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Almond Blossom and the Gardens of the Douro Valley Tour

For Travel Editions’ Head of Sales & Marketing, Ellen Walker, Portugal is far more than a destination — it is a place of enduring affection, treasured memories and lifelong friendships.

Having returned countless times over the years, she has developed an intimate knowledge of the country that few visitors ever experience. Following the success of her first personally designed tour, Authentic Algarve, Ellen has once again drawn on her passion and expertise to create and lead an exceptional journey: Almond Blossom and Gardens of the Douro.

Timed to coincide with one of Europe’s most enchanting natural spectacles, this carefully crafted tour reveals northern Portugal at its most beautiful. Vast hillsides are transformed by clouds of delicate white and pink almond blossom, creating breathtaking landscapes often likened to Japan’s celebrated cherry blossom season — yet enjoyed without the crowds. Along the way, discover elegant gardens, historic manor houses and UNESCO-listed treasures, explore atmospheric medieval villages and vibrant cities, and savour the outstanding cuisine and wines for which the region is renowned.

A particular highlight is a two-night stay at the award-winning Casas do Côro, a luxurious collection of beautifully restored stone houses nestled within the ancient walled village of Marialva. Combined with spectacular scenery, fascinating cultural discoveries and Ellen’s personal insight into Portugal’s hidden gems, this is a truly special and immersive experience.

Join us for a memorable celebration of spring in one of Europe’s most captivating and lesser-explored regions.

From

£3,795

per person

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what’s included

At A Glance

  • The Travel Editions Experience
    Our tours are thoughtfully crafted and meticulously planned, with every destination, hotel, excursion and stop along the way having been selected to form a truly memorable experience.
  • Meals Included
    All breakfasts, one lunch and four dinners.
  • Handpicked Accommodation
    Two nights’ accommodation at the five-star Hotel Pestana Vintage Porto followed by two nightsat the four-star Hotel Casas do Côro, Marialva and finally, three nights at the four-star Hotel Vila Galé, Braga based on shared occupancy of a twin/double room.
  • Discover Almond Blossom & Gardens of the Douro Valley
    Celebrate spring in northern Portugal, when the Douro Valley’s hillsides are transformed by clouds of pink and white almond blossom. Designed and led by Ellen Walker, this 7-night tour combines Porto, the Côa Valley, Marialva and Braga with historic gardens, manor houses, UNESCO-listed towns, Port wine tasting, Casa de Mateus, Bom Jesus do Monte, Guimarães and Quinta da Aveleda.
  • Tours, Transfers & Entrance Fees
    All tours, transfers and entrance fees are included as detailed.
  • Accompanied by Tour Manager
    Tour manager throughout.
  • Flights from the UK
    Return scheduled flights from London Gatwick to Porto    .
Meet Your Expert TOUR GUIDE

Ellen Walker

Ellen Walker is Travel Editions’ Head of Sales & Marketing and a passionate Portugal specialist. After almost four decades in travel and countless visits to the country, she has developed an intimate knowledge of its landscapes, culture, cuisine and people.

Portugal is Ellen’s second home, and her longstanding relationships with local suppliers have grown into lasting friendships. She has created several Travel Editions itineraries, including Portugal Uncovered, Hidden Portugal and the Authentic Algarve, designed to reveal places beyond the familiar tourist routes. Ellen also acts as tour manager on many departures, sharing her warmth, experience and enthusiasm with travellers throughout.

Meet Our Expert Guides
itinerary & excursions

Your Itinerary

Explore this incredible tour in detail and discover what makes each day so special. Below, you’ll find a full day-by-day breakdown of your journey, from the moment you arrive to your final farewell. Learn more about the highlights you’ll experience, the unforgettable places you’ll visit, and the unique moments that bring each destination to life. Whether you’re drawn by rich history, stunning landscapes or unforgettable cultural encounters, this itinerary gives you everything you need to picture your adventure and look forward to every step of the way.

Day 1: London Gatwick to Porto

Fly from London Gatwick to Porto, where you will be met by your Tour Manager and transferred to the elegant five-star Pestana Vintage Porto Hotel for a two-night stay.

After time to settle in and enjoy the surroundings, join your fellow travellers for a welcome drink before dinner with wine, providing the perfect introduction to Portugal’s captivating northern region.

Day 2: Exploring Porto

Enjoy a full-day guided tour of Porto, a UNESCO World Heritage city renowned for its historic architecture, riverside setting and connection to the Port wine trade. Highlights include São Bento Station, the Clérigos Tower, Carmo Church and the picturesque Ribeira waterfront with views of the Dom Luís I Bridge.

Cross to Vila Nova de Gaia for a cable car ride and a visit to a traditional Port wine cellar with tasting. Later, explore the famous Lello Bookshop and stroll along Rua Santa Catarina, home to the elegant Majestic Café. Evening at leisure.

Day 3: Porto, Pinhão and Marialva

Travel east into the spectacular Douro Valley, the world’s oldest demarcated wine region and a UNESCO World Heritage landscape. Pause in the charming riverside village of Pinhão before continuing through blossom-filled valleys towards Vila Nova de Foz Côa.

Following a late lunch at a local restaurant, visit the acclaimed Côa Museum, dedicated to the region’s remarkable prehistoric rock art. Continue to the beautifully restored Casas do Côro in the historic village of Marialva for a two-night stay. Dinner with wine is included this evening.

Day 4: Marialva, Barca d’Alva and Castelo Melhor

Begin with a guided visit of Marialva Castle, whose hilltop position offers magnificent views across almond groves, granite landscapes and surrounding countryside. Explore historic landmarks including the keep, Church of Santiago and Chapel of Misericórdia.

Continue through the scenic Douro region to Barca d’Alva, situated beside the Douro River close to the Spanish border. Later, visit the peaceful village of Castelo Melhor, known for its medieval castle ruins and commanding views over the Côa Valley. Return to Casas do Côro for dinner and overnight accommodation.

Day 5:  Casa de Mateus Gardens and Braga

Depart Marialva and travel towards Vila Real for a visit to the magnificent Casa de Mateus Gardens. Admire the estate’s Baroque architecture, ornamental lake, impressive plant collections and distinctive cedar tunnel.

Continue to the attractive riverside town of Amarante, where free time is provided for lunch and exploration. Surrounded by dramatic mountain scenery and crossed by the Tâmega River, the town is one of northern Portugal’s most charming destinations. Later, continue to Braga, where dinner and the evening are at leisure.

Day 6: Discovering Braga

Spend the day exploring one of Portugal’s oldest cities; Braga is famed for its rich Roman and Christian heritage and is often referred to as the “Portuguese Rome.” Visit the historic cathedral and the celebrated Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte, reached via the traditional funicular and renowned for its grand Baroque staircase and gardens.

After free time for lunch, visit the Nogueira da Silva Museum, home to fine collections of art, furniture and decorative objects. The elegant French-style gardens provide a peaceful conclusion to the day.

Day 7: Quinta da Aveleda, Guimarães and Camelia Park Flavius

Enjoy a varied final day beginning at Quinta da Aveleda, one of the most important estates in the Vinho Verde region, known for its beautiful gardens and rare tree collections. Continue to Guimarães, a UNESCO World Heritage city often described as the birthplace of Portugal. Discover its medieval streets, historic squares, castle and ducal palace, with time for lunch at leisure.

In the afternoon, visit Camelia Park Flavius to admire its extensive collection of camellias, including japonicas, sasanquas and hybrids. This evening, gather for a farewell dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 8: Porto to London Gatwick

After breakfast, check out of your hotel and transfer to Porto Airport. Reflect on the memorable landscapes, historic cities and cultural treasures experienced throughout the tour before boarding your return flight to London Gatwick, bringing this wonderful journey through northern Portugal to a close.

our guests say

Recent reviews

 “This was a very thoughtfully designed and varied itinerary, exploring the beautiful landscapes of the Douro Valley. The tour was brilliantly managed by Ellen, who was attentive and sensitive to the needs of the whole group.”  
Lisa Rhys-Davies, travelled February 2026

 “One of the highlights of the trip was the tour of Porto and the unexpected visit to the church at Braga. The social aspect was also particularly enjoyable, with meals providing a great opportunity to connect with others in the group.” 
Mrs B, travelled February 2026

“A sensational and treasured tour of Porto and the Duoro Valley including magical stops at Marialva and Braga. A special week with special guides and new friends Ellen Walker and local Carlos Ciarla, both great characters and organisers. The full Porto day was brilliant with my highlight the tour of port producer Sandeman set right by the Duoro river but there was something for everyone. The medieval grounds and castle Marialva could not be excelled, with our very own Almond tree by the annex room and an unusual spa facility. The visit to Bon Jesus do Monte was fascinating! You don’t need to be religious to feel the spiritual awakening at this monumental site. Not cheap for a week away but worth every penny!”
Richard Gilbert, travelled February 2026

Availability

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Date
Departing From
Price From
Availability
26/02/2027
London Gatwick
£3,795
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Solo Traveller Supplement From: £635
Destination
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HOTELS

Tour Accommodation

Hotel Pestana Vintage Porto (2 nights)
Located in the heart of Porto’s historic Ribeira district, the Pestana Vintage Porto enjoys a privileged setting on the banks of the Douro River and is one of the city’s most iconic hotels. Housed within a collection of beautifully restored historic buildings overlooking the vibrant waterfront, this five-star hotel combines traditional Portuguese character with contemporary comfort. Guests can enjoy stunning views of the Dom Luís I Bridge and the colourful riverside façades, while many of Porto’s most famous attractions are within easy walking distance. Its unique location, elegant atmosphere and connection to the city’s rich heritage make it an ideal base from which to explore this UNESCO World Heritage city.

