Add dates

Things to do in Minho

Our most recommended things to do in Minho

Vinho Verde Full-Day Premium Wine Tour

1. Vinho Verde Full-Day Premium Wine Tour

After morning pickup from your accommodation in Porto, Braga, or Guimaraes, head off on a journey into Portugal’s wine country. Discover landscapes of the “Green Region” on the way to the historical city of Amarante with its 13th-century bridge and the 16th-century church. Enjoy trying the northern regional cuisine. Then you’ll be off and running down the Romanesque Route, a trail that travels back in time through Portugal’s rich history by connecting its most famous monuments.  After seeing churches, memorials, castles, and ruins, you’ll head to the first Vinho Verde producer of the the day, learning of the unique methods used to create Portugal’s famous green wine. To cap things off, you’ll continue down the picturesque country roads to another vineyard. Taste more Vinho Verde, gathering skills to differentiate the particular grape varietals used to make each stunningly crisp wine. After discovering some of Portugal’s undisputed cultural gems, you’ll head back to your accommodation.

Minho: Private Braga and Guimarães Tour

2. Minho: Private Braga and Guimarães Tour

Your first stop will be in Braga, a city known for its heritage and religious events as one of the oldest cities in Portugal and one of the oldest Christian cities in the world. Being a religious city, you must visit the Cathedral of Faith Triangle, and the Sanctuaries of Bom Jesus. The Cathedral of Braga is distinguished by different architectural styles, including Roman, Manueline and Baroque. It is considered a center of Episcopal irradiation, and is one of the most important Romanesque temples in the country. The Bom Jesus Sanctuary is famous for its endless staircases and baroque details, and above being a religious monument it is also a truly romantic and relaxing place, complete with stunning views of the city. Before leaving for Guimarães, you will have a short break in the historic center of Braga, where you can enjoy a tasty, traditional lunch. Guimarães is where the first King of Portugal, D. Afonso Henriques, was born. The history of Guimarães is related to the foundation of the national identity and the Portuguese language. Here you can explore the Guimarães Castle, and see the imposing statue of King Afonso Henriques.

From Porto: Full-Day Trip of Minho Region

3. From Porto: Full-Day Trip of Minho Region

Discover a different chapter of Portugal’s fascinating history on this full-day tour through the Minho region, a short drive north from Porto. Join us for this unique trip, arriving first at Guimarães, a city often seen as the birthplace of Portuguese nationality. Settled in the 9th century, this picturesque city is home to a walled historic center, and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. From there we will carry on to the largest city in the Minho region, Braga. The oldest city in Portugal, and one of the oldest in Europe, Braga boasts several beautiful churches, in particular the Braga Cathedral. Enjoy a stop for a traditional lunch in Braga, surrounded by an impressive blend of medieval, neo-classical and baroque architecture. From there we will take the short trip back to Porto, arriving in the evening.

Ponte de Lima & Viana do Castelo: All-Inclusive Private Tour

4. Ponte de Lima & Viana do Castelo: All-Inclusive Private Tour

The day starts with a meeting at your hotel in Oporto, Braga, or Guimarães and you’ll head towards the beautiful green area of Portugal, a title given to this region due to the fertility of its soils that confers a vivid green color to the landscape as far as your eyes can reach. Onboard a comfortable air-conditioned minibus, head towards Ponte de Lima, considered the oldest town in Portugal. Here, you will be guided through the picturesque streets, narrow alleys, and the ancient bridge of Ponte de Lima. Nearby this town you will have a relaxing moment with one of the treasures of the region, the green wine (Vinho Verde). This guided visit takes place inside a baroque palace that dates from the XVII century, where you will find a hospitable wine producer that will explain the uniqueness of this wine while you taste as well some local cheese and smoked sausage. This will also be the moment to enjoy a traditional lunch at a local restaurant. After lunch, you will be driven to Viana do Castelo, a city located between the river the ocean and the mountains. The rich history of this wonderful city will be explained while walking through medieval streets, blue-tiled churches, and traditional jewelry shops where you will find the famous heart from Viana. Enjoy one of the most beautiful panoramic views in the world - the Sanctuary of Santa Luzia. Cap off the experience with a perfectly crafted cocktail by the sea, while going over what has been learned about the history of Portugal, in the picturesque city of Viana do Castelo.

Santiago de Compostela: Private Tour

5. Santiago de Compostela: Private Tour

Start your tour with a convenient pick-up service at your accommodation in Porto or Vila Nova de Gaia city center. After a short meet and greet with your driver/guide, you will take a brief scenic drive to Santiago de Compostela and Valenca do Minho.  On this tour, your guide will show you why Santiago de Compostela has been such a famous and important location for Christian pilgrims. See why the ancient city has long been considered a symbol of faith and devotion. Explore the old part of the city that has been UNESCO listed since 1985. Take a stroll to witness the gorgeous cathedral of Santiago, a Catholic church built in Romanesque style, that bears the scars of many years of conflict. The building is an astounding feature, designed in gothic, baroque and renaissance elements. Before departing for Valença do Minho you will take a break in the historical center of Santiago to enjoy a tasty, traditional lunch. Next, drive to the medieval fortress of Valença do Minho, built with great strategical value, it was the defense wall of Minho. This monument was built to protect Portugal from the Spanish troops. Your guide will take you to the best spots to marvel at this architectural wonder. Your private tour will end with a relaxing drive back to your accommodation. 

Other Sightseeing Options in Minho

Want to discover all there is to do in Minho? Click here for a full list.

What people are saying about Minho

Overall rating

4.8 / 5

based on 8 reviews

informative and competent led by a dedicated tour guide

The tour guide picked us up at our hotel in Porto and drove the individual stages of the trip in a small, international group. She provided competent information about the country and its people, as well as about the destinations. Overall, highly recommended.

Perfect activity from all points of view.

We had a great time, the guide gave us detailed information on the places. We had lunch in a characteristic and quality place. Thank you!

Pedro was great in managing the group and providing relevant insights from a regional and local viewpoint, being from the area himself.

Amazing Minho

Loved the tour with the guide Manuel and also the group I was part of. Very beautiful region and the lunch was a delight.

Excellent and knowledgeable tour guide. Safe driver. Pleasant to spend day with. Wonderful day Elizabeth