This exclusive day-long experience combines a luxury train travel, the incredible Douro Valley landscape, the wonders of haute cuisine, and the delicacy of fine wine. It’s the Presidential Train, with limited seating, running from Porto to the Vargelas winery and back.
Magnificently restored in 2010, the Presidential Train has transported Presidents, Heads of State, Kings and Popes for more than a century. Built in 1890, it served the court of King D. Louis I as the Royal Train, receiving on board guests of honor such as Queen Elizabeth II and Pope Paul VI. Renamed “Presidential Train” at the beginning of the century, it transported the Portuguese Heads of State until 1970, when it was officially withdrawn from circulation.
Now, the Presidential Train has been recommissioned to take guests on a gastronomic journey. Chef Chakall, a renowned chef, is selected to present his menu during this experience, which combines fine cuisine with the local products of the North of Portugal. To enhance your experience, courses are paired with exclusive wines from the Douro region. The train travels to Vargelas winery, where guests disembark to tour the vineyards and taste the wines produced on the estate. On the return journey, enjoy the atmosphere with live music while enjoying typical local delicacies such as cheeses and sausages.
Here is the plan for the day:
10:40 AM | Departure at the São Bento station
Journey on the Presidential Train to Quinta de Vargelas
A variety of dishes will be served during the trip
02:23 PM | Stop and visit to Quinta de Vargelas with wine tasting
06:07 PM | Departure from Vargelas to Porto
Savour an exclusive selection of the region's best wines on board
Tasting of typical Douro specialities, traditional sweets, cheeses and sausages
09:40 PM | Arrival at São Bento Station
Embark on this once-in-a-lifetime journey and indulge in the luxury, history, and gastronomic delights that only the Presidential Train can offer.
