The return of historic railway initiatives has been gaining prominence in tourism in Portugal, combining heritage, landscape and onboard experience. In Douro, a new travel season is being prepared, recovering 20th century wagons and a route marked by the connection to the river.
According to the CP website, cited by the portal, the Douro Historic Train returns this year with 51 planned trips between Régua and Tua, over a period that runs from June 6th to October 18th. Circulations are distributed over weekends and some additional dates on weekdays during the summer.
According to the same source, the route maintains the usual format, but with historic wagons and an operational framework adapted to the current conditions of the Douro Line.
Historic carriages and change in locomotive
The composition includes five restored cars, painted in their original colors and associated with the beginning of the 20th century. Even so, traction is once again provided by diesel locomotives, an option that continues for the second year in a row.
According to CP, this change results from preventive restrictions applied to the Douro Line by Infraestruturas de Portugal, which affect the use of traditional steam locomotives.
The experience takes place over approximately 36 kilometers, between Régua and Tua, in an area integrated into the Douro wine-growing landscape classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. On board, the program includes moments of entertainment and Port wine tasting, with the trip generally starting at Régua station in the early afternoon. The outdoor scenery of the Douro Valley is a central element of the route.
Detailed trip program
The trip schedule includes a reception in Régua at 3 pm, followed by departure around half an hour later with musical entertainment on board. The same source adds that arrival at Tua takes place around 4:35 pm, allowing a period of pause to observe the landscape. Upon return, the train leaves at 5:07 pm, passing through Pinhão and arriving in Régua in the late afternoon.
Trips take place mainly on Saturdays and Sundays between June and October, with increased dates during the summer to meet demand. CP explains that, in the busiest weeks, circulations are also planned on Wednesdays, mainly in July and August, with the aim of distributing the flow of passengers.
Tickets and access conditions
Tickets are available through CP’s usual channels, with different prices for adults, children and organized groups. According to the same source, the prices are 60 euros for adults, 32 euros for children between 4 and 12 years old and 56 euros for group reservations, with purchases being possible online or at physical ticket offices.
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