Hotel Website

Casas do Coro, Marialva (2 nights on HB basis)
An unusual four-star hotel being a collection of houses of Beira architecture grouped around a central “Casao do Largo” which houses the hotel restaurant. Founded 23 years ago, the houses are a mixture of old and new offering very comfortable accommodation with all modern amenities including en-suite bathroom, TV, telephone, air-conditioning, safe and hairdryer. The hotel also offers a spa with sauna, Turkish Bath, indoor pool and aqua gym (at extra cost).

Hotel Website

Hotel Vila Gale, Braga (3 nights, B&B basis)
Part of the Vila Gale “Collection” of superior hotels, the traditional four-star hotel was formed and expanded from the renovation of the hospital of Sao Marcos, dating from 1506. This characterful hotel, located in the heart of the city offers a beautiful courtyard, two bars, two restaurants and very comfortable bedrooms with all modern amenities including en-suite bathroom, TV, telephone, wifi, air-conditioning, minibar, safe and hairdryer.

Hotel Website  

our regular tours

Mobility Information

This tour has a moderate fitness rating, reflecting a fuller itinerary with a good balance of visits, walking and time spent exploring on foot.
 
Some visits may involve cobbled streets, uneven paving, slopes, steps, stairs, limited seating, or walking from the coach drop-off point to the entrance of a site or attraction. The exact demands will vary from day to day, and we highlight specific practical details within the itinerary wherever possible.
 
You should feel comfortable walking at a steady group pace, standing during visits and enjoying a full day of sightseeing. If you are unsure whether this tour is right for you, please contact us before booking.

Mobility Information
Your questions answered

Tour FAQ

If you have a question, we are more than happy to answer it via email or phone, but you may find your answer below more quickly.

Simply complete our online booking form or give us a call on 020 7251 0045 between 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday where you can speak to a real person. A 20% deposit per person is required at the time of booking, to book your place. Payments by debit card or credit card incur no charge. 

You must pay for the balance of your holiday at least 12 weeks before departure. Please note: no reminder for balance payments is sent to you and are not receipted unless requested. If you book your holiday within 12 weeks of departure, full payment is required at time of booking. Please note that some tours may require final payment to be paid earlier than 12 weeks, due to financial commitment with suppliers. The exact date will be notified to you at the time of booking. Final joining instructions and documentation will be dispatched approximately 10 days before travel.

In almost all cases, the price includes your accommodation, meals as described in the itinerary, all excursions shown in the programme, and travel arrangements from the UK. Excursions are taken by private coach exclusively for Travel Editions guests. If anything is ever excluded from the price, it will be clearly marked as optional and payable locally, you won’t find any hidden extras on your final bill. Travel Editions operates a firm no-surcharge policy, so the price you are quoted is the price you pay.

The specifics vary by tour and are set out in your individual itinerary, but most of our tours depart from London, either by Eurostar from St Pancras International or by air. For rail tours, we advise allowing at least one hour before the Eurostar departure when planning your journey to London. For flights, all costs are based on economy class unless otherwise stated, and all times shown are local time. For tours in the UK, these often start at the hotel in question.

Flight upgrades and connections from regional airports are available on request and subject to availability, contact us on 020 7251 0045 or at tours@traveleditions.co.uk for details. We strongly recommend not booking non-refundable connecting travel until you have received your final joining instructions, which are sent around 10 days before departure and confirm all timings and meeting points.

Yes, and you’re very welcome. Single room supplements apply on most tours, reflecting the fact that single and double rooms are generally priced similarly by hotels. If you would prefer to share with another solo traveller of the same gender, we are happy to arrange this, simply let us know at the time of booking. Sharing is subject to another traveller in the same situation being booked on the same tour.

Each tour is accompanied by a dedicated tour manager, who in most cases will travel out from the UK with the group. On some tours, the tour manager will meet you at your destination station or airport, with full details being confirmed in your joining instructions 10 days before travel. Many of our tours are also led by expert lecturers or specialist guides whose knowledge brings each destination to life; details of who will be accompanying your particular tour are included in the individual tour pages and itineraries.

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