Portugal
Pack your bags, we are heading to Portugal! Picture sun-kissed beaches, charming cobblestone streets, and the love and laughter of our closest friends and family – all coming together to make this day unforgettable. There will be plenty of time to explore, relax, and make incredible memories together. Come for the wedding, stay for the adventure!
OUR PORTUGAL ITINERARY
Our itinerary is below. Please feel free to join us at any point—whether it’s for a day trip, a fun meal, or just hanging out and exploring. We’d love to have you with us! Don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions, or if you want to meet up at any point. This trip is all about making memories, enjoying each other’s company, and spending as much quality time together as possible before and after the big day!
Braga/Terras de Bouro
July 7 - July 17
Staying: Lua de Caldelas
Western Mediterranean Cruise
July 17 - July 27
MSC Cruises / MSC Opera
Lisbon
July 27 - July 31
Staying: Airbnb in Central Downtown
We're so excited to celebrate our special day with all of you, and we want to make your travel planning as smooth and stress-free as possible!
To help with that, we've partnered with a travel agent who is familiar with all the details of our wedding. Whether you're booking flights, accommodations, or looking for the best travel options, she is here to help make your trip seamless and enjoyable.
Please contact Amber Burke at:
(352)-527-8473
cthomas@dreamvacations.com
We are so excited to have you join us for our wedding! We know that many of you will be traveling from afar, so we wanted to give you a little heads-up to make your travel planning easier.
Flight Tips:
Start looking for the best deals as soon as October. It’s never too early to shop around for good prices!
Tuesday nights tend to offer cheaper flight options, so keep an eye out for those deals.
Clear your browser history when searching for flights—trust us, it can help keep prices from creeping up!
You can enter Portugal through either Lisbon or Porto. However, since our wedding is in the beautiful northern city of Braga, please note that you’ll need a bit of additional travel time to reach the venue.
We can't wait to see all of you, and if you need help with travel suggestions or anything else, don't hesitate to reach out!
We’ll be flying with TAP, and we’ve had nothing but great experiences with them—smooth flying and fantastic service!
Lisbon Entry: If you're flying into Lisbon, you’ll need to travel north to Braga, which takes about four hours by car, train, or bus. It’s a bit of a journey, but totally worth it when you get to Braga!
Porto Entry: If you’re flying into Porto, you’re in luck! Braga is just about an hour north by car, train, or bus. So it’s a much quicker trip to the wedding destination!
ETIAS travel authorization is an entry requirement for visa-exempt nationals traveling to Europe. It is linked to a traveler's passport. It is valid for up to three years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first. If you get a new passport, you need to get a new ETIAS travel authorization. Click on the link below to apply for ETIAS to enter into Portugal.
https://travel-europe.europa.eu/etias_en
We highly recommend renting a car so you can explore all that Portugal has to offer! It can get pricey so coordinate with friends and family in order to maximize cost.
We highly recommend riding the train and using public transportation in the city. Trains are simple to use and convenient for travel between Lisbon/Porto to Braga.
A rideshare is readily available in the cities. If you are in a small town or cannot find a rideshare, a taxi should be close by.
💡TIP: Make sure you have a travel credit card with no foreign transaction fee and car rental insurance.💡
To make your stay as easy and enjoyable as possible, we recommend booking a hotel in the city of Braga. It’s a fantastic base for exploring the area and offers easy access to the train station, so you can take day trips to other amazing spots in the north of Portugal. Plus, Braga itself has a bunch of unique tourist activities to enjoy during your stay.
The wedding venue is just a short drive away through the beautiful mountains, and there are also plenty of exciting outdoor activities nearby if you’re up for testing your endurance (trust me, it’s worth it!).
If you're traveling with friends or family, coordinate your accommodations—Braga and the surrounding countryside offer some great Airbnb options. Many of the rentals have large spaces perfect for groups, so why not get a house or apartment? It’ll save you some money and maximize the fun!
Let us know if you need any recommendations or tips for booking your stay. We can’t wait to see you all in Braga and celebrate together!
