Set out on a captivating journey from Coimbra to explore Portugal’s spiritual and historical wonders. Venture to the sacred Fátima Sanctuary, marvel at the Gothic brilliance of Batalha Monastery, and discover the Cistercian beauty of Alcobaça. Conclude your day in the picturesque fishing village of Nazaré, renowned for its breathtaking giant waves. This enriching 8-hour excursion promises to immerse you in the country’s remarkable heritage. What awaits as you delve deeper into this captivating itinerary?
Good To Know
- This 8-hour excursion from Coimbra visits the Fátima Sanctuary, Batalha Monastery, Alcobaça Monastery, and the coastal town of Nazaré.
- The tour explores the religious and cultural significance of these sites, including the cottages where the Virgin Mary appeared in 1917.
- Visitors can admire the architectural wonders of the Batalha Monastery’s Late Gothic style and the Alcobaça Monastery’s Cistercian design.
- Nazaré offers the opportunity to experience a vibrant fishing village and witness the renowned giant waves that attract thrill-seekers.
- The tour provides a mix of guided visits and free time for personal reflection and exploration of the sites.
Tour Overview
This tour offers a comprehensive 8-hour excursion from Coimbra, allowing visitors to explore the renowned Sanctuary of Fátima, the UNESCO-listed Monasteries of Batalha and Alcobaça, and the picturesque fishing village of Nazaré.
Priced from $149.39 per person, the tour accommodates a maximum of 8 participants and provides live guides in Spanish, English, and Portuguese.
Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance, and booking can be done with a "reserve now, pay later" option.
The air-conditioned transportation includes pickup, drop-off, bottled water, and all taxes, fees, and insurance.
Looking for more options in Fatima? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.
Visiting Aljustrel and the Basilicas of Fátima
The tour begins with a visit to Aljustrel, the village where the three shepherd children – Lucia, Jacinta, and Francisco – who witnessed the Marian apparitions lived.
Guests explore:
-
The cottages where the children resided and where the Virgin Mary first appeared to them in 1917.
-
The Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary, a stunning neo-Baroque church housing the tombs of the three children.
-
The Basilica of the Most Holy Trinity, a modern sanctuary with a contemporary design that can accommodate over 9,000 pilgrims.
After the visits, guests enjoy free time to reflect on the profound spiritual significance of this holy site.
Exploring the Monastery of Batalha
After departing Fátima, the tour proceeds to the Monastery of Batalha, also known as the Monastery of Santa Maria da Vitória. This magnificent example of late Gothic architecture features a church, two cloisters, and royal pantheons. Visitors can explore the monastery’s highlights:
| Highlights | Description |
| — | — |
| Church | An impressive Gothic masterpiece |
| Two Cloisters | Ornate architectural details |
| Royal Pantheons | The final resting place of Portuguese royalty |
The 45-minute free time allows guests to wander the monastery grounds and marvel at its grand scale and exquisite craftsmanship, a testament to Portugal’s rich cultural heritage.
Discovering the Alcobaça Monastery
Next, the tour journeys to the Alcobaça Monastery, a significant monument that has stood for nearly 900 years.
This Cistercian architecture marvel offers visitors a glimpse into Portugal’s rich history:
-
The massive Early Gothic-style church is the largest in the country, showcasing its impressive scale and design.
-
Visitors can explore the two cloisters, admiring the detailed stone carvings and architectural elements.
-
The monastery is also home to the royal pantheons, containing the elaborate tombs of King Pedro I and his mistress Inês de Castro.
Experiencing the Wonders of Nazaré
What better way to cap off this captivating tour than by experiencing the wonders of Nazaré? The vibrant fishing village enchants visitors with its picturesque charm and breathtaking natural scenery. Guests can explore the Sanctuary, Sítio, and northern beach, marveling at the giant waves that draw thrill-seekers from around the world. Enjoy the lively atmosphere and narrow streets, immersing in the local culture. With free time of 1 hour, there’s ample opportunity to discover Nazaré’s highlights and savor the coastal ambiance.
| Attraction | Duration | Description |
| — | — | — |
| Sanctuary | – | Visit the historic religious site |
| Sítio | – | Admire the stunning ocean vistas |
| Northern Beach | – | Witness the renowned giant waves |
| Free Time | 1 hour | Explore the picturesque fishing village |
- Fátima Private Tour: Shrine| Sacred Path |Shepherds House
- Lisbon: Tour Fátima, Batalha, Alcobaça, Nazaré, and Óbidos
- Private Tour of Fatima With Official Guide
- Lisbon: Fatima, Aljustrel, Nazare, and Obidos All Day Trip
- Fátima, Batalha, Nazaré and Óbidos: Day Trip From Lisbon
- From Lisbon: Sintra, Nazaré, and Fátima Day Trip
Transportation and Amenities
The tour offers comfortable air-conditioned transportation with a driver/guide, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable journey.
