In the Douro Valley, a historic train winds its way through hills and vineyards along the river. It’s a Portuguese getaway that should be experienced at least once in a lifetime.
In the heart of Portugal, a train from another era follows the curves of the Douro River, offering a truly unusual excursion. On board vintage carriages pulled by a historic locomotive, this journey through a region recognised by UNESCO is well worth the detour.
A journey aboard a vintage train
Stepping aboard this iconic train is like travelling back in time. The train is made up of no fewer than five vintage carriages dating from the early 20th century, some as far back as 1908. The steam locomotive, built in 1925 by the German manufacturer Henschel & Sohn, pulls the train at a leisurely pace of around 50 km/h. Although it has been modernised to run on fuel, it has retained all its old-world charm and can carry up to 250 passengers.
The journey begins in the town of Peso da Régua, about a 15-minute drive from the centre of Porto. Very quickly, the train follows the river and heads into beautiful hills covered in vineyards. Within minutes, you reach the first stop: the small town of Pinhão, known for its station decorated with traditional Portuguese azulejos (painted ceramic tiles) depicting scenes of the grape harvest. The train then continues towards the Tua Valley, passing through a series of landscapes marked by quiet villages and terrain shaped by centuries of winemaking.
On board, the experience goes beyond simple transport. A glass of port from the Ferreira house is served alongside local treats, and a group in traditional costume provides entertainment during the journey.
A railway line steeped in history
The Douro line, inaugurated in 1887, long played a key role in transporting wine. Carved through cliffs, it has always linked the city of Porto with other parts of the country. Today, departures run from June to October, mainly at weekends and on selected Wednesdays. The train leaves Peso da Régua in the mid-afternoon and returns in the early evening.
Tickets can be purchased at any time via the Comboios de Portugal website or directly at the main stations in Porto.
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