Guimarães and Braga: Historic Cities Tour

Explore the historic cities of Guimarães and Braga on a small group heritage tour from Porto. Visit medieval castles, palaces, cathedrals, and UNESCO World Heritage sites. Enjoy a delicious lunch and discover the hidden secrets of these iconic cities.

Duration: 8 hours
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • Bom Jesus Funicular - Visit to the Sanctuary and it’s staircase
  • Bom Jesus Do Monte - You will visit the church and admire the impressive staircase with our guide
  • Se de Braga - Guided tour of Braga Cathedral and some of it’s Chapels and more restricted areas.
  • Guimaraes Castle - Visit to the Castle and historical explanation of it’s…
What's Included
  • Hotel pickup
  • Drop Off at two locations: Trindade Station & Bolsa Palace
  • Professional guide
  • Comfortable and modern minivan
  • Traditional Lunch with drinks included
  • Bottled water in sustainable packaging
  • Braga Cathedral and Guimarães castle entrance fee
What's Not Included
  • Gratuities
  • Food and drinks, unless specified
Additional Information

Guimarães, the birthplace of the nation and a UNESCO World Heritage site, exudes a medieval atmosphere with its 10th-century castle and 15th-century Ducal Palace. A stroll through the heart of the city’s streets and squares will immerse you in the palpable charm and rich history of Guimarães. During our visit, we’ll explore the imposing castle, admire…

Location
Bom Jesus Funicular
Parque do Bom Jesus
Cancellation Policy

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

Customer Ratings
4.8
(330 Ratings)
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Juergen_h
Feb 15, 2025
Six-star tour with personal guide when other travelers canceled yet the tour operator didn't simply cancel my tour - Book with this company: The tour exceeded expectations, for various reasons. Number one: I was a solo traveler and for the date that I had booked the tour two other guests had cancelled. The tour operator contacted me and asked whether I'd be interested in doing another more expensive tour without extra charge, but I had traveled to that destination already two days earlier. The operator texted, "no problem," and I took the tour by myself. Now, how's this for being committed to your customers? Number two: The tour guide, Jose, showed up exactly on time and we had a wonderful 7-hour day together. Her and I clicked, and it was amazing to have this private tour. Jose was super knowledgeable, he was friendly and truly enjoyed telling me story after story of his home country and its history, and he went out of the way to do a few extra things on this tour that were not on the schedule. Fabulous! Number three: The included lunch in Braga was not at your usual touristy 2-star restaurant. Joe and I dined at the Restaurant Diana, a true three course meal with brilliant wine (he did obviously not partake, I want to make clear), with food that was delicious and local! The restaurant owner and her staff were extremely friendly, and I felt as if I was on a $500 tour! I could not have expected more. The itinerary was perfect, the Mercedes mini-van comfortable, Jose a safe driver. It doesn't get better. Thank you!
Review provided by Viator
Debra_h
Feb 15, 2025
A great tour of Braga and Guimarães! - We had a wonderful tour with Alvaro. It is just as described. I loved climbing the 200 steps at Bom Jesus Do Monte although you don’t have to. The lunch was very good and the green wine fantastic. Our group had both an English-speaking couple (us) and a Brazilian Portuguese speaking couple and Alvaro handled the transition and attention very well. Alvaro was very passionate about his opinions. Guimaraes gave us a feeling of being in a truly medieval city and castle. We recommend this tour if you want to see Braga and Guimarães.
Review provided by Viator
Diane_d
Feb 2, 2025
Informative, pleasant... - Informative, pleasant day. Learnt some history of Portugal, saw wonderful views had an enjoyable lunch. Tour guide was thoughtful, gave us lots of information, helped us get in and out of the van.
Review provided by Viator
Chantal_c
Feb 2, 2025
À return to the past in... - À return to the past in both cities visited. Wonderful. The guide was great : I learned a lot about Portuguese history.
Review provided by Viator
Jamesdmo
Jan 18, 2025
Excellent Day with an Excellent Guide - We had an excellent day with Paulo visiting the major sights in Braga and Guimaraes. He was knowledgeable and personable, always willing to answer questions and go beyond our expectations. The lunch provided a welcome break in the day, with top-notch food and drink. Highly recommended!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Faraway18562814894
Jan 9, 2025
An unforgettable experience, you will not regret it! - What a wonderful experience! The excursion to Guimarães and Braga from Porto with Cooltour Porto sounds like a real gem for those who want to know more about the history and culture of Portugal, and also Spain! The fact that the guide, Álvaro, has been so charismatic and dedicated, conveying his love of history with such care, really makes a difference. It is a tour that, in addition to being informative, offers a personal connection with the cities visited and its people, making the trip not only educational, but also emotionally enriching. Undoubtedly, it must be an unforgettable experience that leaves a mark on the heart of those who live it. Highly recommended for anyone looking for a unique and authentic excursion! Thank you Alvaro!, I hope everything goes great in life.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Bhaskar_d
Dec 31, 2024
Enjoyable day trip with Piedro to Guimaraes and Braga. - Prompt pickup at hotel. Loved Guimaraes downtown stroll. Piedro was very friendly and did an excellent job meeting various special dietary needs in our group with Vegans and Pescatarians . The food was outstanding His command of English was excellent as were his driving skills. It was a pleasure to converse with him during the long drive.
Review provided by Viator
Tim
Dec 11, 2024
Great tour of some special places! - What a great tour! Jose was my guide and he was so friendly and knowledgeable about everything. Barga and Guimãres are very special and beautiful - I’m so glad I took this tour. Lunch was delicious as was the special sweets we had in Guimãres. I highly recommend!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
538maryh538
Dec 1, 2024
Surround yourself with religious history & discover the birthplace of Portugal - What an amazing place Guimaraes is as the birthplace of Portugal. A UNESCO site with medieval buildings & narrow streets lined with cobblestones. History is wonderful! Braga is truly amazing too filled with religious history. So much to see in a few hours! Lunch at a local restaurant was delicious! Loved it Our guide Alvaro was knowledgeable & explained everything in excellent English! Thank you
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Kendopbg
Nov 30, 2024
Full Day Visiting Braga and Guimaraes - What a great Tour. From beginning with the ease of a Hotel pickup to the wonderful gourmet lunch in Braga, to a fabulous tour guide, to the finish in Guimaraes and the surprise bakery stop. Super day out. Two historical medieval towns and the Bom Jesus! The day was fabulous Jose; you are a tour guide supreme! Legendary; like the Rooster! Thanks Cool Tours.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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1 Adult
March 2025
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