Architectural charm, history and beautiful views merge on this day trip to Guimarães, Braga and Viana do Castelo. We'll admire stunning landscapes!
Day Trip Details
At the indicated time, we'll meet at the central Praça da Batalha to begin this day trip to some of the most historical places in northern Portugal. After a brief introduction, we'll fasten our seatbelts and leave Porto behind.
Our first destination is the Santuário Diocesano do Sagrado Coração de Jesus, also known as the Santuário do Monte de Santa Luzia. At its highest point, we'll enjoy the spectacular panoramic view of the city, the Atlantic Ocean on the horizon and the estuary of the Lima River. We'll visit this Byzantine-style building crowned by an enormous dome adorned with striking stained glass windows.
We'll then go down to the centre of Viana do Castelo, a town of cobbled streets, peaceful squares and stately houses. You'll have an hour of free time to explore the old town at your leisure, where the Manueline style merges with Baroque and Gothic elements.
Next destination? Braga, known as the Portuguese Rome. Upon arrival, we'll take a guided tour where we'll walk among its historical buildings while we review the past and the meaning of its main monuments. Afterwards, you'll have 1.5 hours of free time to enjoy lunch in one of its traditional restaurants.
We'll meet back up to head to the Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte, an architectural gem set on a hillside adorned with lush gardens. You'll have an hour to wander freely up its baroque staircase that zigzags 116 metres (380 feet) until you reach the temple at the top—be sure to snap a photo!
Lastly, we'll arrive in Guimarães, the cradle of the Portuguese nation. We'll walk through its old town, declared a World Heritage Site, and no wonder! Every corner oozes an exciting history between medieval houses, walls, cobbled squares and alleys that preserve the soul of another time.
Finally, we'll return to the initial meeting point, where we'll say goodbye after a 10.5-hour day trip.
