Porto to Guimaraes: Private, guided half-day tour
Private tour with a local expert
5hRound tripPrivate group
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About your trip
Visit Guimaraes without confining yourself to bus and train schedules!Enjoy a guided tour of Guimarães, the cradle of Portugal with its medieval castle and monastery complex where the nation was born. Explore Renaissance noble houses, scenic squares, and architecture that influenced colonial design across continents while learning about Portugal's founding heritage. After you've learned more about Portugal's national heritage and architectural innovation, you'll enjoy a comfortable journey back to Porto, all with the convenience of a tour guide.
Exclusively yours: A premium experience for your group only
Insider insight: Local tips and stories you wonāt find online
Perfect balance: Expert guidance with freedom to explore
Ideal for all travelers: Families, friends, or solo adventurers
What to expect
Your day trip begins wherever you are
Meet your guide right where you prefer in Porto whenever suits you best. No time wasted getting to the pickup point, grab your bag and start your trip right away.Discover more with local expertise
Your guide is both your expert behind the wheel and knowledgeable host throughout the day. Theyāll manage the dayās itinerary, share stories and local knowledge, and make each moment along the route feel richer. At every stop, theyāre by your side.Guided experience with space to explore
Spend three and a half hours exploring this historic city, known as the birthplace of Portugal, with its beautifully preserved medieval center, charming streets, and the iconic Guimarães Castle. Your guide, who is also a professional driver, ensures a smooth and comfortable journey, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the rich history and culture of northern Portugal.
Perfect for any private group
Whether you're traveling solo, as a family with kids, or as a large group, this service is tailored for your comfort and flexibility. It's the ideal option especially if you have limited time or a busy schedule.Good to know
- Two-way private car transfer in an air-conditioned vehicle
- Personalized pickup and drop-off
- Private professional English-speaking driver-guide
- Complimentary bottled water
- Free cancellation 24 hours before departure
- Attraction admission details specified in the itinerary section below
- Official guided tours inside attractions in Guimaraes can be purchased separately - inform us in advance for itinerary planning
From ā¬93
per person
Select date and travelers
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before your pickup time.
For a group of 1-3 travelersTotalā¬279
Your trip at a glance
Your trip at a glance
Start in Porto
You choose the pickup spot.
1
Guimaraes
Feel free to explore at your own pace and discover
Stop: 3 h 30 min - admission not included







Back to Porto
Weāll take you back to your starting point.
Duration of the stops can be changed upon request after booking
Have questions or need help?Contact our Customer Support. We are available 24/7
Daytrip is loved all around the world. Here's why.
Know more about your day trip
Guimaraes earned this title because Portugal's first king, Afonso Henriques, was born here in the 12th century. The city was the country's first capital and the site where Afonso declared Portugal's independence from Leon. During your 3.5-hour visit, you'll discover how this UNESCO World Heritage city's medieval castle, palace, and historic center played crucial roles in the formation of Portuguese national identity.
With 3.5 hours in Guimaraes, prioritize the imposing medieval castle, the 15th-century Palace of the Dukes of Braganza, and the well-preserved historic center with its charming squares like Largo da Oliveira. Don't miss the Nossa Senhora da Oliveira Church, Santiago Square, and the unique balconied buildings along Rua de Santa Maria. The cable car to Penha mountain offers panoramic views for those with extra time.
Guimaraes' historic center is compact and mostly pedestrianized, making it ideal for walking. The castle and palace are located uphill from the center, requiring some moderate climbing. Most major sites are within a 15-minute walk of each other. The historic center features some cobblestone streets, but they're generally well-maintained. Comfortable shoes are recommended for making the most of your 210-minute visit.
Sample "tortas de Guimaraes" (sweet pastries filled with squash), "toucinho do ceu" (almond cake), or "queijo da serra" (mountain cheese). For savory options, try "rojoes" (fried pork chunks) or "bacalhau a Gil Eanes" (codfish). Local wines include vinho verde from the surrounding Minho region. Your driver can recommend authentic restaurants in the historic center where you can enjoy these regional specialties during your visit.
The 10th-century Guimaraes Castle allows visitors to explore its interior courtyard, walk sections of the defensive walls, and climb the main tower for panoramic views. While some areas have limited accessibility due to the medieval structure, the main courtyard is accessible to most visitors. The castle's well-preserved state offers insight into medieval military architecture and provides excellent photo opportunities of both the structure and surrounding city.
Guimaraes features a remarkable architectural timeline from the Romanesque castle and Gothic churches to Renaissance palaces and ornate baroque buildings. The historic center displays a distinctive style with granite facades, colorful balconies, and timber-framed upper stories. Many buildings feature the unique "Manueline" styleāa Portuguese late Gothic approach with maritime motifs. This architectural diversity earned the city its UNESCO World Heritage status.
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Frequently Asked Questions
If you have any questions, here are the answers.Day trips offer travelers private round-trip transportation to popular sightseeing locations. One of our professional drivers will pick you up in a luxurious, climate-controlled car, take you to the site of interest, and wait for you while you explore before driving you back to your hotel.
Yes! Youāre free to choose the pickup and drop-off times that work best for you. However, the time spent at the destination is fixed and cannot be changed.
Each sightseeing stop has a recommended duration that includes plenty of time to explore. However, it is possible to customize the time spent at each sightseeing stop at a later stage in the booking process to best fit your unique schedule.
Your Daytrip driver will wait for you nearby for the duration of your exploration, meaning youāll never have to wait for your return trip transportation to arrive. Your comfort and convenience are our top priorities, and we aim to close out your day trip with a return on your schedule.
The price of a day trip does not include any entrance tickets, guided tours, or meals you may partake in at your destination. The price covers round-trip transportation in a luxury vehicle with a professional driver who can provide local insights en route.
Day trip bookings can be canceled up to 24 hours before your trip for a full refund, no strings attached. While the destination and stops are predetermined, it is possible to change your pick-up point, whether it is at your hotel or some other location within the city.
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