Porto to Guimaraes and Braga: Private, guided half-day tour

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.

Explore the spiritual oasis of Braga and its Baroque and Renaissance influences. Embark on a guided tour of Braga, starting at the Bom Jesus do Monte, a Baroque staircase that unfurls fantastically through the woods and surrounding fountains. Climb or take the historic funicular to the top for incredible views. For a quieter viewpoint, take a 30-minute detour to the Sanctuary of Sameiro. Then, visit the Braga Cathedral (Se de Braga) for its intricate chapels. Finally, stroll the historic streets from the Arco da Porta Nova, past Rua do Sout, and along azulejo-fronted houses and garden cafes. Cap the day with Bacalhau a Braga (fried cod with onion and potato) and a glass of crisp Vinho Verde from nearby Minho.