Travel in an air-conditioned van from Porto to the cities of Braga and Guimarães on this guided tour. Savor an authentic Portuguese lunch. Get exclusive access to part of Braga Cathedral and stay hydrated on your trip with the included bottled water.  Starts with pickup your hotel or accommodation and relax with your group on the drive in a climate controlled van. Arriving in Braga, we will start by visiting the Bom Jesus Sanctuary and contemplating its magnificent staircase to the top of the church. After a top view of the city, visit the oldest cathedral in the country where you will have exclusive access to the chapel's and high choir. Sit down to a delicious, traditional Portuguese lunch at a restaurant where you can taste the famed "Vinho Verde" that is produced in the region. During the afternoon visit Guimarães. Have time for a calm walk on foot through the medieval city before entering in the Guimarães Castle where the kingdom of Portugal was born.  Continue to the Palace of the Dukes to be dazzled by the luxuries of royalty from other times. A whole history of Portugal will be told by your local guides along the way. Return to your accommodation in Porto at the end of your tour. 

The tour starts with a visit to the birthplace of the Portuguese nation – the city of Guimarães. This was the first city of Portugal chosen by the first king, Afonso Henriques. Known as the cradle of Portugal, Guimarães has preserved a medieval atmosphere at its core and is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. Your first stop takes place in the northern part of the city with a visit to the imposing 10th century castle and the majestic Dukes of Bragança Palace. Afterward the historical Santa Maria Road leads you to the charming square in the heart of the old town, Largo da Oliveira. After a relaxing lunch break in Guimarães that will certainly allow you to enjoy the pleasures of the cuisine of the north of Portugal, it will be time to continue towards Braga, the oldest religious capital of Portugal. Known to the Romans as Bracara Augusta, for centuries Braga has been and archiepiscopal seat and pilgrimage site. Your first stop is Sé, the 12th century cathedral built by Henri de Bourgogne and Dona Teresa. Then you will head to Bom Jesus Sanctuary, a hilltop pilgrimage site. The 581 steps that the pilgrims climb up to the top of Bom Jesus are one of the most glorious stairways in Portugal. After a visit to these landmarks of faith in the country you head back to Porto.

From Porto, discover the beauty of one of the most beautiful regions of Portugal, on a trip in a comfortable vehicle and private driver. On this trip to Minho you will get to know the best of the cities of Braga and Guimarães, two of the oldest and historical in Portugal and recognized by UNESCO. Have a memorable lunch at a local restaurant and choose the places to enjoy: • Braga Downtown, Braga Cathedral, Bom Jesus or Sameiro • Igreja e Convento de Sao Francisco, • Paco dos Duques de Braganca and Guimarães Castle • Arco da Porta Nova e Largo da Nossa Senhora Oliveira Return in comfort to your hotel in Porto after a day that will surely be unforgettable.

Take an amazing tour through the history of Portugal on a private tour of Braga and Guimarães, with round-trip transportation from Porto. Benefit from pickup at your accommodation, and then travel in air-conditioned comfort to one of the oldest cities, known as Bracara Augusta during the Roman Empire when it was the capital of the province of Gallaecia. See landmark monuments, such as the Sé Cathedral and sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte. Marvel at the grandeur of the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Sameiro as you make your way to the medieval city of Guimarães, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its exceptionally well-preserved medieval architecture. Walk the streets of the historic center to see sights such as the Palace of the Dukes of Braganza and Guimarães Castle, built in the 10th century as a defense against the Moors. See the medieval Church of São Miguel do Castelo before getting dropped off at your accommodation in Porto.

Experience a fantastic 8-day tour of Portugal’s beautiful cities, and enjoy a week full of exciting and interesting activities. Day 1 (Wednesday): Arrival in Lisbon Transfer from the airport to your hotel in Lisbon. You have the rest of the day to spend as you wish, for example you can use this day to enjoy a stroll through the city. Overnight stay with breakfast at a 3 or 4-star hotel. Day 2 (Thursday): Lisbon Explore Lisbon on a scenic drive through the old town to Alfama, the oldest district of the city. Afterwards you will visit the Jerónimos Monastery, home to one of the most beautiful cloisters in the world. You will then continue on to Belém Tower and the Monument to the Discoveries before heading back to the hotel. Overnight stay with breakfast at a 3 or 4-star hotel. Day 3 (Friday): Lisbon – Coimbra Leave the capital city and drive to the picturesque village of Óbidos, where you can enjoy a relaxing stroll. Afterwards you will head to the traditional fishing village of Nazaré, where you will visit the famous Monastery of Batalha. Continue on to Fátima, the largest place of pilgrimage in Portugal which attracts 4 to 6 million pilgrims every year. From there you can take a trip to the traditional university city of Coimbra. Overnight stay with breakfast at a 3 or 4-star hotel. Day 4 (Saturday): Coimbra – Porto Enjoy a tour of the Baroque library and St. Michael’s Chapel of the oldest university in Portugal, which was founded in 1291. Afterwards you will drive to Porto, the second largest city in the country. Here you can enjoy an extensive panoramic tour of the city to the cathedral. You will then visit the old stock exchange of Porto – the Palácio da Bolsa – before sampling local wine at a famous port winery. Overnight stay with breakfast at a 3 or 4-star hotel. Day 5 (Sunday): Porto – Vila Real Today you will leave the capital of the north and head to the green province of Minho, where you will explore the region of Vinho Verde (green wine). Visit the old town of Braga, which is also known as the Rome of Portugal. You will then head to the sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte with a monumental stairway. Afterwards you will drive to the city of Guimarães, the cradle of Portugal. Explore the old town and the Palace of the Dukes of Braganza. You will then drive through Amarante to Vila Real. Overnight stay with breakfast at a 3 or 4-star hotel. Day 6 (Monday): Vila Real – Guarda After breakfast you will drive to the station of Vila Real. Travel by train through the Port wine region, and along the Corgo River to Régua. Enjoy a fantastic trip to Lamego, known for Presunto (dry-cured ham), where you can take a break. Continue on through Viseu to the city of Guarda at 1,000 meters above sea level. Overnight stay with breakfast at a 3 or 4-star hotel. Day 7 (Tuesday): Guarda – Lisbon Today you will head through the mountainous areas of Portugal to the city of Castelo Branco. Explore the gardens of the Bishop’s Palace before heading towards the city of Tomar. There you will visit the Templar Castle before driving back to Lisbon. Overnight stay with breakfast at a 3 or 4-star hotel. Day 8 (Wednesday): Depart Lisbon Transfer to the airport in Lisbon.