vinho Verde.
Explore the oldest castle in Portugal in Guimarães, where the first king of Portugal spent his formative years.
Stroll through the UNESCO-listed medieval historic centre of Guimarães, with time for leisurely exploration and souvenir shopping.
Travel with a maximum of eight guests, ensuring a personal experience far removed from large coach tour crowds.
Itinerary
1
Hotel Pick-Up and Departure
The tour begins with a direct pick-up from your hotel or accommodation. Your guide and small group assemble before heading north into the Minho region.
2
Bom Jesus Sanctuary, Braga
The first stop is the Bom Jesus do Monte Sanctuary, perched above the city on a wooded hillside. Guests climb the famous baroque staircase and enjoy sweeping views over Braga from the church terrace.
3
Braga Cathedral and Historic Centre
In the city centre, the group visits the oldest cathedral in Portugal. Exclusive access is granted to the interior chapels and the high choir, areas closed to general visitors.
4
Traditional Lunch at Diana Restaurant
A sit-down lunch is served at Diana Restaurant, where northern Portuguese cuisine takes centre stage. Guests can sample Vinho Verde, the light and slightly effervescent wine produced in the surrounding Minho region.
5
Guimarães Castle
The afternoon moves to Guimarães, where the group enters the castle widely regarded as the oldest in Portugal. This fortification is closely associated with Afonso Henriques, the first king of Portugal, and carries deep national significance.
6
Medieval Historic Centre of Guimarães
The day concludes with a walk through the narrow cobbled streets of Guimarães' UNESCO World Heritage historic centre. Time is available for independent exploration and souvenir shopping before the return journey.
What Is Included
Included
Hotel pick-up and drop-off
Private transport throughout the day
Professional licensed guide
Traditional Portuguese lunch at Diana Restaurant
Vinho Verde wine with lunch
Exclusive access to Braga Cathedral chapels and high choir
Entry to Guimarães Castle
Not Included
Personal travel insurance
Additional drinks beyond those served at lunch
Gratuities (optional)
Personal shopping expenses
Important Information
Please read the details below carefully before booking to ensure this tour is suitable for your needs and travel plans.
Duration
The full-day tour lasts approximately 8 hours from pick-up to drop-off. Actual timing may vary slightly depending on traffic and group pace.
Meeting Point
Pick-up is arranged at your hotel or accommodation in the departure area. Confirm your exact address at the time of booking.
What to Bring
Wear comfortable walking shoes suitable for cobbled streets and staircase climbing. Bring a light layer for the Bom Jesus hilltop and sun protection for outdoor sections.
Cancellation
Cancellation terms are provided at the time of booking. Review the policy carefully before confirming your reservation.
Accessibility
The Bom Jesus staircase and cobbled historic centres involve uneven terrain and steps. The tour is rated easy overall but may present challenges for guests with limited mobility.
Age Range
This tour is suitable for all ages. Children are welcome, and the relaxed pace accommodates families as well as older travellers.
Reserve Your Place
With a maximum of eight guests, spaces on this tour are limited. Secure your spot to avoid missing out on this full-day journey through Braga and Guimarães.
Yes, a traditional Portuguese lunch is included and served at Diana Restaurant in Braga. Vinho Verde is also provided as part of the meal.
How many people will be in my group? ▼
The group is limited to a maximum of 8 guests. This small format ensures a more personal and relaxed experience compared to larger coach tours.
Will we be able to enter Braga Cathedral? ▼
Yes. The tour includes exclusive access to the interior chapels and the high choir of the Braga Cathedral, areas that are not open to general visitors.
Is the Bom Jesus staircase climb mandatory? ▼
The staircase is a key part of the Bom Jesus visit and the recommended way to experience the sanctuary. Guests with mobility concerns should contact the operator in advance to discuss alternatives.
Where does the tour start and end? ▼
The tour begins and ends at your hotel or accommodation. You will be collected at the start of the day and returned at the end of the tour.
What is the historical significance of Guimarães Castle? ▼
Guimarães Castle is considered the oldest castle in Portugal and is closely associated with Afonso Henriques, who became the first king of Portugal in the 12th century. The site is regarded as a symbol of Portuguese national identity.
Braga TourGuimarães TourSmall Group Tour PortugalBom Jesus SanctuaryBraga CathedralGuimarães CastleVinho VerdeMedieval PortugalNorthern PortugalUNESCO HeritageLunch Included TourPortugal History
This tour operates in the Minho region of northern Portugal, covering the cities of Braga and Guimarães. Braga is one of the oldest cities in the Iberian Peninsula and is known as the City of Archbishops, home to the country's oldest cathedral and the iconic Bom Jesus do Monte Sanctuary, a baroque pilgrimage site set on a forested hillside above the city. Guimarães, located approximately 25 kilometres from Braga, is widely regarded as the birthplace of Portugal and holds UNESCO World Heritage status for its well-preserved medieval historic centre. The region is also the primary production area for Vinho Verde, a light and slightly sparkling wine that is a staple of northern Portuguese cuisine. Both cities are accessible from Porto and are popular destinations for travellers exploring the cultural and historical depth of mainland Portugal.
Region: Northern Portugal | Minho | Cities: Braga, Guimarães | Landmarks: Bom Jesus do Monte, Braga Cathedral, Guimarães Castle, Historic Centre of Guimarães | Tour Type: Small Group Full-Day Cultural and Historical Tour | Includes: Lunch, Hotel Pick-Up, Exclusive Cathedral Access | Difficulty: Easy | Duration: 8 Hours | Max Group Size: 8 | Wine Region: Vinho Verde | UNESCO Site: Yes
Gift more than a trip
Extraordinary experiences, beautifully gifted
Give the joy of travel with a ToursXplorer Gift Card. Perfect for every occasion.
