Fátima & Coimbra: Full Day Private Tour from Porto

based on 53 reviews

Duration:10 hours (approx.)
Location: Porto, Northern Portugal

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Find out the Faith-based history behind Fátima, one of the main religious cities in the world, you’ll not only visit the beautiful Sanctuary but visiting also the village where the 3 little shepherds were born. Discover more about Fatima and the faith the moves many pilgrims every year.

Trough the Afternoon visit Coimbra, student city with one of the oldest universities in Europe, explore the narrow city, important references will be given as you walk along the streets from the city centre.

Enjoy an 8 hours tour accompanied by your expert driver/guide on a private basis.

WHAT'S INCLUDED

WHAT TO EXPECT

1.
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.
2.
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.
3.
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
4.
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. The first mass to be held there was in 1921. Although subject to certain changes, due to preservation and maintenance requirements over recent years, the modestly sized chapel retains its rough design similar to a simple hermitage. The image of Our Lady marks the spot of the holm-oak tree, the site of the apparitions. The actual tree itself disappeared piecemeal as more fervent believers made off with it twig by twig. It was here that the shepherds came to say the rosary accompanied by other believers.
5.
The Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary of Fatima was built according to a project by Dutchman Gerardus van Krieken and continued by architect João Antunes. The first stone was blessed on May 13, 1928 and the church dedicated on October 7, 1953. The following year, it was granted the title of Basilica by Pope Pius XII. The architectural and decorative style is very simple. Inside, there are 14 lateral altars dedicated to the mysteries of the Rosary. The stained glass windows and the paintings that adorn the church are by João de Sousa Araújo; they date from 1967 and represent scenes alluding to the life of Our Lady, the Apparitions and the Message of Fatima. Those in the main chapel, representing the Evangelists, the Apparition of the Angel and scenes of Pilgrimage, were created by the Madrid company Maumejean and Sons. On the right side of the transept, the Gospel, is the tomb of Francisco, who died in 1919. On the left side, the Epistle, is the tomb of Jacinta, who died in 1920; next to her is the tomb of Sister Lucy, who died in 2005. Francisco and Jacinta Marto were canonised in the Shrine of Fatima, on May 13, 2017, on the International Anniversary Pilgrimage of the centennial of the Apparitions, presided over by Pope Francis.
6.
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.
7.
It's time for lunch! enjoy a complete portuguese lunch with drinks included!
8.
Before the end of the tour, on the return to Porto, it is time for another visit:Coimbra! On the banks of the river Mondego, Coimbra is famous for its University, the oldest in Portugal and one of the oldest in Europe, which over time has shaped its image to become "the city of students". The guide will provide you some explanations about this city and its monuments. The university and the famous courtyard, tower and library (entrance not included). A panoramic visit of other points of the city will be given before the return as Coimbra holds several monuments that display the splendour of Romanesque art. According to a fado sung by the students, “Coimbra has more charm in the hour of parting”, but maybe it will not be necessary to wait for that to find out...

ADDITIONAL INFO

• Specialized infant seats are available
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• Children must be accompanied by an adult
• Vegetarian option is available, please advise at time of booking if required
• We support our communities. By taking a tour with us you are contributing to our cause: we offer a meal for the homeless and people in need.
• We pick up from any hotel in Porto or Gaia city center. In alternative, we can collect you from the Tourist Service/Living Tours located at Rua Mouzinho da Silveira, 350, Porto - next to Porto - São Bento train station.Reservation is mandatory and requires na emai request/confirmation. Bookings must be confirmed at least 48 hours befor the date of the servisse. Cancellations within 48 hours or less will be fully charged.
• Please kindly be aware that the overall duration of the activity could be influenced by traffic conditions. We highly advise against scheduling any additional activities or making other plans within the hour following the anticipated completion time.
• Vegetarian and Gluten-free meal options are available if requested before the day of the booking. Make sure you inform us before the tour starts.
• Discover Porto in a unique way with a Free Walking Tour with Living Tours, available to all customers who book this activity. Free Walking Tour departs daily in English and Spanish at 9:30 a.m. from Cordoaria (Campo dos Mártires da Pátria 31, Porto) and 4:30 p.m. from Batalha (Rua Alexandre Herculano 412, Porto).

CANCELLATION POLICY

Posted By : P7887TCeds
Great trip. Very informative and a great guide that spent time to convert discussions to our language. Lot of history and reviews in Fatima.
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-06-20 11:17:26

Posted By : Resort203435
I recommend living tours. Everything was amazing. Jose Luis is the best tour guide ever. She was always polite a taking care of the group! Thanks Jose Luis!!!
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-06-16 11:45:53

Posted By : Tanya M
Alex was fantastic. He is truly kind, welcoming, and knowledgeable- a true historian. We loved the day- thank you for your flexibility with what we needed.
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-06-03 17:24:32

Posted By : anasilviatorresadvt
Very enjoyable excursion! Even with the rain and cold, our guide André Maia transformed our day, leaving it happy, colorful and blessed.
Our guide André was very attentive, speaking excellent English and, of course, good Portuguese. Answering our questions and telling details about Portugal and the cities we visited: Coimbra and Fátima.
Delicious buffet lunch
Thank you André. Thank you living tours. My son Mariano and I will certainly be back. If you go to Brazil, I will be your guide! Hugs, Ana Silvia
The other members of the trip (2 Americans, 2 Irish and 2 Hungarians) were very satisfied. Our Lady always interceding for the miracles of encounters. To the next
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-05-16 17:22:32

Posted By : Dream45455000455
A very complete tour and our guide Helder made the experience very pleasant and interesting. A tour that can be recommended without a doubt.
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-05-12 16:10:51

Posted By : Seaside31129441937
I loved the experience, guide Alex was super attentive and helpful. Everything went perfectly well during the day. I highly recommend
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-04-26 17:26:31

Posted By : D4985VIlaurenc
We booked a last minute private tour (it was Freedom Day and the only option that fit our schedule) and it turned out to be a serendipitous decision. It was neat to experience the Sanctuary of Fatima (St Peter’s is the only place I’ve ever been that compares) and Coimbra was beautiful. Our guide Alex Oliveira was awesome. Good energy and conversation throughout the day while still allowing us some rest during the car rides. He even took us to see some off the beaten track sights which were so beautiful. My dad was nervous about taking a private tour (‘I’ll have to interact with the guide too much’) but now I’m pretty sure he’s ready to adopt Alex. Thanks for spending your Freedom Day showing this American father/daughter team a wonderful day before starting our Camino!
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-04-26 06:04:01

Posted By : U6259KFjenniferm
We had this tour booked for us and had no idea what to expect. It’s a big day with a 2hour drive to get to Fatima. Our guide, Valdgour, was fantastic, very informative and fun! Great day & would recommend!
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-04-22 13:05:10

Posted By : sheilasZ6837ZO
We had a terrific private tour with our driver/ guide Goncalo. He was extremely attentive throughout the day and very knowledgeable and personable. Everything about Fatima and Coimbra was clearly explained with lots of background information and insights. We enjoyed his pleasant company and his considerate approachable manner.
Lunch was delicious with a variety of options served in lovely surroundings. The vehicle was comfortable and roomy.
We look forward to more trips with Living Tours! Goncalo was a great ambassador for the agency and was very experienced and friendly. He made the trip very special.
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-04-21 12:27:49

Posted By : Dreamer55989520010
The entire journey and the information received was very interesting. Our guide Isabel and Tiago, the best. Highly recommended.
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-04-19 19:09:54