Fundão cherry circuit invites you to discover the charms of Beira Baixa

‘Celebrate nature and discover the charms of Beira Baixa’ is the challenge launched by CP – Comboios de Portugal with the Fundão Cherry Route 2025 programme. Seven trips will be made between 31 May and 21 June, allowing passengers to enjoy the natural beauty of the region, travel by train along a line that winds along the banks of the River Tagus, pass by the foothills of the Gardunha Mountains and visit the historic centre of Fundão. Participants will have the opportunity to see a cherry orchard, help with the harvest, and, of course, taste the delicious cherries of Fundão and take some home with them. Moreover, they will also have the privilege of tasting the ‘Best Cheese in the World’ (2024), produced by Queijaria da Quinta do Pomar, among other regional gastronomic products.

With this one-day tourist programme, which includes lunch at a traditional restaurant, CP is once again promoting the train as a sustainable means of transport and maintaining its commitment to territorial cohesion and the enhancement of the natural, cultural and gastronomic heritage of the country's interior, encouraging people to discover the cherry culture, a central element of the economy and identity of the Fundão region.

Anyone wishing to enjoy this experience, on a trip between Lisbon-Santa Apolónia and Castelo Branco, has seven opportunities to do so: on 31 May and 4, 7, 11, 14, 18 and 21 June. Participants will have access to a dedicated 1st class carriage on the Intercidades train.

The Cherry Route offers an immersion in the nature, culture, gastronomy and traditions of Fundão, providing a unique experience for those seeking authenticity and flavour.

Fundão Cherry Route at a glance

Dates: Saturdays - 31 May, 7, 14 and 21 June 2025; Wednesdays 4, 11 and 18 June 2025.

Timetable: Outward journey - Departure from Lisbon-Santa Apolónia at 8.15 a.m., arriving in Castelo Branco at 11.03 a.m.; Return journey - Departure from Fundão at 7.25 p.m. and arrival in Lisbon-Santa Apolónia at 10.50 p.m.

Composition: The Fundão Cherry Route will have a 1st class carriage (Corail) reserved exclusively for the group.

Capacity: The maximum number of customers that can be transported per day on the Route is 50.

Full programme:

8.15 a.m. – Departure from Lisbon Santa Apolónia on the Intercidades train no. 541.

11:04 a.m. – Arrival at Castelo Branco station – Welcome by the guide and welcome coffee on the terrace of the station bar. The welcome coffee includes coffee, tea, water, natural juice, cornbread and traditional ‘borrachão’ cake.

11:30 a.m. – Departure for Soalheira, with a visit to the traditional cheese factory Quinta do Pomar

• Includes tasting of the famous buttery sheep's cheese, awarded Best in the World 2024 at the World Cheese Awards, as well as other types of cheese. Customers can also enjoy cherries, fruit, sausages, bread, coffee, fresh orange juice, sangria, wine and water.
• Video presentation about Quinta do Pomar and explanation of the production process.
• Departure for Fundão, passing through the Gardunha mountains and enjoying panoramic views of Cova da Beira.

1:30 p.m. – Lunch at the D. Vicente restaurant in Fundão, including:

• Starters: bread, butter and olives
• Soup: Cream of vegetable soup
• Main course: Pork loin with baked potatoes and sautéed vegetables
• Dessert: Cherry or fruit clafoutis
• Drinks: water, juice, regional white or red wine from Cova da Beira

3.30pm – Visit to the cherry orchard at Quinta do Pombal, in Aldeia Nova do Cabo, with a basket for picking and tasting cherries, as well as a free 1 kg bag of cherries.

4.30pm – Departure for Fundão to visit the historic centre and free time.

7.25pm – Return to Lisbon on the Intercidades train no. 544.

Prices: €86 per adult and €55 per child (aged 4 to 12), with special prices for groups.

Where to buy: At ticket offices or online at www.cp.pt. Further details here.