The Douro Valley line | Put it on your bucket list!

[@johnstephens649]

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!

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Yes, as you saw, that bit beyond Pinhao is wonderful. and there might be even more if they extend the line back towards the Spanish border!

[@craiglogistics2092]

A truly stunning journey which is now firmly on my bucket list, another mesmerising line is from Belgrade to Bar in the Balkans

[@horsehollerer]

I did part of this run in October. I highly recommend just doing the Montenegro section from Kolasin to Virpazar as I did. Just ridiculous. 3 hours of mountain (and then lakeside) railway on a loco-hauled train with a window out the back - for 5 euros!

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Yes, that one is on my list for some time in the future when I'm down in the Balkans. 👍

[@horsehollerer]

Wow, what a stunner. Loved every bit of this. Many thanks!

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

you are very welcome. Very much a labour of love this one!

[@61adb]

Excellent video, of a line I was not aware of, but I certainly am now. As always Johnny, your videos are very informative 👍

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

you are very welcome. It is one of the great railway journeys and deserves to be better known. Do go and experience it for yourself if you are able. you won't regret it! and thank you so much for watching 👍

[@phronsiekeys]

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.

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Yes even the approaches to Douro was beautiful as you rightly say. wrt graffiti, I was tempted with that train to pop around and see how dark it was inside the carriage, and whether anybody had actually chosen to sit in it!

[@raleighsheffield841]

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.

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Yes, it is worth sticking on the train for the extra hour if you have the time. Thanks for watching and for the kind words 👍

[@Timstravels01]

Ah beautiful. Portugal at its finest and what a fantastic loco doing the hard yards. A wonderful video as always.

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Thanks Tim. truly one of my favourite ever trips... 😀

[@ampersand.]

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.

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

As you can tell from the video, the pleasure was all mine on this one! Thank you so much for such kind words.

[@jimmyhillschin9987]

Certainly beats that Southern South Coast line which you covered a few months back.

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

tru dat... 😀

[@vernongoodey5096]

Went last year just for a day as I was travelling from Porto to Bilbao by train. Going back in March for 3 whole days!

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Great idea! It is certainly worth more than a day. I was only talking to a friend about it the other day. I'd love to go back again. Thanks so much for watching 👍

[@artsymomsy]

Thanks for sharing! Lovely Douro. Will be traveling in January and this video gave us a glimpse of what to look forward to.

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

@@artsymomsy it is really one of the most beautiful places. I'm sure you will have a wonderful time! Thanks so much for watching 👍

[@artsymomsy]

@@JohnnyHooverTravels Please continue to share all your travels as it inspires us to explore more and thank you for showing us this wonderful places. Will also visit Lisbon for just 24 hrs though. Not a lot to cover but surely still be fun.

[@christerhall68]

That was a great train journey at a great price😊

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Yes indeed. What price those memories? Thanks for watching 👍

[@catharinewhitby3649]

Hi Mr. Hoover... We are about to embark on this journey in a few weeks. Meanwhile, we HIGHLY recommend Rovos Rail trips in South Africa. (Different than the Blue Line.) Owner Rich Rovos totally refurbished (with today's mod cons) some gorgeous rolling stock. And the dining cars are stunning...

[@catharinewhitby3649]

... also recommend the Patagonia Express trip in the Welsh area of southern Argentina...

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

@@catharinewhitby3649 thanks for the recommendations. I hope you enjoy the Douro Valley as much as i did! And thanks so much for watching 👍

[@garrygreen3210]

Outstanding Johnny lad, cracking video. One for the list, for sure. Thanks!

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Thanks! I loved making it. Stick it on your list for sure 👍

[@Diana-andre2018]

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😊

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

As you may have guessed, it was an absolute pleasure to record and edit this one! Thank you so much for enjoying it too ❤

[@stevemee6640]

Absolutely one for my list too Johnny. Thanks so much for sharing both the ride and your enthusiasm!

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

It was as good as my smiley face gives the impression it was! Definitely one for every train fan! Thanks for watching 👍

[@leneeanderson4848]

As a fan of the Richard Sharpe books and an admirer of the Duke of Wellington, I really enjoyed this adventure!!

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

ah yes. One of his old stamping grounds... Thanks so much for watching 👍

[@garrytuohy9267]

Really spectacular, especially reflections in the water. Isn't it great to be able to stick you camera out the window of a moving vehicle. Dog were onto a good thing all along. But there can't be many carraiges left where you can open the window any more. I wonder if there a list somewhere of the routes where ther still are open windows.

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Do let me know if you find that list... This trip would certainly not have been quite so spectacular without the opening windows.