The package includes:
-
Pickup and drop-off from Coimbra
-
Bottled water
-
All taxes, fees, and insurance
Personal extras, meals, and gratuities are excluded.
This thoughtfully curated transportation and amenities allow participants to focus on the remarkable sights and experiences without the hassle of logistics.
The convenient and well-equipped transportation elevates the overall tour, making it a truly memorable adventure.
Highlights of the Tour
Visitors embarking on this tour are in for a truly remarkable journey, as it showcases some of Portugal’s most iconic and historically significant landmarks.
The tour explores the Sanctuary of Fátima, a global Marian pilgrimage site, where guests can discover the village of the shepherd children and visit the grand Basilicas.
At the Monastery of Batalha, they’ll marvel at the impressive Gothic architecture and royal pantheons.
Next, the Alcobaça Monastery impresses with its nearly 900-year history and Cistercian design.
The final stop is Nazaré, where guests can witness the area’s famous giant waves and soak in the fishing village atmosphere.
Important Information
Though the tour’s itinerary may be subject to change, the pickup and drop-off locations remain consistent.
Passengers will be picked up and dropped off at Av. Emídio Navarro 21 in Coimbra. The meeting point is outside the Astória hotel, with Google Maps available for directions.
Passengers will be picked up and dropped off at Av. Emídio Navarro 21 in Coimbra, outside the Astória hotel, with Google Maps available for directions.
The tour includes:
-
Comfortable air-conditioned vehicle with a driver/guide.
-
Bottled water and all taxes, fees, and insurance.
-
Exclusions: personal extras, meals, and gratuities.
Lastly, the tour’s cancellation policy allows for free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility in travel plans.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Tour Available on Weekends?
The tour is available on weekends. The tour runs daily, allowing visitors the flexibility to join on a day that suits their schedule.
Can I Leave the Group at Any Time During the Tour?
No, participants are expected to remain with the group throughout the tour. The tour itinerary and transportation are organized for the full duration, so leaving the group early is not recommended or accommodated.
Are There Any Age Restrictions for This Tour?
There are no age restrictions for this tour. Participants of all ages are welcome to join. However, the tour may not be suitable for young children as it involves extended periods of walking and sightseeing.
Can I Take Photos Inside the Religious Sites?
Yes, visitors are generally allowed to take photos inside the religious sites on this tour, though they should be respectful and avoid disruptive behavior. It’s best to check with the tour guide for any specific photography guidelines.
Is It Possible to Extend the Duration of the Tour?
Yes, it’s possible to extend the duration of the tour. Travelers can coordinate with the tour operator to customize the itinerary and spend more time at the various sites based on their interests and preferences.
The Sum Up
This enriching 8-hour excursion from Coimbra offers a profound exploration of Portugal’s spiritual and historical treasures. Visitors will marvel at the sacred sites of Fátima, the stunning Gothic architecture of Batalha, the Cistercian beauty of Alcobaça, and the picturesque charm of Nazaré. With convenient transportation and amenities, this tour provides an unforgettable opportunity to take in Portugal’s remarkable heritage.
You can check availability for your dates here:More Full-Day in Fatima
More Tours in Fatima
More Tour Reviews in Fatima
Still browsing? Here are more Fatima experiences we've covered recently
- Tour to Fátima, Nazaré and Óbidos – LUXURY SEDAN
- PRIVATE TOUR TO FÁTIMA, ÒBIDOS & NAZARÉ
- Lisbon: Private Tour to Algarve, Benagil, Carvoeiro & Lagos.
- Night tour of Fatima Candlelight Procession
- Nazaré, Óbidos and Fatima: Day trip from Lisbon
- Fátima tour by Luxury Mercedes
- Fátima, Nazaré and Óbidos Full-Day Tour from Lisbon
- Lisbon: Fátima, Nazaré and Óbidos Full-Day Tour
- Fátima: Afternoon Tour with Museum and Valinhos Visit
- Fátima: E-Bike Tour to Dinosaur Footprints Natural Monument
- From Lisbon: Santiago de Compostela Day Trip with Fatima
- Faith, Caves & Ocean Waves: Portugal’s Most Soulful Day Trip