Porto to Guimaraes: Private day trip
Private ride with a local driver
5hRound tripPrivate driver
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About your trip
Visit Guimarães without confining yourself to bus and train schedules! Known as the cradle of Portugal, this historic city offers a beautifully preserved medieval center, charming streets, and the iconic Guimarães Castle. Spend three and a half hours exploring the nation’s birthplace, from the Renaissance noble houses and scenic squares to the monastery complex where Portugal's founding heritage began.
Throughout the day, your professional driver ensures a smooth and comfortable journey, handling all logistics so you can fully immerse yourself in the rich history and culture of northern Portugal before your return to Porto.
Exclusively yours: private vehicle and professional driver
Discover local insights you won't find in guidebooks
Experience the freedom to explore at your own speed
Perfectly planned for families, friends, or solo travelers
What to expect
Your day trip begins wherever you are
Meet our professional driver 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 driver’s local insights will set the tone for your day trip. A hidden café here, a must-try restaurant there; insider tips you’ll love sharing later. This isn’t a guided tour but your ride will be rich with stories and discoveries along the way. And throughout the day, your driver will be available for you as needed, ready to assist, happy to help, making your trip stress-free.Explore at your own pace
Enjoy a stress-free route with total flexibility at your destination. Your driver provides suggestions based on your interests, helping you spend the day exactly how you want for an experience that's uniquely yours.
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
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- Personalized pickup and drop-off
- Professional English-speaking driver
- Complimentary bottled water
- Free cancellation 24 hours before departure
- Entry/Admission tickets to paid attractions Guimaraes should be purchased separately unless specified otherwise
- Meals, snacks, and gratuity are not included
From €60
per person
Select date and travelers
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before your pickup time.
For a group of 1-3 travelersTotal€180
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
We’ll 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
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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" style—a Portuguese late Gothic approach with maritime motifs. This architectural diversity earned the city its UNESCO World Heritage status.
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