From Coimbra: Sanctuary of Fátima and Village of the Little Shepherds

This tour from Coimbra offers a captivating exploration of one of Catholicism’s most revered sites – the Sanctuary of Fátima. Over four hours, you’ll discover the history behind the shepherd children’s visions and visit key locations within the sanctuary. With transportation, a knowledgeable guide, and the chance to attend Mass, this immersive experience promises both spiritual enrichment and cultural insight. Whether you’re a devout pilgrim or simply curious about this renowned Marian shrine, the journey awaits.

Contents show

Key Points

A 4-hour tour from Coimbra to the Sanctuary of Fátima and the village of the Little Shepherds, priced from $96.61 per person.
Includes photo stops, guided tours, and exploration at the sanctuary and the village of Aljustrel.
Opportunity to attend a Mass at the Chapel of the Apparitions and learn about the significance of the Sanctuary of Fátima.
Comfortable transportation in an air-conditioned car with a small group of up to 8 participants.
Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and pay-later booking options for convenience.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

This tour takes visitors from Coimbra to the Sanctuary of Fátima and the village of the Little Shepherds.

Priced from $96.61 per person, the 4-hour tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and pay-later booking.

Transportation is by comfortable car with air conditioning. The itinerary includes photo stops, guided tours, and ample time to explore the sanctuary.

A specialized guide fluent in Spanish, English, and Portuguese accompanies the small group, limited to 8 participants.

Visitors can also have the opportunity to attend a Mass at the Chapel of the Apparitions.

Looking for more options in Coimbra? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.

Itinerary and Transportation

The tour begins with a car ride from Av. Emídio Navarro 21 to Aljustrel, Fátima, which takes around an hour.

The tour begins with a car ride from Av. Emídio Navarro 21 to Aljustrel, Fátima, which takes around an hour.

Guests will have a photo stop, guided tour, and a brief walk in the village.

Next, they’ll drive 10 minutes to the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fátima, where they’ll have 1.5 hours to explore the site.

The tour concludes with the return trip to Av. Emídio Navarro 21, which takes another hour.

Throughout the journey, guests will travel in a comfortable, air-conditioned car.

Bottled water is provided, and all taxes, fees, and insurance are included.

Highlights of the Tour

Visitors on this tour can look forward to an immersive experience at one of the most important Marian shrines globally.

They’ll explore the homes of the three little shepherds – Lucia, Francisco, and Jacinta – who witnessed the apparitions of Our Lady of Fátima in 1917.

A specialized guide fluent in Spanish, English, and Portuguese will lead the small group of up to 8 participants.

Attendees will have the opportunity to attend a Mass at the Chapel of the Apparitions.

With comfortable transportation and free cancellation, this tour is a convenient way to discover the significant Sanctuary of Fátima.

Sanctuary of Fátima Significance

The Sanctuary of Fátima was established due to the apparitions of Our Lady of Fátima to three little shepherds in 1917.

It has since been recognized as a National Shrine by the Holy Apostolic See and receives around six million visitors annually, making it the largest international destination for religious tourism.

The key sites within the sanctuary include:

The Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary
The Basilica of the Most Holy Trinity
The Chapel of the Apparitions

These sites attract devout pilgrims seeking spiritual renewal and connection to the miraculous events that occurred at this revered Marian shrine.

More Great Tours Nearby

Inclusions and Meeting Point

The tour includes pickup and drop-off from Coimbra, an air-conditioned vehicle, bottled water, and all taxes, fees, and insurance.

Personal extras, meals, and gratuities aren’t included.

The meeting point is outside the Astória hotel, with the location available on Google Maps.

Participants are advised to arrive at the meeting point 15 minutes before the scheduled departure time.

The tour is limited to 8 participants, ensuring a personalized experience with a specialized guide fluent in Spanish, English, and Portuguese.

There's plenty more to explore in Coimbra

Visiting Aljustrel, Fátima

After departing from Coimbra, the tour makes its way to Aljustrel, the quaint village where the three little shepherds – Lucia, Francisco, and Jacinta – lived.

The guide leads the group on a 30-minute photo stop and walking tour of the homes where the visionaries once lived.

Visitors can:

Explore the modest homes and imagine the lives of the children who witnessed the Marian apparitions.
Learn about the significance of these sites in the history of the Sanctuary of Fátima.
Appreciate the simplicity and tranquility of the village, which remains largely unchanged since the early 20th century.

Exploring the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fátima

After the visit to Aljustrel, the tour proceeds to the iconic Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fátima.

This spiritual complex, recognized as a National Shrine, receives around six million visitors annually, making it the largest international destination for religious tourism.

Key sites include the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary, Basilica of the Most Holy Trinity, and the Chapel of the Apparitions.

Visitors have the opportunity to attend a Mass at the Chapel of the Apparitions and explore the vast grounds.

The sanctuary’s significance lies in the reported apparitions of the Virgin Mary to three shepherd children in 1917.

Attending Mass at the Chapel of the Apparitions

One of the highlights of the tour is the opportunity to attend a Mass at the Chapel of the Apparitions within the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fátima.

This sacred space marks the site where the Virgin Mary appeared to the three shepherd children in 1917.

Attending Mass here offers visitors a deeply spiritual experience:

Connecting with the religious significance of the site.
Participating in the devotional practices of the faithful.
Feeling a sense of reverence and contemplation.

For those seeking a profound encounter, this Mass visit is a must-do during the Fátima tour.

Since You Asked

What Should I Wear for the Tour?

For the tour, wear comfortable clothing and walking shoes. Dress modestly as you’ll be visiting a religious site. Bring a light jacket in case of cooler temperatures or rain.

Can I Take Photos Inside the Sanctuary?

Yes, visitors are generally allowed to take photos inside the Sanctuary of Fátima, though photography may be restricted in certain areas like the Chapel of the Apparitions. It’s best to be respectful and follow any guidelines provided by the sanctuary staff.

Is the Tour Wheelchair/Stroller Accessible?

The tour is wheelchair and stroller accessible. Visitors can navigate the sanctuary’s grounds and main sites without difficulty. However, certain areas may have limited accessibility due to the historical nature of the buildings.

What Are the Facilities Available at the Sanctuary?

The sanctuary offers various facilities, including a basilica, chapel, and pilgrimage areas. There are also restrooms, a visitor center, and religious shops on-site to cater to the needs of the millions of annual visitors.

Can I Purchase Souvenirs During the Tour?

Yes, visitors can purchase religious souvenirs and mementos during the tour. The sanctuary has a variety of shops where you can find items like rosaries, statues, and other devotional items to commemorate your visit.

The Sum Up

This tour offers a unique opportunity to explore the Sanctuary of Fátima, one of the world’s most significant Marian shrines. Travelers will enjoy comfortable transportation, guided insights, and visits to key sites, including the Chapel of the Apparitions. The small group size and chance to attend Mass promise both spiritual enrichment and cultural discovery along the way.