Day tripsCountriesPortugalSamodaesSamodaes to Amarante and Guimaraes: Private day trip

Samodaes to Amarante and Guimaraes: Private day trip

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Private ride with a local driver

7h 15m
Round trip
Private driver
Trusted by 1+ million happy travelers across 120 countries
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4.9
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Reviews

About your trip

With a private driver, this round trip from Samodães winds through the romantic riverside charm of Amarante and the historic soul of Guimarães. From baroque chapels and artist studios to medieval castles and tiled plazas, it’s a day of beauty, legend, and discovery—all framed by the lush slopes of the Douro Valley.

Spend 90 minutes wandering Amarante’s old center at your own pace, then drive 45 minutes to Guimarães for two hours exploring the castle, Paço dos Duques, and UNESCO-listed squares at your leisure. Your professional driver ensures a seamless and comfortable journey, helping fit it all into about 6-7 hours and allowing you to immerse yourself in northern Portugal’s depth of culture with ease.

Exclusively yours: private vehicle and professional driver
Discover local insights you won't find in guidebooks
Experience the freedom to explore at your own speed
Perfectly planned for families, friends, or solo travelers
From €114
Private group ride
per person
Select date and travelers
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before your pickup time.
For a group of 1-3 travelersTotal€342

What to expect

Your day trip begins wherever you are

Meet our professional driver right where you prefer in Samodaes whenever suits you best. No time wasted getting to the pickup point, grab your bag and start your trip right away.

Discover more with local expertise

Your driver’s local insights will set the tone for your day trip. A hidden café here, a must-try restaurant there; insider tips you’ll love sharing later. This isn’t a guided tour but your ride will be rich with stories and discoveries along the way. And throughout the day, your driver will be available for you as needed, ready to assist, happy to help, making your trip stress-free.

Explore at your own pace

Enjoy a stress-free route with total flexibility at each stop. Your driver handles the navigation and suggests attractions that match your interests to help you create a day that's uniquely yours.

Perfect for any private group

Whether you're traveling solo, as a family with kids, or as a large group, this service is tailored for your comfort and flexibility. It's the ideal option especially if you have limited time or a busy schedule.

Good to know

  • Two-way private car transfer
  • Air-conditioned vehicle
  • Personalized pickup and drop-off
  • Professional English-speaking driver
  • Complimentary bottled water
  • Free cancellation 24 hours before departure
  • Entry/Admission tickets to paid attractions Amarante, Guimaraes, Sanctuary of Penha, and Terraced Vineyards of the Douro Valley should be purchased separately unless specified otherwise
  • Meals, snacks, and gratuity are not included
From €114
Private group ride
per person
Select date and travelers
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before your pickup time.
For a group of 1-3 travelersTotal€342

Your trip at a glance

Your trip at a glance

Start in Samodaes
You choose the pickup spot.
1
Amarante
Feel free to explore at your own pace and discover
Stop: 1 h 30 min - admission not included
Amarante
Amarante
Amarante
Amarante
Amarante
Amarante
Pastel charm, riverfront strolls, and the pastries of legends - Amarante is elegance wrapped in stone and sweetness. With pastel facades, wooden balconies, and the calm shimmer of the Tamega River, Amarante is pure northern Portuguese romance. Begin at the Ponte de Sao Goncalo, then explore the riverside promenade and the Igreja de Sao Goncalo, where azulejo-lined chapels and love legends await. A short walk brings you to the Museu Amadeo de Souza-Cardoso, a striking space showcasing Portugal’s modernist soul. End with a sweet stop for Bolos de Sao Goncalo or papos de anjo, best enjoyed with a view of the water or from Calcada Eduardo Teixeira Pinto, where the light hits just right.
2
Guimaraes
Feel free to explore at your own pace and discover
Stop: 2 hours - admission not included
Guimaraes
Guimaraes
Guimaraes
Guimaraes
Guimaraes
Guimaraes
A cradle of kings and cobbled lanes, Guimaraes breathes life into Portugal’s storied beginnings. Often called the birthplace of Portugal, Guimaraes is a living museum of medieval beauty and national pride. Begin at Guimaraes Castle and the Palace of the Dukes, where tales of the first Portuguese king echo through stone halls and hanging tapestries. Then wander into the Old Town, through Rua de Santa Maria and Largo da Oliveira, where iron balconies, Gothic arcades, and intricate tiles create a timeless backdrop. Don’t leave without sampling a Toucinho do Ceu or Bacalhau a Ze do Pipo at a tucked-away tavern - Guimaraes is history you can taste.
3
Sanctuary of Penha (photo spot)
We’ll stop at this perfect photo spot – take a moment to capture the view!
Stop: 20 min - admission not included
Sanctuary of Penha
Sanctuary of Penha
See sweeping views, forest trails, and experience a moment of peace between stone and sky.
Terraced Vineyards of the Douro Valley (pass by)
You’ll pass by this stunning spot – be sure to take a moment to enjoy the view along the way!
Terraced Vineyards of the Douro Valley
Terraced Vineyards of the Douro Valley
As you travel, watch the landscape unfurl into the Douro’s terraced vineyards.
Back to Samodaes
We’ll take you back to your starting point.
Duration of the stops can be changed upon request after booking
Have questions or need help?Contact our Customer Support. We are available 24/7

Daytrip is loved all around the world. Here's why.

5.0
5176 reviewson Tripadvisor
or
4.9
991 reviewson Trustpilot

Know more about your day trip

Guimaraes is where Portugal's first king, Afonso Henriques, was born and the country's independence was declared. The medieval city center, a UNESCO World Heritage site, preserves the nation's founding history through ancient castles and historic architecture.
Amarante offers the stunning Sao Goncalo Church, the picturesque Tamega River bridge, and charming riverside cafes. The town's historic center features traditional Portuguese architecture and local pastry shops famous for regional sweets.
You'll have 2 hours to visit Guimaraes Castle, the Palace of the Dukes of Braganza, and wander through the medieval streets. This allows time for exploring the historic center and visiting key landmarks.
Located on Penha Mountain above Guimaraes, this sanctuary offers spectacular views over the city and surrounding countryside. The site features religious monuments, hiking trails, and panoramic vistas accessible by scenic cable car.
Amarante features well-preserved 16th-century architecture, including the iconic Sao Goncalo Monastery and the historic bridge spanning the Tamega River. The town's baroque churches and traditional houses create a picture-perfect riverside setting.
Guimaraes is famous for Tortas de Guimaraes almond pastries, while Amarante specializes in Sao Goncalo pastries and regional wine. Both towns offer traditional Portuguese cuisine featuring local ingredients and centuries-old recipes.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have any questions, here are the answers.
Day tripsCountriesPortugalSamodaesSamodaes to Amarante and Guimaraes: Private day trip