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Douro Valley tourist train back on track |
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PORTUGUESE railway operator CP has restarted its nostalgic Douro Valley train operation for the 2008 summer season. The journey between Regua and the mouth of the River Tua will be available to visitors and enthusiasts every Saturday until October.
The journey along the Douro line allows passengers go feel that they are going back through time while crossing the unique vine terraces of the Douro valley on a train with five wooden carriages that have between beautifully restored, and able to carry up to 250 passengers.
The train is hauled by a German Henschel engine from the early 20th century, which is an authentic museum piece.
The Douro train is not just an amazing piece of railway heritage, it also awakens great interest from tourists of all ages from all over the world. The service, sponsored by Regua City Council, aims to enrich the tourist potential of the Douro Valley and the whole of the region.
There is the spectacular journey up the Douro Valley and a stop at Pinhao to take in the station, especially the glazed tile panels depicting the lives of local inhabitants.
The journey takes passengers back in time to the early 20th century and there is on-board entertainment with musicians and singers along with a piece of local cake and a glass of Port wine.
The cultural landscape of the Douro River is an outstanding example of a traditional European wine producing region and for this reason it has been granted World Heritage Site Status by UNESCO.
The Douro train runs regular Saturday services leaving Regua at 2:46pm and arriving at Tua at 3:55pm. The return journey leaves at 4:59pm and arrives back at Regua at 6:05pm.
The historic Douro train service completed 22 journeys and carried about 4,000 passengers last year.
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