CP invites you to experience the Douro Grape Harvest Festival

Special trains offer a journey along the Douro line and a programme of activities at Quinta da Avessada.

CP – Comboios de Portugal is once again backing a tourist programme that combines a train journey with one of the Douro’s most iconic traditions. On Saturdays 19 and 26 September, the Douro Grape Harvest Festival offers a journey between Porto-Campanhã and Pinhão, followed by a programme that covers various stages of the harvest, from picking the grapes to pressing the wine.

In addition to the Douro line experience, participants will visit Quinta da Avessada in Favaios, where they can walk through the vineyards, pick grapes and learn about the grape varieties, the region’s history and the traditions associated with wine production. They will also have the chance to enjoy a traditional lunch.

This one-day programme, which celebrates nature, culture, gastronomy and traditions, reinforces CP’s commitment to sustainable tourism and to the cohesion and development of the region.

The special train, reserved for participants, featuring 1st and 2nd class Corail carriages and a bar service in a dedicated carriage, departs from Porto-Campanhã Station at 8:01 a.m. and is scheduled to arrive in Pinhão at 10:20 a.m. Along the route, passengers will enjoy the scenery of the Alto Douro Wine Region, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

On arrival in Pinhão, coaches will transport participants to Quinta da Avessada. Live music and a tasting of regional specialities, including traditional bread and meatballs, will welcome everyone, followed by participation in the grape harvest, during which the grape varieties, the region’s history and some local traditions will be explained.

The cuisine of the Douro region also plays a central role in this experience. Lunch includes specialities such as cod fritters, sausages, Favaios bread, farmer’s soup and a slice of veal stewed in red wine, followed by regional sweets for dessert. In the afternoon, the programme continues with a visit to the wine presses, the wine-pressing process and a guided tasting of fortified wines at the Enoteca.

The return journey will again be by coach, this time to Régua Station, where participants will board the special train, departing at 6:58 p.m. and scheduled to arrive at Porto-Campanhã at 9:05 p.m.

Tickets cost €86 for adults and €46 for children aged 4 to 12 in second class, and €93 for adults and €52 for children in first class, with special rates available for groups. You can purchase them at ticket offices or online at www.cp.pt.