Travel north on a day trip from Porto to two of northern Portugal’s historic cities, which are currently basking in the European spotlight. First, discover the country’s origins in the UNESCO World Heritage-listed town of Guimarães. Home to a 10th-century castle and the Dukes of Braganza Palace, the town today is filled with pride for being named the European Capital of Culture for 2012. Then visit the city of Braga, founded by the Romans more than 2,000 years ago. The oldest Christian city in Portugal, Braga is celebrated today as the 2012 European Capital of Youth.