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The World’s Best Luxury Train Trips: Portugal’s The Presidential Train

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Like the famous Orient Express, Portugal’s own The Presidential Train is a perennial member on the exclusive list of the world’s most luxurious train trips. Onboard, passengers are treated to world class dining prepared by a rotating cast of Michelin-starred chefs as they make the one day return trip from Porto to the Douro Valley wine region.

More than that, passengers get to experience riding on what was once a purpose built train to serve royalty. They will, decades removed, be in sitting in the same seats and dining in the same carriage that was once reserved for the likes of kings, queens, presidents, heads of states, and popes since 1890. It is history…unfrozen and untethered from time.

A Second Farewell For The Presidential Train

To say it was a privilege to be guests on this luxurious train journey would be an understatement, but the whole thing felt even more poignant after stepping on board and learning that we would be on one of the Presidential Train’s final trips (for a second time in it’s storied history).

A little backstory.

In 1970, the Presidential Train carried the body of Portugal dictator António de Oliveira Salazar, following his death, to his hometown of Vimiero. That was its farewell trip and would have been the end of the story, had the train not been restored in the 2010s by a Portuguese entrepeneur, Gonçalo Castel-Branco, to take a new list of guests on a world class culinary tour to the Douro Valley.

For 6 1/2 years starting in 2016, the train welcomed world class chefs and lucky passengers on daily weekend trips from Porto to Quinta do Vesuvio and back.

On October 29, 2022, The Presidential Train welcomed 6 of the best Portuguese chefs to come aboard and create an unforgettable final dining experience. The train will then pull into Sao Bento station one last time and return, indefinitely (because who can say forever), to the National Railway Museum as part of its permanent exhibition.

Our own journey took place on September 11th, just a month and a few trips before the final farewell.

Bringing The Presidential Train Back To Life

But let’s rewind.

The story of how The Presidential Train was brought back to life goes something like this. After Salazar’s funeral journey, the train decommissioned, moved away and mostly forgotten about for decades.

Eventually, it found a home at the National Railway Museum in Entroncamento, where Gonçalo Castel-Branco happened upon it and immediately fell in love.

As he tells it, “at dinner that night when I tried to share what I had seen with my family and said, ‘we must have an idea for this train!’ to which my 10-year-old daughter replied, ‘why don’t we make a restaurant on it?”

That idea stuck, and after years of restoration, pitching the idea to investors, partners, chefs and purveyors of Portugal’s finest products, permission to run the train on the historic Douro Valley line was secured and The Presidential Train was reborn.

Returning To A Different Era Of Travel

Practically speaking, those wanting to travel to the Douro Valley can take a train that goes from Porto to Pinhão or Pochinho for about 24 euros roundtrip. The journey is about 3-3.5 hours each way in a comfortable modern train.

By contrast, The Presidential Train costs 750 euros. Simply riding on a historic train carriage, especially one without any modern facilities or amenities and costing hundreds more, would hardly seem like enough of an appeal to justify the price difference.

But sharing the same path is where the comparison ends.

In an age where speed and efficiency rules, one can easily question how some slow and old train trips that cost between $4000-$10000 and beyond can exist. And yet they do.

The Belmond British Pullman , the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express , and the Mahajaras’ Express are regularly sold out months in advance. The Cruise Train Seven Stars in Japan has a 4 day 3 night trip that works on a lottery application opened for just one month a year for trips in the following year.

The demand is there…because these train rides, the slower and longer they are, offer an nostalgic escape to a different time where traveling was mostly a privilege.

And those who could afford such travels, had the same taste for high class comfort and service on the road as they did at home. One can hardly expect Monsieur Hercule Poirot to dine on canned tuna when he ventures outside of England to solve a murder.

Michelin Starred Chefs…Aboard

With that in mind, the foundation behind Gonçalo’s The Presidential Train experience was one built around the senses and, of course, the stomach. And there’s no better way to provide high-end dining than to just bring on board a changing cast of Michelin-starred chefs to design a bespoke dining experience lasting from the first few moments you step onto the train and ending only when it returns to its station of departure.

With the sheer number of different Michelin-starred chefs that have been invited to cook on The Presidential Train, I wonder if there’s anyone who’s more connected in the high-end Portuguese dining scene. And passengers on the train are the luckily beneficiary of that network.

On our journey, we had Chef Diogo Rocha, author of three award-winning books, and a holder of a Michelin Star since 2019 for his Mesa de Lemos Restaurant .

Paired with him was Chef Óscar Geadas, a member of the Portugal’s culinary society and known for his turn as a jury member on Masterchef Portugal. Geladas, too, has held a Michelin Star since 2019, for his restaurant, G Pousada .

In other words, we were in good hands.

Amuse Bouche

Our scheduled departure from Sao Bento station was 11:30 am. After checking in at 11 and being handed a welcome invitation reminiscent of old train tickets, we eagerly began to explore the different carriages.

At 11:29 am, we were in our cabin just in time for a server to arrive with a bottle of sparkling 2016 Niepoort Spumante Olo. At exactly 11:30 am on the nose, I had the first, of many, glasses of wine in my hand.

A few minutes late, we were off and the same server came back with a little amuse bouche of cured tuna that just melted in my mouth. The sun was starting to warm up the day and our cabin as we followed the Douro River east away from Porto.

Let The Lunch Begin

A second appetizer of partridge terrine came out alongside a refill of our glasses, which I happily accepted. We had a chance to chat with the couple also in our cabin. The gentlemen was a food writer in Lisbon, so we shared a mutual appreciation for good eats and travel.

The cabin itself has the same look as it once did in the past, but with new interiors commissioned to be remade by the same company that made the original.

Shortly after 12, we were invited to take our seats in the dining carriage for lunch. Dining like this on an old train has long been one of my dream bucket list items. Everything was ready and neatly laid out. Crisp linen cloth, spotless glasses for the white and red wines and of course the menu.

A Culinary Showcase of Portugal’s Flavors (Part I)

First thing to note. Our waiter informed us that all the wine we’d be drinking on the train today was from the Niepoort Winery , a historic producer of port wine in Portugal since 1842. Their wines are considered to be some of the best in the country.

We started with a 2021 Douro Redoma Reserva Branco. Bright and fresh with a slightly dry finish.

It was served alongside the first course, Scarlet Prawn with White Bean. The prawn was from the southern Algarve region and the humble white bean is a staple in many of Portugal’s traditional stew.

Here, they are both presented very simply. The prawn was soft and sweet and the texture was so delicate, but still had a firm bite to it. The beans were prepared in a way that reminded me of risotto. I could have easily eaten a dozen more of these prawns.

Next was a 2018 Niepoort Vinhas Velhas Bairrada. I really liked this white and found it very crisp with both fruit and floral notes, acidic but not in an overly sharp way.

The second course was a cod neck with “couscous.” Bacalhau (dried and salted cod) is a staple of a food as you can find in Portugal and can be prepared in so many ways that chefs have no shortage of methods of preparing and serving it.

The “couscous” of the dish was a take on the grain but in a very rustic and creamy way giving a bit of textural contrast to the more firm but melt in your mouth tender cod. The whole dish was topped with a savory foam.

Using The Same Toilet As Queen Elizabeth

With a few glasses of wine already in me, it was time to excuse myself to visit the restroom. Relieving oneself on a moving train in an always too tight and always too dank smelling toilet is rarely something to look forward to, but not on The Presidential Train.

The toilet itself has a seat made of solid wood to match the interior of the restroom and train. Connected to the exposed water piping is a mechanical flushing lever with vintage plated signs pointing to “Fechada” for closed and “Aberta” for open. I love these details and it was very satisfying to flush.

The faucet and sink was unlike any that I’ve seen in my travels. What I thought was the lever to turn on the water was actual the spout itself. Swing it towards you and water comes out. I may or may not have stayed in the toilet longer than usual to admire all the little details.

And it wasn’t just the toilet. These original details were everywhere on the train and helped to really sell the feeling of traveling back in time.

I definitely stood there imagining how Queen Elizabeth II probably once stood to wash her hands in the very same small restroom before making her way through the corridors back to her seat.

A Showcase of Portugal’s Finest Flavors (Part II)

For our third course, we had Kid Goat and Potato . This was my favorite dish of the meal. The meat was tender and rich with a jus that brought out the slight gaminess in the thin layer of fat on the goatling.

It was served with slightly sweet compote and…a piece of potato. Obviously, not just a piece of potato, as you can see, but an elevation of a simple ingredient into a realm where it could be a dish on its own.

