• Porto - Meet your guide at our Meeting Point near S. Bento Train Station, who will drive you to Braga, our first destination. During the journey to the Minho Region, your guide will share insights about Portuguese history, development, and cultural heritage.
• Bom Jesus Funicular - Renowned for its religious significance and architecture, the famous staircase, and the vertical tram, a remarkable piece of 19th-century engineering. This was the first of its kind in Portugal, installed in 1882, and still operates using its original water-powered system to ascend the 300-meter ramp in just 3 minutes. The church, designed by Carlos Amarante, features an Italian-inspired neo-classical design that blends seamlessly with the northern Portuguese landscape. The staircase leading to the top has 17 landings adorned with symbolic fountains, allegorical statues, and Baroque-style decorations, including themes like the Stations of the Cross, the Five Senses, the Virtues, Moses receiving the Commandments, and at the top, the eight biblical figures involved in Jesus’ condemnation. Visitors should take in the view from the bottom of the staircase, where ornate granite fountains and the white chalice-like outline of the church are visible.
• Se de Braga - The first cathedral, older than Portugal. The Cathedral of Braga, the first Portuguese cathedral, was built several decades before the country was founded. Construction began at the end of the 11th century, and it was consecrated and dedicated to the Virgin Mary by Bishop Pedro on August 28, 1089. It competed in power with the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela and is the jewel of the city. D. Henrique and D. Teresa, parents of Portugal’s first king, are buried in the Chapel of Kings.
• Braga - Time for a break. If you chose the lunch-included option, your guide will take you to a local restaurant for a delicious traditional Portuguese meal with drinks included. Try the famous “Vinho Verde” wine, a white wine with unique characteristics. If you opted out of the included lunch, you will have free time to explore Braga’s old city center or choose a restaurant on your own. (Vegetarian option available upon request during booking.)
• Guimaraes - After lunch, we will take a short drive to Guimarães, considered the birthplace of Portugal because Afonso Henriques, the first king of Portugal, was born here.
• Guimaraes Castle - The castle evokes the exciting blend of legend, poetry, and heroism surrounding the beginning of Portuguese history. On this Monte Largo (Broad Hill), the nucleus of the future nation of Portugal was first developed. Around 968, Countess Mumadona of Galicia ordered a castle to be built here to protect the population from Viking and Muslim attacks. Later, Count Henry, upon taking over the governorship of the Portucalense province, ordered a larger and more solid construction, marking the beginning of the important defensive structure we see today, dominated by the square keep and four corner towers. It is believed that the building against the inner part of the northern wall was the residence of Count Henry and the birthplace of his son, Afonso Henriques, the first king of Portugal.
• Igreja de Sao Miguel do Castelo - This small Romanesque-style church, built in the 13th century, is traditionally believed to have been constructed in the 12th century by Count Dom Henrique, where he baptized his son, the first King of Portugal, Dom Afonso Henriques. The church is simple in decoration, and inside, under the floor, lie the great warriors of the nation’s founding period.
• Centro Historico de Guimaraes - The historical center, within the old city walls of Guimarães, is linked to the formation and identity of Portugal and is a World Heritage site due to its originality and authenticity in restoration. The city boasts a well-preserved heritage with graceful iron verandas, granite balconies and porticos, mansions, arches connecting narrow streets, paving slabs worn smooth by time, towers, and cloisters. You might feel as if you are in a medieval setting, where the nobility built their homes over time, such as the Mota Prego house, the Vila Flor and Toural palaces, and many others that contribute to Guimarães’ unique atmosphere.

• Admission Ticket at Guimarães Castle
• Porto City Walking Tour (available from the day after your experience)
• Admission ticket at Braga’s Cathedral
• Comfortable transportation on a Minibus with A/C
• Professional Guide

• Gratuities
• Personal expenses
• Hotel Pick Up and Drop Off
• Lunch

The Minho region, a historic Portuguese province, is situated in the northern part of Portugal. Renowned for its lush landscapes, it is traversed by numerous rivers, and its rich biodiversity enhances the scenic beauty for visitors. The region also boasts an extensive coastline with stunning beaches.

The full-day tour of Minho offers the chance to explore the area and visit two cities: Guimaraes and Braga. Journey through Minho and discover the historical centers of these cities, gaining insights into Portuguese history along the way.

• Duration: the hours of duration are approximate 9 hours, The Tour is subject to local traffic, visit schedules, etc
• Please kindly note that access that the castle of Guimaraes has limited access and the access to the walls are now prohibited.
• Tours are usually in one language, but a second language may be used.
• Group size maximum capacity is 27 people.
• Discover Porto in a unique way with a Free Walking Tour with Living Tours, available to all customers who book this activity. Our Free Walking Tour is available on a daily basis, in English and Spanish, at 9:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. departing from Living Tours Agency located in Rua Mouzinho da Silveira 352, 4050-418 Porto

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.