Founded by the Romans over 2,000 years ago, Braga is one of Portugal's oldest and most significant cities, located in the northern Minho region just a short drive from Porto. Our private half-day excursion is a great way to peel back the layers of history in the company of a knowledgeable local driver-guide, unearthing hidden details of key landmarks including the incredible Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Braga Cathedral, the oldest in Portugal, and the gorgeous Santa Barbara Garden.
On this 4-hour driving tour, you will:
- Discover the charming city of Braga on an insightful guided visit;
- Depart directly from your hotel in Porto with convenient pick up and drop off;
- Enjoy the undivided attention of your experienced local driver-guide, well-versed in Portuguese history and culture;
- Explore the stunning Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte, a UNESCO World Heritage Site;
- Hear how Braga evolved across the centuries, from its Roman origins to its role as a religious centre, and get a feel for its current youthful energy;
- Wander the quaint streets of the historic centre;
- Pass by the picturesque Santa Barbara Garden and enjoy the pleasant design and seasonal blooms;
- Visit Braga Cathedral, Portugal's oldest cathedral and one of the country's most important religious monuments;
- Admire the range of architectural styles on display, including Romanesque, Baroque and Gothic.
Go beyond Porto and journey north to discover the spiritual heart of Portugal on this enriching half-day private excursion to Braga. Your day begins with a comfortable hotel pick-up, where your experienced local guide welcomes you aboard a modern vehicle for the scenic drive through the Minho countryside. Your first stop is the awe-inspiring Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that has drawn pilgrims for centuries. Perched high above the city, its magnificent Baroque staircase, serene chapels, and sweeping views offer a moment of reflection and admiration. As you climb its almost 600 steps, constructed in an elaborate zigzag pattern, your guide can point out the intricate details of the chapels, fountains and statues that line the route and explain what they are meant to symbolise.
Then it will be time to venture into the heart of Braga. Once in the historic centre, your guide will lead you on an engaging walking tour through Braga’s charming streets, explaining intriguing details of Braga’s past and present. As one of Portugal’s oldest cities, Braga offers a unique blend of ancient Roman heritage and ornate Christian monuments, infused with a dash of youthful vitality, thanks to its notably lower-than-average age compared to other European cities. You will meander past elegant squares, graceful arcades, and centuries-old facades before arriving at the picture-perfect Santa Bárbara Garden. Set beside medieval ruins, with delightful floral displays that change with the seasons, this romantic garden bursts with colour and is a peaceful oasis within the city.
You’ll then have the chance to enjoy some free time to wander at your own pace, perhaps browsing local boutiques or sampling a sweet pastry in one of the city’s inviting cafés. Your visit concludes with a guided tour of Braga Cathedral, the oldest in Portugal. You will learn that this historic place of worship was established several decades before the founding of the country itself (when the area still formed part of the Kingdom of Leon) and consecrated back in 1089. Your guide can also show you how the layers of Romanesque, Gothic, Moorish and Baroque architecture tell the story of the nation’s spiritual roots. With its ornate chapels and striking details, the cathedral offers a fitting finale to your day in Braga before you return to Porto, enriched by the beauty and history of one of Portugal’s most sacred cities.