Top 10 Cultural Tours in Braga, Northern Portugal

February 18, 2022 Nicolette Lion

Sometimes called the “Portuguese Rome” for its many churches, Braga is an ancient town in northwest Portugal. Its history and livelihood are tied to Christianity dating to the 3rd century. The city’s 12th-century Sé (Cathedral) is still one of the most popular attractions. Just outside of town lies the renowned Bom Jesus de Monte pilgrimage sanctuary, with its striking Baroque stairway. After dark, the stoic town turns upside down, with a rich nightlife thanks to its many university students.
Restaurants in Braga

1. Full-Day Tour to Guimarães and Braga from Porto

The Other Side Tourism Company
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5.0 based on 4 reviews

This is a full-day tour in a van. It includes a day trip to Guimarães and Braga cities with a stop at "Bom Jesus" Church and lunch in Guimarães.

Inclusions: A Local Guide accompaniment;, Pick-up and drop-off anywhere in a 9 seat van;, Lunch in Guimarães in a typical restaurant (meat or fish – tell us if you’re vegetarian!

Exclusions: Entrance in Dukes of Bragança Palace (optional)

Reviewed By AndrewVH43

This day trip out to the Douro valley was the highlight of of two week trip around Portugal. Diana, our guide and the company are well organised and efficient. Diana was very knowledgeable, unhurried, good-humored and made our trip very enjoyable. After a pleasant boat trip on the Douro river admiring the scenery of the valley and just relaxing, we went to a small little winery close by up on a high hill with great views over the valley. Here we had a tour on how they make olive oil, afterwhich we had some wine tasting, together with almonds, bread and local olive oil. This really got everyone relaxed and in an enjoyable spirit. We were then taken back down the valley to a restaurant for lunch and enjoyed good company with good food and wine. In the afternoon we were taken to a larger wine and port producer and had a tour on how they make Port, followed by some port wine tasting, which was very yummy and enjoyable. From here we headed back to Porto, but after all the wine and Port, we slept the whole way home. Overall, a great experience with professional company and superb guide.

2. Braga and Guimarães from Porto ( Entrance fees included )

Touch Tours
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5.0 based on 4 reviews

Your guide will pick you up at your accommodation in Oporto. Prepare to discover Braga and Guimarães known as "The two most Portuguese cities". Embrace an amazing historical tour. Arriving in Guimarães, considered world heritage site by Unesco, and the cradle of the nation, you will find a rich and medieval city where you will first visit the castle that accomodated the Counts of Portugal during the 10th and 11th century and then the 15th century Palace of the Duques of Braganza. Have a beautiful walk around the Historical City center where you will also have an amazing Portuguese lunch. You will after be taken to Braga, a city with over 2000 years of history. Braga is the oldest city in Portugal and one of the world’s oldest catholic cities. Founded by the Romans in the year 16 b.C. and named “Bracara Augusta” in honor to the emperor Cesar Augusto. Starting with the Cathedral and followed by the Sanctuaries Bom Jesus & Sameiro. Depart towards Oporto around 5pm.

Inclusions: Fuel surcharge, Bottled water, Local guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Entry tickets: Guimarães Castle, Palace and Braga Cathedral, Wi-Fi

Exclusions: Lunch, Gratuities

Reviewed By amelietjedietje

We did a private tour to Coimbra and Aveiro with Touch Tours in the first days after the reopening post Corona on 24 June. A super positive experience. Spacious luxurious vehicle, super punctual and caring guide called Tiago, full respect for the new corona safety measures - I travelled alone with my 3 teenage children. The commutation with Touch Tours (André) from start to finish was impeccable. The company listens to what you want to do. We are very satisfied.

3. Braga and Guimarães with Lunch Included - Small Group - Full Day

Portugal Excellence Tours
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5.0 based on 22 reviews

Arriving in Guimarães we will have time for a calm walk on foot through the medieval city where we will enter in his Catelo that was known for the birth of a new kingdom: Portugal. Then we will visit the Palace of the Dukes where we are dazzled by the luxuries of royalty from other times. A whole history of Portugal will be told by our local guides who have always followed the group. A delicious traditional Portuguese lunch will be served in a restaurant where you can taste the so famous "Vinho Verde", produced in the region. We will leave for the city of Braga, known for the city of the Archbishops where we will visit its historical center, visit the interior of the Cathedral before we go to the top of the mountain and visit the most magnificent Sanctuary in Portugal: Bom Jesus do Monte. A day filled with culture and conviviality with local people, realize the importance of these two cities for the unification of a country and, of course, an excellent lunch and good wine.

Inclusions: Lunch, Local guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Admission Ticket Braga Cathedral, Admission Ticket Guimarães Castle, Admission Ticket Duke's Palace, Bottled water

Exclusions: Gratuities

Reviewed By Trek604418

This was a brilliant day out visiting different wineries and port houses in the Douro Valley. We liked all the places we visited and learned a lot about the history and methods of port and wine making. We loved the river trip and lunch in a small town restaurant. It was great to get out into the countryside and be chauffeured around without worrying about anything. Our guide was really charming and knowledgeable – we asked a lot of questions about all sorts of topics and he was very willing to have a good conversation and seemed to know everything. The other people on our tour were lovely and we actually met some of them in town and had a drink a couple of days later.

