Fátima & Coimbra Full-Day Private Tour from Porto
About this activity
Highlights
- Visit the Sanctuary of Fátima
- Explore the University of Coimbra
- Discover the Joanina Library
- Wander through Coimbra's Old Cathedral
- Enjoy panoramic views from Coimbra's Santa Clara-a-Velha
Full description
Included / Excluded
- Private transportation from Porto
- Guided tours in Fátima and Coimbra
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Meals and beverages
Itinerary
Pass by: 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.
Discover Fátima, a historic settlement that flourished during the Arabian occupation. Legend has it that during the Christian Reconquest, Templar knight Gonçalo Hermingues fell in love with Fátima, a captured Moor who converted to Christianity and took the name Oureana. In the 16th century, Fátima became a parish within the Diocese of Leiria. Its major development occurred after the Apparitions of Fátima in the early 20th century, making it a renowned center for the Cult of the Virgin Mary, recognized globally by the Catholic Church.
One of the largest Marian centers in the world, Fátima is a major pilgrimage site. It commemorates the apparitions of Our Lady to three shepherd children—Lucia, Francisco, and Jacinta—in 1917, officially recognized in 1930. These events occurred at Cova da Iria, a rural property owned by Lucia's parents and later donated to the Shrine, where five of the six apparitions took place.
In 1919, locals built the Chapel at the heart of the current Fátima Sanctuary, fulfilling Our Lady's request during one of her apparitions. The first mass was held there in 1921. Despite some changes for preservation, the chapel maintains its original simple hermitage-like design. It marks the spot of the holm-oak tree where the apparitions occurred; the tree gradually disappeared as believers took twigs for souvenirs. This sacred site was where the shepherds and other faithful gathered to pray the rosary.
The Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary of Fátima, designed by Gerardus van Krieken and completed by João Antunes, had its first stone blessed on May 13, 1928, and was dedicated on October 7, 1953. Pope Pius XII granted it the title of Basilica the following year. Inside, the basilica features 14 lateral altars dedicated to the mysteries of the Rosary. Stained glass windows and paintings by João de Sousa Araújo depict scenes from the life of Our Lady and the Apparitions of Fátima. The main chapel includes artworks by Maumejean and Sons depicting the Evangelists and scenes of pilgrimage. In the transept, Francisco and Jacinta Marto, who were canonized in 2017 by Pope Francis at the Shrine of Fátima, are buried.
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. The single-storey cottages formerly inhabited by the little shepherds are very similar in terms of architecture and simplicity and are open to the general public. The house inhabited by the brother and sister, Jacinta and Francisco was built in 1888 and is located around 200 m from the house of their cousin, Lúcia, built in 1885. The House-Museum of Aljustrel is located next to the latter, displaying agricultural implements, cooking utensils, clothes and furniture, in order to demonstrate the everyday lives of local mountain dwellers in the early 20th century.
It's time for lunch! enjoy a complete portuguese lunch with drinks included!
Before returning to Porto, the tour concludes with a visit to Coimbra. Situated along the river Mondego, Coimbra is renowned for its historic University, the oldest in Portugal and among the oldest in Europe, earning it the moniker "the city of students". Your guide will offer insights into the city and its landmarks, including the university with its famous courtyard, tower, and library (entrance fees not included). A panoramic tour will showcase other significant points of interest, highlighting Coimbra's Romanesque architectural treasures. As the students' fado song suggests, "Coimbra has more charm in the hour of parting," but you might discover its allure well before then...
Important information
Know before you book
- This is a private tour; the itinerary can be customized to your preferences.
- Hotel pickup and drop-off are included; please provide your accommodation details upon booking.
- Meals and beverages are not included; plan accordingly for lunch and snacks.
Know before you go
- Wear comfortable walking shoes for exploring historic sites.
- Bring a camera to capture the scenic views and landmarks.
- Carry a bottle of water to stay hydrated throughout the day.
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Accessibility
- Infant Seats Available
Good to know
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Vegetarian and gluten-free meals are available if requested before the tour. Inform us before the tour starts.
- Tour services (wine estates, restaurants, etc.) depend on 3rd party availability and may include other groups.
- 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
Best guide ever!
Kiko was a phenomenal guide. He presented in both English and Spanish but moreover he was extremely personable, very knowledgeable and the kind of individual that you just wanted as a lifelong friend. He gave us the insights to these locations and their history and added an unexpected amount of education to our experience. Full marks to Kiko and our sincere appreciation for his efforts today.
Douro Valley Day Trip
Rui Lacerda was a wonderful tour guide for a day trip to the Douro Valley- funny, insightful, and knowledgeable!
Amazing day and the tour guide Susana Gomes made it much better
Our Guide was Susana Gomes and she was fabulous, full of energy and made the entire day memorable. Fully recommend to anyone to insist on having her as the guide. LivingTouts is lucky to have such a great representative.
Paul was awesome!
Paul was incredible. He needs a raise.
Lisbon Small Group to Fátima, Batalha, Nazaré & Óbidos
We chose the Lisbon Small Group to Fátima, Batalha, Nazaré & Óbidos. Our guide, Mario, was very informative and knew the history very well! Great tour, great guide, great day! Thank you Mario.
