For train enthusiasts, Portugal’s 160-year railway history offers a captivating journey through time. This full-day tour immerses travellers in the nation’s storied past, guiding them through the impressive National Railway Museum in Entroncamento. From the grandeur of the Royal Train to the Presidential Train exhibits, the museum’s collection showcases the evolution of Portugal’s rail network. But the experience doesn’t end there – you will also enjoy a delightful lunch in a historic restaurant-carriage, leaving them with a deeper appreciation for the country’s rich railway heritage.
Key Points
- Explore Portugal’s 160-year railway history with a guided tour of the National Railway Museum in Entroncamento, featuring steam locomotives, carriages, and the Royal and Presidential Trains.
- Enjoy the museum’s extensive 4.5-hectare collection of over 36,000 railway artifacts and exhibits across 19 display tracks.
- Enjoy a delightful lunch in a restored railway restaurant-carriage, complementing the authentic railway experience.
- Discover the evolution of railway technology and gain fascinating insights into Portugal’s rich railway heritage.
- Conclude the tour with a scenic train journey back to Lisbon, reflecting on the day’s railway exploration.
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Tour Overview
The train enthusiasts’ full-day tour kicks off at the Santa Apolónia train station, where you will board the train to Entroncamento Station.
This 8-hour journey is dedicated to exploring the rich 160-year history of railways in Portugal at the National Railway Museum.
Visitors will embark on a guided tour, discovering an impressive collection of steam locomotives, carriages, and wagons, including unique exhibits like the Royal Train and Presidential Train.
The tour also includes a delightful lunch in a historic restaurant-carriage.
With round-trip transportation, museum admission, and a knowledgeable guide, this tour offers train lovers an immersive and enjoyable experience.
Entroncamento Station
Nestled in central Portugal, Entroncamento Station serves as the focal point of the National Railway Museum, housing an extensive collection of rolling stock and other railway artifacts that chronicle the evolution of transportation in the country. The museum’s grounds span 4.5 hectares and feature 19 display tracks, allowing visitors to explore a vast array of historic steam locomotives, carriages, and wagons. A standout exhibit is the Royal Train, which was once used by Portugal’s monarchs, as well as the Presidential Train, a testament to the country’s political history.
| Exhibit | Description | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Steam Locomotives | Vintage steam-powered locomotives | Showcasing early railway technology |
| Royal Train | Train used by Portugal’s monarchs | Highlighting the country’s royal heritage |
| Presidential Train | Train used by Portuguese presidents | Reflecting the nation’s political history |
| Carriages & Wagons | Historic passenger and freight cars | Demonstrating the evolution of railway transportation |
National Railway Museum
Housed within Entroncamento Station, the National Railway Museum boasts an extensive collection that chronicles the 160-year evolution of railways in Portugal.
Visitors can explore a rich heritage of steam locomotives, carriages, and wagons, including unique exhibits like the Royal Train and Presidential Train.
The museum spans 36,000 objects displayed across 19 tracks and 4.5 hectares, offering a comprehensive look at the country’s rail history.
From the earliest steam engines to modern electric and diesel models, the museum provides an engaging and educational experience for train enthusiasts.
With its impressive displays and well-preserved artifacts, the National Railway Museum stands as a testament to Portugal’s proud railway legacy.
Guided Tour Highlights
On the guided tour of the National Railway Museum, visitors can explore the museum’s expansive grounds and uncover the stories behind its impressive collection of vintage locomotives, carriages, and wagons.
Highlights include a close-up look at the Royal Train and the Presidential Train, which offer a glimpse into the opulent travel of Portugal’s former leaders.
Guests can also wander through the museum’s 19 display tracks, where they’ll find meticulously restored steam engines, passenger cars, and freight wagons that illustrate the evolution of railway technology over the past century and a half.
Throughout the tour, the knowledgeable guide provides fascinating insights into the rich history and significance of Portugal’s railway heritage.
