A literary train trip leaving Santa Apolônia sold out in just 24 hours, with 150 seats available at 200 euros each, bringing together readers and writers in an experience that combines travel, culture and direct contact with authors. The initiative, promoted by publisher Leya, appears as a new format for promoting reading in Portugal.
According to the magazine, demand exceeded initial expectations, with tickets for the four historic carriages selling out quickly, even generating alternative requests for participation from interested parties who were unable to find a place.
An idea that quickly gained scale
According to the same source, the concept came from David Azevedo Lopes, director of Leya, who designed a train where readers and writers could share experiences and conversations throughout the journey. Participation was higher than expected, with the person responsible admitting that he did not anticipate such a high demand for an initiative of this type.
The magazine writes that the trip includes the participation of 16 authors, selected based on a logic of diversity, especially in the field of fiction, bringing together different styles and literary trajectories. Among the confirmed names are Rodrigo Guedes de Carvalho, Luísa Sobral, Ana Paula Tavares, Isabela Figueiredo and Isabel Alçada, among others.
Exclusive moments during the trip
The same source mentions that the program includes several cultural activities, such as the presentation of a new novel by Rodrigo Guedes de Carvalho and a poetic recitation session led by Ana Paula Tavares. Luísa Sobral will also participate with a concert based on her most recent album, integrating the musical component into the set of experiences planned for participants.
The trip will target Alentejo, with stops that include cultural visits to the city of Évora, namely the Cathedral and the Roman Temple. Moments in Vila Viçosa are also planned, including a visit to the Paço Ducal, in a program that combines rail travel with heritage experiences.
What does the ticket include
The publication adds that the ticket price includes not only the train journey, but also three meals, accommodation and access to cultural activities planned along the route. According to the same source, the return to Lisbon is scheduled for Sunday, after lunch in Vila Viçosa, thus ending the two-day itinerary.
According to Sábado, the journey will take place in panoramic Schindler carriages, described as historical pieces that contribute to the uniqueness of the experience. Some interested parties who were unable to obtain a ticket questioned the possibility of following the group by other means, although they would lose access to this distinctive element of the initiative.
Non-profit project
Leya’s administrator assured that “this initiative is non-profit”, highlighting the cultural and experimental nature of the project. The costs were made possible through collaboration with regional entities and city halls, allowing the final price to be kept within the announced values.
The magazine writes that the success of the first edition has already led to the preparation of new similar initiatives, possibly within the year.
David Azevedo Lopes explained that “we are always thinking of new ways to encourage the Portuguese to read and everything counts, such as audiobooks or e-books”, pointing to a broader book promotion strategy.
Also read:
