Discover the Minho region during an optional tour today. Our discoveries here begin in Guimarães, a ninth century city known as the “cradle of Portugal,” owing to the fact that the nation’s first king was born here, and that the Battle of São Mamede, one of Portugal’s foundational events, occurred near the city. A castle was built here to defend the local monastery from attacks, and expanded over the next 100 years, serving as the royal residence until the dawn of the 13th century. As we tour the historic city center on foot, we’ll catch a glimpse of this monument. We’ll also visit the Ducal Palace, the estate and former residents of the Braganza family—the noble dynasty that ruled over Portugal until the monarchy was overthrown in 1910.
Then, we drive through Braga, settled since the Roman era, and one of the world’s oldest Catholic archdioceses. Its heart is the sweeping Praça da República, first laid out in the Middle Ages, and now outlined with restaurants including the Vianna Café, established in 1858. With its arch-filled arcade, water fountain, and cobbled plaza, it is an elegant glimpse into past eras, even while still beloved by locals today. Our tour concludes with a tasting of the young wines known as vinho verde before returning to Porto this afternoon.
