Presidential Train: An unforgettable journey worth repeating

Trips for the autumn season have begun, combining excellent food and wine with the history and landscape of the Douro Valley.

Trips for the autumn season have begun, combining excellent food and wine with the history and landscape of the Douro Valley
There are experiences that, because of the emotions they arouse in us, leave us with only one desire: to repeat them. This is what happened to Mônica Green, who was born in Brazil but has lived in Florida, United States, for several decades.

In 2024, she boarded the Presidential Train by Chakall for a journey she considered unforgettable. At the time, she took the experience alone. "I loved it so much that I just kept saying to my husband, 'David, you have to go with me. It was marvellous, it was incredible!", she said. "I didn't know the Douro, and I was delighted. I loved the food, the wines, and the visits," she added. This year, she had no doubts. She returned with her partner and embarked on the first trip of the autumn season on the Presidential Train. They haven't regretted it and even hope to return if the opportunity arises.

One of the most emblematic icons of Portuguese railway heritage returned to the tracks on Saturday, 20 September, to celebrate national excellence. The Presidential Train, a project that brings together CP - Comboios de Portugal, the Armando Ginestal Machado National Railway Museum Foundation, and Chef Chakall, combines signature cuisine and the prestigious wines of the Douro region in an immersive experience on board a real museum.

Further trips will take place on Saturdays, 27 September and 4 and 11 October - departing from Porto-São Bento at 10.50 a.m. and returning to the same station at 9.55 p.m.. The journey takes in the slopes of the Douro as far as Ferradosa. On board, passengers can taste the best wines from that region, demarcated and classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, presented by estates such as Rozés - Quinta do Grifo, Vallado, and Vale D. Maria, as well as an exclusive menu prepared by Chef Chakall, full of delicacies that reflect the rich cuisine of the Douro and the country.

There is live music in the carriages, which once carried figures of state, making the experience even more memorable. This season, passengers visit the Wine Museum in S. João da Pesqueira, where they can see a permanent exhibition on the theme.

The Presidential Train by Chakall is a declaration of love for Portuguese identity, a journey of refinement and tradition where the past meets the present - at the table, on the rails, and in the heart of the Douro. This project aims to be a living celebration of Portugal's railway history, transforming a museum piece into a dynamic and interactive experience.

The price per passenger is €750, and there are still tickets available. All the information can be found at www.cp.pt.