Day tripsCountriesPortugalSamodaesSamodaes to Amarante and Guimaraes: Private, guided tour

Samodaes to Amarante and Guimaraes: Private, guided tour

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Private tour with a local expert

7h 15m
Round trip
Private group
Trusted by 1+ million happy travelers across 120 countries
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Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice 2024
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4.9
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Reviews

About your trip

With a private tour guide, this round trip from Samodaes winds through the romantic riverside charm of Amarante and the historic soul of Guimaraes. From baroque chapels and artist studios to medieval castles and tiled plazas, it’s a day of beauty, legend, and discovery -Ā  all framed by the lush slopes of the Douro Valley.
Exclusively yours: A premium experience for your group only
Insider insight: Local tips and stories you won’t find online
Perfect balance: Expert guidance with freedom to explore
Ideal for all travelers: Families, friends, or solo adventurers
From €176
Private group ride
per person
Select date and travelers
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before your pickup time.
For a group of 1-3 travelersTotal€528

What to expect

Your day trip begins wherever you are

Meet your guide right where you prefer in Samodaes 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. They’ll manage the day’s itinerary, share stories and local knowledge, and make each moment along the route feel richer. At every stop, they’re by your side.

Guided experience with space to explore

Spend 90 minutes wandering Amarante’s old center, then drive 45 minutes to Guimaraes for two hours touring the castle, Paco dos Duques, and UNESCO-listed squares. Your guide, who is also a professional driver, helps fit it all into about 6-7 hours, unveiling northern Portugal’s depth of culture.

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 Amarante, Guimaraes, Sanctuary of Penha, and Terraced Vineyards of the Douro Valley can be purchased separately - inform us in advance for itinerary planning
From €176
Private group ride
per person
Select date and travelers
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before your pickup time.
For a group of 1-3 travelersTotal€528

Your trip at a glance

Your trip at a glance

Start in Samodaes
You choose the pickup spot.
1
Amarante
Feel free to explore at your own pace and discover
Stop: 1 h 30 min - admission not included
Amarante
Amarante
Amarante
Amarante
Amarante
Amarante
Pastel charm, riverfront strolls, and the pastries of legends - Amarante is elegance wrapped in stone and sweetness. With pastel facades, wooden balconies, and the calm shimmer of the Tamega River, Amarante is pure northern Portuguese romance. Begin at the Ponte de Sao Goncalo, then explore the riverside promenade and the Igreja de Sao Goncalo, where azulejo-lined chapels and love legends await. A short walk brings you to the Museu Amadeo de Souza-Cardoso, a striking space showcasing Portugal’s modernist soul. End with a sweet stop for Bolos de Sao Goncalo or papos de anjo, best enjoyed with a view of the water or from Calcada Eduardo Teixeira Pinto, where the light hits just right.
2
Guimaraes
Feel free to explore at your own pace and discover
Stop: 2 hours - admission not included
Guimaraes
Guimaraes
Guimaraes
Guimaraes
Guimaraes
Guimaraes
A cradle of kings and cobbled lanes, Guimaraes breathes life into Portugal’s storied beginnings. Often called the birthplace of Portugal, Guimaraes is a living museum of medieval beauty and national pride. Begin at Guimaraes Castle and the Palace of the Dukes, where tales of the first Portuguese king echo through stone halls and hanging tapestries. Then wander into the Old Town, through Rua de Santa Maria and Largo da Oliveira, where iron balconies, Gothic arcades, and intricate tiles create a timeless backdrop. Don’t leave without sampling a Toucinho do Ceu or Bacalhau a Ze do Pipo at a tucked-away tavern - Guimaraes is history you can taste.
3
Sanctuary of Penha (photo spot)
We’ll stop at this perfect photo spot – take a moment to capture the view!
Stop: 20 min - admission not included
Sanctuary of Penha
Sanctuary of Penha
See sweeping views, forest trails, and experience a moment of peace between stone and sky.
Terraced Vineyards of the Douro Valley (pass by)
You’ll pass by this stunning spot – be sure to take a moment to enjoy the view along the way!
Terraced Vineyards of the Douro Valley
Terraced Vineyards of the Douro Valley
As you travel, watch the landscape unfurl into the Douro’s terraced vineyards.
Back to Samodaes
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

Daytrip is loved all around the world. Here's why.

5.0
5176 reviewson Tripadvisor
or
4.9
991 reviewson Trustpilot

Know more about your day trip

Guimaraes is where Portugal's first king, Afonso Henriques, was born and the country's independence was declared. The medieval city center, a UNESCO World Heritage site, preserves the nation's founding history through ancient castles and historic architecture.
Amarante offers the stunning Sao Goncalo Church, the picturesque Tamega River bridge, and charming riverside cafes. The town's historic center features traditional Portuguese architecture and local pastry shops famous for regional sweets.
You'll have 2 hours to visit Guimaraes Castle, the Palace of the Dukes of Braganza, and wander through the medieval streets. This allows time for exploring the historic center and visiting key landmarks.
Located on Penha Mountain above Guimaraes, this sanctuary offers spectacular views over the city and surrounding countryside. The site features religious monuments, hiking trails, and panoramic vistas accessible by scenic cable car.
Amarante features well-preserved 16th-century architecture, including the iconic Sao Goncalo Monastery and the historic bridge spanning the Tamega River. The town's baroque churches and traditional houses create a picture-perfect riverside setting.
Guimaraes is famous for Tortas de Guimaraes almond pastries, while Amarante specializes in Sao Goncalo pastries and regional wine. Both towns offer traditional Portuguese cuisine featuring local ingredients and centuries-old recipes.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have any questions, here are the answers.
Day tripsCountriesPortugalSamodaesSamodaes to Amarante and Guimaraes: Private, guided tour