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Holy Week in Braga
Itinerary: Braga | Bom Jesus do Monte | Sameiro | Guimarães | Vila do Gerês | Albufeira da Caniçada | São Bento da Porta Aberta | Porto
Get ready for a journey of faith and culture on this 4-day trip during Holy Week in Braga. Over the course of these four days, you will immerse yourself in the heart of the Easter celebration, participating in the 3 most emblematic processions of Braga's Holy Week. Visits to sacred places, such as the Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte in Braga, as well as cultural tours in the city of Guimarães, will make this journey even more special. Additionally, the breathtaking natural landscape of Peneda-Gerês National Park and the vibrant culture of Porto will enrich your experience. Embrace the spirituality and tradition of this unforgettable trip.
NOT TO BE MISSED:
Ride the Bom Jesus Elevator and descend the Escadório, taking in the stunning views of the Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte.
Join the "Procissão da Burrinha," one of Braga’s most emblematic cultural events, rich in religious symbolism.
Sail the tranquil waters of the Albufeira da Caniçada on a one-hour cruise aboard the Rio Caldo vessel and enjoy the breathtaking scenery.
Explore the Sanctuary of São Bento da Porta Aberta, one of the most revered places of worship, with a uniquely serene atmosphere.
Stroll through the historic streets of Guimarães and admire the Castle, Largo da Oliveira, and Praça de São Tiago, where medieval history comes to life.
Day 1: Braga
Morning: Departure from the starting point towards Braga. Arrival and lunch at a local restaurant.
Afternoon: Explore the historic center of Braga on foot, passing through the Church of Santa Maria Madalena and the Chapel of Santa Marta do Leão. Wander through cobbled streets and discover landmarks such as the Biscainhos Palace (now a museum), Santa Bárbara Garden, the Raio Palace, the Convento do Pópulo, the Church of Misericórdia, the Menagem Tower, and Avenida da Liberdade. Visit the Sé Cathedral, the oldest in Portugal, and explore its Treasure Museum, which houses an invaluable collection spanning over 15 centuries of art and ecclesiastical history in Braga.
Evening: Dinner at a local restaurant. After dinner, attend the biblical procession "Vós sereis o Meu povo," also known as the Procession of the Donkey. Overnight stay at a 4* hotel in Braga.
Day 2: Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte | Sameiro | Guimarães
Morning: Depart for the Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte, originally dating back to the 14th century with a chapel at the site. Take the Bom Jesus Funicular, visit the Sanctuary, and descend the monumental staircase.
Afternoon: Continue to the Sanctuary of Nossa Senhora do Sameiro, originally dedicated to the Immaculate Conception. Located on Mount Sameiro, the highest point in Braga, it offers the best panoramic views of Braga and the Peneda-Gerês National Park. Lunch at a local restaurant. Continue to Guimarães for a walking tour starting at the Castle, descending into the historic center with highlights such as the iconic Largo da Oliveira, the Church of Nossa Senhora, Largo do Toural, and Praça de São Tiago.
Evening: Return to Braga for dinner. After dinner, participate in the "Ecce Homo" procession. Overnight stay at a 4* hotel in Braga.
Day 3: Vila do Gerês | Albufeira da Caniçada | Sanctuary of São Bento da Porta Aberta | Terras de Bouro
Morning: Depart for Gerês. Along the way, stop at the Church of Nossa Senhora da Lapa, a chapel built inside a rock formation. Continue to Albufeira da Caniçada, where the waters of the Cávado, Gerês, and Freitas rivers converge. Take a magnificent 1-hour cruise aboard the Rio Caldo vessel.
Afternoon: Lunch at a local restaurant. Continue to the village of Gerês, with free time to visit the thermal gardens. Next, visit the Sanctuary of São Bento da Porta Aberta, one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Portugal.
Evening: Return to Braga passing through Terras de Bouro. Dinner at a local restaurant. After dinner, participate in the "Procession of the Burial of the Lord." Overnight stay at a 4* hotel in Braga.
Day 4: Porto
Morning: Departure for Porto.
Afternoon: Stroll along the Foz district, visit the Convent of St. Francis, one of the finest examples of Gothic architecture in Porto, renowned for its impressive gilded woodwork. Continue to the Ribeira waterfront and enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, take a walking tour to visit Porto Cathedral, the Church of Santo Ildefonso, and the Congregados Church.
Evening: Return to the starting point.
This itinerary allows you to experience the spiritual and cultural highlights of Northern Portugal, with a unique focus on the region’s historical landmarks, religious traditions, and vibrant festivals.
