Gardens, Art, History and Tiles of Lisbon, Sintra and Madeira, Portugal Tour 2017

PANAMA CITY - Nov. 1, 2016 - PRLog -- Come to Lisboa, the ancient city, the soulful city, the tile city, the golden city and the delight of Portugal, full of Cathedrals, quaint museums, leafy plazas, cafes and gardens…and don't forget the egg tarts here…absolutely mouthwatering.  On a walking tour we will discover old neighbourhoods full of wonderful architecture and taste some of the local foods from the traditional shops.  A visit to the famous Ribeira market to enjoy lunch, visits to both Parque Eduardo VII glasshouses built in the 30's, Gulbenkian Museum and a special visit to their modernist garden.  Palacio Fronteira with its monumental tiled terraces and stunning formal gardens and Indo-Portuguese furniture.  Still privately owned, this 17th century garden showcases some of the worlds richest tile collections and was featured in the 2015 'The Gardeners Garden'.  Wine & cheese tasting in the Chiado area where the neighbourhood is a flashback to the late 19th and early 20th century the "Belle Époque" when writers such as Fernando Pessoa and Eça de Queiroz used to write at the now-historic cafés. This is also the neighborhood of theaters, of charming old bookshops, local fashion designers and major international brands, giving it a lively cosmopolitan ambience.  The gardens of The Royal Palace of Queluz represent a valuable national heritage and are highly distinctive in landscape terms, being considered one of Portugal's most important historical gardens.

Sintra beckons you with a fairy tale experience as you visit two exotic subtropical private gardens and glittering palaces.  The historic garden of a privately-owned quinta or country estate, Quinta da Piedade, with a series of garden 'rooms', is followed by wine tasting and tapas and then we visit a large and informal private garden at Quinta da Bemposta, a plantsman's paradise on a sheltered hillside.  Lord Byron loved it and so will you. Just wait until you stay in the 5 star Tivoli Palacia de Seteais, pure elegance and architecture of the 18th century with spectacular views of the Moorish Castle and Pena Palace and gardens of their own!

The Palace of Monserrate blends Gothic and Indian influences as well as Moorish suggestions together with exotic plant motifs which are harmoniously extended to the exterior gardens. Species from all corners of the world, which were planted according to their geographical origin creating one of the richest Portuguese botanical gardens.  Also featured in the 2015 'The Gardeners Garden' the ultimate book on outstanding gardens….is Quinta da Regaleira.  This romantic property formerly belonged to the Baroness of Regaleira and then acquired and enlarged by Antonio Augusto Carvalho Monteiro. The architect had just been working in Italian and Portuguese opera houses. This is a fantastic and sophisticated ensemble of buildings, water features and mature plantings that is both richly symbolic and wildly romantic.

The scenery in Madeira will take your breath away as you take a short stroll along the unique lavada trails, a complex network of man made water channels that irrigate the slopes and feed precious water to the banana groves, vineyards and gardens.  Monte Palace Tropical Gardens houses a huge exotic plant collection and considered one of the most important collections of tile after the National Tile Museum. Of special note are the Oriental Gardens here.  In May 1984 the 'Quinta Vigia' became the Official Residence of the President of the Regional Government. It offers wonderful panoramic views over the harbour and harmoniously combines massive trees, palm trees, many specimens of indigenous flora as well as introduced plants and exotic birds in its gardens – a delight for all. Enjoy Afternoon Tea in one of the world's best luxury hotels, the Belmond Reid's Palace and also delight in visiting their subtropical gardens facing the Atlantic.

Our visits in Sintra also include the Mercado dos Lavradores filled with exotic fruits and flowers and tile panels from the 40's adorning the façade, a visit to the Cathedral and its highlights - the altarpiece, ordered by King D. Manuel I built in 1510 among other priceless features and the Sacre Art Museum and its noted Flemish paintings.  The third garden to be featured in 'The Gardeners Garden' is Quinta Velha do Palheiro, owned by the Blandy family.  Famous not only for the variety of plants that grow there but for the beauty of their setting in the hills to the east of Funchal, the capital of Madeira.  We enjoy lunch here before our Madeira wine tasting, for it seems only right to enjoy Madeira wine in Madeira!  At Quinta dos Jardins do Lago we not only enjoy lunch but the estate's subtropical gardens and fantastic collection of centenary trees collected from botanical gardens around the world.  At Quinta da Boa Vista we will enjoy a spectacular habitat for American bromeliads and a superb collection of hybrid orchids.  Wonderful family history here on these private gardens – be sure to read it on the tour page.

You can see the complete tour day by day itinerary here  http://www.gardeningtours.com  and  click on each day to reveal the magic!  You will also find the Highlights of what I include in my tour and the registration form…Portugal is not to be missed…

Other Tours for 2017 are Ecuador, Chelsea Flower Show, Scotland and South Africa

http://www.gardeningtours.com