The Presidential is a luxury train experience with distinguished culinary experts and a fascinating history
The Presidential, Portugal’s premier luxury railway experience, is now a part of Rail Europe’s portfolio, Great Train Journeys, which features the best luxury train voyages from across the globe.
The Presidential, which was built in 1890, has hosted Kings, Presidents, Heads of State, and Popes, including notable figures such as Queen Elizabeth II and Pope Paul IV. It continued this way for over a century until 1970, when it was officially retired.
In 2010, however, the train was resurrected, and with it, its luxurious standard. The original furnishing and style of the train remain, ensuring that The Presidential maintains the signature opulence it was always known for.
The train journey, which showcases Portugal’s exquisite food and wine, includes meals prepared by some of the world’s most renowned and upcoming chefs including Michelin Starred Oscar Goncalves, Two-Time Michelin Starred Henrique Sá Pessoa, Leandro Carreira, Nuno Mendes, Bruno Rocha, and 2012 Top Chef Winner Alexandre Silva. Rising stars include André Lança Cordeiro and Pedro Pana Bastos.
There are three packages offered aboard The Presidential. The first is a 9-hour journey known as The Presidential Experience, which features a Sao Bento to Vesuvio day trip. The journey, which starts at AU$1,390, includes a gourmet lunch with pairing wines and a port-tasting excursion to Quinto do Vesuvio.
The second offer is a 2-day Escapade Pack from Sao Bento to Duoro. Starting at AU$4,274, it includes a return Presidential Experience from Porto to Vesuvio, grape treading in one of the world’s last stone pits and an overnight at Casa do Rio.
The third offer is the 3-day Premium Pack. It includes private tours to Serralves, Portugal’s premier modern art museum, and Casa de Musica, the country’s grandest concert hall. It starts at AU$8,548, and also includes an overnight stay at the Intercontinental Hotel and Six Senses Duoro Valley, a boat cruise, and Michelin class meals on board the train, at Palacio das Cardosas, and at O Gaveto.
For more information regarding pricing and booking, visit www.greattrainjourneys.com.au.