The Blue Train goes wine tasting: a getaway from Zaragoza that combines wineries, scenery and a historic train

There are trains that take you to a destination, and trains that are the destination itself. The Blue Train belongs to the latter category. And this July, it returns with one of those plans that smells of summer, of an uncomplicated getaway with a perfectly poured glass of Rioja: a trip from Zaragoza to Haro, the wine capital, to spend the day among wineries, the historic center, and the landscapes of the Ebro River valley.

It will be this Saturday,  July 11th , and it’s not just any trip; the Wine Train will be the last of the journeys announced by Azaft as part of its spring program. After taking travelers from Aragon to the Lower Aragon region , Logroño, and San Sebastián, it’s time to bid farewell to the season with a toast.

ZARAGOZA-HARO: A JULY PLAN WITH A RIOJA FLAVOR

The trip will depart at 9:05 a.m. from Zaragoza-Delicias , with a stop in Casetas at 9:17 a.m., before heading towards Haro, where arrival is scheduled for 11:53 a.m. Ahead, several free hours to choose your plans: visit a winery, stroll through the old town, book a delicious meal, or simply soak up the wine-centric atmosphere of one of La Rioja’s most famous towns.

Haro needs little introduction. It’s one of those destinations where wine isn’t just a drink, but a way of understanding the city. Its wineries, its Station District, and its winemaking tradition make it a must-see for any wine tourism enthusiast.

THE STATION DISTRICT, THE GREAT TEMPLE OF WINE

Much of the trip’s appeal lies in the wineries . Each traveler can arrange their own visit and discover how some of Rioja’s most renowned wines are made. Many of these experiences conclude, as they should, with a small tasting. Furthermore, those wishing to explore Haro with a guide can book a personalized tour from the Station District to the historic center.

And although wine is the main attraction, Haro also has much to offer. Its historic center was declared a historical-artistic site in 1975 and preserves palaces, charming streets, and monuments such as the Church of Santo Tomás.

Food will be self-catering , so travelers can enjoy it at their own pace. However, Azaft recommends booking a restaurant in advance: July, wineries, and weekends are rarely a good combination for finding a table on the spur of the moment.

TRAVELING ON THE BLUE TRAIN: MEANS OF TRANSPORT AND EXPERIENCE

The journey doesn’t begin when you arrive in Haro. It begins when you board the train. The Blue Train keeps the magic of old railway journeys alive with a train made up of restored historic carriages .

The main locomotive will be the 316-003 and the train will include the lounge car ZZ-1601, the restaurant car WR-3567 with bar service during the journey, the department car CC-5137, the sleeping car YFt-4648 in day position and the mail car P3-3067, converted into a postal museum on rails.

WINE TRAIN SCHEDULES AND PRICES TO HARO

The Wine Train is designed as a day trip to enjoy Haro without needing to spend the night away. Departure is on July 11th at 9:05 a.m. from Zaragoza-Delicias, with a stop in Casetas at 9:17 a.m., arriving in the Rioja capital at 11:53 a.m.

After a day dedicated to visiting wineries , strolling through the historic center, and enjoying Rioja’s cuisine, the return journey will depart from Haro at 6:15 p.m. The train will stop again in Casetas at 9:31 p.m. and arrive at Zaragoza-Delicias at 9:36 p.m., bringing to a close an experience that combines tourism, railway heritage, and wine tourism in a single day.

Prices for the Zaragoza-Haro Blue Train vary depending on the historic carriage chosen, ranging from €32 to €65 for adults and from €25 to €55 for children. The ticket includes round-trip travel on the Blue Train, a reserved seat, and mandatory passenger insurance. Children up to three years old who do not occupy a seat travel free.

There is also the option of contributing to the maintenance of the Blue Train through the “Row Zero” donation ticket, for 25 euros, designed for those who cannot travel, but want to support the preservation of this historic train.