Your first stop will be Guimarães, also known as the birthplace of the Portuguese nationality, as it was the home of the first Portuguese king.Explore two of Portugal’s lesser known gems on a day trip from Porto. Much of the conquest of Latin America was initiated in this very city, and the locals are still often referred to as the conquistadores, or the conquerors! While wandering the narrow streets of the historical quarter and visiting the incredible Ducal Palace and Guimarães Castle, its impossible not to note the richness and power of Guimarães’ history.

After a delicious lunch you are off to Braga, Portugal’s third largest city. Founded by Romans in the 1st century BC, Braga is an elegant town laced with ancient, winding streets closed to vehicles, plazas, and a splendid array of Baroque churches. Visit Portugal’s oldest cathedral and the Bom Jesus do Monte Sanctuary, a stunning example of neoclassical architecture and Baroque decorations, as your private local guide unveils all of the treasures that each stop has to offer.