Guimarães: Half Day Private Tour from Porto

The Birth place of Portuguese Nation, with its Historical centre classified as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO since 2001. Also Capital European of Culture in 2012. Guimarães is a city full of History and Heritage, walking along the narrow streets is like returning to the middle age, thanks to the heritage so well preserved nowadays. Know everything about Guimarães on this half day private tour from Porto. Visit the most important places, walk through the historical cantre and visit the well-known Guimarães Castle!

Your expert guide will collect you from your hotel/accommodation or meeting point and will drive you to Guimarães.
On your way to Guimarães, the guide will give you insights regarding the Portuguese history, development and cultural facts of portuguese heritage.

Guimarães is considered the birthplace of Portugal because Afonso Henriques, who went on to be the first king of Portugal, was born here.

The historical centre in the area that was within the Guimarães city walls, is associated with the formation and identity of Portugal, and was classified a World Heritage site based on the originality and authenticity applied in its restoration.

The castle´s presence evokes the exciting mixture of legend, poetry and heroism that surrounds the beginning of Portuguese history. On this Monte Largo (Broad Hill) – referred to as alpis latitus in the Latin documents of the time – the nucleus of the future nation of Portugal was first developed.
Enjoy a guided visit of the Castle with incredible views of the city from its walls.

The small church of S. Miguel do Castelo was built in the 13th century. However, according to tradition, this church would have been built in the 12th century by Count Dom Henrique (Henry of Burgundy), where he would have baptised his son, the 1st King of Portugal Dom Afonso Henriques.

The construction of the palace of the Dukes of Bragança, its design inspired by that of the typical French manor houses, was begun in the early 15th century. It was commissioned by D. Afonso de Barcelos, the first duke of Bragança and the bastard son of D. João, Master of Avis, the future king D. João I. Because the residence of the Dukes of Bragança was later moved to the Palace of Vila Viçosa, in the Alentejo, the building gradually fell into disrepair over the centuries until it was transformed into a military barracks in 1807.

Admire from the outside this magnificent masterpiece.
Admission is not included.

The city still has a harmonious, well-preserved heritage that is evident in the graceful iron verandas, granite balconies and porticos, mansions, arches connecting the narrow streets, paving slabs smoothed by time, towers and cloisters. For a moment you might imagine yourself to be in a mediaeval setting, where the nobility built their houses over time, such as the Mota Prego house, the Vila Flor and Toural palaces, and the many others that give Guimarães its unique atmosphere.

We will visit the heart of the city, Largo da Oliveira, where you find the Padrão do Salado and the Collegiate Church of Nossa Senhora da Oliveira, which houses the valuable Alberto Sampaio Museum. Passing the Paços Municipais (City Hall), crowned with battlements, enter the Praça de Santiago which in the Middle Ages welcomed pilgrims bound for Compostela, just as today it welcomes residents and tourists in its restaurants and terraces. The Convent of Santa Clara, the Casa do Arco and other stately houses are in Rua da Santa Maria, which links with the upper city.

• Specialized infant seats are available
• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• Children must be accompanied by an adult
• Professional Guide
• Admission Ticket at Guimarães Castle
• Please note that traffic conditions may affect the activity’s duration. We recommend not scheduling any activities or plans for an hour after the expected completion time.
• Discover Porto in a unique way with a Free Walking Tour with Living Tours, available to all customers who book this activity. Our Free Walking Tour is available on a daily basis, in English and Spanish, at 9:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. departing from Living Tours Agency located in Rua Mouzinho da Silveira 352, 4050-418 Porto

• Guimarães: Half Day Private Tour from Porto
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  Pickup included

• Porto City Walking Tour (available from the day after your experience)
• Hotel pickup and drop-off
• Transport by air-conditioned vehicle
• Professional guide
• Guimarães Castle Entrance Fee

• Food and drinks

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• This Tour is Provided by Living Tours.
• Tour Timezone & Starts at Europe/Lisbon.
• Mobile or paper ticket accepted.
• For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
• This Tour is Rated 5 Stars based on 3 valid reviews on VIATOR.
• Minimum 1 Travelers is required to book.
• Maximum 8 Travelers is accepted for booking.