4. Tour Spain and Portugal (North and Center) 15 days

Premiere Tours
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

This comprehensive 15 Day Private Tour will provide our guests with the most Northern and Central Portugal and Spain has to offer in terms of culture, history, monuments and sightseeing. Our knowledgeable certified driver-guides will escort and provide all the information about the different topics related to this spectacular tour. The pick up will be at place in Lisbon designated by the guest. This tour usually takes from 6 to 8 hours each day and transportation will be provided using highly comfortable Mercedes Benz vehicles with WiFi onboard and bottled waters.

Inclusions: All taxes, fees and handling charges, Bottled water, Professional driver-guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Private tour, Transport by private vehicle

Exclusions: Lunch, Gratuities

Reviewed By Quest39842961517

This was one of the best tours me and my wife have ever taken during our travels around the world. Premiere Tours is by far the best guiding agency we ever hired, and Jorge Bras is the most knowledgeable guide, a true gentleman, always looking out for our wellbeing. Fatima and Sintra are truly two of the most wonderful places in the planet. The spirituality of Fatima and the mysticism of Sintra with its magical fairytale palaces, made the top on our favorite places in the world list. Even though we were in Portugal for only three days on a business trip, during the pandemic, we decided to contact Premiere Tours for ideas on a one day tour, and we are so pleased that we were advised to take this one. We recommend this highly professional guiding agency to everyone visit Portugal.

5. Braga and Guimarães: Private & Premium Tour - All Included

Your Tours
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5.0 based on 6 reviews

Accompanied by our guides you will have a remarkable journey in the history of Portugal. Visit Braga, a 2000 year old city and climb the iconic Bom Jesus do Monte Sanctuary. Walk through the medieval city center of Guimarães, where Portugal was born. An unforgettable family friendly tour.

Inclusions: Private transportation, Air-conditioned vehicle, WiFi on board, Entrance in Braga Cathedral, Drinks included, Entrance in Guimarães Castle, Traditional sweets in Guimarães, All Fees and Taxes

Exclusions: Personal expenses

Reviewed By peter2020l

Our tour is arranged adhoc with very short notice but the company is so accomodating. Pascal is our tour guide, he is sooooo humorous (never had a boring moment) yet so knowledgeable on everything about Porto (and Portugal) from history to architecture, telling us special details around those heritages and observations. It is like a happy discovery journey. Various activities like wine tasting and boat cruise were great that adds to the tour. We also had our 2 80+ years old moms joining us in this trip. Pascal has been very attentive taking extra care to ensure the arrangement works well for them and in the most comfy and safe way. He was so sweet to get our moms a bag of hot chestnuts when it was windy and chill out there visiting the coast of Atlantic ocean, which made it especially yummy and warm. 5 stars, absolutely recommended for the great personal experience.

6. Private Braga and Guimarães Tour - UNESCO World Sites with Typical Lunch

Praça da Liberdade 19, 4000-322 Porto, Portugal Endless Weekend Tours
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

Prepare yourself to explore in the morning the cradle of the Portuguese Nation whom has captured the attention of the world since becoming a UNESCO Heritage Site in 2001. "Portugal was born here" And in the afternoon a city founded by the Romans in the year 16 b.C. and named “Bracara Augusta” The well-preserved historic Centre of Guimarães, which is one of the most photographed places in the country, and from here the king initiated the main offensive of reconquers against the Moors. Named by “Bracara Augusta” in honour to the emperor Cesar Augusto. It was the capital of Galécia, from where derived five Roman Roads, with a vast territory that went from the North of the River Douro until the Cantabrian. Currently, Braga is one of the top destinations in the Religious Tourism segment, either by its celebrations, which have its epitome in the Holy Week or by being one of the oldest Christian cities in the world who owns a wide religious built heritage.

Inclusions: Gourmet Lunch with wine. , Personal accident and liability insurance. , Our chauffeurs have knowledge and ethics required for confidential business matters, Our chauffeurs provide a concierge service for any requirements., Our executive vehicles provide Wi-Fi, bottled water, refreshments and a relaxing atmosphere. , Live tour commentary provided in English, Spanish and Portuguese

Exclusions: Admission to venues & attractions along the tour route., Gratuities are not included and is left to individual discretion.

Reviewed By Dt345123

Carlos died us around Porto. Very knowledgeable. Have us insights, history, places to eat and excellent places to set after the tour. Highly recommend.

