BRAGA & GUIMARÃES

 Explore the Triangle of Faith in Braga: The Cathedral, The Sanctuaries of Sameiro and Bom Jesus & the birthplace of Portugal: the castle and the medieval city of Guimarães (UNESCO World Heritage Site), all in one day.

In our way to Braga we have the opportunity to enjoy the scenery and admire the vineyards  where they grow the grapes used for the production of Vinho Verde. On one hillside of the city stands the imposing staircase of the Sanctuary of Bom Jesus, our first stop. With the cross leads between chapels and fountains leading towards a monumental church surrounded by beautiful gardens, where nature and spirituality, invites for a walk and relish it all. The next stop is the Sanctuary of Sameiro real proof of the Christian heritage, another dazzling building where talent, devotion and, above all, generosity are the secret elements that make this monument so incredible in everyone’s eyes. Find in these sanctuaries, a place of religious character, but also the perfect place to enjoy the landscape of the city of Braga. Knowned as the Rome of Portugal you will visit one of the ancient cities of Europe called as “Bracara Augusta” back then, more than 2000 years ago. Taking a walk through the narrow streets in the centre of Braga, you will see some beautiful gardens, pleasant squares, and you will visit the magnificent Cathedral of Braga, a monument that combines three different styles: Romanesque, Manueline and Baroque. The oldest Cathedral in Portugal, where are held the tombs of Count Henrique and Countess Theresa, parents of the first Portuguese King D. Afonso Henriques.

We will take a break in the historic center of Braga to enjoy a tasty traditional lunch in a very cozy place with delicious food.

After lunch, we will drive to Guimaraes,  the birthplace of Portugal knowned as “the cradle city”, where the first king of portugal was born and starter conquering portuguese territory.

You will have time visit the Castle of Guimaraes, the first castle of Portugal, located on a hill, and in one of its seven towers you can enjoy a fantastic view over the city. Right next to the castle you will see the Paço dos Duques de Bragança and the chapel where D. Afonso Henriques was baptized.

Next, we head towards the historic center, UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2001 for setting an excellent example of the transformation of a medieval village into a modern city, retaining its own nature with some of the ancient walls that protect the city. This historic center with its narrow streets and terraces, invites us on a walk, that will make you believe in time travel where you can really feel the ancient medieval times.

Pick-up & Drop-off: Hotel / Airbnb / Airport / Other convenient place

Language: Portuguese, English or Spanish

Duration: 8 hours

Price: 85€ / person (OR  65€ / person if you prefer to go on a Half-Day Tour to one of these cities)

*minimum of 2 people *(Children up to 10 years old: free)

Included: Entrances tickets: Bom Jesus, Sameiro, Braga’s Cathedral, Guimarães Castle, private guide, transport.

Not included: Lunch (you’ll be recomended to a very cozy place with tipical portuguese food less then 10€ /person)

Small Group: up to 6