• Porto - Meet the guide at the designated Meeting Point near S. Bento Train Station, who will then drive to Braga, the first destination. During the journey to the Minho Region, the guide will share insights into Portuguese history, development, and cultural heritage.
• Bom Jesus Funicular - Renowned for its religious significance and architectural marvel, the famous staircase is also the reason for the vertical tram, a remarkable piece of 19th-century engineering. Installed in Portugal in 1882, it still operates using its original water-powered system, covering the 300-meter ramp in just 3 minutes. The church, designed by Carlos Amarante, features an Italian-inspired neo-classical style that blends seamlessly with the northern Portuguese landscape. The staircase leading to the top includes 17 landings adorned with symbolic fountains, allegorical statues, and Baroque-style decorations, themed around the Stations of the Cross, Five Senses, the Virtues, Moses receiving the Commandments, and at the top, the eight biblical figures involved in Jesus’ condemnation. Visitors should admire the view from the bottom of the staircase, with ornate granite fountains on the landings and the white chalice-like outline on which the church “sits.”
• Se de Braga - The first cathedral, predating Portugal itself.

The Cathedral of Braga was the first Portuguese cathedral, constructed several decades before the country’s founding. Construction began at the end of the 11th century, and it was consecrated and dedicated to the Virgin Mary by Bishop Pedro in a solemn ceremony on August 28, 1089. It rivaled the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in power and is the city’s jewel. D. Henrique and D. Teresa, parents of Portugal’s first king, are interred in the Chapel of Kings.

• Braga - Time for a break.
  Enjoy some leisure time to explore Braga at your own pace or enjoy a meal. Discover the city’s charming streets, shops, and local attractions.
• Guimaraes - Next, take a short drive to Guimarães:
  Considered the birthplace of Portugal, as Afonso Henriques, the first king of Portugal, was born here.
• Guimaraes Castle - The castle evokes a thrilling blend of legend, poetry, and heroism surrounding the dawn of Portuguese history. On this Monte Largo (Broad Hill), the nucleus of the future nation of Portugal first emerged.

Around 968, Countess Mumadona of Galicia ordered a castle to be built here, providing refuge from the constant Viking and Muslim attacks. When Count Henry took over the governorship of the Portucalense province from his father-in-law, Alfonso VI of León, he commissioned a larger, more robust structure. This marked the beginning of the significant defensive structure seen today, dominated by the square keep between the four towers at each corner of the walls.

Though not strictly documented, it is likely that the building against the inner northern wall was Count Henry’s residence and the birthplace of his son, Afonso Henriques, the first king of Portugal.

• Igreja de Sao Miguel do Castelo - The small church of S. Miguel do Castelo was constructed in the 13th century. However, tradition suggests it was built in the 12th century by Count Dom Henrique (Henry of Burgundy), where he baptized his son, the first King of Portugal, Dom Afonso Henriques.

Of Romanesque style and modest size, this church exhibits great simplicity in decoration. Inside, beneath the floor, lie the great warriors of the nation’s founding period.

• Centro Historico de Guimaraes - The historical center, within the Guimarães city walls, is linked to the formation and identity of Portugal and was designated a World Heritage site for its originality and authenticity in restoration. The city retains a harmonious, well-preserved heritage, evident in the elegant iron verandas, granite balconies and porticos, mansions, arches connecting narrow streets, paving slabs worn smooth by time, towers, and cloisters. For a moment, one might imagine being in a medieval setting, where 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
• Transportation on a comfortable air-conditioned minibus
• Porto City Walking Tour (available from the day after your experience)
• Admission ticket at Braga’s Cathedral
• Entrance to Bom Jesus Sanctuary
• Walking Tour in Guimarães: UNESCO World Heritage since 2001
• Professional tour guide specialized on the destination

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

The Minho region, an ancient province in Portugal, is situated in the northern part of the country. Renowned for its lush green landscapes and traversed by numerous rivers, Minho offers breathtaking views enriched by its biodiversity. The region also boasts an extensive coastal area with stunning beaches.

The full-day tour of Minho provides a chance to explore the region 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.