7. Small Group - Peneda Geres National Park Tour from Porto

Detours
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5.0 based on 137 reviews

Uncover the hidden treasures of a natural paradise as you explore the only National Park in Portugal. A small group ensures that you will make the most of your experience. Absorb breathtaking views and mountain scenery, jump into a cascading waterfall for a refreshing dip and enjoy a tasty picnic lunch while reflecting on your adventure. The guides have local knowledge and will take you through a trip deep inside this natural paradise with all the safety and plenty of fun. Picnic in a remote idyllic location is included!

Inclusions: Local guide, Driver/guide, All activities, Hotel pickup and drop-off

Exclusions: Personal expenses

Reviewed By Christoph B

We enjoyed the canyoning tour very much. The experience was great, thrilling and fun ???? I would recommend it to everyone who wants to get out in nature!!

8. Guimarães and Braga Small Group Tour with optional Lunch from Porto

The Cooltours - Oporto
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4.8 based on 142 reviews

Guimarães, the nation's birthplace and World Heritage, with its medieval atmosphere caused by the castle of the X century and Palace of the Dukes of Bragança, asks for a walk through the streets and squares in the heart of the city, where the charm and history are palpable! Braga, Bracara Augusta - ancient Roman city, the oldest Portuguese city and capital of religion in Portugal, where we visit the XI century cathedral and the impressive Sanctuary of Bom Jesus, located on the hills of the city. Discover the most iconic and exclusive spots and secrets in this cities main monuments.

Inclusions: All taxes, fees and handling charges, Driver/guide, Professional guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Transport by air-conditioned minivan

Exclusions: Gratuities, Food and drinks, unless specified, Lunch, Braga Cathedral, Guimarães castle and Ducal Palace entrance

Reviewed By stevehV3718RK

An AMAZING experience with Isa who, from pick up outside our Airbnb, was so friendly, welcoming, warm and full of pertinent and interesting information which made the whole trip so worthwhile! The drive was comfortable with a mix of friendly and informative conversation up into the mountains and the valley with wonderful views the whole way. Once to the valley, WOW, the views were spectacular! The first winery had the views as well and a friendly guide, Marta, with DELICIOUS wines, olive oil and honey all grown/made on site. Hesitant to leave it was onto the river boat tour which was sooo relaxing and scenic. Then it was onto a local traditional restaurant that can also accommodate vegetarian/vegan (made up a wonderful pasta dish for the hubby off menu) that came with wine, fresh bread and local olive oil, main dish and dessert for an incredible price (because we were with the tour company) and it also had the views over the town, river and vineyards on the hillsides as well. The last winery was more focused on Ports with lots of info, more views, the fun Maria with Isa to give tons more info and great tastings with tasty snacks and lots of conversation and laughing. The way back to Porto was comfortable conversation as we’d definitely made a friend in Isa along with all the beauty, info and of course wine shared throughout the day. Have already been telling all our friends and family about this tour (and others from Cool Tours and especially Isa!!)! Unforgettable!!

9. Porto: Guimarães and Braga Day Trip

R. de Mouzinho da Silveira 352, 4000-069 Porto, Portugal Cityrama Gray Line Portugal
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4.6 based on 125 reviews

Travel north on a day trip from Porto to two of northern Portugal's historic cities, which are currently basking in the European spotlight. First, discover the country's origins in the UNESCO World Heritage-listed town of Guimarães. Home to a 10th-century castle and the Dukes of Braganza Palace, the town today is filled with pride for being named the European Capital of Culture for 2012. Then visit the city of Braga, founded by the Romans more than 2,000 years ago. The oldest Christian city in Portugal, Braga is celebrated today as the 2012 European Capital of Youth.

Inclusions: Professional guide, Air-conditioned vehicle, Lunch, Hotel pickup and drop-off in Porto city center

Exclusions: Gratuities, Food and drinks, unless specified

Reviewed By 380toddy

Very poor, waited 2 hours for a bus this morning none arrived. So fed up with the service by this evening we took a taxi back to the hotel. You could buy a ticket with this company or instead take 30 euros from your wallet and set fire to it - the latter is less stressful

10. Best of Braga and Guimaraes Day Trip from Porto

Living Tours, R. de Mouzinho da Silveira 352 354, 4050-418 Porto, Portugal Living Tours Portugal
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4.6 based on 73 reviews

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. Then have a traditional lunch at a local restaurant.

Inclusions: Confortable transportation on a Minibus with A/C, Professional Guide, Traditional lunch with drinks incldued (only for options with lunch included), Admission ticket at Braga's Cathedral, Admission Ticket at Guimarães Castle, Hotel Pick-up & Hotel Drop-Off in Porto & Gaia (with Option with Hotel Pick-up is selected)

Exclusions: Gratuities, Personal expenses

Reviewed By W9073EVverak

Went on this tour last October, and had a wonderful experience! Silvia was our guide and she was so amazingly sweet and thoughtful. We travelled with a french couple and she literally explained everything in two languages: French and English. Not only is that extremely nice, I can only imagine the energy that takes :) The whole experience of driving through Douro, the wines, the people we spoke to and the delicious wines we could taste: would definitely recommend. Love, Dennis & Vera from the Netherlands

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