The Presidential Train: The Luxury Trip Of Your Life On the Douro River ♦ The presidential train is the best luxury experience in Portugal and was born of that premise of finding talent, nooks and deserving products of a voyage so extraordinary and magical. Buil in 1890, the Presidential train carried Presidents, Heads of State, Kings and Popes for over a century and is now waiting for you. The Presidential Train is a time capsule in which we travel through history, with a special aroma and purposeful music. When its distinct sound is heard, here it comes with its imposing structure, and when you get onboard its luxurious carriages you’ll feel like royalty. Rescued from the past, it is again in motion and the great protagonist of this unforgettable journeys. Secrets From Portugal brings you this amazing walk down on memory history lane, star dreaming and enjoy the presidential train ride, the one that will make you feel like royalty.
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Dappled sunlight gleaming off its regal blue livery, Portugal’s Presidential Train glides out of the medieval heart of Porto toward the Douro Valley on the start of a new addition to Europe’s selection of luxury rail journeys — a nine-hour gourmet excursion through one of the most beautiful wine regions in the world.
The crown jewel of Portugal’s railway, the Presidential Train has hosted Kings, Presidents, Heads of State and Popes for over a century. Built-in 1890, it served the court of King D. Luis I like the Portuguese Royal Train, transporting dignitaries like Queen Elizabeth II and Pope Paul VI. Renamed The Presidential Train at the turn of the century, it proudly transported Portugal’s Heads of State until 1970, when it was officially retired.
The Presidential Train was composed of five luxury carriages: the Hall of the Head of State, the Hall of Ministers, the Comity and Security carriage, the Restaurant hall and the Journalists carriage.
There was also a wagon that was used for the accommodation of goods, baggage and mail. The Presidential Brigade – so-called at the time – was the crew that accompanied the train during its presidential trips and was constituted by 15 employees of great category, competence and seriousness. An inspector, a locksmith, an electrician, two carriage drivers, a ticket inspector, a material inspector, a machinist, and two traction inspectors. Still two cooks, two kitchen helpers and four table attendants. Also aboard was a great deal of silverware, crystals and of course, delicate conversations!
It presents itself as “the best luxury experience in the country” and guarantees “the world’s greatest culinary talents”. The Presidential Train is a journey through the most enchanting corners of Portugal aboard the train that once carried presidents, heads of state, kings and popes for over a century. He has travelled the Portuguese railroads since 1890, at the court of King Louis I, and only stopped in 1970. Inside him were personalities as well-known as Queen Elizabeth II and Pope Paul VI.
In 2017 The Presidential Train won the gold award in the category “Best Public Event in the World 2017” in the BEA World 2017 awards.
