Fatima & Coimbra: Full Day Private Tour From Porto

Exploring the sacred sites of Fatima and the historic student city of Coimbra from Porto is an enticing opportunity for travelers seeking a comprehensive cultural experience. This full-day private tour guides visitors through the Fatima sanctuary, including the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary, and then on to Coimbra’s prestigious university, a UNESCO World Heritage site. With a local restaurant lunch included and the option to add a Porto city walking tour, this tour provides a well-rounded introduction to the highlights of central Portugal. For those interested in delving deeper into this captivating region, the itinerary details and inclusions are worth a closer look.

This experience made our list of the 20 Best Full-Day Tours In Porto.

Key Points

• This private guided tour allows travelers to discover the sacred pilgrimage site of Fatima and the historic student city of Coimbra from Porto.
• The tour includes transportation in a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle, a local restaurant lunch, and an optional Porto city walking tour.
• Visitors can explore the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary, the Chapel of Apparitions, and the village of the shepherd children in Fatima.
• In Coimbra, the tour covers the charming Old Town, the prestigious University of Coimbra, and the iconic Joanine Library.
• The tour is suitable for children if accompanied by an adult, but may not be accessible for mobility-impaired guests.

Tour Overview

The tour offers visitors the opportunity to discover two key cities in central Portugal – the sacred Catholic pilgrimage site of Fatima and the student city of Coimbra – on a private guided day trip from Porto.

Travelers will visit Fatima, where they’ll explore the sanctuary and the small village where the shepherds were born. Then, the tour will head to Coimbra, home to one of Europe’s oldest universities, for a guided tour.

Throughout the day, guests will ride in a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle and enjoy a local restaurant lunch with vegetarian and gluten-free options available.

The experience also includes a Porto city walking tour available the day after the tour.

Itinerary at a Glance

The tour commences with a southbound journey from Porto to the revered Catholic pilgrimage site of Fatima, where visitors will explore the sanctuary and the quaint village where the shepherds were born.

Afterward, the journey continues to the historic student city of Coimbra, home to one of Europe’s oldest universities, for a guided tour.

The itinerary offers a captivating blend of spiritual and cultural experiences:

1. Immerse in the sacred atmosphere of the Fatima sanctuary.

2. Discover the charming village that witnessed the Marian apparitions.

3. Explore the prestigious University of Coimbra, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

4. Gain insights into Coimbra’s rich history and student traditions during the guided tour.

Visiting Fatima

As visitors approach the sacred site of Fatima, they’re greeted by the towering Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary, the centerpiece of the renowned Catholic pilgrimage destination.

Here, they’ll learn about the 1917 apparitions of the Virgin Mary to three shepherd children, an event that has drawn millions of pilgrims over the decades.

The tour will guide them through the vast Sanctuary, including the Chapel of Apparitions, the Basilica, and the striking Monument to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

Visitors can also explore the small village where the shepherds lived, gaining insight into the history and significance of this hallowed place.

Exploring Coimbra

After visiting the sacred site of Fatima, the tour continues southward to the historic city of Coimbra, home to one of Europe’s oldest and most prestigious universities. Visitors can expect to be captivated by Coimbra’s rich academic heritage, breathtaking architecture, and lively student culture during this guided exploration.

The tour highlights include:

1. Strolling through the charming streets of the city’s Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

2. Marveling at the stunning Baroque architecture of the University of Coimbra, one of the oldest in the world.

3. Visiting the iconic Joanine Library, a Baroque masterpiece that houses over 200,000 rare books.

4. Witnessing the lively atmosphere of Largo da Portagem, the main square where students gather to socialize and enjoy local cuisine.

Inclusions and Amenities

This private tour from Porto to Fatima and Coimbra includes an air-conditioned vehicle, a professional guide, and a local restaurant lunch with vegetarian and gluten-free options available upon request.

Pickup and drop-off at your hotel are also provided, along with an optional city walking tour in Porto the day after the experience.

Confirmation is given at the time of booking, and the tour is subject to third-party availability, potentially including other groups.

The tour offers an immersive experience, allowing you to discover the sacred pilgrimage site of Fatima and the historic student city of Coimbra.

With transportation, dining, and knowledgeable guidance taken care of, you can focus on exploring these captivating destinations in central Portugal.

Tour Confirmation and Accessibility

The tour is confirmed at the time of booking, and customers receive their confirmation details right away.

The experience isn’t wheelchair accessible, but children can join as long as they’re accompanied by an adult.

Confirmation is provided immediately upon booking, so customers can rest assured their tour is secured.

Infant seats are available, making the experience suitable for families with young children.

Unfortunately, the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, so mobility-impaired guests may not be able to participate.

All children must be accompanied by an adult, ensuring their safety and a enjoyable experience for the whole family.

Pricing and Availability

Prices for the Fatima & Coimbra: Full Day Private Tour From Porto vary by group size, ensuring travelers can find an option that fits their budget. The tour offers a lowest price guarantee, giving customers peace of mind that they’re getting the best value. Travelers can also take advantage of free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience start time, providing flexibility in planning their trip.

Group Size	Price per Person
1-3 people	€250
4-6 people	€170
7-10 people	€140

The availability of the tour is subject to third-party scheduling, and may include other groups. Confirmation is provided at the time of booking, ensuring a seamless experience for all participants.

Porto City Walking Tour

Travelers who book the Fatima & Coimbra: Full Day Private Tour From Porto can opt to include a complementary Porto city walking tour the following day.

This guided walking tour allows visitors to explore the vibrant heart of Portugal’s second-largest city. Guests will discover historic landmarks, charming neighborhoods, and local cultural traditions.

The tour covers:

1. The iconic Luís I Bridge, a stunning double-decker metal arch bridge spanning the Douro River.
2. The lively Ribeira district, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its colorful buildings and picturesque riverfront.
3. The magnificent São Bento railway station, known for its stunning interior decorated with beautiful azulejo tiles.
4. The Clérigos Church and Tower, offering panoramic views over the city’s skyline.

This added experience provides a well-rounded introduction to both the cultural highlights of central Portugal and the enchanting city of Porto.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is There a Dress Code for the Fatima Pilgrimage Site?

There is typically no strict dress code for visiting the Fatima pilgrimage site. However, it’s considered respectful to dress modestly, covering shoulders and avoiding shorts or revealing clothing, as it is a sacred religious location.

Can We Make Any Stops Along the Way Between Fatima and Coimbra?

While the tour itinerary doesn’t mention any stops between Fatima and Coimbra, it’s possible the guide may accommodate requests to make short stops along the way if time permits and it fits within the overall tour schedule.

How Much Time Is Allocated for Exploring Coimbra on Our Own?

The tour allocates time for a guided tour of Coimbra, but doesn’t specify how much free time is provided for independent exploration. The overall time in Coimbra and the balance between guided and self-guided activities isn’t clearly defined.

Can We Request a Different Language for the Guided Tour?

Yes, clients can request a different language for the guided tour. The tour company provides professional guides who are typically fluent in multiple languages, so they can accommodate various language preferences upon request.

Is There Any Flexibility in the Tour Schedule if We Need to Leave Early?

The tour schedule may have some flexibility if guests need to leave early, but this would depend on the specific arrangements made with the tour operator. It’s best to communicate any timing needs in advance to see if accommodations can be made.

Recap

This full-day private tour from Porto offers a comprehensive introduction to the cultural highlights of central Portugal.

Visitors can explore the sacred sites of Fatima and the historic student city of Coimbra, with the option to add a Porto city walking tour the following day.

The tour includes a local restaurant lunch, making it a convenient and immersive experience for those interested in discovering the region’s rich history and religious significance.