Douro Historical Train
The Historical Train in the Douro is a popular tourist experience in Portugal, offering a nostalgic journey through the picturesque Douro region, known for its vineyards and stunning landscapes. Here are some details about this experience:
The Train
– Locomotive: The journey is made on a century-old steam locomotive, usually pulling restored wooden carriages, providing an authentic atmosphere of past railway travel.
– Carriages: The carriages are carefully restored to maintain the charm and ambiance of old-time railway journeys.
Route
– Route: The journey starts at Peso da Régua station and continues to Tua, passing through breathtaking landscapes along the Douro River.
– Duration: The trip typically lasts about 3 hours (round trip), allowing passengers to enjoy the views and travel experience at a leisurely pace.
Experience
– Scenery: The route offers spectacular views of terraced vineyards, estates (quintas), and the winding Douro River.
– Onboard Activities: During the journey, passengers can enjoy onboard entertainment, which may include traditional music and other cultural performances.
– Stops: The trip usually includes stops at strategic locations to allow passengers to explore the region further and take photos.
Additional Information
– Availability: The Historical Train in the Douro operates mainly during the summer months, from June to October.
– Tickets: Tickets can be purchased in advance through CP – Comboios de Portugal, and it is advisable to book early due to the limited number of seats and the attraction’s popularity.
Tips
– Book in Advance: Due to its popularity, it is advisable to book tickets well in advance.
– Prepare for the Weather: Consider the weather and dress comfortably, especially since the old carriages may not have air conditioning.
– Enjoy the View: Bring a camera to capture the stunning landscapes along the route.
This experience is ideal for those who appreciate history, natural landscapes, and want to explore an iconic part of Portuguese culture and heritage.
For those visiting the Douro and wishing to explore the region while experiencing the Douro Line, the Historical Train is an unmissable experience. Our passion for the Douro wine region is long-standing and, certainly, justified. The blend of what nature and human effort have created in the Douro has been enriched in recent years by the growth of tourism, especially in the wine tourism sector. The charms of the Douro Line are well-known both to the general public and to train travel enthusiasts.
Upon arriving at the Régua Station, the steam locomotive 0186, built in 1925, was already in full swing, puffing smoke and whistling, attached to five classic wooden carriages. The train departed on time, heading upstream along the Douro River. The carriages were packed, and the excitement among the passengers was palpable, with people of all ages, some reminiscing about past experiences, others anticipating the adventure that was about to begin. No one remains indifferent to the Historical Train of the Douro, not even those waving as it passes by the stations, stops, or from boats on the river.
Inside the carriages, the passengers’ enthusiasm is fueled by the entertainment from a group performing traditional regional music and songs, along with a toast with Porto Ferreira. However, the true star is the journey itself and the Historical Train. We divided our attention between the passing scenery outside, with the Douro River and its wonderfully crafted banks, and the details of the train: the sound of the wheels on the tracks, the wind in our faces, the whistle of the locomotive, and the black smoke marking our passage. We stopped at the Pinhão station, adorned with beautiful tile panels.
We continued towards Tua, the final stop of the Historical Train, where we were greeted by a small display of regional products at the Tua station. Tua evokes the image of a stop in the American West, wild and beautiful, raw and enigmatic. From there, the vineyards take a break as the banks of the Douro River become more rugged and rocky, returning further upstream. The locomotive is refueled with water and repositioned to the other end of the carriages, preparing for the return journey.
We headed back to Régua after a fantastic trip. The Douro has this effect, capturing everyone’s heart, regardless of age, always surprising us and exceeding our expectations.
