Fatima Batalha Nazare Obidos full day 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.

The monastery of Batalha was commissioned by King Joao I to celebrate the Portuguese victory on the great battle of Aljubarrota in 1385 over Castilian invading forces. This UNESCO World Heritage monument is one of the best examples of European Late Gothic architecture. The interior, houses the Church of “Santa Maria da Vitoria”, the tallest in Portugal with an amazing 32,5 meters (106ft) in height. This monastery, symbol of Portugal’s national pride is without a doubt one of the most outstanding projects of Portuguese medieval architecture.

In the last century, the old fishing village of Nazare became one of the most sought after beach resorts by Portuguese tourists for summer vacation. The wonderful white sandy beaches of enormous length, captivate all those who come through here, whether to enjoy a weekend or simply to have a great delicious seafood meal by the beach. But Nazare also became known worldwide for its giant waves at “Praia do Norte” when the world record was set here in 2017 by Brasilian Rodrigo Koxa, who surfed an 80 feet/24 meters tall wave. Stop for photo taking.

Obidos, an ancient Roman city that continued flourishing even after the fall of the empire due to the huge commercial activity through the sea port. During the Middle Ages, a wall was built around it after its conquest from the Moors by the first king of Portugal, Afonso I. Obidos is the best example of the medieval village in Portugal. We go back in time as we walk through this walled town, with its narrow cobblestone alleys, houses with secular facades painted in white, a lively commercial area, and a number of churches that were built throughout the centuries. We get the sensation of the battles fought here for every square foot of land. We won’t leave without tasting the famous “Ginga de Obidos”, a local sweet liquor served on a small chocolate cup.