The Douro Valley line | Put it on your bucket list!
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Published 2024-02-23
The line hugs the banks of the Douro through villages and towns with quaint little stations marking off your progress. Either side, the terraced landscape leads you down to the water's edge as the train wends its way through increasingly stunning landscapes.
That would be enough in itself, but the ride takes place in 1940s and 1960s coaches being drawn by an old 1960s diesel locomotive. But this isn't a heritage railway, this is a timetabled daily service from Portugal's railway operator Cambiois de Portugal (CP)
Departure: Porto, Portugal
Destination: Pocinho, Portugal
Distance: 175 km / 109 miles
Duration: 3 hrs 18 mins
Average speed: 53 km/h 33 mph
Cost: Adult return €26,10 / £22.30
Date of Travel: January 2024
Operator: Cambiois de Portugal (CP)
Motive power: Class 1400 diesel loco. Built: Sorefame, Portugal (c1968)
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All Comments (21)
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Wow, what a stunner. Loved every bit of this. Many thanks!
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A truly stunning journey which is now firmly on my bucket list, another mesmerising line is from Belgrade to Bar in the Balkans
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Visited Porto about five years ago and took a boat trip up the Douro to Pinhao. As part of this was a train ride back to Porto. Didn’t know what an unexpected treat we were in for! Must revisit sometime for the run beyond Pinhao which looks stunning!
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Definitely considering doing this trip in September 😊
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Ah beautiful. Portugal at its finest and what a fantastic loco doing the hard yards. A wonderful video as always.
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Excellent video, of a line I was not aware of, but I certainly am now. As always Johnny, your videos are very informative 👍
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I did a round trip Porto-Pinhao in May 2023. Your video captured very well the beauty of this line which rivals the Rhine Gorge in Germany. Thanks for taking me all the way to Pocinho. I need to get back someday.
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That was just lovely - one of your best so far, we reckon. You always film stuff so very, very well :) Thanks for sharing such a glorious journey.
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Absolutely one for my list too Johnny. Thanks so much for sharing both the ride and your enthusiasm!
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The bit along the Douro was gorgeous, but I also loved the misty stretch outside that tunnel. Not to forget the brief glimpse of the heavily loaded orange trees! The interiors of the trains had the feel of a 1940s cafe, elegant and simple. I wouldn't mind some real graffiti on trains (vs. tagging) if they would only leave the windows alone.
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That was a great train journey at a great price😊
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Outstanding Johnny lad, cracking video. One for the list, for sure. Thanks!
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So many people miss the best part of the line by getting off at Pinhau ,stay on for another hour to Pocinho it’s even more beautiful
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Certainly beats that Southern South Coast line which you covered a few months back.
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Amazing that CP 2600 in the beginning of your video! They are 50 years old this year!
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Another wonderful video Johnny, top notch, the views were just spectacular especially the last part of your trip with the most beautiful reflections of the gorgeous scenery in the river. Thank you so very much for sharing this with us😊
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Some scenery, what a train line and the sound of the locomotive, wonderful
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As a fan of the Richard Sharpe books and an admirer of the Duke of Wellington, I really enjoyed this adventure!!
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That was marvellous! I had the pleasure of going on a week’s river cruise on the Douro last October. It was intriguing to watch the trains from the river. There was one occasion when planes were flying down the Douro and picking up water to drop on nearby fires; I have a great picture of boat, train and plane. It’s a truly magnificent river; Porto is an amazing city and I can highly recommend this part of Portugal to any traveller.
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What an absolute treat, definitely been put on my bucket list 😊