[@neilr009]

Loved the video, I can why you're so taken with the line. Lisbon next, one of my favourite cities, does this mean trams? Looking forward to it whatever you show us.

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Yes - the next video will be Porto-Lisbon. But, I didn't do the trams there this time. I went to the beach at Cascais instead!

[@neilr009]

I look forward to it.@@JohnnyHooverTravels

[@russellb1212]

Some scenery, what a train line and the sound of the locomotive, wonderful

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Indeed. Wonderful is the right word. Thanks for watching 👍

[@navin1in]

I did this trip many years ago.

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

@@navin1in it is great! Thanks so much for watching the video 👍

[@jolewis-brown6608]

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.

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Thanks for adding your memories. Great! And yes i heartily agree, Porto and the area around is a great place to visit. I had a lovely time 😀 Thanks for watching 👍

[@melturn5654]

Thank you Johnny for another excellent video.Definitely adding this trip to my bucket list!

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Thanks for watching... and yes, you really should do it - it put a smile on my face all day long!

[@TheUncleGrant]

Thankyou Johnny, That was wonderful journey. Loved the water views, the old Stations and Carriages...👍

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Yes indeed. One that certainly ticks all the boxes! Thanks for coming along 👍

[@walterfillingham]

What an absolute treat, definitely been put on my bucket list 😊

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Yes, do it. I'm sure you can get to Porto from Aberdeen or Inverness 😀

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

You certainly looked like you enjoyed it by the end there mate. I was the same, one of my all-time favourite rail journeys. Like you said, everyone should try it if they can. Great vid.

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Thanks Mark. Yes, truly one of the all-time great rides. 👍

[@anthonyniveaub1]

Wow

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

@@anthonyniveaub1 indeed. Wow is right! Thanks for watching. And do go to make the trip yourself if you can! 👍

[@ElrosTar-Minyatur]

Amazing that CP 2600 in the beginning of your video! They are 50 years old this year!

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Yes, it was a great bonus to see some of these knocking around Porto. Thanks for watching 👍

[@sandiandgregh]

Stunning. Those reflections. Oh, and the train was cool, too. :) We are stunned by the air costs. We can’t even fly (or take a train) pretty much anywhere in our own province for that. LOL. Glad you can and that you share.

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

It certainly is a wonderful ride! Wrt Ryanair is think they try to fill up the seats on the quieter winter months. And of course the £12.99 cost is very much the headline price. I can travel with one very small bag, but most people will pay extra luggage fees...

[@PaulGodfrey]

Great Video. One of your best. Going to have to get myself to Porto now. What lovely scenery, station and trains.

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Thanks, as ever. and yes, it really is one to tick off. It has everything and Porto is a lovely place to base yourself too. 👍

[@jonhigginson4096]

Bit lost for words really, that really did knock my socks off, so atmospheric and a belting bit of EE thrash to boot. I’m really going to have to look in to this Johnny. Thanks pal.

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

No worries. As you can tell, this really is one to do. I was pretty lost for words at Pocinho! Thanks for watching 👍

[@Grangeburn]

Believe it or not Johnny, but this Scot has never travelled on the Kyle of Lochalsh route but in late June 2017 he did travel on the Douro valley route. Absolutely magical, as was your video! I left from Campanhã station and stopped off for a few nights in Pinhão. A visit to the Quinta do Bomfim visitor centre to savour the produce of the Symington family and a bus up the steep valley side to savour some more of the local produce near Casal de Loivos. A walk back down through the vineyards gave spectacular views of both the valley and the rail line. On leaving Pinhão, I decided to take the train to the end of line at Pocinho where, like yourself I had a little time to savour the views. It was incredibly hot that year (40º+) and the smoke from forest and scrubland fires lay like a low cloud on the hills to the north. I tried to walk to the now disused rail bridge (it can be seen in your shots near the video's end) but it was just too far; I didn't want to miss the train back to Porto. Your video encapsulated the beauty and majesty of this rail journey perfectly Johnny and for me, I can't wait to return one day. (By-the-way, after being told by the locals many times, I can't remember how to pronounce all those place names 🤣🤣🤣)

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

what lovely recollections. Thank you so much for sharing them. I would have a loved a walk through the vineyards too as it is a long day going there and back with just a 30 minute break at the end.... and yes, you really should get yourself to the highlands to enjoy both the Kyle line and the far north line to Wick/Thurso. Thanks for watching 👍

[@peterskegness3204]

Fantastic, and love the sound of that loco 😊

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Yes indeed. It was great. Thanks for watching 👍

[@barbaraolim2811]

Definitely considering doing this trip in September 😊

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

@@barbaraolim2811 do it!!!! One of my favourite ever train rides 😁 And thanks for watching 👍

[@railmaps8141]

Great video, thank you. Very evocative.

