Little Trains of the Douro

Arrive at Porto airport, where you’ll be met by your tour manager and transferred to your hotel in Guimarães, one of Portugal’s most historic cities. Known as the birthplace of Portugal, this UNESCO-listed city boasts beautifully preserved medieval streets, a striking castle, and a delightful town square.

Settle into your centrally located hotel and enjoy your first dinner.

After breakfast, enjoy a leisurely morning before joining your tour manager and a local guide for the afternoon excursion, a rail journey through the majestic Douro Valley.

Travel by coach to Régua, where you’ll board a beautifully restored 1960s diesel locomotive for an adventure through the breathtaking UNESCO-listed Douro Valley. As the train winds its way along the picturesque riverbanks, you’ll be treated to spectacular views of rolling vineyards, terraced hillsides, and charming villages. The open windows and balconies of the wooden carriages offer the perfect vantage points to soak in the landscapes.

The train will stop at Pinhão, home to one of Portugal’s most beautiful azulejo-tiled railway stations, where you’ll have the chance to visit a Wine House. As the train continues towards Tua, you’ll cross the iconic metal bridge, the gateway to the Douro Superior sub-region.

Upon arrival in Tua, enjoy some free time to explore the riverside town before reboarding the train for the return journey to Régua, where your coach will be waiting to take you back to the hotel for dinner.

After breakfast, set off on a half-day tour of Guimarães, a city often referred to as the ‘Birthplace of Portugal’. With a rich history dating back to the 12th century, Guimarães is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Accompanied by a local guide, begin your exploration in the heart of the city, wandering through the cobbled streets of the centre. Admire the striking architecture of the Dukes of Braganza Palace, the imposing Guimarães Castle, and the squares fringed traditional houses, cafés, and boutiques.

Next, experience a change in perspective as you board the Penha cable car, a 1.7-kilometre ascent offering all-encompassing views over Guimarães and the countryside. Arriving at Penha Mountain, embrace some free time to explore this peaceful retreat.

After your time at Penha, return in the cable car and rejoin your coach to travel back to the hotel for dinner.

After breakfast, head out on a full-day tour that showcases the landscapes and world-famous wines of the Douro Valley. Your day kicks off with a train ride aboard the MiraDouro train from Porto to Régua. This beautifully preserved train, featuring classic carriages with large windows, promises a nostalgic railway experience

You’ll pass through vineyards, hillsides, and riverside villages, all part of the region designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Upon arrival in Régua, a hub of the Douro wine region, you’ll have a short break before continuing deeper into the heart of Portugal’s wine country.

Next, travel to Quinta de Pacheca, one of the most renowned and oldest wine estates in the Douro Valley. Dating back to the 18th century, this prestigious winery combines traditional and modern techniques to make some unique labels. During your visit, tour the vineyards, learn about the grape varieties, see the wine barrels, and enjoy a guided wine tasting.

Return in the evening for dinner at the hotel.

Enjoy a relaxing day at your own pace, whether you prefer to unwind at the hotel or venture out to explore more of Guimarães. You can take advantage of the hotel’s amenities, perhaps relaxing by the swimming pool or in the spa.

For those looking to discover more, Guimarães, has a beautifully preserved medieval centre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can visit Guimarães Castle, the fortress where Portugal’s first king, Afonso Henriques, was born, or the Palace of the Dukes of Braganza, a grand 15th-century residence with impressive architecture.

If you have an interest in history and art, consider visiting the Alberto Sampaio Museum or the Centro Internacional das Artes José de Guimarães. Alternatively, browse local boutiques for Portuguese crafts and souvenirs or sip a coffee in one of the squares before returning to the hotel for dinner.

Once you’ve had breakfast, visit Barcelos, which is home to Portugal’s largest open-air market. Held every Thursday on the banks of Rio Cávado, this atmospheric market is awash with an assortment of local crafts, textiles and fresh produce. It’s also famous for its traditional pottery, including the Rooster of Barcelos, a symbol of Portuguese culture and good luck.

Next, travel to Braga, one of Portugal’s oldest and most attractive cities. Enjoy a guided tour through its streets, taking in the ornate Sé de Braga (Braga Cathedral), Portugal’s oldest cathedral, before heading to the Bom Jesus do Monte Sanctuary. Here, experience a ride on the famous Bom Jesus funicular, the oldest water-powered elevator in the world, as it ascends the hillside to the magnificent Monastery of Bom Jesus.

In the afternoon, continue to Viana do Castelo, a coastal city, with beautiful beaches and an appealing waterfront. A guided visit will take you into its medieval heart and old quarter, featuring Manueline, Renaissance, and Baroque buildings. Then, take a ride on the Santa Luzia Elevator, Portugal’s longest funicular, leading up to the Sanctuary of Santa Luzia. From this hilltop monastery, witness the spectacular views over the city, the Lima River, and the Atlantic coastline.

Return to the hotel in the evening for dinner.

Have breakfast and then head out on a tour of Porto, Portugal’s second-largest city known for its port wine production and grand bridges. Your guide will show you around its UNESCO-listed centre and famed landmarks, such as the Sé Cathedral, São Bento Railway Station with its azulejo tilework, and the bustling Ribeira district along the Douro River.

Next, hop aboard Porto’s ‘little’ land train for a unique sightseeing experience. This relaxed excursion transports you through the city’s streets, passing sights like Batalha Square, Aliados Avenue, and the Clérigos Tower. The train is equipped with an audio guide, ensuring you don’t miss any of Porto’s fascinating stories.

One of the highlights of this journey is a stop at one of Porto’s famous port wine cellars. Here, you can experience two wine tastings, see where the barrels are stored, and learn about the ageing process.

Afterwards, return to the hotel for your final evening and dinner in Portugal.

Enjoy a final breakfast at the hotel before transferring to Porto airport for your return flight.