So, we know you’re all here to celebrate with us, but let’s be real—this trip isn’t just about the wedding. It’s also about exploring Braga and Gerês and making memories you’ll cherish forever (aside from the ones we’ll make on the dance floor, of course). So here’s a little list of things to do while you’re in town. Trust us, you’re going to love it!
Tuk Tuk Braga City Tour - What better way to start your adventure than by hopping on a cute, colorful Tuk Tuk for a guided tour around Braga? It’s like being in a little sightseeing parade, and you’ll get to see all the best spots without breaking a sweat. Perfect for those who prefer a "VIP" style of touring.
Visit Bom Jesus do Monte and Take the Funicular - For those who want a view that will literally take your breath away, head to Bom Jesus do Monte. You can take the funicular up (because, honestly, why would you want to hike when there’s a ride involved?), and once you're at the top, the views will make you feel like you’re on top of the world.
Visit the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Sameiro, Se de Braga, and Igreja de Santa Cruz - Braga’s churches are iconic and beautiful—plus, they give you a chance to catch your breath after all the sightseeing. Whether you're into history, architecture, or just want a moment of calm, these spots are worth the visit. We’ll call it "culture with a side of serenity."
Take a Stroll Through Praça da República and Jardim de Santa Bárbara - Feeling like you need to take a little stroll after all that sightseeing? Head to Praça da República and the charming Jardim de Santa Bárbara. They’re picturesque, peaceful, and perfect for a little walk, a coffee, or just to relax and take in the atmosphere. Bonus points if you grab an ice cream along the way!
Go Shopping at the Mercado Municipal de Braga - Okay, let’s be real—shopping is always a must. The Mercado Municipal is the perfect spot to pick up some delicious local produce, handcrafted goodies, or maybe a few souvenirs (because who doesn't want to brag about finding the perfect Portuguese trinket?).
Visit the Parque Nacional Peneda-Gerês - If you’re in the mood for nature, Gerês is the place to be. It’s a magical national park full of scenic lakes, waterfalls, and hikes that will make you feel like you’re in a fairy tale. Whether you’re up for a hike or just a chill lakeside picnic, it’s perfect for unwinding. Trust me, your insta pics will be stunning.
Take Your Chances at the Water Park or Have a Relaxing Day by the Lake - For those of us who can’t resist a water park, Gerês has you covered. But if you’d rather be more zen, you can chill by the lake, enjoy the view, and just relax. Either way, it’s a win-win, and you’re bound to feel like a kid again.
Go Off-Roading on an ATV or Downhill Mountain Biking with Chris - Calling all adventurers! If you’re up for a little off-road action, ATV tours or mountain biking through the hills of Gerês are the way to go. Don’t worry if you’ve never done it before—Chris will guide you, and Sofia will probably join in as long as it’s not too wild.
The Roman Baths of Maximinus - Step back in time and visit the Roman Baths of Maximinus, right in the heart of Braga. Feel like you’ve walked straight into a history book, except this one’s filled with mystery and a lot of ancient stones. Great for history buffs or anyone who likes pretending they’re an archaeologist.
The Arch of the New Gate (Arco da Porta Nova) - This stunning arch is one of Braga’s most famous landmarks. Perfect for that dramatic selfie or a slow-motion video of you walking through it as if you’re the main character in a romantic movie. Bonus: It's a great spot for a little snack afterward!
Francesinha - The "hangover cure" of Portugal. It's a sandwich, but not just any sandwich – it’s a saucy, cheesy, meaty tower of dreams. You won’t need to eat again for 3 days, but hey, at least you’ll have a good story for your Instagram.
Bacalhau à Braga – Why settle for just any cod when you can have cod Braga-style? This dish is what we’ll all be dreaming about after a long night of dancing and celebrating. It’s like the love child of comfort food and a Portuguese fiesta!
Queijo da Serra - Cheese so good, it might just ruin all other cheeses for you. Pair it with some honey and we’re talking romance on a plate. If you don’t eat it, we’ll judge you lightly, but lovingly.
