Fatima Shrine Private Tour & Hotel Pickup from Lisbon

Summary

Half-Day Fatima Pilgrimage with Local Guide & Candle Ritual

Experience Fatima’s spiritual heart on this private half-day tour from Lisbon: light a candle at the shrine, visit Sister Lúcia’s home and gardens, and hear local stories with your guide. With hotel pickup included, you’ll have time to reflect and soak in moments you might not expect — memories that linger long after you return.

What’s the experience like?

“You can light a candle here if you want,” our guide João said, handing me a small white taper outside the Capelinha das Aparições. I hesitated — not really sure what to wish for, or if it was even okay for someone like me. The air smelled faintly of wax and eucalyptus, and there was this hush around us, broken only by the soft shuffle of pilgrims moving between chapels. It’s strange how quiet a place can feel even when it’s busy. João told us stories about the three shepherd children, pointing out where they’re buried inside the Basilica. I tried to imagine being that young and suddenly at the center of all this — honestly, it made my own worries seem kind of small.

The drive from Lisbon wasn’t long — maybe an hour and a bit? We left after breakfast, just as the city was waking up. Our van was spotless (João joked he’d wiped every surface twice), and there were masks and water bottles waiting for us. At Valinhos, we wandered through Sister Lúcia’s old house. Her garden had these wildflowers growing everywhere, nothing fancy but somehow peaceful. I kept thinking about her life here before everything changed. There was a moment when João paused in front of a faded photo on the wall and just let us stand there in silence for a minute — no rush at all.

We stopped at a little workshop where women were making rosaries by hand — their fingers moved so fast I couldn’t keep up watching them thread each bead. I tried to say “obrigado” properly when one of them handed me a finished piece; she smiled but I’m pretty sure my accent was hopeless. On the way back to Lisbon, I watched fields slip by out the window and felt oddly lighter than when we’d started out. Maybe it was just being away from the city for a few hours, or maybe something else stuck with me — hard to say.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Fatima Shrine Private Tour

• Hotel pick up
• Visit Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima
• Visit tombs of the 3 shepherds
• See first apparition site
• Visit most recent Sanctuary church
• Visit home of the 3 children
• Tour Sister Lúcia's house and gardens
• Return to hotel

Top questions

How long does the Fatima Shrine private tour from Lisbon take?

The tour is a half-day experience, typically lasting around 4–5 hours including travel time from Lisbon.

Is hotel pickup included in this Fatima day trip?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off in Lisbon are included in your private tour.

Can I attend Mass during the Fatima Shrine tour?

You may attend Mass at the shrine if you request it when booking your tour.

Are visits to Sister Lúcia’s house part of this tour?

Yes, you’ll visit Sister Lúcia’s house and its gardens in Valinhos as part of the itinerary.

Is this Fatima private tour suitable for people with limited mobility?

The tour is wheelchair accessible and suitable for all fitness levels; infant seats are also available if needed.

Are masks or sanitizers provided during the trip?

Masks, disinfectant, and other antibacterial products are provided as part of safety measures on board.

Will we have free time at the Fatima Sanctuary?

You’ll have time to explore key sites within the sanctuary area during your visit.

Is bottled water available on this private day trip?

Bottled water is included for all guests during your journey.

What’s included

Your half-day includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Lisbon in an air-conditioned van with WiFi onboard; bottled water is provided along with masks and sanitizer for safety; entry to all main sites such as Fatima Shrine, Basilica (with shepherds’ tombs), Capelinha das Aparições, Sister Lúcia’s house in Valinhos, plus time at a local religious article workshop before returning comfortably to your hotel.