In 2026, an impressive new train route from London will launch: in 15 days, passengers will cross three European countries, enjoying panoramic views of some of the continent’s most beautiful landscapes right from the train window.
The launch of the route coincides with a surge in interest in rail holidays and “slow travel”: almost half of British travelers say they would like to take long-distance journeys on overnight trains with stops along the way.
If you’re considering a trip to Portugal this year, consider an alternative to flying—train travel, which allows travelers to see many of Europe’s hidden gems and attractions that typically elude those who fly.
The Linha do Douro, considered one of the most scenic in Europe, stretches 160 kilometers from Porto in the west of the country to Pocinho in the Alto Douro region. For a significant portion of the journey, the train follows the Douro River, passing through the heart of Portugal’s wine country, with its verdant vineyards, historic towns, and traditional wine estates.
This year, the route extended to the UK for the first time, offering passengers a truly epic 15-day rail adventure with stops in nine cities across three European countries.
The journey begins at LondonSt Pancras station. Next, passengers take the Eurostar train to Paris and arrive at Gare du Nord, enjoying the changing scenery as they pass from the British Isles to mainland Europe.
From Paris, transfer to the southern French city of Nîmes, where a two-night stay is included in the tour price. The route then continues to Madrid – a six-hour journey and two more nights in the Spanish capital, after which travelers head to the university city of Salamanca, located just an hour and a half away.
After two nights in Salamanca, the group transfers by bus to Porto, Portugal’s largest city. Here, three nights are planned to explore the medieval historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the spectacular waterfront, and the famous bookstore, often called “the most beautiful in the world.”
The final part of the route is A classic rail journey along the Linha do Douro line – from Porto to Pocinho.
The return journey to London passes through Spain and France, with stops in Vigo and San Sebastian, as well as Hendaye and Bordeaux in France.
The cost of traveling on the Douro line is not cheap – £1,595 per person, but this price includes accommodation and train tickets for almost all stages of the route in three countries.
Meanwhile, another landmark event for railway enthusiasts took place in the UK: the first For ten years, the operator’s passenger train has travelled the historic route from Settle in the Yorkshire Dales to Carlisle.
The Avanti West Coast service, which first departed at 7:54 a.m. on January 1, was the first intercity passenger service on the 73-mile line in more than a decade.
Until January 15, the Avanti West Coast will operate services on this route, which has become popular due to its breathtaking scenery.
The use of this railway line is due to the temporary closure of the West Coast Main Line between Preston and Carlisle. This route is usually served only by Northern regional trains between Leeds and Carlisle, but Avanti has deployed it as a bypass during work to replace the Clifton Bridge on the M6 motorway near Penrith.
As the Settle-Carlisle line is not electrified, Avanti uses dual-mode Class 805 Evero diesel-powered trains.
Avanti West Coast Managing Director Andy Mellors noted:
“We’re launching services on the Settle-Carlisle route so passengers can continue to travel around the North West by train and have the best possible travel experience.”
Source: travelworld.biz