With the Eurostar at an all time high and the return of steam trains in the South of England, its no surprise that travellers are yearning for the nostalgic experience of a quality dinner between destinations. This European route is the epitome of luxury, and fit for royalty, having hosted more British royals and world leaders than Wimbledon’s Royal Box. Tourists can book a seat to tour the countryside of Portugal today.
Renamed the Comboio Presidencial (Presidential Train) after the country became a republic in 1910, in honour of its historical ties with Europe’s elite, has now been restored to its former glory in order to circle visitors through the Douro Valley. Now a First Class experince offering gourmet meals beside ever-changing views, customers can dine in style whilst simultaneously touring Portugal’s most stunning views.
First built for Portugal’s King Luís I in 1890, the impressive train is famous for carting around dignitaries and state officials within its preserved interiors. Now catered by Chef Chakall, its menu presents a curation of Portuguese dishes that refelect the region of rolling hills and scenic vineyards. A Where and Wander review highlighted the “2019 Niepoort Charme” that toasted his trip.
Now 135 years old, tourists and locals alike are wandering its halls, with one travel writer recently describing the the staff as “keen to shake [his] hand and wave [him] off into the night. I wondered if this is what it must be like to be a film star or a famous musician,” claimed The Telegraph.
Adamant on the unique service provided by the legendary train, he stated: “they will never replicate the kind of heritage offered by the likes of the Presidential Train,” describing how, to locomotive fans’ excitement, what had once been an artifecat in a museum has now been bought to life. Furthermore, whilst the ticket price is a considerable £650 per person (€746.59), the Comboios De Portugal (Trains of Portugal) website guarantees nothing can beat and worth every euro.
For British jet setters looking for a last trip before winter — or planning ahead for Spring — Air Portugal flights can be taken from London Gatwick for as less as £140 (return). The distance between São Bento to Pocinho is a considerable 109 miles, writes Seat61.
Daniel Puddicombe wrote to The Telegraph, saying: “Standing at São Bento with a red carpet laid out in front of me, awaiting the start of my nine-hour round trip from Portugal’s second city. I was able to stop and observe the beautiful marble hallway and high roof of the station’s stately mezzanine”. Walking the carriages that held the late Queen Elizabeth II and Pope Paul VI, he described its updated services which returned the train to the railways from the National Railway Museum.
Only able to hold 72 customers, the train is an intimate affair, with a lounge carriage offering local wine “infused with sparkling water” and a serenading of Portuguese songs by live musicians, creating an ambiant soundtrack to the passing views. Additionally, the menu promised that “the train never stops, neither the food, nor the wine,” with eight courses within a three-hour time frame. This included: “Chestnut soup with confit duck and a fantastic main course of pork spare ribs with a celery and carrot purée accompanied, naturally, with port wine,” wrote the Telegraph.