In this case, it looks like a potato was peeled into one long and uniterrupted slice that’s then rolled into a tight cylinder, baked and then cut to form a beautiful medallion of potato that’s crispy and crunchy on the outside and soft and fluffy on the inside.

The Wines Never Stop Coming

We had also moved to the red wines now with a 2019 Niepoort Charme. I found this wine to drink very much like some of my favorite Cabernet Francs in the way it’s complex but very smooth. A robust wine with notes of fruit, but not in a too sweet way.

The alcohol percentage is only 13.5% in this unfortified wine, so this would be a great red for day drinking. Not that I do that of course.

I noted that we each had at least 6 glasses of wine by this point and it was only 1:35 pm when we pulled in the town of Regua and the sort of halfway point before reaching Quinta Do Vesuvio.

It was also during our little stop that chefs Diogo and Oscar came out to mingle with the guests. I loved their playful energy and was glad to be able to personally express my appreciation for their dishes. It was also a nice little break before dessert.

World Class Staff

I have to take a moment to remark on the rest of the staff. From my first conversation talking to The Presidential Train’s marketing liaison, Sofia Santos, to the moment I stepped off the train with a fully and warm belly, everything was so professional but warm.

That’s the best way to describe it. I’ve been lucky to experience some amazing world class service around the world, but in some places, it can feel very old-fashioned or formal or even cold.

Everyone we encountered on the train seemed very excited to be there and we felt the kind of hospitality you’d like to see as a regular rather than just purely professional service. The smiles felt genuine and everyone was eager to help us make the most of the experience.

This is very much a testament to the type of people The Presidential Train brings on board.

A Dessert To Pretty To Eat

São Pedro Velho Strawberries and Basil. The name gives only a hint to the composition of the dish, but what came out was a visual delight that equally teased the palate with so many different ingredients and flavor. Sweet, tart, creamy, refreshing, and crunchy only sort of describe how everything comes together.

This was a fun dish.

And it came out with, naturally, a port, a Niepoort Bioma Crusted. I don’t alway seek it out, but I always enjoy a good port that’s not too sweet when the opportunity presents itself.

I learned here that a crusted port is a blend 2-3 ports that are then matured. They compare well with vintage ports. Both leave sediments at the bottom of the bottle which adds to the character and profile of the wine. And both are rarer in production than your normal port.

The Man Behind The Presidential Train

One of the unique aspect of the The Presidential Train is that man behind the whole concept, Gonçalo, goes on every journey with the passengers. Early on, he stopped by our cabin for a welcome onto the train introduction. During lunch, he was going between the two dining carriages and chatting with the guests.

Though I knew the wines would still continue to pour, I thought we were done with the meal. I was wrong. A plate of petit fours with truffles and cookies came out to accompany an afternoon coffee. With the warm sun and the ample amount of wine, I was glad for a caffeine fix.

Moments later, we pulled up to Vesuvio station. The meal was timed to finish at the perfect moment. Here, I was actually relieved to get out and stretch the legs after a full 3 hour meal (we never actually returned to our cabin once lunch started).

Following Gonçalo, we get to a picturesque vineyard that could easily be straight out of Italy. Here, he gave us a little history about the train and the winery before taking us to the estate.

Experiencing Quinta Do Vesuvio

Home to the Symington family, whose been producing port wine in the Douro Valley since 1882, the Quinta Do Vesuvio is one of their finest estate and one that’s not usually open to the public.

Through The Presidential Train, we got the chance to visit this private working estate to enjoy a selection of wines and vintage ports (cigars and cocktails were also available) on their estate terrace that overlooks the adjacent chapel.

For those interested, Gonçalo brought us to the stone lagares  to show where the grapes are still stomped by feet and the wine is still produced in the same original method every year following the harvest.

UPDATE: Quinta Do Vesuvio is for the first time offering private tours to the estate that includes a tasting and lunch. This visit requires advanced reservation and costs between 450-500 euros per person depending on the group size.

At around 5:10 pm, we stood by the station tracks to await the return of The Presidential Train with its distinctive whistle. Then it was back on the train. This time, our table was on the opposite side of the carriage to give us a different view for the return journey. A thoughtful touch.

There’s Always Space For Charcuterie

A new menu card was provided and a quick count revealed 15 different “dishes.” I had no idea how we would eat all of that if the lunch was anything to go by.

As it turns out, several of these items were all plated together into two “charcuterie” platter. The first I would call a meat and cheese plate.

• 12 month aged Ilha cheese from Lactacores
• Chiba goat and sheep cheese from the Queijaria Cheese Shop
• Varanegra cured ham from Salsicharia Estremocense
• Smoked sausage from Pinhao
• Sweet red pepper jam from Jose Gourmet

The second was more of a seafood charcuterie plate.

• Cod pate and cuttlefish and shrimp pate from Jose Gourmet
• Trout with garlic and parsley and smoked sardines from Jose Gourmet

All of this was served with a selection of Niepoort wines and a very refreshing cold tea. At this point, I am admittedly a little more than tipsy, but the flavors of the never ending treats continued to deliver.

I slowed down on the wine and made we pretty much consumed all the bread alongside the charcuterie and cheeses to keep from getting drunk.

Slowing Down Time

As a photographer, I was compelled to step away from the table every few minutes to try to capture the magic of the fast changing sunset light and landscapes.

Leaning out the window, with the feeling of the wind in my hair and the wine doing its thing, I was at peace. There was a happiness that begged for time to slow down, for the light to stay the way it was, and for the journey to keep going forever.

As we slowed to a station, I noticed a woman with a large basket of white bags expectantly waiting for the train. This image brought back memories of train travel through places like India or Myanmar, where each stop would offer passengers a chance to buy food and drinks from a chorus of vendors selling through the windows.

Next thing I knew, she was on the train going through the carriages and dropping off little white bundles on each table.

When I looked closer, it had a “The Presidential 2022 Edition” sticker on it. This small gesture left a deep impression on me since this was obviously pre-orchestrated to add another nostalgic element to the whole traveling on trains in the past experience. I loved it.

When we took off again, I used the last bit of light from golden hour to capture the many details that I had missed early in the day.

Room For Dessert

By this time, I had stopped drinking, despite the temptation. In between each plate, we walked around to the different carriages. Near the front, there’s a salon of sort with some comfortable vintage couches. The previously empty space was now occupied by a piano player who began to play a beautiful song for us when we entered.

We sat a while and just listened.

Whenever I saw servers moving along the corridor with a new dish, we promptly returned to our table. I definitely didn’t want to miss out on any of the many desserts that would come out wave after wave.

• Yuzo and Cardamom Financier
• Red Fruits Tartelette
• Carob, Tonka Bean and Salted Caramel Cookie
• Scones with Cranberries and Whipped Cream
• Red Fruits Jam and Pumpkin Jam with Walnuts

It just was never ending.

Portuguese Guitarra and Belgian Chocolates

While the piano music entertainment was obviously confined to the salon carriage, a Portuguese guitar player moved about and put on an evening performance in each of the dining carriages.

I recognized a couple of classical pieces that was being played on the traditional 12 string Portuguese guitarra and it was very relaxing to listen to while we digested our desserts.

Another beautiful detail that added to magic and experience of this type of travel.

And then as if all the desserts weren’t already enough, two servers came out carrying a beautiful wooden glass box that I initially mistaken from afar as a large cigar box. Close up, the content was instead columns of truffles and chocolates in all sorts of elegant and intricate shapes from Neuhaus , one of, if not the best, Belgium’s finest chocolatiers.

As we listened to all the different options, I was thinking aloud that it was so hard to choose while carefully narrowing down to 3 selections.

“Choose as many as you like.”

While that was tempting, I did stick with a more respectable 3 pieces and immediately wondered if I should have just listened instead.

Until The Train Pulls In

As we neared Campanha station, the dining had yet to be concluded and one final dish was brought out – a traditional Portuguese Caldo Verde. My curiosity was piqued earlier when I saw that a soup would be the last course AFTER all the desserts.

And yet, somehow the slightly creamy vegetable soup just worked to close the entire meal leaving us with a warm feeling in our bellies as the train pulled up to Sao Bento station around 10 pm.

A Parting Well Made

While I could not have asked for anything more to the day, The Presidential Train did not let us go away empty handed. Instead, it sent us off with several parting gifts.

