Minho Tour | Guimarães & Braga Day Trip from Porto

This exciting journey has its first stop will be Braga, the Capital of Minho, and then we will discover the historic city of Guimarães. Come with us to explore two of the most important cities for the History of Portugal! Our tour starts in the direction of Braga. Along the way, enjoy the lush green landscape of mountains, valleys and rivers. Braga is a deeply religious city and this guided tour allows you to visit: the oldest Cathedral of Portugal, and the Bom Jesus Sanctuary (UNESCO). Later, we will find the Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte, one of the greatest highlights of this tour. Famous for its endless stairs and Baroque details, this place will definitely impress you! Not only a religious monument but also a truly romantic and relaxing place, with stunning views of the city. Here, Nature is privileged and protected with the utmost affection. It's now time to visit the magnificent Cathedral of Braga (also known as Sé de Braga), a monument that combines three different styles: Romanesque, Manueline and Baroque. It is the oldest Cathedral in Portugal - it was even built several decades before the founding of the country! Undoubtedly, this imposing Cathedral is the greatest landmark of Braga. We will walk through the historic centre of Braga and discover some of the most important streets and gardens of the city, such as the Santa Barbára Garden, considered by many to be one of the most beautiful in Portugal. We will take a break in the historic centre of Braga to enjoy a tasty traditional lunch. After lunch, we will drive to Guimarães, the birthplace of Portugal and a World Heritage Site, since 2001. This was the city where the first King of Portugal, D. Afonso Henriques, was born. The history of Guimarães is related to the foundation of the national identity and the Portuguese language. We will have the opportunity to enter and explore the Castle of Guimarães, the 10th-century national symbol. From the outside, its medieval structure looks impressive; on the inside, you can have stunning views over the city. Then, we will continue passing through the Palace of the Bragança Dukes and the São Miguel Church. Observe the imposing statue of D. Afonso Henriques and walk through the Martins Sarmento Square. To end this short walking tour, you will discover the Santa Maria Street, the City Hall, the Santiago Square, and the Senhora da Oliveira Church. Guimarães is an authentic example of the evolution of a medieval city throughout History!