Day trip to Guimarães and Braga from Porto

Day trip to Guimarães and Braga from Porto

Travel north on a day trip from Porto to two historic cities of northern Portugal which are currently the European attraction. First, discover the origins of the country in the city of Guimarães, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Home to a 10th century castle and the palace of the Dukes of Bragança, the city is proud to have been considered the European capital of culture in 2012. Then visit the city of Braga, founded by the Romans more than 2,000 years ago. The oldest Christian city of Portugal, Braga is currently celebrated as the European Youth Capital of 2012.

Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product

Stop At: GUIMARAES, R. Conde Dom Henrique, Guimaraes 4810-245 Portugal

Leaving to the north of Porto with your guide, start your tour history and culture to the past and present of Portugal. The first stop of the day is in the city of Guimarães, which is a UNESCO World Heritage city in the wine region of Minho. The history of Portugal comes alive when we see the castle of the tenth century and the palace of the Dukes of Bragança that remain in the city. Then pass through the historic center to see the squares and monuments of Guimarães framed by the wooded slope of Mt. Penha in the background.

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant and then continue to Braga, founded by the Romans as Bracara Augusta and now known as the city of archbishops due to its various religious monuments.

At the Sameiro shrine, see the church with a dome of Our Lady of Sameiro and then visit the sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte in Tenões. Here, climb the baroque staircase and decorated with crosses to reach the pilgrimage church at the top of the mountain, from where you can admire the panoramic views of Braga.

Then, go to the historical center of Braga, where the ancient Christian city of Portugal was born. See the Roman ruins of the city, baroque fountains, large buildings and religious palaces and the various churches and towers before returning to Porto

Duration: 4 hours