..  Discover the lesser known gardens of Porto and Northern Portugal with their delight in the use of topiary and water features to complement their planting schemes. Our tour is also timed to coincide with the height of the camellia season ..

Tour summary
 
This tour explores the gardens, cities and towns of Northern Portugal. Porto, best known for its Port wine, is a picturesque city with a UNESCO heritage cathedral as well as some enchanting private gardens.  

Our tour also visits the beautiful northern towns of Braga and Guimaraes, where  you will have time to meander through the streets as well as visit nearby, local manor houses and  their private gardens. 

The timing of our tour has been selected to coincide with the camellia season in this region of Portugal with its ideal climate for them.

Example Itinerary

Day 1 Tuesday:
Flights from UK to Porto and private transfer to hotel located in the central pedestrianised area of Santa Catarina. The hotel’s central position makes it ideal for exploring the attractions of Porto, Portugal’s second largest city. In the afternoon you meet your guide for a walking tour of this fascinating city with a history dating back to the 4th century and the Roman occupation of the Iberian Peninsula. Its charming old quarters are filled with cafes and shops. The Baixa quarter has broad avenues lined with banks and outdoor cafes, as well as a covered daily market. Not to be missed is the UNESCO world heritage site, the Cathedral, Ribeira, San Francisco Church and Clerigos Tower. Welcome dinner in hotel.

Day 2 Wednesday:
After breakfast we visit Serralves Park with its wonderful museum, mansion and grounds. We continue on and visit two private gardens Casa Villar d’Allen, with its stunning array of camelias and Quinta do Alao, a garden dating back to 17th century with many diverse plants and sculptures. Lunch own arrangements. Afternoon and evening at leisure in Porto.

Day 3 Thursday:
We visit Quinta da Avelada, famous for its ‘green’ wine production and then on to Casa de Campo where we visit the private garden and enjoy lunch. After lunch visit two private gardens - Casa de Souto, a manor house set in a picturesque camellia garden, and Casa da Gandarela, with its lake, sculptured hedges, bushes and camellias.  En route to Porto stop off at the charming town of Amarante. Evening at leisure in Porto.

Day 4 Friday:
After breakfast leave for the historic city of Braga where there is a chance to explore its well preserved streets as well as visit the hilltop Cathedral Bom Jesus with its panoramic views across the countryside. Then on to Guimaraes with its gently winding cobbled streets, alleyways and squares. Portugal’s first king made Guimaraes his capital in the 12th century. Visitors today can still get a feel for what life must have been like those many centuries ago in this interesting medieval town. On the outskirts of Guimaraes we take in a visit to Paco Sao Cipriano. Set amid 120 acres of gardens, orchards and vineyards this 15th Century house is located on the old pilgrim route to Santiago de Compostela. Farewell dinner in hotel in Porto.

Day 5 Saturday:
Breakfast in hotel. Morning at leisure for shopping or visits to the wine cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia. Transfer to the airport before return flights to UK.