The first was a gorgeous hard cover booklet, beautifully designed inside and out, to give us the story and history of The Presidential Train along with a breakdown of each part of our journey, the wines, the meals, the chefs, the vineyard and more. A gorgeous memento to remember a once in a lifetime trip.

When we stepped off the train and walked towards the exit, the full staff of The Presidential Train was already lined up to offer bright smiles and a warm farewell.

And then, for one last surprise, we were given a gift bag to take home.

“So the culinary experience doesn’t end here.”

Amongst the treasure was a small bottle of Graham’s 10 Year Tawny Port in  a cute cylindrical packaging, a bottle of red wine, a beautiful artist sketchbook, and a bar of the wonderfully smelling bar of Portus Cale soap from Castelbel.

Was The Presidential Train Worth It?

At around 750 euros per person for a one day train journey, the price might seem a little daunting initially. But having experienced everything The Presidential Train offered, I have this to say.

Simply put, as far as luxury train rides in the world, The Presidential Train is far and away the most economical and value-filled trip that one can experience.

While I don’t know the exact economics of what putting together a trip of this caliber costs, I can say that Gonçalo and The Presidential Train spares no expenses in giving their guests the absolute best experience. And I have to speculate that this cuts incredibly deep in the profitability, if there’s any, of operating The Presidential Train.

From sourcing the train, pulling the Michelin-starred chefs away from their restaurants, bringing on board an endless supply of fine wines, procuring private access to Quinta do Vesuvio, and sending us off with all sorts of treats, the trip was worth every penny and more.

It feels like a deep passion project. A love letter of sorts to Portugal to showcase what the country has to offer in terms of history and culinary prowess. While the trips have come to an end, the memories imprinted on its guests over the years, will surely endure. I can’t wait to see what Gonçalo will set his sights on next.

If you’re looking for more quirky and interesting travel ideas, check out my bucket list for some inspiration and I hope to see you out there.

Updated on October 24, 2023

Kien is an international photographer and filmmaker based in Los Angeles. He captures his adventures on whereandwander.com and believes in living for those moments that make the best stories, told or untold. He is working through his bucket list and wants to help others do the same. Follow him on Instagram @hellokien .

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Portugal’s New Presidential Train Experience

By Lauren Jade Hill

The May 2017 edition will host a series of esteemed chefs, beginning with Maaemo ’s Esben Holmboe Bang, the world’s youngest chef to have been awarded three Michelin stars, and Pedro Lemos of the Michelin-starred namesake restaurant in Porto. While Esben focuses on the natural ingredients of Norwegian cuisine by recomposing them to create new and exciting plates, Pedro reveals his passion for Portuguese terroir, traditions and culture in innovative culinary creations.

The Presidential train follows a path through the Douro Valley, where Douro and Port wines are made from the grapes that grows on picturesque slopes overlooking the Douro River. This valley is home to a number of celebrated wineries, including the historic Quinta do Vesuvio estate where vines were first planted alongside the grand manor house in the early 19 th century. And while much of estate is now planted with vines, around two-thirds of the land remains wild, with oranges, lemons, almonds, olives and figs all growing in abundance.

Passengers step aboard the Presidential train in Porto, at the 100-year-old São Bento railway station, before being shown to their individual cabins and served a four-course tasting menu with wine pairing in the restaurant carriage. Lunch is then followed by an exclusive wine-tasting at Quinta do Vesuvio estate, before re-boarding the train to catch live music in the bar carriage.

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While these one-day journeys give a taste of the Presidential rail experience, the three-day package goes on to include further exploration of the wine region with a private driver, gourmet meals in Porto’s top restaurants, and overnight stays in two of the region’s most luxurious hotels. From Intercontinental Palácio das Cardosas – a historic palace overlooking Liberdade Square in Porto – guests move on to the award-winning Six Senses Douro Valley where a 19 th -century manor house sits on a hill overlooking the valley’s vines.

To find out more about The Presidential train journeys, go over to www.thepresidentialtrain.com .

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Porto and North of Portugal Tourism recommends

A fascinating journey through douro’s luxury..

Insert your data for personalised help from our official tourism team. We are happy to plan your unforgettable Douro Valley Wine Region day trip.

Somewhere along the line, you’ll find Douro’s luxury.

Gliding through a World Heritage Site such as the Douro Valley Wine Region, while hearing the train whistle echoing up terraced hills and the historic engine’s steam lingering over the river’s misty surface is a once-in-a-lifetime luxury. The Douro Luxury Train makes way makes way for an indulging gourmet experience, highlighting some of the best dishes, wines and landscapes Portugal has to offer.

Douro Valley Wine Region Luxury Train . Portugal

An exclusive roundtrip to the douro valley wine region and a delightful day.

The Douro Luxury Train will glide through the Douro Valley for a limited time, completing only 20 journeys, with a 72 seat capacity, from April to June. The roundtrip day ticket costs 750€ and includes two gourmet meals, curated by renowned chef Chakall, wine pairing experiences, a guided tour to a Douro wine estate and a luxurious onboard service, including live music.

The train departs from Porto’s exquisite S. Bento train station at 10:40

A luxury trip towards the Douro Valley must begin with the best appetizer, Port.

The train’s restaurant car welcomes the best national products and the talent of renowned chefs.

As you pass by some of the Douro Valley’s most emblematic cities, you’ll have a chance to taste wines from some of the region’s top producers.

As the journey rolls by you will find yourself immersed in the most breathtaking UNESCO World Heritage landscape.

Wine Estate

The train stops at Vargelas station, from where you will set off for an inebriating tour of the neighbouring Taylor’s Vargellas Wine Estate.

The journey finishes right where it began, in the stunning São Bento station, at the heart of Porto.

entertainment

Exquisite live music and selected entertainment elevate the evening’s spirits.

As the daylight starts to fade, the train lights up to the smoked flavours of cured meats and creamy cheeses, paired with scented wines.

The return journey sets off from the picturesque Vargelas train station at 18:07.

Luxury travel begins with exceptional booking assistance.

The official Porto and North of Portugal Tourism booking team is ready to answer your queries and provide all the necessary booking support. You are very welcome to contact us through telephone, email or real-time chat conversation.

Somewhere along the line, you’ll find Douro VALLEY’s experiences.

A dream-like day trip between Porto and the Douro Valley Wine Region is a well-balanced fusion of luxurious comfort, astounding landscapes, impeccable service and mouthwatering flavours. Alongside the Douro River, conversation, laughter and award-winning wines will flow peacefully.

Luxury travel is redefined onboard this historic train. As one one of the most treasured gems of the National Rail Museum, recently renovated to the highest quality standard and currently only used on the exclusive Douro Valley train journeys. Onboard, you will feel the exquisite luxury only reserved for royalty and the highest political dignitaries.

The Luxury Douro Valley Train journey begins under the magnificent ceilings of the historic train station, located at the heart of Porto. São Bento is a fine example of early 20th-century architecture and features an impressive display of 20.000 hand-painted azulejo tiles. It’s not surprising it was considered one of the 10 most beautiful stations in Europe.

When the river unveils the first sight of the Douro Valley Wine Region, its magnificence is almost like a spiritual awakening. The layers of thin wine terraces, rising up from the river to the top of sun-bathed hills, are a true work of art. Such a stunning landscape has, for centuries, produced an equally stunning collection of wines. That’s why over 250 years ago the Douro was declared the first demarcated wine region in the world.

The finest carriages, embellished with exquisite materials, make room for carefully presented dinner tables, where you will enter a world of fine cuisine. The Douro Valley Train journey is, above all, a sensorial feast celebrating the best Portuguese food and wine. The tasting menu was curated by the renowned author and chef Chakall. The selection offers a harmonious journey through the Portuguese gastronomic repertoire, showcasing signature dishes from renowned local restaurants and offering an exquisite selection of regional wines.

Exclusive Douro Luxury Train Journey will take place on the following weekends:  

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Portugal's most scenic route

Douro valley by train.

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Train travel UK & Ireland...

Train travel in europe..., train travel in asia..., train travel in africa..., train travel in america..., train travel in australasia, porto to régua, pinhão & pocinho.

Portugal's most scenic train ride takes you along the Douro Valley from Porto (Portugal's second city) to Régua, Pinhão & Pocinho.  It makes a great day trip from Porto, although it's too far for a day trip from Lisbon.  The line currently ends at Pocinho, but over the next few years they plan to reopen the 28km from Pocinho to Barca de Alva on the border with Spain.  Indeed, until 1984 the line continued all the way to Salamanca.

