The Minho region is considered the "Cradle of the Nation" for Portugal because it is the birthplace of the country's first king, Afonso Henriques, and the site where Portuguese independence was declared in Guimarães. The region's historical significance is rooted in its foundational role in Portuguese political history, with Guimarães serving as the birthplace of the kingdom and Braga becoming a major religious center. Today, the area remains a vital hub for Portuguese culture, history, and natural beauty.

Minho is like a small country itself. Its history and traditions, together with a unique architecture and cuisine, make it one of the most special places in Portugal. Guimarães, known as the cradle of Portugal, and Braga, the city of the Archbishops, are the two most important cities in the region, and both are worth a visit.

The tour starts at 09:00 AM, when our private driver-guide will pick you up at your accommodation. You'll be driven out of town, into the region of Minho, in the North of Portugal. As soon as you leave Porto, you'll immediately see a different landscape, with mountains filled with trees, vineyards, and small farming fields, that will dazzle you.

Our first stop will be in Guimarães, the city known to be the Cradle of Portugal. Here you'll learn all about a man, called Afonso Henriques, who became the first King of Portugal. If you like history, this place is a must!

We'll start by visiting Guimarães Castle, a medieval fortification, located on the top of a hill, from where you can enjoy the most spectacular view.
Afterward, we'll pass by the ancient S. Miguel Church, from the 12th century, and the Braganza Ducal Palace.

As we go walking down the hill, you'll come across ancient houses, narrow streets, and former convents, giving the city center a medieval vibe, and one of the reasons why Guimarães was considered a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. We'll pass by Santa Maria Street, Saint Claire's Church, Santiago Square, and Nossa Senhora da Oliveira Church.
After exploring the city center, it's time for a typical Portuguese lunch in a local restaurant.

In the afternoon, we'll go on with our adventure and visit Braga, one of the most important religious places in the country. In Braga you'll find dozens of catholic churches, but we have selected the most important and beautiful. We'll start with Bom Jesus Shrine, a pilgrimage site with a unique Neoclassical Basilica, surrounded by a romantic park. This is one of the most recent World Heritage Sites, classified in 2019. Here we'll give you some free time to explore the astonishing gardens and admire the view over the city.

Before returning to Porto, we'll stop at the Cathedral of Braga for a short visit. This is a landmark for the Portuguese catholics, since it's considered the oldest one in the country. It's an imposing building where three architectural styles combine: Romanesque, Manueline, and Baroque.

Afterward, we'll return to Porto and drop you off at your accommodation.