The Douro Historical Train, also known as the “Comboio Histórico do Douro” in Portuguese, is a tourist train that operates in the Douro Valley region of Portugal. The Douro Valley is known for its stunning landscapes, terraced vineyards, and historic winemaking traditions. The historical train offers a unique way for visitors to experience the beauty of this region while also learning about its cultural and historical significance.
The Douro Historical Train is back on track. Three journeys a week are scheduled through the world heritage landscape, between the stations of Peso da Régua and Tua, with a stop at the iconic town of Pinhão.
The Douro Historical Train is not just a means of transportation; it is a time machine that transports travelers to a bygone era of elegance and sophistication.
The Douro Historical Train runs through the Douro landscape, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, between the stations of Peso da Régua and Tua, stopping at the iconic town of Pinhão. The train includes a steam locomotive, built in 1925, and five wooden carriages from the early 20th century, with 254 seats.
The train travels along a scenic route that winds through the Douro Valley, passing by picturesque villages, lush vineyards, and the meandering Douro River. The landscape is characterized by steep hillsides covered with terraced vineyards, creating a truly remarkable and iconic view.
The restored vintage carriages recall the golden age of train travel, offering passengers the chance to experience the romantic allure of a bygone era. As the train sets off, the rhythmic clatter of the wheels on the tracks becomes a symphony of nostalgia, painting a vivid picture of the journeys of yesteryear.
For wine enthusiasts and curious minds alike, the Douro Historical Train delivers an education in oenology and history. Along the journey, knowledgeable guides share insights into the region’s rich winemaking heritage, detailing the intricate process that transforms grapes into Portugal’s world-renowned wines. Wine tastings onboard provide an opportunity to savor the fruits of the land while listening to tales of the families who have nurtured these vineyards for centuries.
With large windows and open-air platforms, the train creates an ever-changing canvas of panoramic views. As you travel along the tracks, the landscape shifts, revealing quaint villages nestled within the hills, ancient stone terraces etched into the land, and the glimmering ribbon of the Douro River. The train’s deliberate pace allows ample time to absorb every detail, ensuring that each passenger becomes part of the unfolding story.
Pedro Sarmento Costa / Lusa / Observador
The Douro Historical Train Adventure offers a perfect blend of history, nature, and culture that few travel experiences can rival. It’s a reminder that sometimes the journey is as important as the destination, as the unhurried pace of the train allows for an immersive exploration of a region that has been cherished for generations. For those looking for an escape from the ordinary, this journey through time and terroir is a remarkable way to create memories that will last a lifetime. All aboard for an encounter with Portugal’s past and present, woven together by the rails of the Douro Historical Train.
