Private day trip from Porto to Braga and Guimaraes

Two medieval cities, one driver, one full day from Porto

A private day trip from Porto with an English-speaking driver covers Braga and Guimaraes, two of northern Portugal's most significant towns. The driver handles the route and timing while you move between the Bom Jesus do Monte Sanctuary, Braga Cathedral and Guimaraes Castle; the vehicle size adjusts to your group (sedan for one to three people, MPV for four, van for five to seven). Bottled water is included; attraction tickets are not, so check opening hours and buy entry on arrival or online beforehand.

Step-by-step itinerary

Private day trip to Braga and Guimaraes

• Drive from Porto to Braga
• Ascend to Bom Jesus do Monte Sanctuary
• Visit Braga Cathedral
• Travel to Guimarães
• Explore Guimarães Castle
• Return to Porto

The Experience

You start in Porto and drive to Braga, the religious and cultural capital of northern Portugal. The route itself is part of the day—a scenic stretch that sets up what comes next. Once there, you have the choice to climb the grand staircase or take the funicular up to Bom Jesus do Monte Sanctuary, an 18th-century pilgrimage site with Baroque architecture and formal gardens that command views across the region. After that, Braga Cathedral (Se de Braga) sits in the city center, one of Portugal's oldest, mixing Romanesque and Gothic styles across its interior and exterior.

From Braga, the driver takes you to Guimaraes, a UNESCO World Heritage town known as the birthplace of Portugal. Guimaraes Castle is the centerpiece—a medieval fortress with panoramic views of the city and the surrounding landscape. The medieval architecture throughout the town is intact enough that walking its streets feels like moving through a preserved moment. Late afternoon, you depart for the drive back to Porto, eight to nine hours after you left.

Your driver is English-speaking and familiar with both towns; he shares information as you go but is not a licensed guide. The car is air-conditioned and clean, and water is provided. If you're traveling with one to three people, you get a sedan; four people get an MPV; five to seven get a van. Infants can sit on a lap or ride in a pram, and all vehicles and sites are wheelchair accessible.

What’s included

• Private air-conditioned vehicle with bottled water on board.
• English-speaking driver familiar with both towns.
• pickup and return to Porto.
• stops at Bom Jesus do Monte Sanctuary, Braga Cathedral and Guimaraes Castle.
• all fees and taxes.

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Europe Journey - Private Sightseeing Transfers and Day Tours

Is this one for you?Book this if you have a full day free and want to visit both Braga and Guimarães with a private driver setting the pace, rather than coordinating your own transport between towns.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

What is Bom Jesus do Monte and why do people visit it?

Bom Jesus do Monte is an 18th-century Baroque sanctuary in Braga built as a pilgrimage site. It sits on a hilltop with formal gardens and is reached by a grand staircase or funicular; visitors come for the architecture, the views, and the historical significance of the site in Portuguese religious life.

Is Braga Cathedral included in this tour, or do I need to book it separately?

Braga Cathedral is a stop on the itinerary, so the driver takes you there. Entry is not included in the tour price, so you buy a ticket at the door or check availability online before you go.

What is Guimaraes Castle, and can I walk around it?

Guimaraes Castle is a medieval fortress in the town of Guimaraes, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The Castle offers panoramic views of the city and is the main landmark in a town known for its well-preserved medieval architecture; you can explore the Castle and walk the surrounding streets.

Do I need to buy tickets for Bom Jesus, the Cathedral, and Guimaraes Castle before the tour starts?

Tickets are not included in the tour price. Check opening hours and availability online before you depart, or buy entry at each site when you arrive. The driver can advise, but you arrange and pay for admission separately.

Can I bring a child in a stroller, or do I need to hold them in the car?

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller, or sit on an adult's lap. The vehicle is an air-conditioned car, sedan, MPV or van depending on group size, and all are wheelchair accessible.