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 centre for the Cult of the Virgin Mary, recognised 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 recognised 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 canonised 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...