Discover the birthplace of the Portuguese nation on a half-day private tour from Porto. Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Guimarães, known for its rich history and well-preserved medieval streets. Visit the iconic Guimarães Castle and immerse yourself in the charm of this cultural gem.
Discover the birthplace of the Portuguese nation on a half-day private tour from Porto. Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Guimarães, known for its rich history and well-preserved medieval streets. Visit the iconic Guimarães Castle and immerse yourself in the charm of this cultural gem.
- Porto - An expert guide will pick you up from your hotel, accommodation, or meeting point and drive you to Guimarães. During the journey, the guide will share fascinating insights into Portuguese history, development, and cultural heritage.
- Guimarães - Known as the birthplace of Portugal, Guimarães is where Afonso Henriques, the first king of…
- Porto - An expert guide will pick you up from your hotel, accommodation, or meeting point and drive you to Guimarães. During the journey, the guide will share fascinating insights into Portuguese history, development, and cultural heritage.
- Guimarães - Known as the birthplace of Portugal, Guimarães is where Afonso Henriques, the first king of Portugal, was born. The historical center, once enclosed by city walls, is linked to the formation and identity of Portugal and is recognized as a World Heritage site for its unique and authentic restoration.
- Guimarães Castle - This castle embodies the captivating blend of legend, poetry, and heroism that marks the beginning of Portuguese history. Located on Monte Largo (Broad Hill), referred to as alpis latitus in Latin documents, it was the nucleus of the future nation of Portugal. Enjoy a guided tour of the castle with stunning views of the city from its walls.
- Igreja de São Miguel do Castelo - This small church, built in the 13th century, is traditionally believed to have been constructed in the 12th century by Count Dom Henrique (Henry of Burgundy), where he baptized his son, the first King of Portugal, Dom Afonso Henriques.
- Paço dos Duques de Bragança - The palace of the Dukes of Bragança, inspired by French manor houses, was begun in the early 15th century by D. Afonso de Barcelos, the first Duke of Bragança and the illegitimate son of D. João, Master of Avis, the future king D. João I. As the Dukes later moved to the Palace of Vila Viçosa in Alentejo, the building fell into disrepair over the centuries until it became a military barracks in 1807. Admire this magnificent masterpiece from the outside. Admission is not included.
- Centro Histórico de Guimarães - The city boasts a harmonious, well-preserved heritage, evident in its elegant iron verandas, granite balconies and porticos, mansions, arches connecting narrow streets, time-smoothed paving slabs, towers, and cloisters. You might feel transported to a medieval setting, where nobility built their homes over time, such as the Mota Prego house, Vila Flor, and Toural palaces, contributing to Guimarães’ unique atmosphere.
Visit the heart of the city, Largo da Oliveira, where you will find the Padrão do Salado and the Collegiate Church of Nossa Senhora da Oliveira, home to 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, and today welcomes residents and tourists in its restaurants and terraces. The Convent of Santa Clara, the Casa do Arco, and other stately houses are located on Rua da Santa Maria, which connects to the upper city.

- 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
- 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
- Gratuities
- Food and drinks
- Gratuities
The cradle of the Portuguese Nation, Guimarães, boasts a historic center that has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2001. This city was also the European Capital of Culture in 2012. Full of rich history and well-preserved heritage, wandering its narrow streets feels like a journey back to the Middle Ages. Discover all that Guimarães has to offer…
The cradle of the Portuguese Nation, Guimarães, boasts a historic center that has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2001. This city was also the European Capital of Culture in 2012. Full of rich history and well-preserved heritage, wandering its narrow streets feels like a journey back to the Middle Ages. Discover all that Guimarães has to offer on this half-day private tour originating from Porto. Tour the city’s notable locations, traverse its historical center, and experience the famous Guimarães Castle.
- 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
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.