Braga Museum & Ponte de Lima: Wine Tasting & Lunch Tour

Roman Artifacts, Medieval Bridges & Wine in a Castle

You visit Braga's archaeological museum with a guide, drive through countryside to Portugal's oldest town for a riverside lunch and walking tour, then taste Vinho Verde in a medieval castle. The group stays small (four people maximum), transport and meals are included, and you're back in Porto by evening.

Step-by-step itinerary

• Visit Museu Dom Diogo de Sousa in Braga
• Travel scenic countryside roads
• Guided walk in Ponte de Lima historic center
• Enjoy traditional lunch at Restaurante Açude
• Walk riverside passadiços on Camino de Santiago
• Relax at 12th-century Vila Galé castle
• Vinho Verde wine tasting at castle

The Experience

The Museu Dom Diogo de Sousa in Braga holds Roman mosaics and prehistoric jewelry that most visitors to northern Portugal never see. This small-group tour—capped at four people—starts there, with a guide walking you through thousands of years in a single morning: Neolithic tools, statues from Bracara Augusta, the Roman city buried under modern Braga. It's the kind of museum that doesn't overwhelm you, and the guide speaks English or Portuguese depending on who's in the group that day.

After Braga, the drive takes you through countryside that includes sections of the Caminho de Santiago pilgrimage route before you reach Ponte de Lima, which is actually Portugal's oldest town—a detail that lands differently once you're standing on the Roman-medieval bridge looking at the river. Lunch happens at Restaurante Açude, which sits right on the Lima River, and then you walk the historic center with the guide, including the riverside passadiços (wooden walkways) that pilgrims still use. It's not rushed; the pacing lets you notice things.

The day ends at a 12th-century castle owned by Vila Galé, where you get twenty minutes to walk around the gardens and take photographs before the wine tasting begins. The Vinho Verde tasting lasts about an hour, and it's guided—someone explains the region's wine traditions and why this particular wine tastes the way it does. The castle itself is the real draw here; it's the kind of place that makes you understand why people write about Portugal.

What’s included

• Guided visit to Museu Dom Diogo de Sousa in Braga with commentary on Roman and prehistoric artifacts.
• air-conditioned vehicle transport through countryside including sections of the Caminho de Santiago.
• traditional lunch at Restaurante Açude in Ponte de Lima with Lima River views.
• guided walk through Ponte de Lima's historic center and riverside passadiços.
• 60-minute Vinho Verde wine tasting at a 12th-century castle with 20 minutes to explore the gardens beforehand.
• biscuits and water throughout the day.

Good to know

Moderate physical levelInfant seats availableNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by DICOVER NORTHEN PORTUGAL: SCENIC VILLAGES & FINE WINE

Is this one for you?Right for travelers who want to move beyond Lisbon and see northern Portugal's archaeology, villages, and wine in one day without arranging separate transport, museum entry, and restaurant reservations—the small group size and fixed itinerary handle all three.

Top questions

How long is the full tour?

The itinerary doesn't specify total duration, but it includes a museum visit, drive to Ponte de Lima, lunch, a guided walk through town, and a 60-minute wine tasting at the castle. Plan for a full day.

What's included in the price?

Air-conditioned vehicle transport, the guided museum visit, lunch at the restaurant, the wine tasting, biscuits and water, and guided walks in Ponte de Lima.

Is the wine tasting suitable for non-drinkers?

The tasting is guided and focused on Vinho Verde traditions, but the itinerary doesn't specify alternatives for those who don't drink alcohol. Contact the operator to confirm options.

What's the group size?

Maximum four guests. The tour is designed for couples, friends, and solo travelers.

Do I need to speak Portuguese?

No. The guide offers tours in English or Portuguese depending on the group's preference.

Can I book this tour from Porto?

Yes. The tour operates from Porto in northern Portugal and includes transport to Braga and Ponte de Lima.

Is there time to explore Ponte de Lima on my own?

Yes. After the guided walk through the historic center, you have time before the drive to the castle for wine tasting.

What's Vinho Verde wine like?

It's a light, fresh, and refreshing wine from the Minho region of northern Portugal. The tasting is guided, so you'll learn about its characteristics and regional importance.