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Little Trains of the Douro

Name: Little Trains of the Douro
Brand: Newmarket Holidays
SKU: 98084

Experience Portugal’s railway nostalgia with rides on historic trains, enhanced by vineyard tours and tastings at renowned wine estates in the Douro Valley.

Discover the beauty of Northern Portugal on this train-themed journey through the Douro Valley and its surrounding cities. The itinerary will start in central Guimarães, the birthplace of Portugal, from where you can ride the Douro Historical steam train along the UNESCO-listed valley while enjoying traditional Portuguese treats and folk music. Continue to explore pretty towns such as Braga, Barcelos, and Viana do Castelo. Then, visit Portugal’s oldest cathedral, browse a bustling open-air market, and ride the country’s longest funicular to the Santa Luzia Sanctuary.

Throughout your time, indulge in Portugal’s renowned wine culture with a tasting at the prestigious Quinta de Pacheca winery and a visit to a port wine cellar in Porto. In addition to scenic train rides and cultural excursions, this getaway also promises moments of leisure, from exploring Guimarães to relaxing at the hotel. The experience is further enriched with city tours, including a ride on Porto’s ‘little’ land train, revealing its architectural highlights and landmarks. Finally, ascend Penha Mountain by cable car for panoramic views and take in the stairways of Bom Jesus do Monte.

Journey on the historic Douro Historical steam train through the UNESCO-listed Douro Valley

Visit Viana do Castelo, a picturesque coastal town and ride the Santa Luzia Elevator, Portugal’s longest funicular

Set off on a scenic journey aboard the MiraDouro train from Porto to Régua, an authentic vintage railway experience

1920 AS 177306758 Church Of Bom Jesus Do Monte, Braga

Tour Braga, one of Portugal’s oldest cities, visiting the Sé de Braga Cathedral before riding the historic Bom Jesus funicular

After breakfast, enjoy a leisurely morning before joining your tour manager and a local guide for the afternoon excursion, a journey on the Douro Historical steam train.

Travel by coach to Régua, where you’ll board the beautifully restored 1925 steam locomotive for an adventure through the breath-taking 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.

Chapel Of Saint Francis At Guimarães, Portugal

Aerial view from Clérigos Tower in Porto, Portugal

Experience a tour of Guimarães, Portugal’s birthplace, exploring its medieval streets and Guimarães Castle

Explore Porto’s riverside Ribeira district, a UNESCO-listed area filled with colourful houses and lively cafés

Enjoy a wine tasting at Quinta de Pacheca, one of the Douro Valley’s most historic wineries

Board the ‘little’ land train through Porto’s most famous landmarks, from the São Bento Railway Station to Aliados Avenue and Clérigos Tower

Wander around Portugal’s largest open-air market in Barcelos, famous for its traditional ceramics and fresh produce

Ride the Penha cable car for a scenic ascent to Penha Mountain, where you can take in views of Guimarães

Seven nights’ half-board accommodation at the four-star Hotel de Guimarães, Guimarães
Seven breakfasts and seven dinners
Douro Historical steam train ride along the Douro River from Regua to Pinhão and Tua
Tour of Guimarães and cable car ride to Penha Mountain
MiaDouro train ride from Porto to Regua
Visit to Quinta de Pacheca winery with vineyard tour and wine tasting
Visit to Barcelos open-air market
Tour of Braga, including a visit to Sé de Braga
Funicular ride to Bom Jesus do Monte Sanctuary
Tour of Viana do Castelo
Santa Luzia Elevator ride to the hilltop Sanctuary of Santa Luzia
Tour of Porto
Sightseeing ride on Porto’s ‘little’ land train
Visit to a Porto wine cellar for a guided tour and two port wine tastings
Return flights to Porto
Air-conditioned coach travel and transfers throughout
Fully escorted by a friendly, experienced tour manager
All local taxes, fees and charges

