Fatima and Coimbra private tour

The famous Marian Sanctuary of Fatima is without a doubt one of the most important pilgrimage centers in the world. Millions of people come here annually to pay homage to the three shepherd children who witnessed the apparitions of the Virgin Mary in the fields of “Cova da Iria”. Free time to attend Mass services (optional), visit the Chapel of the Apparitions where you can see the image of the Virgin Mary. We will also visit the Basilica where we can find the tombs of Lucia, Jacinta and Francisco (the last two canonized by Pope Francis on May 2017, becoming the youngest saints of the Catholic Church). As we continue, we will visit the modern church of the Blessed Trinity of Fatima, seating 8,633 people and with an area of 40,000 m2 (450,000 ft2). The church was designed and projected by the Greek architect, Alexandros Tombazis. Time allowed for religious shopping (optional).

We next head to the village where the three shepherd children, Lucia, Jacinta and Francisco, were born and lived. Visit their family’s limestone built homes, part of an old community, in what used to be a poor area in the interior of Portugal, but nonetheless of great beauty and character.

If you wish to have lunch, your guide can recommend restaurants in the area of Coimbra. (the famous dish is “leitão da Bairrada” – suckling piglet cooked on traditional wood-fired oven).

The city of Coimbra known internationally for its University (one of the oldest in Europe), was the capital of Portugal until 1255. The “City of Knowledge”, as it is known, breathes culture everywhere, from the banks of the Mondego River to the hills where the university is located. Here we will visit the Joanine Library, considered by the British newspaper The Telegraph , “…the most spectacular library in the world…”. Its construction was commissioned by Portuguese King Joao V. This baroque-style library of indescribable beauty and wealth, was the result of the cultural vision of the richest monarch in Europe at that time. His royal safes were overflowing with gold from “Minas Gerais” in the Portuguese colony, Brazil. Free time to walk in the town’s center and visit the monastery of Santa Cruz where we can find the tombs of the first king of Portugal, King Afonso I and of his son King Sancho I. You can also try tasting the local sweets and pastries “Pasteis de Santa Clara, “Pasteis de Tentugal” and the ” Arrufadas de Coimbra” if you so wish.