Description
Follow the footsteps of the faithful with an unforgettable seven-day/six-night experience in two phenomenal locales. Portugal.com’s The Spirit of Fátima and Lisbon devotes ample time to the holy Catholic sights of Fátima and the historical masterpieces of Lisbon – adding the seaside towns of Obidos and Nazaré, as well as the monasteries of Alcobaça and Batalha on the way. A full day of unscheduled time in both Fátima and Lisbon enables you to worship each destination in a most personal way.
Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrive in Portugal
Meet our representative at the airport in Lisbon for a smooth transfer to the four-star Hotel Mundial.
Day 2 – Sightsee en Route to Fátima
Lisbon to Obidos, Nazaré, Batalha or Alcobaça & Fátima
Alcobaca Monastery
Recharge at the Hotel’s buffet breakfast before your departure to Obidos, a town so well loved that it was traditionally given to the queens of Portugal as a wedding gift from their kings. The views from its cobblestone streets and fortress walls delight visitors from all over the world. You’ll then travel on to Alcobaça for a visit to the 12th century Alcobaça Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site or visit the exquisite monastery in Batalha, a masterpiece of Portuguese Gothic architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy a delicious lunch (not included in price) in the seaside city of Nazaré, one of the most colorful fishing villages in the entire country. In the late afternoon, you’ll arrive in Fátima. After touring the main landmarks, you are dropped off and check into the four-star Hotel for a two-night stay with buffet breakfast included. Spend your first evening at your leisure – possibly attending Mass and/or participating in the breathtaking Candelight Procession.
Day 3 – Worship a Full Day in Fátima
Fatima
Wake early to make the most of your day in this pilgrimage site. Visit the Capelinha das Apariçoes where Catholics believe the Virgin Mary appeared to three village children in 1917. Millions of pilgrims participate in ceremonies to mark the occasion that will celebrate its centennial in 2017. There are frequent masses in English offered in the massive basilica, church and the Chapel of the Apparitions. Check for a schedule of events upon your arrival.
Day 4 – Enjoy Fátima by Day, Lisbon by Night
Continue your spiritual experience in Fátima until mid afternoon. Your return to Lisbon will route you through a picturesque farming region. Check into the Hotel again for another three nights of four-star comforts and delicious buffet breakfasts. Consider reserving a table for dinner at one of Lisbon’s mouthwatering eateries to sample local delicacies.
Day 5 – Tour Lisbon Landmarks for a Half Day
See the sights that make Lisbon one of the most picturesque capitals in Europe. Begin your tour with a visit to the historic Belém quarter. You’ll see the 16th-century Belém Tower, the point of departure of some of the Portuguese maritime explorations, and the unique Monument to the Discoveries, a commemoration of the 500th anniversary of the death of Prince Henry the Navigator. Next, you’ll wander the Monastery of Jerónimos, a masterpiece of the "Manueline" Portuguese Gothic dating from 1501, and the treasures of the National Coaches Museum. Then follow the Tejo river to the Alfama, Lisbon’s oldest district with winding lanes, lively cafes, Fado music and your destination: a local shop where you’ll taste Port wine. Your tour will then move to downtown Lisbon where you can admire its most important squares (praças), including the monumental Praça do Comercio, Rossio Square and the symbolic Restauradores (restoration) Square. Conclude your excursion with a drive along Avenida da Liberdade, the city’s "grand boulevard" to finish at Pombal Square, which features a statue of the statesman from the 18th century. In the afternoon, you can continue your exploration of Lisbon at your leisure.
Day 6 – See More Lisbon or Take a Day Tour
Pena Palace in Sintra -Photo: J. Manuel. Turismo de Portugal
Choose between another day visiting the sights of Lisbon or sign up for a day trip to a nearby area. In Lisbon, Portugal.com insiders recommend the National Azulejo Museum for a look at centuries of tile work, the Botanical Garden for a walk in the shade, or the Largo do Cormo Square for a glass of Sangria and peoplewatching. Looking at out-of-town destinations, many tourists visit the coastal hamlet of Sintra with its Palacio Nacional and Moorish castle, while others prefer to head to the countryside, visiting Évora and its famous Azeitão wineries.
Day 7 – Depart for Home or Extend Your Adventure
Wake in Lisbon and make a seamless transfer to the airport for your return home. Alternatively, contact Portugal.com to extend your holiday with additional nights in Fátima or Lisbon, a guided tour to other parts of Portugal, or a longer jaunt elsewhere in the region.