Lunch in Restaurant-Carriage
The tour includes a lunch in a historical restaurant-carriage, allowing visitors to dine in a unique railway setting.
Located at the National Railway Museum in Entroncamento, the restaurant-carriage offers a delightful dining experience. Guests can savor local Portuguese cuisine while surrounded by the museum’s impressive collection of steam locomotives and carriages.
The meal includes a selection of drinks, ensuring a well-rounded culinary journey. This dining experience complements the tour’s immersion in Portugal’s rich railway heritage, providing a chance to step back in time and appreciate the country’s transportation history in an authentic and engaging way.
Return Journey
After the guided tour and lunch in the historic restaurant-carriage, the tour concludes with the return journey to Santa Apolónia station in Lisbon.
Travelers will board the train at Entroncamento Station for the trip back to the starting point. During the journey, passengers can take in the countryside scenery and reflect on the fascinating history they’ve just experienced at the National Railway Museum.
The round-trip transportation is included in the tour package, making for a seamless and hassle-free experience.
Once back at Santa Apolónia station, the tour officially comes to an end, leaving participants with a deeper appreciation for Portugal’s rich railway heritage.
Tour Inclusions
The tour includes round-trip transportation between Santa Apolónia and Entroncamento stations, providing a seamless journey for participants.
Upon arrival at the National Railway Museum, visitors will have full admission to explore the museum’s rich heritage, including a vast collection of steam locomotives, carriages, and wagons.
Lunch is provided in a historic restaurant-carriage, allowing travelers to dine in a unique setting. Plus, a snack box is included, ensuring participants are fueled throughout the day.
The tour is led by a certified guide who can provide commentary in English, French, or Spanish, enhancing the educational experience.
With these comprehensive inclusions, the full-day tour offers an immersive and memorable exploration of Portugal’s railway history.
Additional Tour Information
This tour isn’t available on Mondays, as the National Railway Museum is closed on that day.
Travelers can, however, book and secure their spot by paying later, allowing for greater flexibility in planning their visit. Plus, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, providing peace of mind should plans change.
This full-day experience dedicated to exploring Portugal’s rich railway history is a must for train enthusiasts. With round-trip transportation, museum admission, a restaurant-carriage lunch, and a knowledgeable guide, this tour offers a comprehensive and immersive look at the country’s 160-year railway legacy.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Take Photos Inside the Museum?
Guests are allowed to take photos inside the National Railway Museum. Photography is permitted throughout the museum’s exhibits, including the steam locomotives, carriages, and other historical railway artifacts on display.
Is the Tour Suitable for Children?
The tour is suitable for children, as it offers interactive exhibits and activities at the National Railway Museum. The itinerary includes transportation, admission, lunch, and a guided tour, making it an engaging experience for all ages.
Do I Need to Bring My Own Snacks?
No, travelers don’t need to bring their own snacks. The tour package includes a snack box for each participant. All food and drink are provided during the day-long excursion to the National Railway Museum.
Can I Purchase Souvenirs at the Museum?
Yes, you can purchase souvenirs at the National Railway Museum. The museum shop offers a range of railway-themed gifts and memorabilia, including models, books, apparel, and other collectibles for visitors to take home as keepsakes.
Is the Tour Wheelchair Accessible?
The tour is wheelchair accessible. The museum and transportation have facilities to accommodate visitors with mobility needs, ensuring a comfortable and inclusive experience throughout the day. Guests can explore the museum’s exhibits and facilities without issue.
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Recap
This immersive train enthusiast tour offers a unique opportunity to explore Portugal’s 160-year railway history.
Travelers will embark on a guided journey through the National Railway Museum, marvel at the impressive collection of steam locomotives, and enjoy a delightful lunch in a historic restaurant-carriage.
The tour culminates with a scenic return journey to Lisbon, leaving participants with a deeper appreciation for Portugal’s rich railway heritage.
