Explore Braga and Guimarães in an unforgettable private tour. Experience the essence of Minho as you dive into the landscape, history, culture, and Portuguese tradition. A unique and immersive experience awaits you.
This private tour will start and end in the city of Porto. For any questions, feel free to contact us.
Braga, located in the heart of Minho, captivates with its baroque architecture, 18th-century manor houses, and beautiful green spaces. The fusion of tradition and modernity is evident, reflecting a city that preserves the solemnity of its old quarters while embracing modern dynamism with industry, commerce, and a vibrant university scene. The imposing Sé Cathedral and the picturesque Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte, with its water-powered funicular, stand out.
Guimarães, considered the birthplace of Portugal, enchants with its well-preserved historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The elegant iron balconies, noble houses, and cobblestone streets reveal a unique architectural harmony. Recognized as the European Capital of Culture in 2012, Guimarães was also praised by the New York Times and designated as the European City of Sport in 2013. Discover these gems in our Braga and Guimarães Tour, all without leaving Porto.
Itinerary
In northern Portugal, lush greenery meets a rich narrative of history and tradition. The Minho, bathed by the river of the same name, is not only a terroir of memorable wines but also a landscape where history and culture intertwine harmoniously.
Across the green fields, imposing mountains, and winding valleys, a region emerges that nourishes not only the body but also the soul, with a cuisine that is a delight to the senses. In this land of enchantment, each sip of wine is a journey into memory, leaving a lasting impression on those who taste it.
Exploring Guimarães, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2001, is to immerse oneself in history. The city, on the hill where Dom Afonso Henriques began the conquest of the Moors in 1143, unveils the secrets of the castle, the Church of São Miguel, and the Palace of the Dukes of Braganza. Medieval streets evoke a fable, with charming squares like São Tiago, Toural, and Oliveira. You can’t miss the opportunity to taste a Santa Clara pastry, enriching the experience in this historic gem of Portugal.
After lunch, Braga reveals itself as a dynamic city, rooted in history despite its thriving modern industry. The echoes of Roman and other civilizations still resonate, shaping its atmosphere. The 12th-century Cathedral, with its main and side entrances, offers a unique pathway for locals in their busy routines, standing out with its baroque grandeur and the cross of the first mass in Brazil.
Admiring the magnificent pipe organs, exploring the high choir, and the mortuary chapels where some of Braga’s archbishops rest, reveals the city’s historical richness. Major attractions like the Episcopal Palace with the Santa Bárbara Gardens, the Largo and Church of the Cross, culminating in the vibrant Republic Square, are more than tourist sites – they are integral parts of the life of the people of Braga. Braga is a city that pulsates with history and modernity at every corner.
Have you ever thought of being transported by a water-powered elevator, the oldest in the world, without ever having had an accident? Here, an upper reservoir is filled with water, acting as a counterweight to lift the other cabin up the mountain. When it reaches the base, the water is drained.
This simple yet effective method uses a tank that fills and empties depending on the number of passengers. At departure, the conductor in the lower cabin signals the number of passengers with a sound, and the tank is filled with water accordingly. The combined weight of the water and passengers causes one cabin to descend while the other rises, offering a unique and safe experience.
The Bom Jesus Park, nestled in a lush forest built in the 18th and 19th centuries, showcases a fusion of architectural styles, from Baroque and Rococo to Neoclassical. This site houses several chapels of the Stations of the Cross and the church, as well as a monumental staircase adorned with symbolic statues and fountains. This architectural model had significant influences in Portugal and Brazil, inspiring constructions like the Bom Jesus de Congonhas and the Sanctuary of Nossa Senhora dos Remédios in Lamego. The Bom Jesus Sanctuary is thus an artistic and spiritual expression with global impact.
