Our traditional “Summer in Portugal” post series continues with a trip in the Historical Train on the Douro river.

If you’re new to the series, where we head off to different tourist locations in this gorgeous country to show you the very best that Portugal has to offer, you can read the previous posts in the following links:

São João
Hotel Dom Henrique
Hotel Infante de Sagres
Tupan Tours
The Yeatman Hotel

From Porto – São Bento to Régua

When we first heard of this trip we thought it would make a perfect day out. We purchased our “Pack Norte” tickets at the São Bento train station in Porto, which includes the train to Régua and then the historical train trip from Régua to Tua (and back again).

Visiting the São Bento train station is a no-brainer for anyone staying in Porto for any length of time: the amazing azulejos (hand painted blue tiles) that decorate the walls depict scenes from Portugal’s history, and this alone is worth the visit.

Setting out on the journey from São Bento to Régua, the views for the first hour on the train to Régua are a bit bland as the train travels through mainly residential areas – we took the time to settle down and rest for a bit – but after that, as soon as the tracks began making their way along the river bank, it became obvious that the views we could expect from the rest of the day were going to be amazing!!

The black figure at the top of the hill in the center of the photo is the mascot of Sandeman, a port wine brand. Sandeman, like many others, sign post their fields, so you are able to tell which of the wine terraces belong to whom. It’s a very prominent feature of the Régua landscape, and can easily be seen from the train as you approach the town.

Once in Régua, there are lovely walkways down by the Douro river, along with parks where you can eat a packed lunch or just spend some time with family. There are also many river boat rides on offer, as well as cruises that travel up and down the river, so you are able to reach and visit this lovely place in many ways.

The Historical Train – O Comboio Histórico

As the train pulled into the station in Régua, we had time to walk around, take photos and see inside all the carriages.

If you prefer to have a drink and something to eat whilst comfortably waiting for the train, you can do so at the station – the train will pull up next to you for a first class service!

The Douro Line – Linha do Douro

The Douro line was built in the late 19th Century and was hailed as one of Portugal’s engineering masterpieces, bringing progress to the regions that had previously been isolated from the faster developing coastal side of country. The train tracks reached Régua in 1879, and took a another year to fill the gap to Pinhão.

Much to our delight the “Pack Norte” includes a ticket in one of the nicest carriages. It really felt like stepping back in time!

Just as the train got ready and all passengers on-board, we were treated to a send-off from a group of local traditional singers and musicians who walked up and down the platform serenading us as the train departed.

From Régua to Pinhão

The minute the train pulled away from the station, we were able to see that what this trip is really all about – the spectacular and incredible scenery that only exists in this part of the world.

The deep cutaways from the hills that make the bed of the river Douro are lined with the famous grape terraces that make up the rich flavours of Portugal’s wines and Ports.  And speaking of Port, as the train set off we were treated to a cup of Porto – a true sight and flavour trip!!

Just a quick note here – all the gorgeous views are on the right hand side of the train as it moves upstream – so if you are booking your tickets, make sure you ask for seats on that side (if they are still available, that is!).

Pinhão is a lovely traditional train station, again featuring the azulejos, the blue tile ornaments around the bottom of the station walls.  This is the first stop on the Historical Train’s trip up the Douro river, and it’s a short one – about 20 minutes before we had to reboard the train. Only a quick break to stretch the legs, taste the local delicacies and check the other products on sale, and it’s back on board and onwards to Tua.

Another couple of quick notes: there is bottled water on board the train, which turns out to be essential. During the summer months, when the Historical Douro river line runs, temperatures are usually very high, so light clothing for this trip is highly recommended.

From Pinhão to Tua

Once again, setting off you can’t help but be amazed at the landscape! And remember that note about getting a seat on the right side of the train? Well… don’t worry too much if you can’t get one – you can always walk in-between the carriages and watch the views from there, while enjoying the wind in your hair!

Pulling into Tua, the last stop on this trip, you are treated to the sight of the old steam trains and maintenance equipment that used to run along these lines.

This is a longer stop, with time to take in the views and participate in dancing in the shade of the barn, all the while being tempted by the local sweets.

At this point you are then boarding again to return – we had brought with us a packed lunch, so this was an ideal time to break open the sandwiches, sit back and watch the scenery fly past the window as we headed back to Pinhão. As we passed the traditional Douro boats, the interaction between the boat men and the train was lovely to see: a nice camaraderie between fellow travelers, that portrays a time when steam trains were still around, and keeps history alive.

Tua to Pinhão

On the way back to Pinhão the musicians and singers go through the carriages, bringing with them a lovely party spirit to the whole trip.

There really are so many photo opportunities along the way that this trip is not really to be made without a camera – or even a video camera 😉

Pinhão to Régua

We were given our little tourist booklet at this time in our journey – which we loved, but now feel we’d have liked to be able to read it sooner in the trip. So if you are like us and want to be able to read about the journey and its history before you see it, you can download the booklets here.

As the train pulls back into Régua and you see the familiar sights of the bridges where you started from you can’t help but be a little disappointed that the journey is already over…

This trip certainly gets the McGunnMedia stamp of approval. We are very proud to recommend this trip as a fun family day out for all ages: it certainly is well worth a day of your vacation in Portugal!