Wednesday 26/6/2019
Walking Tour in the Old Town of Braga & Welcome Reception
Starting from the Universidade Católica Portuguesa, we will stroll around the Old Town of Braga to visit the oldest Cathedral in the country and appreciate the lively streets, narrow houses and its historical buildings, such as Palacio do Raio and the Arco da Ponte Nova.
Braga is one of the oldest Christian cities in the world, dating back to the Roman empire when it was called Bracara Augusta. It is a city full of culture and traditions with ancient buildings and churches around every corner. But even though Braga is a very traditional city, with more than 2000 years of history, it also full of life and offers opportunities for recreation and culture with its lively cafes, restaurants, theatres, boutiques and museums.
The visit ends with a walk through the gardens of Santa Barbara.
On Wednesday evening, we are also delighted to offer our ICOT2019 delegates a Welcome Reception. The Reception is a perfect moment to give a very warm welcome to the conference delegates from the various countries. It is also a wonderful opportunity to meet people or make new contacts by just saying hello to a follow delegate, while enjoying local dances, snacks & Portuguese wine.
The reception, including the Welcome Speeches, will take place in Campus Camões of Universidade Católica Portuguesa, located right Braga downtown.
Old Town of Braga
Cathedral of Braga
Palacio do Raio
Arco da Porta Aberta
Santa Barbara gardens
Universidade Católica Portuguesa – Campus Camões – Braga
Friday 28/6/2018
Half Day Trip & Gala Dinner
Walking Tour in the Old Town of Guimarães: UNESCO World Heritage Site.
On Friday evening, ICOT2019 delegates are invited to travel back to the Middle Ages on a walking tour in the city of Guimãres, before enjoying a wonderful Gala Diner.
Guimarães is an extraordinarily well-preserved and historically city, located close to Braga and Porto. It is known as the Birthplace of the Portuguese Nation and this extensive history is reflected in a huge variety of historic buildings found in the city. In 2001, the historic centre of Guimarães has been added to UNESCO’s World Heritage Site.
The tour explores the charming city center of gothic buildings, traditional houses, delightful plazas and the wonderful Castle of Guimarães. This also includes amazing stories behind the foundation of Portugal.
Old Town of Guimarães
Praça da Oliveira
Castelo de Guimarães
Gala Dinner: Palace of the Dukes of Bragança
Part of an impressive Heritage set that also integrates Guimaraes Castle, this medieval building is one of the most well-preserved strongholds in Portugal. It is a symbol of the Portuguese nationality, since it is commonly believed that Portugal’s first King, Afonso Henriques, was born in Guimarães Castle. The Palace was built in 14th century and was the former residence of the first Dukes of Bragançaa, a title given to the male heir of the Portuguese Crown. Later the Dukes of Braganza moved to Vila Viçosa, in the Alentejo, abandoning the Palace. The 16th century marked the beginning of period ruin, which was aggravated over the centuries until it was transformed into a military barracks in 1807. In 20th century, during the Estado Novo Regime, the Palace was carefully restored and classified as National Monument. Today, part of the property has been reconverted into a Museum, whose magnificent collection and disposition illustrate the rich history of Portugal.
Saturday 29/6/2019
Full-Day Trip: Porto Tour (9.30am – 5pm)
On Saturday 29 of June at 9.30, ICOT Delegates are invited to sit back and relax on the 40 minutes transfer to Portugal’s second city – Porto City – one of the most eclectic and vibrant destination in Europe, which was distinguished for the third time as the Best European Destination.
Porto is also the city that gave its name to Portugal very early (200 BC), when designated for Portus Cale. It is known worldwide for its wine, its bridges and ancient and contemporary architecture and its historical center, listed as World Heritage by Unesco.
Our Tour in Porto begins in the UNESCO protected Old Town site – Ribeira – where delegates, accompanied by a friendly guide with rich knowledge, will explore the narrow cobbled streets, picturesque architecture and fascinating history of Porto.
After a short walking tour, Delegates are invited to take one-hour cruise in the Douro River, enjoy the lovely views of the city from the river and take beautiful photos of the city, bridges and typical Rabelo boats.
Then, Delegates will visit one famous Port Wine cellar in Vila Nova de Gaia and will find out more about the Port wine region’s 300 years old fascinating history.
The tour ends with a tasting of Port wines. The true nectar of the Gods!
Porto City
Beach
Buildings in Porto
The Douro River
Port wine cellar
