We invite you to experience a rich tapestry of gardens, landscapes, and cultural traditions unlike anywhere else in Europe. From the lush, camellia-filled estates of the north to the sun-drenched olive groves and formal baroque gardens of the Alentejo, this thoughtfully planned tour offers a rare opportunity to explore both celebrated and private gardens—many not typically open to the public.

Designed with garden enthusiasts in mind, this tour blends horticultural discovery with immersive cultural experiences. You’ll stroll through elegant historic estates, meet passionate garden owners, and gain insight into how Portugal’s unique climate and geography shape its diverse plant life—from Mediterranean species to exotic collections gathered during centuries of global exploration.

Along the way, you’ll enjoy the warmth of Portuguese hospitality, exceptional regional cuisine, and the country’s renowned wines, all set against a backdrop of breathtaking scenery—from the terraced vineyards of the Douro Valley to the romantic, misty gardens of Sintra.

For questions about the tour please contact Kathy Lindroth, FGCCT Tour Coordinator,  860.836.3407 or kathleen.lindroth@gmail.com

Please note that the tour price is based on a minimum number of 25 people travelling. If the number of people booked does not reach this minimum total then we reserve the right to offer the same tour with a surcharge.

Payment is possible by credit card or bank transfer.

Please note that all participants who wish to join the tour must pay a donation (per person) to FGCCT. This amount is paid directly to the association and is not included in the tour price. You will find the donation payment link when you select your tour package.

Cancellations and Refunds:

Individual cancellations received in writing on or before Aug 1 2026 will be subject to a forfeiture of deposit payment. Thereafter, individual cancellations will be subject to the following forfeit of the tour price: (a) if received in writing after Aug 1 2026 and on or before January 29 2027: 30% of the tour price; (b) if received in writing after January 29 2027 and on or before March 29 2027: 50% of the tour price; (c) No refund for cancellations received after March 29 2027.

You will find our full terms and conditions here:

Company Terms and Conditions

Arrive independently in the vibrant riverside city of Porto, Portugal’s second-largest city and the historic heart of the country’s famed port wine trade. Settle into your centrally located hotel, ideally situated for exploring the city’s charming streets and sweeping Douro River views.

In the afternoon, meet your fellow travelers in the hotel lobby and set out on a delightful Tuk Tuk tour—an effortless and fun way to navigate Porto’s hilly terrain. Along the way, enjoy a stop at the Crystal Palace Gardens, where manicured lawns, winding paths, and sweeping vistas over the Douro offer a serene introduction to Portugal’s garden traditions. Peacocks roam freely among the terraces, and the plantings reflect both formal European design and a relaxed Mediterranean spirit.

Return to the hotel for time to unwind before gathering again for a welcome dinner—your first taste of northern Portuguese cuisine and a chance to connect with fellow travelers.

Overnight: Pestana Hotel A Brasileira. Porto
Included meals: Welcome Dinner

After breakfast, set out on a guided walking tour through Porto’s atmospheric old city, a UNESCO World Heritage site. As you stroll cobbled streets lined with azulejo-tiled buildings, your guide will bring the city’s layered history to life.

Later, step into a different world with a visit to Quinta de Vilar d’Allen, a rare surviving private estate that once formed part of a green belt surrounding the city. Still lovingly maintained by the Allen family after seven generations, this estate offers a deeply personal look at Portuguese garden heritage.

Take time to appreciate the refined structure of French-inspired parterres, tranquil reflective pools, and a remarkable collection of camellias—many dating back decades. The interplay between formal design and more relaxed plantings creates a garden that feels both elegant and lived-in.

Enjoy a light buffet lunch on the property before returning to Porto for a relaxed afternoon.

Overnight: Pestana Hotel A Brasileira, Porto
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Today’s excursion takes you north to Braga, often called the “Rome of Portugal” for its rich religious heritage.

Begin at the charming Santa Bárbara Garden, a compact yet vibrant display garden known for its colorful seasonal plantings and geometric design—an excellent example of how formal European garden traditions can be expressed on an intimate scale.

Continue to the hilltop Bom Jesus Sanctuary, where lush greenery frames the famous baroque staircase. The surrounding wooded park offers a peaceful contrast, blending landscape design with natural forest.

