
Those looking to slow down and drink in Portugal’s beautiful Douro Valley at a more relaxed pace can hop on board the crown jewel of the Portuguese railway, The Presidential. Thanks to a new package available on selected dates in May 2017, guests of Six Senses Douro Valley can enjoy a luxurious railway experience taking them from Porto to Douro and back, aboard the iconic vintage train.
Built in 1890 The Presidential famously transported royalty, dignitaries and Heads of State for over a century until it was retired in 1970 and re-launched in 2010 following a spectacular refurbishment.
As part of the three-night package guests will be collected from Porto Airport by a chauffeur and whisked off to Pedro Lemos, Porto’s hottest Michelin-starred restaurant. After an overnight at the InterContinental Palacio das Cardosas in the historic part of Porto, they’ll head to the beautiful São Bento Train Station to board The Presidential.
On board, a four-course tasting menu showcasing the region’s organic ‘locavore’ approach to dining will be served during a three-hour journey to Quinta do Vesúvio.
Here guests will disembark to taste some of the area’s finest Ports at ‘the quinta of all quintas’ and part of Symington Family Estates. Guests will then continue the journey, rolling through the stunning countryside to the beautiful Six Senses Douro Valley.
Day three offers guests the chance to relax and indulge in the award winning Six Senses Spa Douro Valley followed by lunch at DOC – Michelin-starred Chef Rui Paula’s spectacular riverside restaurant and a Douro must-visit.
From there, the Presidential Train will journey back to Porto in time for dinner at O Gaveto - one of the city’s best traditional fish restaurants and the final night will be spent back at the InterContinental Palacio das Cardosas. Before the final farewell, there will time to get to know Porto’s cultural highlights with a private tour of Serralves Museum, Portugal’s first modern art museum, and Casa da Músic, Portugal’s most celebrated concert hall.
HOW: The three-night all-inclusive package costs from EUR 5,000 (approx. £4362) per person and is bookable on selected dates in May (3rd - 7th May / 10th - 14th May / 20th - 21st May and 24th - 28th May).