Train times

There are 10-12 trains per day from Porto to Régua, of which 5 or 6 continue to Pinhão & Pocinho.  Porto-Pocinho takes around 3h25.

Check times from Porto to Régua, Pinhão or Pocinho using the journey planner at the Portuguese Railways website www.cp.pt .

Or download a timetable in .pdf format at www.cp.pt/.../comboios-regionais-porto-regua-douro.pdf (please let me know if the link stops working).

You can catch any of these trains from the main Porto Campanhã station, but some start/terminate at the wonderful Porto São Bento station, located right in the UNESCO-listed old city and one of Europe's most beautiful stations.  Start from there if you can.

The best trains to take are the ones called MiraDouro, these use classic carriages built by Swiss firm Schindler, with wide opening windows.  There is a page about these services with a timetable of when this specific type of train runs at www.cp.pt/passageiros/en/how-to-travel/For-leisure/Nature-and-Culture/miradouro-train (please let me know if that link changes).  Some of these start at San Bento station.

How much does it cost?

Porto to Pocinho costs around €14 each way, Porto to Régua around €10 each way.  Fixed-price, unlimited availability, cannot sell out.

How to buy tickets

You can buy tickets at www.cp.pt (in €) or Omio.com (in €, £ or $) and print them out or show them on your phone, but as there are no reservations, tickets have unlimited availability and cannot sell out, you may as well just buy at the station on the day.

Travel tips

Start at Porto São Bento:   São Bento station with its classic wall tiling is a Porto attraction in its own right, so for the full experience take one of the morning trains that start at São Bento.

Which side of the train to sit?   The river is on the right hand side going east from Porto through Tua to just before Ferradosa, then on the left to Pocinho.  If the train isn't crowded, you can switch seats at Ferradosa. 

Food & drink:   The trains are inter-regional trains with no catering, so bring your own food & drink.

Combine train with river boat:   Any hotel in Porto can book you onto a river boat trip along the Douro, for example from Régua to Pinhão.  You can then take the train from Porto to Régua and Pinhão back to Porto, a DIY day trip from Porto by train & boat.  Indeed, you can find one-way river boat trips all the way from Porto to Régua which allow you to return to Porto by train, or vice versa.  Or cruise between Régua & Pocinho, with travel to and from the boat by train.  Try www.cruzeiros-douro.pt .

Short of time?   You'll still get a good appreciation of the wonderful Douro scenery travelling from Porto to Pinhão.  One correspondent recommends lunch in Pinhão at the Casa do Escritor restaurant, dourorenaissence.wixsite.com/writersplace .

Porto São Bento station

Porto São Bento is a terminus located in Porto's UNESCO-listed historic centre.  Built between 1904 & 1916, the azulejo tiling in the main hall makes it one of Europe's most beautiful stations, and a Porto attraction in its own right.  Make sure you call in here!  It's not served by mainline trains to or from Lisbon, but frequent suburban trains link it with Porto Campanhã every 5-15 minutes, journey time 4 minutes.  A few Douro Valley trains start from here, before serving Porto Campanhã.  See larger photo of the interior .  See location map .  See Wikipedia page about Sao Bento .

Along the Douro in pictures

All but one photo in this section are courtesy of Paliparan.com .

Heading east along the river on a morning train...

Regua station...

Alongside the river Douro near Tua.   Photo courtesy of www.youtube.com/c/nonstopeurotrip

Between Tua & Pocinho, sometimes just feet from the river...  Photo courtesy of www.youtube.com/c/nonstopeurotrip

Now on the way back towards Porto...

And relax...   If you return to Porto Sao Bento station, how about a beer & unique crispy hot dog or Portuguese sandwich at the iconic Gazela Cachorrinhos da Batalha snack bar 2 minutes walk outside the station?

What are the trains like?

Locomotive-hauled:   Some train are locomotive-hauled, with a mix of former Swiss Railways carriages or stainless-steel cars made in Portugal.  They're not air-conditioned, but have a major advantage - the windows open, for reflection-free photography.  All the trains are 2nd class only.

Air-conditioned diesel units:   Some departures are operated by diesel units, air-conditioned but without opening windows.  Below, this is the lunchtime train from Porto to Pocinho.  Photos courtesy of DiscoverByRail.com

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With stunning beaches, lush landscapes, tasty cuisine and captivating historic significance, Portugal delivers across the board.

Explore numerous UNESCO World Heritage Sites, hilltop castles, and medieval town squares.

From its classic cable cars to the melancholic Fado music, Portugal’s capital city of Lisbon is romantic in the extreme. Experience a range of neighborhoods here, exploring the museums of Belém and the narrow streets of Alfama, through chic shops and quaint cafés. The second-largest city of Porto hums with activity, from the galleries and shops of Rua de Miguel Bombarda to the famous shopping street of Rua Santa Catarina. From the main square of Praca da Liberdade, you can stroll to the beautiful São Bento train station and on to the Romanesque Porto Cathedral and Bolsa Palace. Make time for a stop at the famous Livraria Lello, an ornate bookstore with carved wooden ceilings and a stained-glass roof. The south coast of Portugal delivers the dazzling Algarve, the country’s summer playground, overflowing with acres of secluded golden beaches, dramatic cliffs, mosaic-tiled streets, village square gelato stands, and whitewashed markets. The Portugal interior features some of Europe’s best wine, with an array of native grape varietals – Vinho Verde, Dão, Bairrada, Alentejo and more – growing in 13 different regions. Don’t forget to indulge in the world-famous port. Wherever you end up in Portugal, count on fantastic food: Salt-cod fritters, octopus salad, delectable oysters, the freshest bread, and the ubiquitous custard tarts, which tempt at every turn.

Top Destinations

Lisbon, Portugal’s capital city is in the midst of a spectacular revitalization.... Read more

Porto is a city with enormous charm made for wandering and for excellent dining.... Read more

The island of Madeira allows visitors to enjoy the warm waters of the Gulf Stream.... Read more

Just an hour and a bit from Lisbon, Sintra feels, as it’s often said, like a fairy tale.... Read more

In a country brimming with natural beauty, the Douro Valley tops it all.... Read more

Douro Valley

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Europe’s second-oldest capital, Lisbon is an effortlessly elegant city, full of old-world charm. ...Read more

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Luxury European Train Tours & Luxury Train Vacations Europe

Luxury european train holiday destinations & places.

Our range of luxury train tours in Europe lets you explore this fascinating continent in comfort and style. The slow pace of luxury rail travel in Europe gives you time to see the countries you pass through rather than just the tourist sites, and we think there is nothing like European luxury train vacations as a way to travel in Europe. Most luxury European train holidays focus on East and Central Europe, including the Balkans. Spain and Portugal also have luxury trains in Europe. Below you can browse all the destinations visited by our luxury train trips in Europe. Under each destination, you can view the luxury European train tours that visit each destination.

Luxury train holidays in Europe visit the well-known sites but also pass through places that are less visited and can make short stops to visit these places that regular luxury rail tours to Europe might miss. As the luxury sleeper trains in Europe act as a hotel on wheels, there is no need to pack and unpack, and the European luxury train trips allow for short visits to many places. This gives the passenger a more rounded experience of the countries they pass through. Taking a luxury train through Europe is a rewarding and relaxing way to travel with like-minded people.

Luxury Rail Tours In Europe

Just click on any of the tours listed below to open up or download a PDF file with the tour’s full details including dates and pricing.

