Cultural Route - Braga & Guimarães - from Porto
Description
Discover the most historical cities in Portugal! Heritage lovers and curious, take a look: Braga has its roots on the ancient Roman Empire. It's a bimillennial comercial city with strategic position serving the world's center - Rome, back in I BC. Known as Bracara Augusta in honor of the Roman Emperor Augustus, keeps its importance and legacy very present on remains and structure of the city center and surroundings. Guimarães, by it's turn, is the cradle of nationality. It was the battleground of our independence from the kingdom of León, and the birthplace of Afonso Henriques (our first king). It is an enchanted city that maintains the original medieval structure and architectural features that earned the distinction as a cultural world heritage site by UNESCO (2001).
Tour Options
Itinerary
Ticket + Guided visit
A true reincarnation on the medieval city center, with cultural guide through the narrow streets and fortified walls.
Beautiful nature areas, with a catholic shrine on the peak, huge granite rocks that you can explore under and above, and a fantastic view over the city and surroundings.
World heritage site by UNESCO since 2019, this set composed by a shrine, stairway and nature/garden areas, is for sure one of the most beautiful arrangements settled by the catholic church.
The last and untouched remain of the city castle.
XI Century catholic cathedral. One of the most beautiful in the country! The construction was ordered by Teresa de Leão (Portugal's fist king mother).
The bimillenar city that preserves and mixes in harmony the roman, medieval and contemporary sights, is perfect for a easy and relaxed guided walk.
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
We can meet at the designated meeting point or pick you up at the accommodation in Porto, Braga or Guimarães city center.
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Reviews(88)
My husband and I are traveling with our two sons- ages 15 and 11. We booked this excursion for the last day of our trip, and what a grand finale! It was amazing. Ricardo is knowledgeable, welcoming, kind and accommodating. Both cities were beautiful. The food we ate was fabulous and the tours were incredible. Highly recommend! Completely worth the money!
Thank you for the experience with Ricardo; we had a great day visiting Braga and Guimaraes. We recommend it.
Thoroughly enjoyed our day tour with Ricardo. He was very good at the history of the areas and explaining it to us and conveyed the grey areas of history as well. Well worth doing and a completely different tour away from Central Porto. Places we would not have gone without this tour but loved them both!
Our tour to Braga and Guimarães was made memorable not only because of the amazing historic sites but because our guide gave us the knowledge of these incredible two cities. Ricardo is a very knowledgeable and fun tour guide. He’s made us feel comfortable at all times. He took very good care of our group of five people. Thank you Ricardo, you gave us a very memorable experience!
Guide was great. Picked us up at our hotel. Pace was just about perfect with some nice breaks with free time. Made the history very interesting, especially with the theme of the mother son story. Would have liked to walk down the trail from the middle of Bom de Jesus do Monte down the hill after visiting the top. Or walk the whole way up.
Simply an historical journey which captures Portugal’s journey to independence. This tour also captures the historical and religious commitment by Brags
Prompt pick up from our hotel. Bruno was Informative without being overwhelming. Would recommend this tour.
Very nice excursion, we were able to discover the beginning of Portugal's history and visit magnificent sites. Our guide was great, caring, and knowledgeable.
It is a perfect day out if you are interested in history. We all enjoyed ourselves very much. This was enhanced due to having an excellent Guide named Bruno. He could not have been nicer and apart from his expertise, he was great company.
When we spent almost $400 for a private tour for two, we didn't expect a 30 year old car that's very dirty and smelly. The AC doesn't work either. Our tour guide explained that he normally takes customers to countryside. But he got asked to do this city tour with us today. The ride is pretty uncomfortable. Regret booking this tour.
Good evening Ann. My name is Ricardo, and although I wasn't your guide on this tour, I am responsible for our operation and partnership with Viator, and it is up to me to understand and address your dissatisfaction. Therefore, for you, and for everyone who might have some time to understand what happened, I would also like you to understand our side and perspective, without getting into conflicts or being rude. First, let me clarify that ALL our vehicles are legal, inspected, safe, and reliable. As we didn't have any cars or vans available for that day (which are indeed more modern), the vehicle used was a classic Land Rover Discovery 4x4 that we mostly use on tours in the National Park. That will be the only point I can agree with; indeed, those who aren't fans of the off-road motoring world might find it unpleasant to spend a couple of hours in a classic/luxurious and iconic car from its time. For others, it's a good opportunity to notice the details and characteristics of an industry landmark. Nevertheless, I believe that the driver, Bruno, didn't step on anything wrong, but he also didn't perfume the interior with Chanel No. 5. Regular vehicle, average look and condition. Honestly, our goal and mission is what we will see and do at the destinations! Only 40 minutes of travel separate Braga and Guimarães from the city of Porto... Of course, we want to provide maximum comfort to our passengers and visitors, and therefore I also apologize for the damaged air conditioning - on a gray and cloudy day with an average temperature of 62ºF - (Honestly, I don't think you would use it anyway). Regarding the prices you mention. There are 1000 offers for the destinations on this tour. Some more expensive, others more affordable. Some with more people, others where you explore the attractions yourself. You chose a private and exclusive tour just for yourselves. And you paid for 2 people barely 340 USD, to be fair and transparent, right? However, when researching and planning, you must consider that: - The platform where you search and book charges a commission - The payment provider charges a commission - We pay state taxes and fees on the total value of the booking - The vehicle consumes fuel and has maintenance and tax costs - Tolls are paid - Entrance fees to the monuments you visit are paid - The person who accompanied you is paid and had a meal during the day - You will have a local guide and transportation for pick-up and drop-off at your accommodation Among other expenses that are not even worth mentioning, do you consider this an expensive tour??? At the end of the day, and after the obvious explanation I owe to any dissatisfied customer, my apologies for not having met or fulfilled your expectations for the booking you made with us. Your comment undoubtedly makes a difference, causing us to move and change less good aspects of our operation. It is our concern that all visitors have the best possible experience in the short time they are with us. And therefore it is up to us to improve! And we are already doing that, with the commitment to remove this vehicle from our fleet immediately. Thank you for your reservation and comment. This is how we grow, learn, and see the right path. Regards, Ricardo Costa
