CNN: Portugal's Douro Presidential Train: The world's tastiest rail journey

(CNN) Dappled sunlight gleaming off its regal blue livery, Portugal's Presidential Train glides out of the medieval heart of Porto towards the Douro Valley on the start of a new addition to Europe's selection of luxury rail journeys -- a nine-hour gourmet excursion through one of the most beautiful wine regions.

Its oldest carriages were assembled in Parisian workshops 127 years ago to convey Portuguese kings and queens around their realm in high comfort.

Now the once-royal rolling stock takes paying passengers on a lavish day-trip through 200 kilometers (125 miles) of stunning scenery from Porto to the grand Quinta do Vesuvio estate on the far eastern edge of Douro wine country.

For most of the journey the train hugs the riverbank. Each curve reveals a different breath-stopping vista of the broad, blue Douro as it snakes through vine-covered slopes dotted with granite villages or the stately mansions of old wine-making families.

It doesn't come cheap. Tickets for riding this railroad are €500 ($560) -- compared to €24.60, if you take the regular train along the same line. The Presidential price includes some extras, though, starting with the fancy catering.

A succession of Michelin-starred chefs from Portugal and beyond are serving gourmet lunches to travelers on the 30 or so trips scheduled for spring and fall 2017. Their multi-course meals are partnered with prize-wining Douro wines.

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