Route of the Almond Blossom
26th Feb 2026
Key Highlights
- Explore The Ribeira area, the historic centre of Porto, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Visit the Crystal Palace Gardens
- Almond blossom in Vila Nova de Foz Côa
- Visit to Casa de Mateus
- Camelias Flavius nursery, home to more than 2300 varieties and strains of camellia
Summary
This new tour travels through the Douro Valley taking in the stunning almond blossom vistas which are comparable with the more famous cherry blossoms in Japan - but a lot closer to home. Spend some time exploring the vibrant city of Porto with its UNESCO World Heritage Centre - the Ribeira district is home to colourful houses, narrow cobbled streets and a surfeit of Portuguese charm. Departing from the city we enjoy a scenic train ride through the Douro Valley with its spectacular vistas and ranks of flowering almond trees. Our destination is Vila Nova de Foz Coa, whose almond trees bloom with delicate pink and white flowers, a magnificent sight to behold. We also visit some of the Douro Valley’s notable Manor Houses including Casa Mateus and Casa do Campo as well as some of the area’s fascinating gardens.
What's included
- Accommodation
- Meals as per the itinerary
- Comfortable coach travel throughout
- All visits as outlined in the itinerary
- Services of a professional tour manager
Meet your tour manager
Trevor Edwards
Trevor Edwards has been a self-employed Horticulturist for almost 50yrs. For the first 25 years, he operated his own small Garden Centre in his hometown of Carrickfergus. Since then, he has worked as a Garden Designer & Consultant. He has featured on TV & Radio programmes. In recent years, he has travelled all over the world as a Garden Tour Manager including Italy, Sicily, Spain, France, USA, Japan, Morocco, Singapore & New Zealand, Grenada, Barbados, Mauritius & Gardens of India’s Golden Triangle. Garden Tours of Ireland feature regularly in his busy schedule, bringing gardeners form all over the world to visit the wonderful Gardens of the Island of Ireland. He has lectured in many countries on the Gardens of Ireland on behalf of Tourism Ireland and Tourism Northern Ireland to promote Garden Tourism to the Island of Ireland. Trevor is/was a - Director/Trustee of the Northern Ireland Heritage Gardens Trust - Liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Gardeners - Freeman of the City of London. - President/Trustee of the Northern Ireland Amenity Council organisers of the Best Kept Awards Northern Ireland (Towns & Villages) - Area Organiser of the National Gardens Scheme in Northern Ireland from 2020 to 2024 - Former Director/Trustee of the Ulster Architectural Heritage Society. (Now UAH) - Member of the Ulster Tree Committee in the 1980s
Day by Day Itinerary
We depart from London and upon arrival in Porto we enjoy a city tour (this includes some sightseeing by coach and a walking tour) exploring the capital of northern Portugal. The Ribeira area is the historic centre of Porto, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, from where you can stroll through the city’s charming narrow streets, admire the architecture of the old churches and buildings and enjoy panoramic views over the Douro River. Known for its historic architecture, vibrant culture and Port wine production, it is the second largest city in the country and is located along the River Douro. The city is famous for its iconic Dom Luís I Bridge, which connects Porto to Vila Nova de Gaia, where many of the Port wine cellars are located. We explore the city’s many landmarks, such as Porto Cathedral, the Clérigos Tower and the Lello Bookshop.
To conclude we will visit the Crystal Palace Gardens which are one of the main attractions in the city. Located in the Palácio de Cristal Park, they are known for their beauty and variety of plants and flowers. The gardens were designed in the 19th century and have a romantic style, with beautiful flower beds, centuries-old trees, lakes with ducks and swans and winding paths that invite contemplation and strolling. In addition to the natural exuberance, the Crystal Palace Gardens have several sculptures and monuments, as well as a music pavilion where concerts, events and exhibitions are held throughout the year. From the top of the gardens, you can enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view of the River Douro, the D. Luís Bridge and the city of Porto, making the place even more enchanting.
Meals includedDinner
Departure Routes
| Location | Pickup Time | Dropoff Time |
|---|---|---|
| London Gatwick Airport | 00:00 | |
| Porto Airport | 00:00 | 00:00 |
| 00:00 |
** Please note that all timings are approximate and subject to change. Final timings and pick-up points will be confirmed with your joining instructions approximately 10 days prior to departure. **
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