Minho Experience

Duration: 6 hours

If you have already visited Porto and have another holiday day to spare, join us to discover the gems of the Minho! We leave Porto behind and head north, beginning our tour in Braga in the morning and continuing to Guimarães in the afternoon.

We reach Bom Jesus do Monte and continue to the Sanctuary, where we take the historic funicular, which is 140 years old. From this privileged spot, you will enjoy an incredible view over the city. The Basilica, built in the 18th century by the renowned Braga architect Carlos Amarante, is well worth a visit. It is a fine example of one of Portugal’s first neoclassical buildings.

After visiting the Sanctuary, we continue to Braga’s historic centre, long known as the country’s religious capital. We will walk through its streets, sample a traditional Braga sweet and then visit the Sé, or cathedral, which dates back to the 11th century. Inside this historic building are the tombs of Count Henry of Burgundy and Queen Teresa of Castile, parents of Portugal’s first king, Afonso Henriques.

After visiting Braga Cathedral, we continue to Guimarães. We will have lunch at a traditional restaurant in the city’s historic centre (not included in the tour price). After lunch, we will explore the city’s wonderful historic centre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We will visit the Palace of the Dukes of Braganza and Guimarães Castle. The palace was commissioned by Afonso, 1st Duke of Braganza, in the first quarter of the 15th century. During the French invasions in the 19th century, it became a military barracks. It was rebuilt in the 20th century and opened to the public in 1959, when it became the official residence of the President of the Republic in northern Portugal. The objects on display recreate the home of a noble family. Highlights include collections of tapestries, furniture, ceramics, paintings and weapons.

Just behind this magnificent building stands Guimarães Castle, which dates back to the 10th century. It is closely associated with the Counts of Portugal (10th and 11th centuries) and with key moments in Portugal’s journey to independence, such as the 1127 siege of Guimarães, when Afonso VII of Castile attacked Afonso Henriques, and the Battle of São Mamede, fought nearby on 24 June 1128.

Destaques

• Santuário do Bom Jesus do Monte, Sé de Braga (Catedral), Castelo de Guimarães e Paço dos Duques de Bragança.
• Our guide will accompany you throughout the trip.

​Includes

• Pick up & Drop off no hotel.

Importante saber

• Weather conditions: Due to adverse weather, we may have to reschedule or cancel the trip to protect the safety of passengers and the guide.