Porto: Fatima and Coimbra Day Trip

The Porto: Fatima and Coimbra Day Trip promises an enriching experience, exploring two of Portugal’s most significant destinations. Guided by a local expert, visitors can enjoy the spiritual atmosphere of Fatima’s religious sanctuary and attend mass. The journey continues to the historic university town of Coimbra, where participants can admire the Romanesque architecture and discover the charming historic center. With included transportation, lunch, and admission fees, this day trip provides a well-rounded and convenient way to uncover the cultural and religious highlights of Portugal. What else might this tour have in store?

Key Points

• A guided day trip from Porto to explore the religious sanctuary in Fatima and the historic university town of Coimbra.
• Includes transportation, a local expert guide, lunch, admission to Coimbra University, and all entrance fees.
• Itinerary covers visiting the Sanctuary of Our Lady of the Rosary in Fatima, attending mass in the basilica, and a walking tour of Coimbra.
• Opportunity to savor local Portuguese cuisine and learn about the Marian apparitions and the significance of Coimbra University.
• The tour starts and ends at a meeting point in Porto, with no hotel pickup or drop-off.

Tour Overview

This day trip from Porto takes travelers to the revered Sanctuary of Our Lady of the Rosary in Fatima and the prestigious university city of Coimbra, guided by a local expert.

In Fatima, you’ll explore the sanctuary and attend mass in the basilica. After a leisurely lunch, the tour continues to Coimbra, where you’ll enjoy a walking tour of the historic university town.

Along the way, you’ll learn about the Romanesque architecture of the Old Cathedral and the rich history of Coimbra University. The air-conditioned transportation and included entrance fees make this an easy, hassle-free way to discover these two iconic Portuguese destinations from Porto.

Inclusions

The tour includes an air-conditioned vehicle and professional guide to escort travelers throughout the day. Lunch is also provided, along with the entrance fee to explore Coimbra University, which costs approximately 6 euros.

The tour’s inclusions are:

1. Air-conditioned transportation
2. Expert local guide
3. Lunch
4. Admission to Coimbra University

The tour doesn’t cover gratuities, additional food and drinks, or hotel pickup and drop-off.

Travelers can expect a well-organized and informative day trip to the historic cities of Fatima and Coimbra, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable experience.

Exclusions

Travelers are responsible for gratuities, any additional food and drinks not specified in the inclusions, as well as hotel pickup and drop-off.

The tour price doesn’t cover tips for the guide or driver, so participants are expected to provide gratuities based on their satisfaction with the service.

Similarly, any extra meals or snacks outside of the included lunch are at the traveler’s own expense.

Meeting and Pickup

Participants meet at R. de Mouzinho da Silveira 352 in Porto, Portugal, where the tour commences, and they return to the same location at the end of the day.

The meeting point is conveniently located in the heart of Porto, making it easily accessible for all tour attendees.

Arrive at the designated meeting point 15 minutes prior to the scheduled departure time.

Look for the tour guide holding a sign with the tour company‘s name.

After the tour, the group will be dropped off at the same location where the tour began.

The tour company provides an air-conditioned vehicle for comfortable transportation throughout the day.

Itinerary: Fatima

After departing Porto, the tour makes its way to the Sanctuary of Our Lady of the Rosary in Fatima.

Here, the group explores the iconic religious site and attends mass within the sanctuary’s basilica. The guide provides insights into the history and significance of this important pilgrimage destination.

Fatima is renowned for the reported Marian apparitions that occurred in 1917, drawing millions of visitors each year. Guests have time to wander the sanctuary’s grounds, admire the architecture, and enjoy the spiritual atmosphere.

The visit to Fatima offers a chance to learn about Portugal’s deep Catholic heritage and witness one of the country’s most sacred sites.

Lunch in Fatima

Following the visit to the Sanctuary of Our Lady of the Rosary, the tour group enjoys a leisurely lunch in Fatima. The lunch provides an opportunity to savor local Portuguese cuisine and refuel before the next stop on the itinerary.

The menu may feature:

1. Traditional Portuguese stew, made with tender beef, potatoes, and aromatic herbs.
2. Fresh grilled fish, often served with a side of sautéed vegetables.
3. A selection of regional cheeses and cured meats, perfect for sharing.
4. Pastéis de Nata, the iconic Portuguese custard tarts, for a sweet finish.

With time to relax and recharge, the group prepares to continue their exploration of Coimbra, the prestigious university city.

Itinerary: Coimbra

The tour then travels to the historic city of Coimbra, where participants embark on a walking exploration of Portugal’s prestigious university town.

During the tour, visitors will admire the Romanesque architecture of the Old Cathedral of Coimbra and learn about its rich history.

The walking tour also includes a visit to the renowned Coimbra University, one of the oldest in Europe. Guests can marvel at the impressive facilities and gain insight into the institution’s significance in Portuguese academia.

The tour wraps up this leg of the journey with ample time for participants to soak in the charming atmosphere of Coimbra’s historic center before making the return trip to Porto in the early evening.

Return to Porto

At the conclusion of the walking tour in Coimbra, the group will board the air-conditioned vehicle for the return journey to Porto, arriving in the early evening.

The drive back offers a chance to reflect on the day’s experiences and sights.

Travelers can expect to:

1. Arrive safely back at the original meeting point in Porto by the early evening.
2. Relax after a full day of exploration and culture.
3. Discuss the highlights of the Fatima and Coimbra day trip with the group.
4. Plan for any additional activities or dining they wish to experience in Porto before the day concludes.

The return to Porto marks the end of this enriching day tour, providing participants with lasting memories of the historic and spiritual sites visited.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Group Size for This Tour?

The group size for this tour is not specified in the provided information. Tour group sizes can vary, so travelers should inquire with the tour operator for details on the typical group size for this excursion.

Is It Possible to Customize the Itinerary?

The tour itinerary doesn’t allow for customization, as it’s a pre-set day trip. However, guests can request specific areas of interest to the guide, who’ll try to accommodate within the existing schedule.

Are There Any Discounts for Seniors or Students?

The tour doesn’t explicitly mention senior or student discounts, but some providers may offer them. It’s best to inquire about any available discounts when booking the tour.

Can We Stop for Photos Along the Way?

Yes, the tour allows for photo stops along the way. Participants can take pictures during the trip to Fatima and Coimbra, providing opportunities to capture the scenic landscapes and historic sites visited throughout the day.

Is the Tour Available on Weekends?

Yes, the tour is available on weekends. The tour operator offers the Fatima and Coimbra day trip from Porto on both weekdays and weekends, allowing flexibility for travelers’ schedules.

Recap

The Porto: Fatima and Coimbra Day Trip offers a comprehensive exploration of Portugal’s religious and cultural heritage.

Visitors will enjoy the spiritual atmosphere of Fatima, attend mass, and discover the historic charm of Coimbra’s university town.

With transportation, lunch, and admission fees included, this day trip provides a seamless and enriching experience for those seeking to explore the heart of Portugal’s iconic destinations.