● Please remember that booking as far ahead as you can in advance is essential for these trains ●

7 Nights from UK £ 14,295 / US$ 17,595 / € 16,195

Contact us for a quote in other currencies

France ● Switzerland ● Austria ● Slovenia ● Serbia ● Bulgaria ● Turkey

Turkey ● Bulgaria ● Serbia ● Slovenia ● Austria ● Switzerland ● France

11 Nights from UK £ 14,795 / US$ 18,495 / € 16,795

Venice ● Trieste ● Ljubljana ● Sarajevo ● Mostar ● Dubrovnik ● Belgrade ● Skopje ● Sofia ● Plovdiv ● Istanbul

Venice ● Trieste ● Ljubljana ● Sarajevo ● Mostar ● Belgrade ● Bar ● Podgorica ● Skopje ● Sofia ● Plovdiv ● Istanbul

6 Nights From UK £ 8,995 / US $ 11,195 / € 10,195

Istanbul ● Veliko Tarnovo ● Sinaia ● Brasov ● Sighisoara ● Sibiu ● Kecskemet ● Lajosmizse ● Budapest

10 Nights From UK £ 13,695 / US $ 17,095 / € 15,495

Budapest ● Vienna ● Lake Achen ● Innsbruck ● Zürich ● Lake Como ● Milan ● Verona ● Trieste ● Lake Bled ● Ljubljana ● Venice

Budapest ● Vienna ● Semmering Pass ● Lake Achen ● Innsbruck ● Zurich ● St Gotthard Pass ● Lake Como ● Verona ● Trieste ● Lake Bled ● Ljubljana ● Postojna ● Venice

7 Nights From UK £ 9,395 / US $ 11,795 / € 10,695

Budapest ● Keszthely ● Tapolca ● Sopron ● Eger ● Lillafured ● Aggtelek ● Hortobagy National Park ● Tokaj ● Opusztaszer ● Szeged ● Budapest

5 Nights from UK £ 6,210 / US$ 7,590 pp

Contact us for quotes in other currencies

Epernay ● Reims ● Beaune ● Annecy ● Avignon ● Les Alpilles ● Arcachon ● Saint-Emilion ● Chenonceau ● Puy Du Fou

7 Nights From UK £ 7,995 / US $ 9,995 / € 9,095

A festive journey westbound across Europe from Budapest to Munich via Vienna & Salzburg

A festive journey eastbound across Europe from Munich to Budapest via Salzburg & Vienna

11 Nights From UK £ 14,795 / US $ 18,495 / € 16,795

Budapest ● Krakow ● Warsaw ● Malbork ● Gdansk ● Berlin ● Dresden ● Prague ● Salzburg ● Vienna

8 Nights From UK £ 11,195 / US $ 13,995 / € 12,695

Budapest ● Keszthely ● Graz ● Vienna ● Cesky Krumlov ● Prague ● Kosice ● Budapest

2 Nights From UK £ 4,400 per person

Travel straight into the heart of the Scottish Highlands, visiting enchanting sites of natural beauty and making the most of the thrilling outdoor activities

3 Nights From UK £ 6,400 per person

Explore the rugged landscapes of the West coast of Scotland

Embark on a captivating journey through Scotland’s untamed beauty.

4 Nights From UK £ 8,300 per person

Discover the wild wonders and picturesque scenery that Scotland has to offer

4 Nights From UK £ 8,900 per person

Dive into Scotland’s finest estates with untold stories and guided tours

Embark on an adventure with the Scotch Malt Whisky Society, our partner for this unique journey through Scotland

5 Nights From UK £11,200 per person

Discover Scotland through the ages with unique sceneries and intriguing experiences

5 Nights From UK £ 10,400 per person

Be spirited away as you retrace part of the famed West Highland Line

A combination of the traditional Highland and scenic Western journeys

7 Nights From UK £ 14,700 per person

Explore the many wonders of the Scottish Highlands at a leisurely pace

Head West and explore the many wonders of the Scottish Highlands at a leisurely pace

9 Nights From UK £ 8,690 / US $ 11,830

Santiago De Compostela ● Ourense ● León ● Ávila ● Toledo ● Córdoba ● Seville

6 Nights From Euro 5,600 per person

Málaga ● Granada ● Úbeda ● Baeza ● Córdoba ● Ronda ● Jerez De La Frontera ● Cádiz ● Seville

Seville ● Cádiz ● Jerez De La Frontera ● Ronda ● Córdoba ● Baeza ● Úbeda ● Granada ● Málaga

7 Nights From Euro 8,900 Per Person

Santiago De Compostela ● Viveiro ● Ribadeo ● Luarca ● Gijon ● Oviedo ● Llanes ● Santillana Del Mar ● Cabezon De La Sal ● Potes ● Santander ● Carranza ● Bilbao ● San Sebastian

7 Nights From Euro 8,900 per person

San Sebastian ● Bilbao ● Carranza ● Santander ● Potes ● Cabezon De La Sal ● Santillana Del Mar ● Llanes ● Oviedo ● Gijon ● Luarca ● Ribadeo ● Viveiro ● Santiago De Compostela

13 NIGHTS FROM £ 18,295 / US$ 24,695

BASEL ● ST MORITZ ● TIRANO (ITALY) ● ANDERMATT ● ZERMATT ● BERN ● INTERLAKEN (JUNGFRAU REGION) ● LAKE COMO (ITALY) ● PILATUS KULM ● ZURICH

Luxurious Train Rides Europe: Austria

Austria has some of the best mix of scenery and cities in Europe and is a popular destination for European luxury train travel. It has a well-developed and beautifully engineered rail network making luxury rail holidays in Europe reliable and exhilarating with routes through places like the Semmering pass. Vienna and Salzburg are the most popular cities visited in Austria visited on our luxury European train tours. Click on the European luxury train vacations below each Austrian destination for full details.

The Capital of Austria and the former Habsburg Empire is a city with a rich culture and some superb imperial architecture.

The birthplace of Mozart and, of course, setting for the Sound of Music, beautiful Salzburg is a centre of culture in Austria.

Semmering Pass

This rail pass connects Lower Austria and Styria. The Semmering Railway built from 1848–54 was the first mountain railway in the world.

Lake Achen is a beautiful alpine lake with stunning clear turquoise waters and a popular area for water sports and hiking.

Located close to both Germany and Italy Innsbruck is famed as a ski resort but also has many historical buildings in the centre of the city.

New Year in Vienna is a magical time of festivities and often snow. It is also famed for the classical Vienna New Year concert.

European Luxury Train Vacations: Bosnia Herzegovina

Bosnia Herzegovina is a relative newcomer on luxury train rides in Europe itineraries and is a country that would often be overlooked. The beauty of a luxury train across Europe is that it can pass through these less visited places and take in the better-known destinations. Sarajevo and Mostar are the most popular places visited on these luxury European train holidays, and both these destinations have recovered well from the war in the 1990s.

Sarajevo is the capital of Bosnia and known for its diversity of Christian Roman Catholic, Orthodox and the Muslim Ottoman.

Still shaking off its damage from the war in the 1990s the city is famous for its beautiful stone bridge which was rebuilt in 2004.

Luxury European Train Tours: Bulgaria

Bulgaria is located at a key point geographically between Europe and the near Orient and so features in quite a lot of luxury train vacations in Europe. The country has much to see and a good rail network for the European luxury train to use. Bulgaria has a long history and has been a pivotal country between Turkey and the rest of Europe. The main cities visited on luxury rail holidays in Europe are the coital of Sofia and the culturally rich cities of Veliko Tarnovo and Plovid.

Plovdiv is one of the oldest cities in Europe located on a large plain between the Rhodope Mountains and Balkan Range (Old Mountains).

Bulgaria’s capital is a dynamic place to visit with an architectural mix of Communist, Orthodox and European buildings.

Veliko Tarnovo

Veliko Turnovo was the capital of the Second Bulgarian Empire and is culturally rich in museums and historical sites.

Luxury Train Travel Europe: Croatia

Croatia is a Balkan country with a long and beautiful coastline. Its rail network is not as extensive as other Balkan countries. Still, it more than makes up for this with some outstanding destinations, not least Dubrovnik, making it a popular place to visit for luxury rail journeys in Europe. As well as Dubrovnik, other cities visited are Zagreb and Rijeka. Overall, Croatia is a welcome stop for luxury trains in Europe.

Zagreb’s chief attraction is the medieval ‘old city’ with architecture and cobbled streets reminiscent of Vienna, Budapest and Prague.

Rijeka is the main seaport of Croatia, located on Kvarner Bay, an inlet of the Adriatic Sea. It is compact and walkable city.

Once rivalling Venice, beautiful Dubrovnik is an UNESCO World Heritage city on the Adriatic Sea coast in the south of Croatia.

Luxury European Train Holidays: Czech Republic

The Czech Republic has one of Europe’s most famous cities, Prague, which is a must-see and featured on several luxury train journeys in Europe. The country has long been a stalwart for European tourism in the heart of Central and East Europe and has a well-developed train network. As well as the much-visited Prague, the luxury European train holiday also visits Cesky Krumlov, which has just as beautiful architecture as Prague but is far less well known.

CZECH REPUBLIC

Prague is one of the largest cities in Central Europe and has served as the capital of the historic region of Bohemia for centuries.

Cesky Krumlov

Český Krumlov is a beautiful town little changed over centuries full of Baroque buildings and with a castle and old-town square.

