Passengers on the train are treated to an authentic journey through time with a view of the iconic Douro landscape, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, on a CP train made up of a 1925 steam locomotive and five historic carriages built between 1908 and 1934, which runs through the 36 kilometres between the Régua and Tua stations (round trip, with a stop in Pinhão).
In this 2024 season, and given the growing interest and demand for this different and historic experience, CP – Comboios de Portugal decided to increase the number of trips made. In total, 51 circulations are planned to be carried out, between the months of June and October, on Wednesdays, Saturdays, Sundays, and also on the August 15th holiday. The first trip took place on June 15th and the last will be on October 27th.
The Douro Historical Train, “transports history, culture, and emotions, in partnership with the municipalities of Alijó, Carrazeda de Ansiães, and Peso da Régua, which aims to value this territory and promote local products and enrich the rail tourism service, making trips even more attractive”, says CP in a press release.
The program starts in Régua, 30 minutes before departure, with an offer of a glass of Port wine – “Porto Ferreira”, water, and sweets from Régua, among others. On each trip, there will be regional entertainment on board, as well as typical sweets from the region.
There will also be, both on the way and on the way back, a stop at Pinhão station, where participants have the opportunity to watch the water supply to the steam locomotive and can also admire the famous tile panels that decorate the walls of the station, as well as such as visiting a “Wine House” and purchasing typical products from the region. At Tua station, while the steam locomotive performs its inversion maneuvers, there is time to relax, admire the landscape, and visit the site.
With a capacity for 254 passengers, departure from Régua is at 3:30 pm, arriving at Tua at 4:40 pm (with a stop at Pinhão). On the way back, it leaves Tua at 5:08 pm to arrive at Régua station at 6:26 pm (with a stop at Pinhão). Adults pay 54 euros and children 28 euros. There are special prices for groups.