Fátima and Coimbra Tour: Sanctuary and Shepherd Sites

The Apparitions Chapel and the village where three children saw Our Lady in 1917

A full-day guided tour from Porto to Fátima and Coimbra visits the Sanctuary, the Apparitions Chapel, and the homes of the three shepherd children (Francisco, Jacinta, and Lúcia), who witnessed the 1917 Marian apparitions, then explores Coimbra's university courtyard and historic streets. Round-trip transport in an air-conditioned minibus and a professional guide in your chosen language are included. You choose free time at the Sanctuary for personal devotion or exploration.

Step-by-step itinerary

Visit Fátima and Coimbra from Porto

• Pickup from accommodation in Porto
• Drive to Fátima
• Visit Sanctuary, Basilica, Apparitions Chapel
• Learn about Marian apparitions history
• See Chapel built in 1919
• Pass by village of Aljustrel
• Drive to Coimbra
• Explore University area and Cathedral
• Stroll through Coimbra Historic Centre

The experience

The tour departs from your Porto accommodation early in the morning and heads south to Fátima, one of the largest Marian pilgrimage centres in the world. The Sanctuary sits on the Cova da Iria, the rural property where five of the six apparitions took place in 1917 and were later recognized by the Catholic Church in 1930. You'll visit the Basilica, the Sanctuary grounds, and the Apparitions Chapel: built in 1919 by local people in response to a request made during one of the apparitions. The guide provides context on the events and the three shepherd children to whom Our Lady appeared, but the time at the Sanctuary itself is yours: you can spend it in personal devotion, quiet reflection, or exploring the site at your own pace.

A short drive takes you to Aljustrel, the small village about 2 kilometres from the Sanctuary where Lúcia and her cousins Francisco and Jacinta were born. You'll visit the homes where the three children lived, stepping into the spaces connected to their story. The guide walks you through these sites and explains the historical and spiritual significance of the apparitions and their aftermath in the early twentieth century.

In the afternoon, the minibus carries you to Coimbra, a city known for its academic heritage and historic centre. You'll walk through the University Courtyard (the heart of one of Europe's oldest universities), and stroll the picturesque streets of the old town, including the Cathedral and the surrounding historic quarter. The guide shares the character and culture of this university city before the return journey to Porto.

What’s included

• Round-trip transport in a comfortable, air-conditioned minibus from Porto.
• professional tour guide with in-depth knowledge of Fátima, the shepherd children's story, and Coimbra.
• entrance to the homes of Francisco, Jacinta, and Lúcia.
• guided visit to the Fátima Sanctuary, Basilica, and Apparitions Chapel.
• walking tour through Coimbra's University Courtyard, Cathedral, and historic centre.
• free time at the Sanctuary for personal devotion or exploration.

Options for this experience

4 options

English tour only07:30

French tour only07:30

Portuguese tour only07:30

Spanish departure07:30

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesTuesday, Thursday, Friday and SaturdayDeparts at 07:30

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (4 to 12 years) · Infant (under 4): free

GroupUp to 27

Live guideEnglish, Spanish, French and Portuguese

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends at a different place from where it starts.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 3 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyInfant seats availablePublic transport nearby

Operated by Living Tours

Is this one for you?Book this tour if you want to understand the 1917 apparitions and visit the actual sites and homes connected to them, with a guide providing historical and spiritual context throughout the day. The round-trip transport and fixed schedule mean you don't arrange the route or timing yourself. You arrive back in Porto in the evening with the full story in place.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, Spanish, French and Portuguese.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 12 years); Infant (under 4): free.

What exactly happened at Fátima in 1917 that made it so important?

Three shepherd children (Lúcia, Francisco, and Jacinta) reported seeing apparitions of Our Lady on May 13th, 1917, and the visions continued over several months. The Catholic Church recognized these events in 1930, and the Sanctuary was built on the Cova da Iria, the rural property where five of the six apparitions took place. Today it is one of the largest Marian pilgrimage centres in the world.

How much time do I have at the Fátima Sanctuary itself?

The tour includes free time at the Sanctuary for personal devotion or exploration. You can spend this time as you wish (visiting the Basilica, the Apparitions Chapel, or simply reflecting in the grounds), while the guide is available if you have questions.

What will I see in Coimbra?

Coimbra is visited in the afternoon and includes a walking tour through the University Courtyard, the Cathedral, and the historic centre. The guide shares the academic and cultural heritage of the city, known for its university life and picturesque old streets.

Is lunch included in the tour?

Lunch is not included in the tour price. You'll have time to eat at your own expense during the day, either in Fátima or Coimbra.