Experience Luxury Train Travel: France

Taking a luxury train in France offers an unparalleled travel experience, combining the romance of rail travel with opulent comfort. The journey itself becomes a highlight, not just a means to reach a destination. Luxury trains, like Le Grand Tour, provide sumptuous accommodations and fine dining, allowing travellers to relax in a refined ambiance reminiscent of a bygone era. The scenic routes traverse through France’s breathtaking landscapes, offering views of picturesque villages, vineyards, and historical sites, often inaccessible by other means of transport. It’s an immersive cultural experience, where travellers can enjoy French cuisine and wines while mingling with an international clientele. This mode of travel appeals to those seeking a leisurely pace, luxury, and a unique way to explore France’s rich heritage and stunning geography.

Enchanting lakeside gem with medieval charm, vibrant markets, and stunning Alpine vistas—a serene and picturesque fairy-tale escape.

A captivating seaside retreat boasting pristine beaches, renowned oyster farms, and the majestic Dune du Pilat.

Step into history with its majestic Papal Palace, vibrant cultural scene, and the iconic Pont Saint-Bénézet

Immerse in Burgundy’s heart, famed for world-class wines, historic Hospices de Beaune, and charming medieval architecture.

The Champagne capital, offering exquisite tastings, grand vineyards, and miles of underground cellars to explore.

A sensory delight with lavender fields, sun-drenched vineyards, ancient villages, and a deeply rich cultural heritage.

A historic city renowned for its magnificent cathedral, Champagne houses, and a rich tapestry of French heritage.

Luxury European Train Tour: Hungary

Hungary is a pivotal country in East Europe with an extensive and well-developed train network providing one of the best luxury train vacations Europe offers, fascinating cities and beautiful scenery. Some of the most luxurious train rides in Europe tour this country extensively to take advantage of this. The capital of Budapest is actually two cities Buda and Pest which are divided by the river. This city has some impressive architecture. The rest of the country has many towns and sights worth visiting on your luxury European train tour, and the nature of luxury train rides in Europe means that short stops can be made throughout your European luxury train trip.

Aggtelek is famous for its karst caves with the highlight being the Giants’ Hall 125 meters long, 55 meters wide and 30 meters high.

The capital of Hungary is a vibrant city noted for its classical music scene and nightlife as well as thermal baths and architecture.

Debrecen is the second largest city in Hungary and a centre for Hungarian Protestantism as well as a large science university.

Eger is known for its castle, thermal baths, baroque buildings, the northernmost Ottoman minaret, cuisine and red wines.

Hollókő is a preserved traditional settlement and a UNESCO World Heritage site and is a good way to understand local culture.

The Hortobagy National Park is in the Hungarian plain in the eastern part of the country known for it’s wildlife and traditional culture.

The city is well known for its secessionist architecture, museums, and for being the birthplace of composer Zoltan Kodály.

Located at the southern tip of lake Balaton the town is 750 years old. Gothic, baroque and Transylvanian architecture abounds.

Lajosmizse is a town in Bács-Kiskun county. It is located at the end of a railway line from Budapest and has a museum of folk culture.

Lillafüred close to Lake Hamori is a beautiful small town built as a holiday resort and centred around the Place Hotel and gardens.

Opusztaszer

The Ópusztaszer National Heritage Park is an open-air museum of Hungarian history most famous for the Feszty Panorama.

Sopron is a pleasant town very close to the border with Austria with winding streets and history dating back to medieval times.

Szeged is the third-largest city in Hungary known or the cathedral and a wealth of Art Nouveau buildings, and for the fish soup Halászlé.

Tapolca is known for its cave system as well as the beautiful Mill Pond. Due to the limestone karsts of this area the water is very pure.

Tokaj is a famous wine growing region dating back nearly 1,000 years and the main square of the town even has a the Bacchus fountain.

European Luxury Train Vacation: Italy

From a tourism perspective, Italy needs little introduction. The country has been seducing travellers for centuries. It is relatively less well known though, for its trains aside from being the endpoint of the Orient Express, the crème de la crème of luxury train travel in Europe. The rail network in Northern Italy is extensive; this is where the luxury train travel through Europe focuses on. Who wouldn’t want to take a European luxury train trip that visits such stunning places as Venice, Milan and Lake Como. Under each destination, you can explore the European luxury train vacation options for Italy below.

Beautiful lake in Lombardy surrounded by mountains. There are numerous pretty towns and villages around the shore.

Milan is famous for fashion and shopping and has some beautiful architecture as well as the famous La Scala opera house.

Once a very influential and powerful centre of politics, literature, music, art and culture under Austrian-Hungarian dominion.

Venice needs little introduction. Its sheer wealth of architecture and unique cancel system make it one of the world’s most visited cities.

Verona is rich in history with an abundance of Roman roots still evident today along with world class art and architecture – and gelato!

Luxury European Train Tour: Montenegro

Tiny Montenegro only takes a few hours to cross, but this is not a problem for luxury train trips in Europe which can fit this mountainous country in on their schedules before railing on to the following country. Luxury European train tours visit the dramatically located coastal town of Bar and the capital of Podgorica before continuing to explore the rest of the Balkans.

The capital of Montenegro is an interesting mix of old and new, Mediterranean and Balkan and is known for its cafe culture.

Bar has a wonderful setting on the coast backed by steep cliffs and mountains. Close by are the striking ruins of Stari Bar.

European Luxury Train Vacations: North Macedonia

Macedonia is another small Balkan country that most tourists would overlook. However, your “luxury interrailing Europe” trip can fit into their schedules as they do not need to overnight in hotels with the train acting as a hotel on wheels. This allows your European luxury train vacation to offer a short visit to fascinating Skopje, which features son several of Golden Eagle’s Danube Express train tours, including the very popular Venice to Istanbul route – one of the great luxury train rides in Europe.

NORTH MACEDONIA

Skopje is an old city with Ottoman and Byzantine era sights. The Tvrdina Kale Fortress has guarded the city since the 5th century.

Luxury Train Tours Europe: Poland

Most luxury sleeper trains in Europe focus on the southern part of East and Central Europe, but the southern Polish city of Krakow does make it into some of these itineraries, and rightly so. Krakow is one of Europe’s architectural masterpieces and is well worth a visit on any fancy train rides in Europe.

This former capital of Poland has plenty of medieval architecture which combines with a more youthful student population and culture.

Luxury Rail Tours in Southern Europe: Portugal

Opting for a luxury train journey in Portugal offers an unforgettable experience that blends the charm of vintage travel with modern indulgence. As you traverse through Portugal’s stunning landscapes, you’re treated to a visual feast of rolling vineyards, historic towns, and dramatic coastlines. Onboard, experience unparalleled comfort, exquisite dining featuring Portuguese cuisine, and impeccable service. It’s more than just travel; it’s about embracing the slower pace and elegance of a bygone era, while exploring Portugal’s rich cultural tapestry and scenic beauty in a uniquely luxurious setting.

Luxury European Train Holidays: Romania

Like neighbouring Bulgaria and Hungary, Romania is a popular destination for the most luxurious trains in Europe. This enigmatic country has a long history and spectacular scenery to enjoy on your luxury European train holiday. The fantastically named Danube Express train tour “Castles of Transylvania” encompasses a range of places, including Sighişoara and Bran and Râșnov, which are all tied up with the legend of Vlad the Impaler, whose bloodthirsty history inspired Bran Stoker’s Dracula!

A city of gothic spires, Brasov is the base to visit the castles in Bran and Râșnov and listen to stories about Vlad to Impaler!

Cluj Napoca

Recently ‘discovered’ by tourists Cluj has a vigorous mix of galleries, gardens, cafes, Gothic Churches and medieval towers.

Sibiu has a mix of big architecture and bohemian flair and this city has long been a cultural destination in Romania.

The alleged birth place of Vlad Ţepeş (the Impaler), Sighişoara is a beautiful town full of narrow lanes and medieval architecture.

Located in a dramatic valley the town is visited by hikers in summer and skiers in winter and also for the chief attraction of Peleş Castle.

This large city has an attractive layout of squares and gardens as well as a good range of restaurants and museums.

European Luxury Train Travel: Serbia

Offering some of the best luxury train tours Europe offers, Serbia is a pivotal rail junction in the Balkans and a stop for many of the most luxurious trains in Europe. A landlocked country in the Balkans, Serbia came into being out of the former Yugoslavia in the early 1990s.

Located where the Sava and Danube Rivers meet Belgrade is where the old world meets the new in this forward looking city.

Sargan Vitasi

This place is all about trains and the unusual narrow gauge railway that ran from Sarajevo to Belgrade with the section here restored.

