Suggestions for Travel in North Portugal

I have Braga and Guimarães on my itinerary. I plan to take a day trip from Porto with someone I found on Viator. Here's hoping the reviews were right!

When you say reviews, Evelyn, are you talking about the ones on Viator?

Why not ask some questions on this Forum and hopefully get answers from those in the know.

I am going on a cruise in October which will end in Lisbon. I port in Porto before Lisbon. Had no idea that Porto and Lisbon and all of Portugal was so incredible until I began to do actual research on my cruise.

We loved our time in the Minho region of Portugal. We spent three nights in Guimares, the first capital city of Portugal, a wonderful and very historic city to explore. We stayed in the Pousada there. Highly recommend spending time there.
Porto is an interesting city too with the history of Port and French and British influences.

"I plan to take a day trip from Porto with someone I found on Viator."

@ Evelyn - You may be aware but Viator is a 3rd party reseller of tours owned by Trip Advisor. They charge the tour company 20-25% for listing so I try to book directly with the tour company whenever possible. The tour company name is usually listed under "more" on the listing.

Oh Everyone

Here is the excursion that I will be taking from Porto or Oporto:

The Charming Minho ProvinceDETAILS
6 1/2
hrs

It's a scenic drive from the port that brings you to Minho, a charming province that remains one of Portugal's most uncharted territories. Your exploration of the region begins in Guimaraes, the first capital of Portugal and the birthplace of the nation's first king. The city has endeavored to preserve as many of its medieval structures as possible and its historical center has earned a place as one of UNESCO's World Heritage Sites.

After a short panoramic drive through the city, you'll enjoy a walking tour through city centre and free time.

Re-boarding your coach, you'll proceed on to Braga, considered by many to be one of Portugal's most beautiful cites due in large part to its vast array of stunning Baroque monuments. Your time in Braga includes a stop at one of the country's most well-known sites, the Bom Jesus Sanctuary. Described as a masterpiece of European Baroque, the Sanctuary consists of a twin-towered church that rests atop a spectacular Baroque staircase. The stairway itself is flanked by several smaller chapels that represent the Stations of the Cross. While a funicular provides access to the church, the more adventurous may elect to climb the magnificent stairs, enjoying the splendid architecture up-close.

Following a relaxing lunch in a local restaurant, your tour continues with a visit of the cathedral, also considered one of Braga's most important monuments. The imposing, yet largely unadorned exterior hides a wonderfully decorated interior. Two massive gilded organs dominate the high choir and the main chapel boasts soaring vaulted arches as well as a lovely 16th century statue of the Madonna. From here, your guide takes you on an enjoyable walking tour of the city center where you will be allowed some free time for shopping before it's time to re-board your coach and travel back to Oporto.

I am getting so excited. I really hope the lunch is relaxing and we are not rushed. Six 1/2 hours is not enough time but it is the best that I / we can do,

Pam,

I may be wrong but I think that Trip Advisor is owned by Booking Holdings which owns a lot of the sites we all go to.

Last I looked (and it has been some time) Booking Holdings stock was selling for over $1,000 a share, one of the most expensive stocks on the stock exchange.

UPDATE: I checked Booking Holdings and shares are now selling for over $3,000 a share.