Historic Guimarães is a UNESCO World Heritage site due to its history being, “…closely associated with the creation of the national identity and language of Portugal”.

Often called “the cradle city”, Portugal’s first king, Alfonso I was born here. A key battle, giving him control of the then county of Portugal, was fought nearby. This was the beginning of Alfonso Henriques’ quest to establish a new kingdom.

Your English-speaking driver, at disposal for the excursion’s duration, greets you at the Port of Porto arrivals terminal. You’ll travel to Guimarães in a private air-conditioned vehicle to explore this fascinating and legendary Portuguese town.

Founded in the 4th century, Guimarães grew around a monastery and castle built to protect it from Moorish attack. The road which connected these two sites, Rua de Santa Maria, was and still is the town’s main road. The city served briefly as the new nation’s first capital after Alfonso I declared himself King of Portugal in 1139.

The exceptionally well preserved old town is important for its richness of architectural styles -- from the middle ages through the 19th century. The most characteristic are the typical houses with a granite first floor topped by a timber-framed second level.

Explore the town’s winding medieval cobbled streets and admire the graceful squares, gothic buildings and lovely wrought iron railings in this medieval gem of a town!