Luxury Rail Holidays In Europe: Slovakia

Slovakia is a landlocked and mountainous country in Central Europe with beautiful cities and incredible natural sights. Slovakia can be visited on the Central European Classics and New Year In Vienna luxury train rides in Europe. The old town of Kosicce is a highlight, as well as Poprad, known as the gateway to the High Tatra mountains.

The old town is the attraction of this city with the greatest collection of Gothic towers, medieval bastions and baroque sculpture in Slovakia.

Poprad is a known as the Gateway to the stunning scenery of the High Tatras and this town makes for a good place to base and explore.

Luxury Train Travel Europe: Slovenia

Slovenia lies in South-Central Europe in the Julian Alps at the northern end of the Adriatic Sea, bordered by Austria to the north and Italy to the west. The country is a stalwart of the best luxury rail travel Europe offers. Slovenia can be visited on the Grand Alpine Express, Venice to Istanbul luxury European train holidays.

Picture perfect and very popular Lake Bled is surrounded by the highest peaks of the Julian Alps and attractive churches and castles.

Slovenia’s capital green and liveable with a pedestrianised centre and fine architecture and bridges crossing the Ljubljanica River.

The Postojna Cave system is the thing to see here. Visitors can walk along 5km of the total 24 km of tunnels full of formations.

Luxury Train Holidays Europe: Spain

The Mediterranean country of Spain needs little introduction and is one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations for its stunning history, cities and culture. Lesser known is its extensive rail network used by luxury overnight trains in Europe. Spain can be visited on the Al Andalus luxury train tours of Europe, visiting Santiago to Seville and the Portuguese capital of Lisbon to Barcelona. More details can be found below.

The old city walls consist of 8 huge gates, 88 watchtowers and 2500 turrets, is one of the best-preserved medieval in Spain.

Discover timeless beauty in its well-preserved medieval quarter, historic monuments, and a rich blend of cultural influences.

Home to some extraordinary islamic architecture, not least the Mezquita, this city also is quintessential Spain and not to be missed.

Leon’s cathedral is one of Spain’s most impressive and largest and at night this city comes alive with bars and restaurants.

Experience the pulsating heart of Spain with world-renowned museums, lively plazas, and an unrivalled culinary scene.

Ourense is known for its hot springs and thermal waters as well as its 12th-century Cathedral and Roman era bridge, the Ponte Romana.

Santiago de Compostela

The final stop on the famed pilgrimage trail of the same name 300,000 pilgrims still walk here to visit the cathedral each year.

Seville is one of Spains most impressive and pleasant cities with grand architecture and an Andalusian culture of food and drink.

Toledo is dramatically sited atop a gorge overlooking the Río Tajo, it was known as the ‘city of three cultures’ in the Middle Ages.

A harmonious blend of futuristic architecture, lush gardens, vibrant festivals, and a rich, historic Old Town.

Luxury Rail Journeys Europe: Switzerland

Landlocked Switzerland offers unique luxury rail journeys in Europe with stunning mountainous scenery and cities and towns rich in a culture influenced by the surrounding countries, including Italy, France, Germany and Austria. Swiss rail is famous for its punctuality and breathtaking engineering feats over mountain passes. Although there are few luxury night train Europe rail tours, the trip does use luxury rolling stock for day trips with nights spent in hotels. Switzerland can be visited on the Grand Alpine Express and Swiss Rail Spectacular tours, making them great luxury European train holidays to be remembered.

SWITZERLAND

Andermatt is a village in the Ursern Valley in the Swiss Alps. The train station is on the route network of the Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn.

Located astride the mighty Rhine river the city is popular for it’s wealth of galleries, museums and iconic buildings.

Switzerland’s capital has a beautiful listed old town of cobbled streets with 6km of covered arcades, cellar shops and bars.

A traditional village overlooking the lake of the same name, this is the quintessential Alpine setting among forests and mountains.

The steep Furka Pass at 2,431m) offers superb views and a memorable train ride during the summer months when the pass is snow free.

The Jungfrau, at 4,158 meters is one of the main summits of the Bernese Alps. From here the views across the Alps are stunning.

Popular with the likes of Goethe, Queen Victoria and Wagner Lucerne is as charming today as in the 19th Century and not to be missed.

Reichenbach Falls

The Reichenbach Falls (of Sherlock Holmes fame) drop over a total height of about 250 metres and are reached by a funicular train.

St Gotthard Pass

The St Gotthard Pass at 2,106 m (6,909 ft) is a mountain pass for road and rail connecting northern with southern Switzerland.

The ultimate Swiss winter resort loved by celebrities and the well-heeled alike. Year round the beautiful lake and scenery can be enjoyed.

Vitznau lies in an idyllic bay of Lake Lucerne at the foot of the Rigi making time well spent to explore the lake and the mountain area.

Zermatt lies at the foot of the famous Matterhorn. The town has preserved its original character and is a car free zone.

The lakeside city of Zürich has the classic Swiss old town (Altstadt) and plenty of bars, art galleries and shopping opportunities.

Luxury Train Journeys Europe: Turkey

Turkey is a country full of wonder and history that straddles Europe and the near Orient and has long been a place of fascination for tourists. Some of the best luxury trains in Europe start of finish in Istanbul, and Turkey can be visited on the Balkan Explorer, Castles of Transylvania, Venice to Istanbul tours.

Istanbul is one of the world’s great cities sitting on the strategic Bosphorus with a skyline that speaks of its long history.

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How can we help, which region(s) are you interested in, which train(s) are you interested in, how did you hear about us, the most popular questions, luxury train travel europe & luxury european train tours faqs, what destinations and places are covered in your luxury european train tours.

Our luxury train rides in Europe cover a wide range of destinations from the Iberian Peninsular to the East, Central Europe and the Balkans. Above you will see all the luxury European train holiday destinations covered by our luxury European train tours, and each destination has the tours that visit it below.

How Much Do Luxury Sleeper Trains In Europe Cost?

The luxury train Europe price depends on both the trip chosen and the class of cabin you require. You can find all pricing by clicking on any luxury European train tour above, which will open up the European luxury train trip dossier, which contains pricing, dates, details of the itinerary and cabin classes available for that train. There is a lot of information, so if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us about the European luxury train vacations you are interested in.

What Is The Most Luxurious Train In Europe?

It is often said that the most luxurious train in Europe must be the Orient Express which travels from London to Venice. However, this is a short train trip, and we recommend booking that as a means to get to Venice and start another European luxury train tour on a train like the Danube Express operated by Golden Eagle. These luxury train trips in Europe are much more extensive and complement the Orient Express. We mustn’t forget the luxury trains in Portugal and Spain known as the Al Andalus which we like for its old work decor – to some these could be the most luxurious trains in Europe.

Why Book A European Luxury Train Trip With theluxurytraintravelcompany.com?

We have been offering luxury train vacations in Europe for many years. Our experience in dealing with Luxury Train travel companies and operators allows us to point you towards the best luxury train travel Europe offers. Price, cabin class and route are all important decisions, and we have vast experience and good connections with the luxury rail operators to secure the highly sought-after cabins. We are delighted to assist you in booking your European luxury train and experiencing the best possible luxury train vacation in Europe.

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The Savvy Backpacker

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Portugal train guide | how to travel portugual by train.

The Savvy Backpacker's guide to traveling Portugal by train

Transportation

Portugal is quickly becoming one of the hottest destinations in Europe and one of the best ways to explore its amazing cities and towns is by taking the train. In this Portugal Train Guide, I’ll cover how to travel through Portugal by train—including how to buy train tickets, how to find the best prices on train tickets, and other helpful tips for using Portugal’s rail system.

How To Buy Train Tickets In Portugal

Ok, let’s start with how and where to buy train tickets for trains in Portugal.

Where To Buy Train Tickets in Portugal

Other than buying tickets at the train station (via the ticket window or automated ticket machines), there are only two ways to pre-purchase train tickets for trains in Portugal—either from the Official Portugal Rail Website ( Comboios de Portugal ) or through the third-party reseller Omio .

The Comboios de Portugal website suffers from some weird translation issues and some international users might have trouble making credit card payments so I recommend sticking to Omio .

Luckily, Omio is much more user-friendly than the Comboios de Portuga website, it accepts all international credit cards, it has a nice smartphone app (where your digital train tickets will be stored), it has a way better user interface, and it’s all in English. Omio sells tickets at the same price as the Comboios de Portugal website but they add a small service fee (around $2)—which I’d rather pay than deal with the Comboios de Portuga website.

