CP Cherry Blossom Circuit brings together trains and unique landscapes

CP - Comboios de Portugal's Cherry Blossom Circuit is back and promises unique journeys that combine the pleasure of travelling by train, the beauty of the landscape of the Beira Baixa line and the spectacle provided by the white mantle of the cherry trees that bloom at this time of year.

As well as taking in the natural beauty, from the breathtaking view of the River Tagus to the foothills of the Serra da Gardunha, passengers can enjoy a cultural experience in the municipality of Fundão, visiting the historic centre, the Milling Museum and the Cherry House, visiting the cherry orchards in bloom and the Historic Village of Castelo Novo and tasting the local cuisine.

Six trips are planned between March and April, between Lisbon-Santa Apolónia and Fundão. The return journey will take place in a first class carriage reserved exclusively for Cherry Blossom Circuit passegers.

CP is committed to reformulating its railway tourism services, making them a more attractive experience that enhances the territory, which has generated great demand for these products. This circuit, which combines rail tourism and culture, promotes the region, showcasing its natural beauty and endogenous products, and boosts the local economy. By taking people to the interior regions of the country, CP has contributed to territorial cohesion, while at the same time encouraging the use of an environmentally friendly mode of transport and promoting sustainable tourism.

CP and Fundão City Council have joined forces to organise this circuit. The protocol formalising this partnership was signed at a press conference by the CP Director responsible for Tourism Products, João Claro, and the Deputy Mayor of Fundão, Miguel Gavinhos.

Cherry blossoms paint the mountains white

Every year, at the end of March and in April, the cherry blossom trees paint the Gardunha mountains white, in a spectacle not to be missed.

The Cherry Blossom Circuit combines travelling by train along the breathtaking scenery of the Beira Baixa line with the tradition of the region, where cherries are of vital importance to the economy.

Six journeys will take place on 22, 23, 29 and 30 March and 5 and 6 April. The trip connects Lisbon-Santa Apolónia to Fundão, with passengers travelling in a first class carriage reserved exclusively for the Cherry Blossom Circuit, with a capacity of 58 seats attached to the Intercidades train. Departure is at 8.15 a.m. and arrival in Fundão is 11.38 a.m..

This is where the cultural programme will take place. After being welcomed by a guide from Turismo do Fundão, participants will have the opportunity to visit the city's historic centre and the Milling Museum. This will be followed by around two hours of free time for lunch, which will allow our passengers to enjoy the region's typical cuisine in local restaurants.

At around 3 p.m. buses provided by the municipality will take passengers to Alcangosta for a guided tour of the ‘Cherry House’ and a visit to the cherry blossom orchards by tourist train. Before returning to Fundão, passengers can visit the Historical Village of Castelo Novo, recently distinguished as one of the best villages in the world by the World Tourism Organisation. Set on a hillside in the Serra da Gardunha, Castelo Novo promises to offer one of the most beautiful views in the region. Departure from Fundão station for Lisbon takes place at 19.25.

This programme costs €47 per adult and €26 per child, with special prices for groups.

Further information can be found at www.cp.pt.