Best of Braga and Guimaraes Day Trip from Porto
Overview
The Minho region is an old Portuguese province and its located in the North of Portugal. Minho is known for its green landscapes, crossed by affluent rivers, and the biodiversity enriches the views for those who visit Minho. The region presents a big coastal zone with beautiful beaches.
The full-day Tour to Minho gives you the opportunity to visit the region and two cities: Guimaraes and Braga. Travel through the Minho and visit the historical centers of these two cities learning about Portuguese history in the process.
What you’ll do
You will meet you guide at our Meeting Point near S. Bento Train Station and he will drive you to Braga, our first stop. On your way to the Minho Region, your guide will give you insights regarding the Portuguese history, development and cultural facts of portuguese heritage.
Famous for religious reasons but also for its architecture, the famous staircase and being the cause of the vertical tram, an amazing piece of 19th century engineering. This was the first of its kind to be installed in Portugal in 1882 and still uses its water powered system to power the 300 meter ramp in just 3min. The church was built by Carlos Amarante, who gave it an Italian-inspired neo-classical design that harmoniously blends into the landscape of northern Portugal. The staircase leading to the top contains 17 landings adorned with symbolic fountains, allegorical statues, and Baroque-style decorations along themes: Stations of the Cross, Five Senses, the Virtues, Moses receiving the Commandments and at the top, the eight biblical figures that contributed to Jesus' condemnation. Any visitor must take in the view from the bottom of the staircase. Facing up are the ornate granite fountains on the various landings and the white chalice-like outline on which the church itself "sits".
The first cathedral, older than Portugal.
The Cathedral of Braga was the first Portuguese cathedral, erected several decades before the founding of the country. It began to be built at the end of the 11th century, and was concecrated and dedicated to the Virgin Mary by Bishop Pedro in a solemn session on August 28, 1089. Competing in power with the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela and is the jewel of the city. D. Henrique and D. Teresa, parents of the first king of Portugal, are buried in the Chapel of Kings.
It's now time for a break. Enjoy some free time to explore Braga at your own pace or grab a bite to eat. Discover the city's charming streets, shops, and local attractions.
From €47
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