A special highlight follows: a visit to Casa de Juste, a private home where you’ll enjoy lunch and a personal tour of the gardens with the owner. This intimate experience offers insight into regional planting styles, climate considerations, and the passion behind maintaining a historic garden.

In the afternoon, visit Quinta da Aveleda, renowned for both its wines and its enchanting gardens. Wander through romantic pathways, past ornamental lakes, rare trees, and whimsical garden follies before enjoying a tasting of their celebrated wines.

Return to Porto for an evening at leisure.

Overnight: Pestana Hotel A Brasileira, Porto
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Depart Porto and journey into the breathtaking Douro Valley, one of the world’s oldest wine regions and a UNESCO-listed cultural landscape.

This morning visit Quinta do Bomfim, a historic wine estate where you’ll tour the vineyards and learn about traditional port production, followed by a tasting.

Continue your journey to the mountains of Serra da Estrela, where your historic pousada offers a peaceful retreat surrounded by rugged natural beauty. Enjoy dinner on-site.

Arrive in the picturesque village of Pinhão for lunch. After lunch embark on a private boat cruise along the Douro River. From the water, take in the terraced vineyards carved into the hillsides—a dramatic example of how humans have shaped the landscape over centuries.

Overnight: Pousada Serra da Estrela
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Travel south toward Évora, with a special stop in Castelo Branco to visit the Bishop’s Garden. This formal baroque garden is a hidden gem, featuring intricately designed boxwood patterns, statues, and symbolic motifs—an excellent study in classical garden design with a distinctly Portuguese flair.

In the afternoon, continue journey through the Alentejo region for a visit to Monsaraz, a hilltop village offering sweeping views over the Alentejo landscape—olive groves, vineyards, and open skies stretching to the horizon.

Arrive later this afternoon in Évora, a beautifully preserved medieval city in the Alentejo region.

Overnight: Hotel M’Ar de Ar Aqueducto, Evora
Included meals: Breakfast

This morning’s guided tour introduces you to Évora’s historic center, including its cathedral and the evocative Chapel of Bones.

The afternoon is yours to explore at your own pace—perhaps wandering quiet streets or discovering hidden courtyards.

This evening take part in a hands-on cooking class and dinner, where you’ll explore regional flavors rooted in the land.

Overnight: Hotel M’Ar de Ar Aqueducto, Evora
Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Depart Évora for Lisbon, with enriching stops along the way.

At Quinta da Bacalhôa, explore a remarkable estate combining Renaissance-inspired gardens, vineyards, and art. Highlights include the intricate boxwood maze (Jardim do Buxo), tranquil lakeside plantings, and a fascinating wine museum.

After lunch in Setúbal, continue to the Fronteira Palace, one of Portugal’s most exquisite garden estates. Its formal gardens, adorned with azulejo tile panels and sculptural elements, offer a masterclass in 17th-century design and storytelling through landscape.

Arrive in Lisbon and check into your centrally located hotel.

Overnight: Portobay Hotel Liberdade, Lisbon
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Today, explore the lush and mystical landscapes of Sintra via Jeep—a fun and scenic way to access this UNESCO-listed region.

Visit the extraordinary Monserrate Palace and Gardens, where 19th-century landscape design meets global botanical exploration. Created by Englishman Sir Francis Cook, the gardens showcase plants from around the world—ferns from Australasia, Mexican agaves, Japanese maples—all thriving in Sintra’s unique microclimates.

Continue to Quinta da Regaleira, a fantastical estate filled with hidden tunnels, symbolic architecture, and lush plantings that invite exploration and imagination.

End the day with a scenic drive along the coast, arriving just in time to enjoy a memorable Atlantic sunset.

Overnight: Portobay Hotel Liberdade, Lisbon
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Discover Lisbon’s vibrant neighborhoods on a Tuk Tuk city tour, weaving through historic districts and scenic viewpoints.

Enjoy lunch at your leisure at the lively Time Out Market, where you can sample a variety of local specialties.

The afternoon is free for independent exploration—perhaps a visit to a museum, garden, or café.

In the evening, gather for a farewell dinner accompanied by Fado music at Clube de Fado. This soulful musical tradition captures the essence of Portuguese culture—melancholic, poetic, and deeply expressive.

Overnight: Portobay Hotel Liberdade, Lisbon
Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Transfer to Lisbon Airport for your onward journey.

Included Meals: Breakfast