Things to do in

Guimaraes

Minho is known for having some of the most beautiful natural landscapes of Portugal, as well as being one of the richest regions in history. Explore the area and visit the cities of Guimarães and Braga on a full-day trip from Porto. Guimarães is the birthplace of Portugal and of the first Portuguese king. See the medieval castle of Guimarães and spend some time in the historical city center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The streets and monuments of Guimarães are so well-preserved that it is easy to imagine the past. Go on to spend the afternoon in Braga, one of the oldest Christian cities in the world. After lunch in a typical restaurant, visit the cathedral and the historical center. You will also see 2 important sanctuaries, the Sameiro Sanctuary and the Bom Jesus do Monte, before making your way back to Porto.

Explore one of the most unknown treasures in Portugal and discover the nature of Gerês-National Park during a small group tour. The itinerary can be altered to make the best of the weather conditions in winter and summer. Leave your accommodation in Porto in the morning and travel to the Gerês National Park in an air-conditioned Land Rover. After around 90 minutes, arrive to the heart of Gerês. Imagine fantastic green lagoons where you can swim and relax, hear the sound of the waterfalls and see amazing rainbows. Visit an old village, where you will meet the locals and enjoy a traditional Portuguese lunch with local green wine (included). Continue to one of the most beautiful and unknown lagoons in Gerês National Park: the blue lagoon. Explore remote areas of the park and enjoy the breathtaking valley. During your exploration, if you're lucky, you might even see the wild horses (Garranos). End your visit to Gerês at one of the most impressive viewpoints in the region.  After a full day enjoying the best spots of Gerês National Park, relax on the trip back to your Porto accommodation, arriving in the early evening.

Explore the natural history, ancient heritage and beautiful nature of Peneda-Gerês National Park on a day trip from Porto, Guimarães or Braga. Following pick-up from your hotel, drive to the lush woodlands to hike through the only national park in the Norte region of Portugal. Marvel at the mountains as you hike in a small group for a more intimate experience. Walk along centuries-old paths that cut through the woods and reach amazing viewpoints along the way. Encounter the remains of ancient settlements and of the Roman Geira road from Braga to Astorga. Swim in the clear waters of the mountain waterfalls or soak in hot springs used by the Romans, depending on the weather. See newborn baby horses in the woods or marvel at the colors of the fall leaves, according to the season.

Relax with a pickup from your accommodation. Take in the beautiful scenery on the 1.5 hour trip into the Douro Valley. Learn about the winemaking techniques that have grown with the local communities over the centuries.  Enjoy a morning tasting of Doc and Port wines from a local producer. Enjoy a traditional lunch, celebrating the regional produce and pallet. Afterwards, take a 1-hour boat ride, and admire the surrounding landscapes. Relax by the river with a regionally-flavored cocktail, before returning back to your accommodation.

Be collected at your accommodation in the city of Porto and set out to discover northern Portugal. Arrive in Guimarães for a calm walk through the medieval city and enter the Castle, which is known as the birth of the kingdom of Portugal.  Then, visit the Palace of the Dukes and be dazzled by the luxuries of royalty throughout the centuries. Your local guide will tell you the whole history of Portugal. A delicious traditional Portuguese lunch will be served in a restaurant where you can taste the famous Vinho Verde, which is produced in the region.  Travel to the city of Braga, known as the city of the Archbishops. Visit the historical center and the interior of the Cathedral. Go to the top of the mountain and visit the most magnificent Sanctuary in Portugal, Bom Jesus do Monte. 

The tour starts with a visit to the birthplace of the Portuguese nation – the city of Guimarães. This was the first city of Portugal chosen by the first king, Afonso Henriques. Known as the cradle of Portugal, Guimarães has preserved a medieval atmosphere at its core and is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. Your first stop takes place in the northern part of the city with a visit to the imposing 10th century castle and the majestic Dukes of Bragança Palace. Afterward the historical Santa Maria Road leads you to the charming square in the heart of the old town, Largo da Oliveira. After a relaxing lunch break in Guimarães that will certainly allow you to enjoy the pleasures of the cuisine of the north of Portugal, it will be time to continue towards Braga, the oldest religious capital of Portugal. Known to the Romans as Bracara Augusta, for centuries Braga has been and archiepiscopal seat and pilgrimage site. Your first stop is Sé, the 12th century cathedral built by Henri de Bourgogne and Dona Teresa. Then you will head to Bom Jesus Sanctuary, a hilltop pilgrimage site. The 581 steps that the pilgrims climb up to the top of Bom Jesus are one of the most glorious stairways in Portugal. After a visit to these landmarks of faith in the country you head back to Porto.

During this tuk tuk ride you will be taken through the most important historical and architectural points of the city center of Braga to understand the importance and extensive history of the city. Within the maze of narrow streets, Gothic churches back onto modern shopping streets and grand baroque buildings surround peaceful plazas. Braga is the perfect place for history and culture, being home to numerous monuments and attractions, including one of the finest monuments in Northern Portugal, the Bom Jesus do Monte church, a must-do for any trip to Braga. Some of the other sights covered by this tour are the Holy Cross Church, Pius XII Museum, Roman Thermae of Maximinus, Roman ruins of Carvalheiras, Biscainhos Museum, Carmo Church, Mercado Municipal de Braga, Braga City Hall, and the Public Library of Braga. The number of these places visited will depend on the duration booked.

Explore one of most beautiful natural spots along the Vez river by stand up paddleboard. Take in the views of a pollution-free valley that will allow you to enjoy nature in its most pure and relaxing state. You'll be accompanied by a professional guide, bringing all the safety and guidance necessary for beginners and professionals. Among the several routes available, the one most suitable for your experience will be selected, guaranteeing a lot of fun and safety.

Enjoy a unique experience that will allow you to explore one of the most beautiful nature routes in the water in a Kayak: the Açudes section. Discover the route that connects Ponte da Barca and Ponte de Lima. Cross safely fast dams with a low degree of difficulty, inserted in a pollution-free valley, allowing you to enjoy nature in its pure and relaxing state. During this experience, you will be accompanied by a monitor in the water and a support vehicle outside the river, bringing all the safety and guidance necessary for beginners and pros.

After morning pickup from your accommodation in Porto, Braga, or Guimaraes, head off on a journey into Portugal’s wine country. Discover landscapes of the “Green Region” on the way to the historical city of Amarante with its 13th-century bridge and the 16th-century church. Enjoy trying the northern regional cuisine. Then you’ll be off and running down the Romanesque Route, a trail that travels back in time through Portugal’s rich history by connecting its most famous monuments.  After seeing churches, memorials, castles, and ruins, you’ll head to the first Vinho Verde producer of the the day, learning of the unique methods used to create Portugal’s famous green wine. To cap things off, you’ll continue down the picturesque country roads to another vineyard. Taste more Vinho Verde, gathering skills to differentiate the particular grape varietals used to make each stunningly crisp wine. After discovering some of Portugal’s undisputed cultural gems, you’ll head back to your accommodation.