HOLIDAY INFORMATION ON Guimaraes

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Customer Reviews

Belen, We’re on the train from Grenada to Madrid. I just wanted to thank you for a magical two weeks in Spain. It’s remarkable how quickly you put the itinerary together for us when I called you in early September. I really appreciate ...

R. Shourya, Virginia, USA
2022-11-09

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“If any city can be described as adorable, then it is Guimaraes” according to the Telegraph. The birthplace of Afonso Henriques, the first king of Portugal, in the year 1111, this UNESCO-listed town is affectionately known as the cradle of Portugal, where the Portuguese national identity and its language was born.  Guimaraes just a 50-minute drive inland from Porto. Enjoy the winding cobbled streets with more than their fair share of tiny bars and cute cafes. Any visit to the town must include the 10th century castle where Afonso was born. The 13th century Gothic keep offers wonderful views of the town. The other monument not to be missed in Guimaraes include the Dukes of Braganza Palace from the 15th century. Converted into a museum, the must-sees are the armoury, the large tapestries and the Romanesque chapel with beautiful stained glass.

When you’ve explored the city inside the walls, slip out to the huge and very elegant Toural Square, that received a facelift for the European Capital of Culture in 2012. Don’t forget to sample the ‘toucinho do ceu’ and ‘tortinhas’ pastries which were invented by the city’s nuns hundreds of years ago.

We highly recommend including Guimaraes while visiting Northern Portugal.  It is an ideal daytrip from Porto and can be combined with seeing Braga too.  We would be happy to incorporate a visit or stay here as part of your custom private tour of Portugal.