Departure point	Departure date	Price (per person)	Availability
Aberdeen	June 2026 - October 2027	from £1,958 pp	14 dates available
Birmingham	June 2026 - October 2027	from £1,674 pp	14 dates available
Bristol	June 2026 - October 2027	from £1,958 pp	14 dates available
Edinburgh	June 2026 - October 2027	from £2,003 pp	14 dates available
Glasgow	June 2026 - October 2027	from £2,012 pp	14 dates available
Humberside	June 2026 - October 2027	from £2,052 pp	14 dates available
Inverness	June 2026 - October 2027	from £2,052 pp	14 dates available
Leeds Bradford	June 2026 - October 2027	from £1,913 pp	14 dates available
London Gatwick	June 2026 - October 2027	from £1,654 pp	14 dates available
London Stansted	June 2026 - October 2027	from £1,629 pp	14 dates available
Manchester	June 2026 - October 2027	from £2,052 pp	14 dates available
Newcastle	June 2026 - October 2027	from £1,949 pp	14 dates available
Norwich	June 2026 - October 2027	from £1,985 pp	14 dates available
Teesside International	June 2026 - October 2027	from £2,016 pp	14 dates available

Hotel de Guimarães, Guimarães Guimarães, PortugalLocated across the street from the Guimarães train station, this stylish hotel is ideally positioned for exploring the city.

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Rules may have changed since you last travelled to European Union countries as well as Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. The following are useful guidelines which will help you prepare for your next adventure. You do require government issued passport to travel.

Names - It is very important that all passenger names are exactly as per your passport although we do not require middle names.

Passport - Your passport must meet two requirements to travel to an EU country and to Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein. It must be: Less than 10 years old on the day you arrive (please check the "date of issue") and valid for at least 3 months after the day you return home (please check the "expiry date").

Visa - You do not need a visa for short trips to most EU countries, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. You’ll be able to stay for up to 90 days in any rolling 180-day period.

The EES scheme commenced on the 12th October 2025, and the phased implementation will last until 9 April 2026. From 10 April 2026, EES will be fully operational at all EU borders. - the latest information can be found at https://travel-europe.europa.eu/ees/ltr

EES is a new digital border management system for registering non-EU nationals travelling for a short stay, each time they cross the external borders of most European countries. Once introduced, when you go through passport control on arrival, as well as producing your passport for checking, you will also have your photograph taken and fingerprints scanned. The system will register your entry on arrival and your exit when departing. You will only need to do this on your first entry into Europe after the scheme starts.

For those travelling via Eurostar, there is a dual British and French/Belgian border in operational at St Pancras International. Therefore the EES system will be in place at the station, you will not need to be checked again on arrival at the other side. For further information please visit the https://www.abta.com/tips-and-advice/planning-and-booking-a-holiday/upcoming-changes-travel-europe here.

Please note: Irish passport holders or British Passport holders with an EU residency are currently excluded.

Following the UK's withdrawal from the European Union, changes have been planned which affect the eligibility of citizens of the United Kingdom to have visa free travel to the EU. ETIAS travel authorisation is a new entry requirement for visa-exempt nationals travelling to any of the European Union and Schengen counties.

The ETIAS system is not live yet - the latest information can be found at www.etias.com. We recommend keeping yourself updated on the planned commencement date and, once live (and if applicable to you), apply for your ETIAS in good time prior to travel.

Newmarket Holidays will not be able to undertake ETIAS applications on your behalf, so have instead instructed the services of the Travel Visa Company to provide help, should you need it. You can find more information about this service here.

Please note: ETIAS will not be required for UK citizens travelling on our UK and Ireland tours.

The majority of our tours involve a certain amount of walking, including a short walk from the coach stop to the town, attraction or venue you're visiting. If you are bringing a wheelchair, please let us know at the time of booking so that appropriate arrangements can be made. In many developing countries access is sometimes not as easy as at home. Should you have walking difficulties, getting around monuments and attractions may be harder and, in some cases, impossible. Should you have any concerns whatsoever please do contact us prior to travel.