Train tickets purchased via both Omio and Comboios de Portugal are digital tickets and can be accessed from their respective smartphone apps (they can also be printed at home). That’s why having a phone with reliable data is important. Check out my Guide For Buying A SIM Card and Mobile Data Plan in Europe to learn how to get affordable mobile data.

When To Buy Train Tickets To Get The Best Price

Train tickets in Portugal generally are available for purchase about 60 days before departure so there is no point in trying to book super far in advance.

Tickets for the Portuguese Alfa Pendular train (their high-speed, long-distance train which connects major cities in Portugal and international routes that connect to cities in Spain) are cheapest if bought a few weeks in advance—but generally buying 5-8 days is good enough.

For example, a ticket from Lisbon to Porto costs €16-€20 when bought a week early but sometimes they have extra cheap €10 promo fares. However, if you buy last minute, expect to pay €25-€35. Poke around Omio to see what you find to get a better idea of prices for your itinerary.

The route popularity can also have an effect on price so popular departure times are often slightly more expensive than less desirable times.

Pay Attention To Train-Type And Number of Transfers

When looking at potential train tickets, it’s super important to pay attention to both the type of train (AP high-speed, Intercity, local/regional, etc.) and the number of changes (direct, one change, two changes, etc.).

• AP = Alfa Pendular high-speed train that goes up to 135mph. These trains generally only stop at major towns/cities.
• IC = Intercity trains. These trains are still quick and hit speeds of 120mph but make more stops than the AP trains. Many IC trains will connect the same cities as AP trains but the journey will take longer.
• All other trains are local/regional trains. These travel at much slower speeds and make very frequent stops as they’re designed to service smaller towns and villages.

Some train routes are direct and others will have a transfer (or multiple transfers) where you’ll have to change trains at a train station—these stopovers can be super quick (~10-15 minutes) but I’ve also seen longer 1hr+ waits. If possible, seek out direct trains since it’s much easier, quicker, and you don’t have to worry about missed transfers because of delays.

First-Class vs Tourist Class Train Tickets

First-class tickets on Portuguese trains generally cost 50% more than “tourist” class (i.e. second-class) tickets. The main perks are more legroom and larger seats. You can also order food but that’s extra. Seats are arranged in a 2+1 configuration—one row has one seat the other row has two seats.

Otherwise, the tourist/second class is perfectly comfortable. Seats are arranged in a 2+2 configuration—both rows have two seats.

The Types Of Trains In Portugal

The Portuguese rail network is comprised of three main types of trains and each has its own quirks.

Alfa Pendular Train (High-Speed Train)

The Alfa Pendular Train (AP) is Portugal’s high-speed train that travels at speeds up to 135mph. These trains typically connect major cities and it’s also the train that connects to cities in Spain. If possible, always book these tickets because it’s a faster and more enjoyable experience.

The Alfa Pendular Trains are modern, have air conditioning, and have comfortable seats. Each train has 1st & 2nd class cars as well as a cafe/bar car. There is also free WiFi & power sockets at all seats.

You’ll want to book these tickets at least a week in advance for the best price but booking even earlier might result in even cheaper promo fares. Check Omio to see current prices.

Intercity Trains 

Next are the Intercity Trains (IC) and these also connect main cities as well as a few smaller cities. These trains can still reach relatively fast speeds of 120 mph but they make more frequent stops which means trips will take longer.

Again, trains are air-conditioned and have both 1st & 2nd class. Most trains also have free WiFi and a cafe/bar car. Don’t expect power sockets in 2nd class but many seats in 1st should have them.

You’ll also want to book these tickets at least a week in advance for the best price. Check Omio to see current prices.

Regional and Local Trains

All other trains are slower regional trains that reach out to small towns and villages.

These trains can’t be booked in advance and prices are always the same, so simply buy your tickets at the train station.

NOTE: Some popular day trip routes (like Lisbon to Sintra) attract tons of tourists so the ticket lines can get very long. Arrive well before your train’s departure or buy your tickets from the station a day before you travel to avoid missing the train you want.

Popular Train Routes in Portugal

Portugal is a fairly small country so most visitors stick to a few main train routes. I’ve listed a few of the most popular routes and listed some helpful information for each route.

Lisbon to Porto By Train (Around 2.5h-3h)

Traveling between Lisbon (Oriente Station) and Porto (Campanhã Station) by train is easy and there are multiple direct trains daily. The Alfa Pendular high-speed train will take around 2h40min and the slightly slower Intercity train takes around 3h10min.

Single tickets start around €32 but you can save 50%+ by booking early. Check prices at Omio .

Lisbon to Sintra by Train (Around 45min-1hr)

Sintra is a very popular day trip from Lisbon. It uses a local train that takes around one hour and costs €2.30 each way. There are multiple trains every hour—sometimes as often as every 10 minutes during peak travel times.

You can only buy tickets from the station. The ticket lines can get very long during the busy season so arrive early to avoid the lines.

Lisbon to Braga by Train (Around 3hr 16min)

Braga is a city in the far north of Portugal. Braga is about 3hr15m from Lisbon via the high-speed train and 40m from Porto via the high-speed train.

There are a few direct trains between Lisbon and Braga but most require a change in Porto (which can add anywhere from a 10-minute stopover to over an hour stopover). So look for a direct train for the shortest and most convenient route.

There are multiple daily departures between Lisbon and Braga and tickets cost between €30-€40 but can get down to €12-€15 if booked early. Check prices at Omio .

Lisbon to Coimbra by Train (Around 1h30min-1hr50min)

The riverfront city of Coimbra is about halfway between Porto and Lisbon so it makes a popular trip from both cities. Direct train journeys between Lisbon and Coimbra take between 1.5-2 hours depending if you take the AP or IC train.

Standard train tickets between Lisbon and Coimbra cost around €20-€26 or €10-€15 if booked early. Check prices at Omio .

Lisbon to Faro by Train (Around 3hr 30min)

Sunny Faro is the best-known city in Portugal’s famous Algarve region. The high-speed AP train takes about 3 hours and the IC train takes about 3.5 hours from Lisbon. Check prices at Omio .

More Portugal Train Travel Tips

Here are some more random things to keep in mind when using Portugal’s train system.

Double-Check Your Train Station Name

Many cities have multiple train stations that serve different parts of Portugal or other countries—for example, Lisbon’s main stations are Rossio, Santa Apolónia, and Campolide. Don’t make the mistake of going to the wrong station.

Give Yourself Time At The Station

It’s generally easy to find your train once you arrive at the station but give yourself some extra time so you’re not rushing through the crowded station to get to your train.

Don’t Freak Out If You Don’t See Your Train On The Board

You’ll find your train platform via the departure board at the train station. Don’t worry if you don’t see your train because they often only display trains departing within the next 15-20 minutes.

Arrive Early If Buying Tickets At The Station

Ticket lines at the train station can get very long so you’ll want to arrive with plenty of time so you don’t miss your train. If possible, buy your tickets online so you can skip the lines but many local trains can’t be bought online so doing it in person is your only option.

Self-Service Machines Are In English

Don’t worry if you don’t speak Portuguese because the ticket machines (and train station signs) are all in English.

Cheap Tickets Are Non-Refundable

One downside to cheap train tickets is that they’re non-refundable and can’t be changed.

Pack A Picnic

You’re allowed to bring your own food and alcohol on trains so bring some food along for those long train rides.

For more general trips about traveling by train in Europe, check out my Complete Guide To Train Travel In Europe . Also, check out my Guide To Using Rail Passes in Europe if you’re going to be taking multiple train trips as you travel.

More Europe Travel Tips From The Savvy Backpacker

Traveling to Portugal and beyond? Here are some helpful articles to help you plan your trip.

• Lisbon Travel Guide : The Savvy Backpacker’s Guide to visiting Lisbon on a budget.
• How Much To Budget For Lisbon : I do the math and break down how much it costs to visit Lisbon.
• The Best Hostels in Lisbon : My guide to my favorite hostels in Lisbon for every travel style.
• The Best Travel Backpacks : A list of my favorite backpacks that are designed for travel.
• Backpacking Europe Packing List : What you should take (and what you should leave behind) when traveling to Europe.
• The Complete Guide To Backpacking Europe : Just about everything you need to know about traveling Europe on a budget.
• How To Buy Train Tickets in Portugal : More in-depth tips for buying Portuguese train tickets.
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