18 – 25 March 2012
The combination of formal gardens around Lisbon, and Sintra with its special microclimate, gives a contrast in landscape, style and vegetation. The arrival of the Moors in Portugal, and their subsequent influence, produced great garden architecture with colourful tiles, pools and citrus blossom enclosed by high walls. The major development of gardens came in the 18th century in Lisbon, though some suffered due to an earthquake in the area. The gardens around Sintra came later in the following century when natural landscape design was used, with plants adapted to both the climate and terrain.
For the first few days we stay in the historical centre of Lisbon to enjoy the atmosphere. The welcoming Hotel do Chiado has superb views to Sao Jorge Castle and the sea and is a perfect base. Just outside Sintra in the hills is the delightful Hotel Palacio de Seteais, surrounded by beautiful gardens. It has recently been renovated and is most comfortable, with vases of fresh flowers throughout.
Itinerary
DAY ONE – SUNDAY 18 MARCH
Morning departure from London Heathrow arriving mid-afternoon at Lisbon airport. Transfer to our hotel in the centre of Lisbon. Welcome drink and short talk on the week’s programme before dinner together in the hotel restaurant.DAY TWO – MONDAY 19 MARCH
On the outskirts of Lisbon are the gardens of Palacio dos Marqueses da Fronteira with its striking house overlooking a formal garden. A guided visit of both the interior and garden with its parterre and beautiful 17th century azulejos tiled walls. The blue and white designs on the tiles are reflected in the pool, as are the surrounding Judas trees. The intricate box mosaic-shaped hedging is magnificent. We arrive at the Royal Palace in Palacio de Queluz and enjoy lunch before an afternoon visit of the extensive formal gardens with parterres, statues, vistas and glazed tiles. Return to Lisbon and evening free.DAY THREE – TUESDAY 20 MARCH
Morning visit to the cloister of Mosteiro dos Jeronimos in Belem, overlooking the River Tagus. Coffee and pasteis de Nata, a delicious local speciality, before leaving for the recently restored Ajuda Botanical Gardens. Lunch in the elegant garden restaurant. Interesting guided tour of the historical centre in the afternoon. Evening free.DAY FOUR – WEDNESDAY 21 MARCH
Morning visit to the recently restored Estufa Fria botanic gardens. A fascinating collection of plants grow in their specific micro-climate. Continue to the Gulbenkian Museum and contemporary gardens at lunchtime. In the afternoon we leave Lisbon for Sintra, taking the coastal road through Cascais with superb views. After arriving at Hotel Palacio de Seteais we take a walk around the original parterre gardens with views to the sea. We are joined for dinner by Gerald Luckhurst, a garden designer who has been working in Portugal and Madeira for a number of years. Gerald will give a talk on gardens in the region.DAY FIVE – THURSDAY 22 MARCH
Full day in two famous gardens in Sintra. The extensive gardens of Quinta de Monserrate were created in the mid-nineteenth century for an inspired English owner, Francis Cook. The gardens are currently being restored with advice from Gerald Luckhurst and the benefit of an experienced head gardener, Timothy Stretton, who trained at Kew. Lunch-time in the garden restaurant. We continue to the woodland walks of Pena Palace where Gerald will take us to the restored area of camellia and rhododendron planted in the nineteenth century. We return to the hotel for dinner.DAY SIX – FRIDAY 23 MARCH
Leave on foot to visit a nearby privately-owned garden recreated recently with great flair. We enjoy a delicious buffet lunch. In the afternoon we visit the Quinta da Regaleira. The sub-tropical hill-side garden is extensive and was laid out in the late nineteenth century on terraces with statues, impressive stone structures and plants from around the world. We enjoy dinner together in the village of Colares in a typical local restaurant.DAY SEVEN – SATURDAY 24 MARCH
Morning visit to Quinta da Bemposta, superbly designed and planted by Françoise Baudry. An outstanding garden of five acres set on a sheltered hillside just outside Sintra. Magnificent mature trees provide plenty of shade with clever informal planting on large terraces linked by hidden stairs or sloping paths. Françoise is an excellent cook and we enjoy lunch on the terrace overlooking the garden. Free time in the small town of Sintra in the afternoon. Dinner together in the hotel restaurant.DAY EIGHT – SUNDAY 25 MARCH
After breakfast we leave for Lisbon airport for the return flight to London Heathrow airport.
Tour Costs
Airflight, Hotel and Itinerary costs £1785pp
Accommodation based on 2 people sharing
b&b with private bath/shower room
Dinner on 5 evenings/2 lunches
Supplement – single use of double room £480
Activity Level:
Terraced hillside gardens.
Additional Information:
Fascinating insight into local gardens with Gerald Luckhurst.