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Thanks, you are very welcome. And thanks for watching too 👍

[@s125ish]

Great video, I did this trip last September as it was on my bucket list too. As for Sao Bento station I did see intercity loco hauled service there, maybe a diversion.

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Thanks. and interesting that there are IC trains at São Bento sometimes. 👍

[@77smp]

Delightful 😊 Definitely one for the list. A bit obvious but the Bernina is a wonderful journey, and non panoramic coaches require no supplement with Interrail. I remember camping at TCS Camping Samedan and having a short walk to Punt Murgagl Staz to flag down the express. Wonderful beer overlooking a glacier on the bar terrace at Alp Grum.

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Thanks... and between you and me, I'm probably going on the Bernina in March. as you say, I'll take the local train coach that has the opening windows!

[@alang5764]

@@JohnnyHooverTravels The modern Stadler unit that hauls the tourist panorama coaches has some opening windows, there is no supplement required for travelling in this part of the train. The other trains on the route that are still vintage hauled coaches are the more interesting choice and one that won't be around for ever.

[@SilverSamurai12]

I was there with some friends in January for wine tasting but we drove in from Porto. I think next time we'll have to take the train in. Also, Quinta do Vale Meao is a top class winery and located in Pocinho. Great video! 👍

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Thanks! Always worth doing the train on this one. More a beer drinker myself, but the vineyards looked so lovely all the way up the valley 👍

[@WINGSANDRAILS]

Going to porto in july(again) thanks for the tip

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Do it! It truly is a wonderful ride! 😀

[@juliescanlan6424]

What a lovely trip!

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Yes indeed. I loved it, and I'm pleased you did too 😀 Thanks so much for watching 👍

[@jostep]

Brilliant!

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

you are very welcome. thanks for watching 👍

[@drgwdrgw]

We greatly enjoyed viewing the azulejos tiles at Sao Bento station, but would you believe you can't buy a bento box over there?

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

You are right. I never thought of that... 🤣

[@jamesprivet]

Great video report thank you!

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Thanks for watching 👍

[@matjordan4848]

Good stuff Johnny H, really enjoyed this. In the best Riethian tradition of informing and entertaining. If you've not done the narrow gauge line from Santander to Bilbao then that should definitely be on your list too. Perhaps not quite as spectacular as the Douro but a really interesting windy journey. And the station is Bilbao is beautiful too.

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Everybody seems to be mentioning the FEVE in the north of Spain. Looks like I really must give it a go! Thanks for watching Mat - best wishes to you and yours ❤️

[@matjordan4848]

Thanks Johnny - it's been 30 years since I went on it, but it counts as one of the most memorable train journeys I've ever taken. I was biking around northern Spain and had to take the guy I was with back to the Bilbao ferry. Cycling through Bilbao was pretty terrifying too!

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

@@matjordan4848 I must try it! but maybe not the cycling in Bilbao thing. I'll leave that to you.

[@terryosullivan2620]

Great and beautiful train ride Jonny.

[@terryosullivan2620]

Thanks so much for sharing.

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

You are very welcome. It was indeed a labour of love as it was one of my favourite ever rides.

[@Kulla1berg]

Also on my bucket list Fantastic cheap fly ticket down to Portugal. The really amazing thing is that the Irish fly company is making profit, which not many companies are doing, especially Scandinavian airlines are doing You should have done this trip 20 30 years ago with all branch lines to the north

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

There's still some nice trips to be had going north so I certainly will return to Porto in the future. £12.99 was indeed a great price. I managed to snap up a return flight from Faro a few days later for just €26 with easyJet too.

[@Kulla1berg]

If I compare it to train prices in Sweden, as far as my father lived did I travelled to him and a journey of 400 km costed me around 60 euro

[@vicsams4431]

I rode from Marces de Canaveses to Regua in the cab of loco 1935 Cidade do Bareirro. Done the line several times. Very nice.

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

that sounds like a wonderful ride. I'm quite jealous! Thanks for watching another video 👍

[@vicsams4431]

Only had 350 or so cabrides and one "driving lesson" down the mainline at speed. In Britain, France, Spain, Portugal, Italy, Hungary, Austria, and Canada.

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

@@vicsams4431 Nice!