Chouriço Assado – Chorizo, but it’s Portuguese and it’s grilled over fire. It's the kind of dish that makes you feel like a Viking. Get it while it’s hot and smoky (like the wedding dance moves that are coming later).
Vinho Verde – The wine that says, “Let’s keep the party going!" It's fresh, it's zesty, and it’s the drink that’ll make everyone think they can still handle one more dance move. Warning: You may regret this at 2 AM when you’re trying to explain it was a perfectly acceptable decision.
Bacalhau à Brás – If you loved the Bacalhau à Braga, get ready to meet its delicious cousin. Flaky cod, crispy potatoes, scrambled eggs—yes, this is basically the breakfast of champions. We won’t judge if you have it for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Bolinhos de Bacalhau – These crispy codfish cakes are small but mighty! If you're feeling snacky (who isn’t?), these little bites of heaven will keep you going through the day. Bonus points if you dip them in mayo and don’t tell anyone.
Cerveja Artesanal de Braga – The local craft beer of Braga is like the secret handshake of the region. It’s got that perfect balance of hoppy and refreshing—so you'll look extra cool sipping it and saying, “Yeah, I know Braga’s beer.”
Caldo Verde – A soup so famous, it’s almost like a national treasure. Potatoes, kale, chorizo, and a touch of olive oil. You’ll be warmed from the inside out and ready to tackle whatever the night brings.
Pastéis de Nata – Oh, the infamous custard tart. These little bites of heaven are basically the reason we’re all here. You haven’t truly experienced Portugal until you’ve devoured one (or five) of these. Pro tip: They taste best when you’re eating them in public, so everyone can see just how much you’re enjoying life.
Sardinhas Assadas – It’s summer, and there are sardines on the grill. Yes, those little fish that are grilled to perfection and served with love. Don't be intimidated by the bones—this is an experience. You'll be a sardine fan before you even know it (or at least a sardine-tryer).
As much as we would love for you to spend every single moment with us, we know you’re here to explore the beautiful north of Portugal too (and probably eat your weight in pastries). So, we’ve put together a list of some fabulous day trips you can take from Braga to make the most of your time in this gorgeous region. Each spot is a convenient train or car ride away. You can go on your own or book a tour through a company. Trust me, you won’t regret it!
Porto
(The City of Port Wine and Fabulous Views)
Just a 45-minute drive from Braga, Porto is the perfect city for a day trip. Wander along the Ribeira, cross the iconic Dom Luís I Bridge, and get your fill of delicious port wine (responsibly, of course!). Don’t forget to pop into a wine cellar for a tasting – it’s basically a requirement when you’re in Porto. Plus, the views of the Douro River will leave you breathless.
Douro Valley
(The Vineyards of Your Dreams)
If you’re feeling fancy (and you know you are), a trip to the Douro Valley is an absolute must. A bit of a longer drive (about 2 hours), but well worth it for the stunning river views and vineyards as far as the eye can see. Take a boat cruise along the Douro River or visit a vineyard for a wine tasting experience that’ll make you feel like royalty. It’s what we call “wine and views therapy.”
Guimaraes
(The Birthplace of Portugal)
A mere 25 minutes away, Guimarães is the place where Portugal was born. Get ready to step back in time as you explore the medieval streets, the Guimarães Castle, and the Palace of the Dukes of Braganza. It’s like being in a fairy tale – just with more delicious food and less dragon fighting.
Aveiro
(The Portuguese Venice)
Around 2 hours south of Braga, Aveiro is a charming town full of canals, pastel-colored buildings, and picturesque streets. Hop on a moliceiro boat (the traditional canal boats) and glide through the water, admiring the unique architecture and stunning scenery. And of course, don’t leave without trying some of Aveiro’s famous ovos moles (sweet treats made from egg yolk and sugar)!
💡TIP: Only use ATM machines located at a bank to take out money. Less chance of fraud activity.💡