Route of the Almond Blossom

On arrival at Porto airport, we transfer to  Porto, where we explore the capital of northern Portugal on a city tour by coach and on foot. The Ribeira area is a highlight, with its charming narrow streets, historic architecture and views of the Douro River. Discover Porto's rich culture and Port wine heritage, with highlights including Porto Cathedral, Clérigos Tower, Lello Bookshop, the Dom Luís I Bridge and the Crystal Palace Gardens.

Meals: Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel Vila Galé, Porto

After breakfast, we visit the old Quinta da Arcadia, bought in 1839 by João Allen, the British consul in Porto and an art collector. Here, he built his country house and garden in the Gardenesque style. After his death, the property was inherited by his son Alfredo Allen, who bought two more farms to expand the existing one: Quinta da Vesada and Quinta de Vila Verde. Alfredo Allen was an oenologist, farmer and gardener. He was one of the driving forces behind the Palácio de Cristal Portuguese Society and was responsible for introducing a number of exotic plants to Portugal.

The gardens at Quinta de Vilar d'Allen have several interesting features, such as the lake, the woodland area, the greenhouse, the Swan Garden, several specimens of camellias and a formal garden. There are a large number of camellias – around 180 different varieties in the garden. There are also sculptures and architectural ornaments by Nicolau Nasoni, as well as a fountain from the former Monchique Monastery. A Port wine tasting completes our visit. Later this afternoon, there is time to spend at leisure further exploring Porto or perhaps you may wish to join the optional experience – a tile painting workshop. This evening, dinner is at your own arrangement.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Hotel Vila Galé, Porto

After breakfast, we leave Porto behind, heading in the direction of Vila Nova de Foz Côa, a small town located in the north of Portugal, known for its stunning landscapes and historical significance. One of the best times to visit this charming town is during the almond blossom season, which usually takes place in late winter or early spring.

Vila Nova de Foz Côa's almond trees bloom with delicate white and pink flowers, creating a breathtaking spectacle where the town and surrounding countryside are transformed into a sea of flowers, providing a picturesque backdrop. In addition to the almond groves, Vila Nova de Foz Côa is also home to the famous Côa Valley Archaeological Park. This park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is known for its prehistoric rock art. We have some time to explore the ancient rock engravings and learn about the early human presence in the region. Other attractions in Vila Nova de Foz Côa include the Foz Côa Museum, which provides an insight into the history and culture of the region. After lunch in a local restaurant, we visit Barca d’Alva to view the almond blossom before heading back to our hotel.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: Hotel Vila Galé, Porto

Today, we visit Casa de Mateus, completed in 1744 and symbolising a much older history. It serves as a time machine, transporting us through the last five centuries of the history of Portugal, Europe and the world. Casa de Mateus is a gathering point for people, ideas, documents and works of art from around the globe, forming a truly unique collection. Tradition holds that the original garden of Casa de Mateus was designed and planted by the Archdeacon of Labruje, Diogo Álvares Botelho Mourão, brother of António José, the house's builder. Remnants of this original garden include the staircase connecting the upper and lower parterres and the trellis extending the path to the production area.

After lunch, we visit Casa do Campo. Experts believe the Casa do Campo gardens host Portugal's oldest camellia tree, approximately 250 years old, and that this is one of the few places worldwide where these trees form arches and alleys. The Baroque-style garden, built in the 18th century, stands out for its unusual location: elevated on the grounds of the house, secluded at the front and accessible via the first floor. The garden features elegant paths lined with boxwood and trimmed camellias, leading visitors through various enchanting environments. Along these alleys, visitors encounter stone tables, fountains, and a pond surrounded by parasols, arches and camellia domes. This unique combination of elements makes it one of the most artistic gardens in northern Portugal. Our local guide accompanies us to enrich the experience.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: Hotel Vila Galé Collection Braga

After breakfast, we visit the Bom Jesus do Monte Sanctuary, famous for its stunning architecture, gardens and religious significance. Located on a hill, it offers panoramic views and features a monumental staircase with 577 steps, chapels and sculptures depicting the Passion of Christ. At the top, the neo-classical church houses religious artefacts, paintings and intricate stained-glass windows. The sanctuary also includes landscaped gardens with fountains, statues, and serene footpaths. Dating back to the 14th century, it has evolved into an impressive UNESCO World Heritage Site, attracting pilgrims and tourists alike.

In the afternoon, we visit the Biscainhos House Museum. Its garden, dating back to the 16th/17th century, retains its original Baroque design with Rococo elements, making it a significant example of historic gardens in Portugal. Awarded the Historic Garden Quality Seal in 2020, it is part of the 'Baixo Minho Historic Gardens Route'. Our local guide enriches the experience.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Hotel Vila Galé Collection Braga

Today we discover the magical Quinta da Aveleda in the heart of the Vinho Verde region and as we enter, we travel through the history of a visionary family. Among the trees are rare species of centenary trees such as the Japanese cedar, the marsh cypress and the American sequoia, while a vast array of camellias lends a luxuriant gradient from pink to red. The lake, the Manueline window, the tea house, the fountains of Nossa Senhora da Vandoma and the Four Seasons are all part of the legacy preserved in this Romantic-style garden.

Guimarães is located 50 kilometres north-east of Porto and is known for its rich history and cultural heritage. It was the birthplace of the first king of Portugal, Afonso Henriques. One of the main attractions in Guimarães is the historic centre, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, we can explore narrow medieval streets, picturesque squares and ancient buildings, such as the Castle of Guimarães and the Ducal Palace. The city also has several churches and chapels, including the Church of São Miguel do Castelo and the Church of Nossa Senhora da Oliveira. We have some free time to explore at leisure before reconvening to head to our next visit.

Our last visit of the day is to Camelias Flavius nursery, home to more than 2,300 varieties and strains of camellia. It presents a vast collection of Portuguese camellias, an enormous variety of japonicas, sasanquas and hybrids and also the largest collection of camellia reticulata in the country (more than 200 different cultivars). The most important strains in the nursery are the Camellia changii (azalea), the Camellia amplexicaulis and the Camellia chrysantha.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Hotel Vila Galé Collection Braga

After breakfast, we start our day visiting the Santa Bárbara Garden in Braga, one of the oldest gardens in the city, with a history dating back to the 18th century. The garden has a wooded area with species such as oaks, plane trees and magnolias, as well as beautiful beds of colourful flowers. The garden's highlight is a central fountain in Baroque style, which is one of the most photographed sights in the city.

We then visit Quinta dos Curvos, which looks like something out of a fairytale. From the cave surrounded by a large lake to its gardens and vineyards, it is a place that invites you to visit and explore its many corners. Taking care of its 10 hectares of gardens not only preserves this natural heritage but also minimises the impact of growing vines through the retention of CO2 by its trees and vegetation.

In the afternoon, we visit Park de São Roque, a 19th-century garden which is characterised by small, irregularly shaped flowerbeds, which certainly held a collection of herbaceous plants and small flowering shrubs. On the east side, the larger beds dominate, which may have housed shrubs and trees for ornamentation and shelter from the merciless summer sun that shines down from the south. In the south-west corner, a pavilion-viewpoint provides unobstructed views of the farmland and the wide, fertile valleys of the narrow Tinto and Torto rivers, before they flow into the sprawling Douro. We later return to Porto for a farewell dinner.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel Vila Galé Collection, Braga

After breakfast, you can depart for the airport or continue your trip at leisure.

Meals: Breakfast