Fátima and Coimbra Full-Day Tour from Porto
About this activity
Highlights
- Visit the Sanctuary of Fátima
- Explore the historic University of Coimbra
- Discover the Joanina Library
- Wander through Coimbra's old town
- Enjoy a traditional Portuguese lunch
Full description
Included / Excluded
- Round-trip transportation from Porto
- Guided tours of Fátima and Coimbra
- Lunch at a local restaurant
- Personal expenses and gratuities
Itinerary
Your expert guide will collect you at your accommodation and will drive you from Porto to the Fátima, on of the most famous and important sites in Portugal due to the events known as the Apparitions of Fátima, that took place there in 1917.
It's time to discover Fátima. With its origins deep in history, it was during the Arabian occupation that this settlement developed and was named. According to legend, during the Christian Reconquest, the Templar knight Gonçalo Hermingues, also known as Bringer-of-Moors, fell in love with Fátima, a Moor captured in the course of an ambush. Reciprocating the love, the young woman converted to Christianity and adopted the name Oureana. In the sixteenth century, the settlement became a parish in the collegiate church of Ourém within the Diocese of Leiria. Its subsequent development dates from the events known as the Apparitions of Fátima, in the early part of the twentieth century. It has become one of the key centers for the Cult of the Virgin Mary in Portugal and has been recognised world-wide by the Catholic Church.
One of the largest Marian centres in the world. This Marian centre of pilgrimage evokes the apparitions of Our Lady to the three little shepherds Lucia, Francisco and Jacinta, which took place in 1917 and were recognized in 1930. The spot was a rural property called Cova da Iria, and it belonged to the parents of Lucia, who donated it to the Shrine. It was here that five of the six apparitions took place
Pass by: The Chapel, in the heart of the current Fátima Sanctuary, was built by local people in 1919 in response to the request made by Our Lady during one of the apparitions.
Pass by: The three shepherd children to whom Our Lady appeared - Lúcia and her cousins, Francisco and Jacinta - were born in the small village of Aljustrel, around 2 kms from the sanctuary of Fátima.
Our last stop will be Coimbra, a city known for its academic life, a city that gives life to those who lost it. You will have the opportunity to get to know a little bit of academic life but also of the general culture that surrounds the university. Take advantage of this moment to stroll through the picturesque streets of this magical city.
Important information
Know before you book
- The tour operates in English; ensure you understand the language.
- Confirm the pickup location and time in Porto upon booking.
- Be aware that the itinerary may vary slightly due to unforeseen circumstances.
Know before you go
- Wear comfortable walking shoes for exploring the sites.
- Bring a camera to capture the scenic views and historic landmarks.
- Check the weather forecast and dress accordingly.
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Accessibility
- Stroller Accessible
- Easy Public Transport
- Infant Seats Available
Good to know
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- All tours depart from Porto
- Tours are usually in one language, but a second language may be used.
- Group size maximum capacity is 27 people.
- Discover Porto in a unique way with a Free Walking Tour with Living Tours, available to all customers who book this activity. Our Free Walking Tour is available on a daily basis, in English and Spanish, at 9:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. departing from Living Tours Agency located in Rua Mouzinho da Silveira 352, 4050-418 Porto
Traveler reviews
Carlo Chaves does Fatima and Coimbra Justice!!
Absolutely fantastic and I have travelled extensively and can say without a shadow of a doubt that this tour and Carlo combined are the perfect experience I have ever had.
Fatima Daytour
Fatima experience is so moving . We were able to hear mass, and get good lunch without any rush.
A great day trip might be closer doing it from Lisbon
We ran into graduation day at the university but we still got to see a lat Fatima even for non catholic people is a great place to see and learn about the story and see the actual place Our guide was great
Amazing Tour of Fatima
Filipe and "Iron Man" Faro did an amazing job! Filipe had to do the tour in English and Spanish and I think the transition between languages was so smooth! He provided exceptional anecdotes and kept the tour moving at a comfortable pace. I would absolutely take a tour with him again. My one complaint is the pickup place in the morning. I do not speak Portuguese and since the address was just a street without an address number it was a little hard for me to find the actual meeting place. I ended up getting there more than a half hour early to the Cathedral to see where everyone congregated.
I recommend the tour 100%
Excellent tour, and Filipe, our guide, was very professional
