Discover Portugal’s gardens on an eight‑day small‑group journey from Porto to Sintra, staying in handpicked boutique hotels.
Glide through Porto and Lisbon by tuk‑tuk, stroll historic quarters and panoramic viewpoints, and enjoy privileged access to private gardens normally closed to the public.
Visit iconic estates from Mateus Palace and Serralves to Monserrate and Queluz, explore Santar’s award‑winning garden, sample wines at quintas, watch tile‑making in Azeitão.
And all with an expert tour leader for an unhurried, immersive horticultural experience.
Designed by acclaimed international garden designer Fernando Carruncho with the owner.
One of Portugal’s most important baroque gardens
A jewel box of rococo architecture with formal gardens, sparkling water features.
A contemporary masterpiece of planting, water, and architectural integration.
A former Augustinian site transformed into a dreamy romantic garden.
Arrive in Portugal and settle into Villa Foz Hotel & Spa, your seaside home for the next four nights. The Atlantic is right outside your window—salty breezes included. Unpack, unwind, or simply enjoy the spa and the soft sound of waves before the adventure begins.
Ease into the day with a welcome lunch at the hotel’s Flor de Lis restaurant—your first taste of Portuguese hospitality.
Then we’re off by tuk-tuk, zipping through Porto’s famously steep hills and over the Douro River to take in the city’s grand squares, tiled façades, and unforgettable viewpoints.
In the afternoon, we step into two very different worlds of landscape design:
Dinner is a relaxed affair near the hotel—perfect after a full, beautiful day.
We head east today, beginning at Casa do Casal, a camellia lover’s paradise, where the Gil family has spent generations building an extraordinary collection.
Then it’s on to Bom Jesus do Monte—all dramatic staircases, chapels, grottoes, and views over Braga. (Walking up or gliding down by funicular is entirely your choice.)
Our final visit takes us to Mosteiro de Landim, a former Augustinian site transformed into a dreamy romantic garden with massive camellias and ancient trees.
The owner welcomes us personally.
Dinner is at your own leisure.
We begin at Mateus Palace, one of Portugal’s most iconic baroque estates. Cypress tunnels, sculpted box, mirrored façades—this is a garden that knows how to make an entrance.
Lunch is hosted by Fernando and Ana Guedes at Casa de Juste, a warm family home where tradition infuses both the food and the landscape.
In the afternoon, we continue to Quinta de Aveleda, set among vineyards and known for its whimsical structures, lakes, and grand trees. A peaceful end to a rich day.
Dinner is at a simple, friendly spot near the hotel.
We say goodbye to Porto and travel south to Santar, a village where private gardens have been linked into a single, beautifully orchestrated landscape.
The Count of Santar himself guides us through this award-winning project, followed by a private lunch on a terrace overlooking the vineyards.
By late afternoon, we arrive at Valverde Hotel, our Lisbon base—intimate, elegant, and ideally placed for exploring the city.
Dinner is served at the hotel.
Tuk-tuks are back—but this time in Lisbon, a city of seven hills, sweeping river views, and endless charm.
We pause at viewpoints, pass through historic quarters, and see how ancient and modern coexist here.
Lunch comes with a view of the Tejo River.
In the afternoon we step into one of Portugal’s most important baroque gardens: Palacio dos Marquêses de Fronteira.
Think terraces, fountains, azulejos, statuary—the works.
A private tour brings the history to life.
Your evening and dinner is at your own leisure.
Today we venture into the lush, mist-kissed hills of Sintra.
On our way to Sintra we stop at the Royal Palace of Queluz, a jewel box of rococo architecture with formal gardens, sparkling water features, and a tiled canal that’s pure theatricality.
Lunch is hosted by the Princess of Auersperg at Quinta da Alegria, followed by a garden visit with the head gardener.
It’s an intimate glimpse into a lovingly shaped private landscape.
Finally, we wander through the exotic plantings and fantastical architecture of Parque de Monserrate, a highlight for anyone who loves 19th-century garden design.
An open evening lets you explore Lisbon at your own pace.
Our morning begins in Azeitão at an artisanal workshop where traditional Portuguese tiles are still made by hand—always a fascinating process to watch.
Then it’s on to the historic estate of Quinta da Bacalhôa, with its handsome parterre and striking tiled pool pavilion overlooking the vineyards.
A wine tasting and lunch complete the visit.
Back in Lisbon, we explore the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation gardens, a contemporary masterpiece of planting, water, and architectural integration.
Even without access to the museum collection (closed for renovations), the grounds alone are worth the journey.
We gather one last time for a light farewell dinner.
Depending on your flight, we arrange transfers to Lisbon Airport. Or—if you’re not quite ready to leave—Portugal is full of gardens calling your name.
The most common questions I get about the tours. If you have any further questions, send me a message here.
No, you don’t need to be a professional gardener.
The tours are designed for anyone who enjoys gardens and the natural world.
My travelers range from expert horticulturists to passionate amateurs, all of whom love discovering a country through its gardens.
Yes! Most tours include two or three free evenings on a week-long itinerary. This gives you time to explore local restaurants, enjoy a spa or massage, order room service, or simply relax at a café or hotel bar. Group dinners are lovely, but having personal time ensures the experience remains enjoyable and balanced.
You can contact me directly to book by clicking on the “Taking bookings. Enquire here” button on the tour page or via the contact page here.
If the tour is SOLD OUT, you can be put on the waiting list to receive information about the next tour here.
If you need personal assistance or have questions before booking, you’re always welcome to get in touch with me directly also.
Cancellations made up to four months before the tour receive a full refund of your deposit, minus a small administrative fee.
After that, cancellations are only possible if you find someone to take your place.
The ideal time depends on the destination, but as a general rule, spring and early autumn offer the most vibrant blooms and comfortable weather.
This is indicated in the summary information at the top of each tour page.
Specific gardens may have peak times for flowering or seasonal displays, which I consider when planning each tour.
Tours involve walking through gardens, which can include stairs, slopes, and uneven paths.
You should be able to walk at least a mile comfortably and manage steps.
Read my blog post for more information: How fit do I need to be for a garden tour?
Groups are intentionally small and intimate, with a maximum of 15 people.
This allows for a personal, immersive experience and easy conversation with fellow travelers.
Just let me know in advance, and I will ensure that the restaurants we visit accommodate your dietary needs.
Breakfast is included on all tours.
Lunch is usually a light meal to refuel after morning visits and give you energy for the afternoon.
Occasionally, we may enjoy a more elaborate lunch depending on the country or location.
Dinners are relaxed and carefully planned to showcase local cuisine and provide a memorable dining experience.
Comfortable walking shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, a hat for sun protection, and a camera or notebook if you like to record your impressions.
A more detailed list will be sent a couple of months before the tour dates.
Read my blog post for more information: Ten tips on what to pack for a garden trip.
All tours include private, comfortable transportation between gardens and accommodations, so you can relax and enjoy the journey without worrying about logistics.
Often transfers between to and from the airport may also be arranged.
Airfare to the destination is not included.
