The Valverde Train project is being developed by Alva Rail, with an overall investment of around €21.6 million.

Eleven former CP carriages, built by Portuguese manufacturer Sorefame in the 1970s, are expected to be restored and converted for the project.

Official information published on Portugal's Mais Transparência portal describes the Valverde Train as a luxury hotel train combining the nostalgia of rail travel with modern accommodation.

The project has secured around €9.8 million in European funding through COMPETE 2030, representing 50% of the eligible investment.

The concept takes inspiration from some of the best-known names in luxury rail travel, including Belmond and Orient Express, but with a strong focus on Portugal.

Passengers are expected to be able to stay overnight on the train while travelling through different parts of the country, with regional gastronomy and other experiences forming part of the journey.

The plans also aim to take visitors beyond Portugal's main tourist destinations. Future routes are expected to include less-visited and lower-density areas, working with local organisations and businesses to offer activities connected to local food, wine and traditions.

Sustainability is another part of the project, with existing railway carriages being restored and reused rather than new ones being built.

The company expects the project to create around 35 direct jobs once fully operational, as well as supporting indirect employment in the regions visited by the train.

The official Portugal 2030 project information gives a planned start date of 31 August 2026 and a completion date of 30 August 2029.

However, many details about what the final experience will look like have yet to be announced. Routes, stops, prices and a date for the first passenger journeys have not yet been revealed.

The aim is ultimately to position the Valverde Train in the international luxury rail tourism market while offering travellers a different way to discover Portugal.