[@RoddyJenkins]

Another great video…thanks Johnny! That Class 1400 locomotive reminds me of a (probably not so nowadays) “modern day” Class 37, with the “tractor” sounds of the engine! Have really enjoyed these InterRail journeys….incidentally how much did your ticket cost; I don’t think you’ve disclosed this in the videis, only the individual costs of the various journeys

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Not surprised by the Class 37 reference as it is actually, basically an English Electric Class 20. I recall the Interrail (with over 60s discount) was a 10 days in 2 months 1st Class ticket and it was £312 inc black friday reduction.

[@ampersand.]

Thanks!

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

A superthanks! How generous. Thank you so much ❤️

[@richardstreet7518]

Inspiring.. i would be tempted to do the trip but change for the boat on the way back. Good time keeping!! Have you done any of the narrow guage in Northern Spain?

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

I've not done the FEVE in northern Spain yet. got half a plan to get the ferry down to Santander and then travel on them from there! But that will be another day. Thanks so much for watching 👍

[@richardstreet7518]

@@JohnnyHooverTravels get the ferry to Bilbao and start there. .

[@jaumelara8181]

Excellent trip report! Just a question: is there any way to know which services are provided with this classic rolling stock and which one is served with modern railcars? THANKS!

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Yes there is - I will just scuttle off and find you the web page www.cp.pt/StaticFiles/Passageiros/3_viajar/1_lazer/1_cultura_natureza/miradouro/miradouro-horarios.pdf there you go 👍

[@RogerHowe-v8m]

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

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

@@RogerHowe-v8m absolutely! The best bit! Thanks for watching 👍

[@seancashin6135]

Brilliant! We're going to Porto for a short break in April and fancy a train trip but not for 3 hours each way. What town would you suggest, within an hour, along that route as being worth visiting, please? Thanks.

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Thanks! Very nice of you to say so. wrt other trips that are shorter I would say take the local train from São Bento up to Guimarães. Let me know how you get on! Best wishes to you

[@pattokchannel]

There is a scenic local train route between Switzerland and France from Martigny via Le Chatelard to Chamonix. You should test this one linking two countries. It’s narrow gauge.

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Thanks for that! I've added the route to my list. And thanks for watching too 👍

[@florenciajerez8108]

Is pocinhos the best destination to spend the night if we're looking for a non turistic spot there its possible to swim somewhere or which town you recommend? thank you for the video!

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

No idea about swimming. I would say Pinhao will be a better place to eat and stay. Although it is touristy. Maybe looking for somewhere that is not too far from one one the many intermediate stations might be your best bet. Advise you talk to tourist information at Porto (email/phone) Thanks for watching 👍

[@diogorodrigues747]

There is no hotel in Pocinho. The nearest hotels are in Torre de Moncorvo and Vila Nova de Foz Coa, which are 10 and 7 km respectively from Pocinho.

[@tomcarr1358]

We were in a dmu about 12 years ago when we did the trip in two stages from Pinhao. Some improvements since then suggests that the govt. support the tourist attraction.Should you return or have time to re-edit you may care to mention the barrage system that maintains the navigable depths of the river to help the hotel river cruise business. Some of the famous port estates like Taylors advertise themselves with big signs on the slopes near the railway.

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Thanks. Yes, I have to edit what I say otherwise videos would be too long, so my apologies for not mentioning more about the barrages/dams. I think there may be a couple of shots with the names of the port estates on the hillsides. I definitely shot a lot of them, but inevitably only a small part of what I recorded makes it into the final edit 🤷🏻‍♂ Best wishes to you and thank you for watching 👍

[@tomcarr1358]

thanks for your courteous response.It encourages me to view all your historic recordings. Sao Bento is extraordinary. I think that you may find on You Tube a 'flash mob' recording made there of Ravel's Bolero. Maybe it was some other music, You Tube may still have a recording of a steam special at Pinhao. @@JohnnyHooverTravels

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

@@tomcarr1358 Great! Thank you again 👍

[@davidk7805]

How long was the trip?

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

About three hours... there's a map at the start of the video which tells you distance and time Thanks for watching 👍

[@WINGSANDRAILS]

Which train on the timetable is the classical train your on?

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

www.cp.pt/StaticFiles/Passageiros/3_viajar/1_lazer/1_cultura_natureza/miradouro/miradouro-horarios.pdf I got the 0920. But you could get the 0725, except it doesn't depart from the glorious São Bento

[@WINGSANDRAILS]

@@JohnnyHooverTravels thanks! Gonna take a look at it

[@whatthehellcarrot2801]

Can U plz go to Ireland again on one of are trains like the dart btw I'm Irish

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

I will definitely be returning to Ireland. Not yet sure when though. 👍