Sanctuary of Fátima and Coimbra City Tour

The “Sanctuary of Fátima and Coimbra City Tour” promises a captivating spiritual and cultural experience. Visitors can enjoy the rich history of the renowned Sanctuary of Fátima, where the Virgin Mary is said to have appeared. They’ll then explore the historic city of Coimbra, home to the prestigious University. With personal time for prayer and free time to discover architectural gems, this tour offers a well-rounded adventure. What else might travelers uncover on this unique journey?

Key Points

• This 10-hour tour allows visitors to explore the renowned Sanctuary of Fátima and the historic city of Coimbra.
• The Sanctuary of Fátima is a significant Catholic pilgrimage site, featuring the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary and the Chapel of the Apparitions.
• The Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary boasts impressive neo-Baroque architecture and houses the tombs of two Fátima visionaries.
• The Chapel of the Apparitions marks the exact spot of the Marian apparitions in 1917 and attracts millions of pilgrims annually.
• Coimbra, a UNESCO World Heritage site, offers visitors free time to explore its medieval and Renaissance architecture, including the renowned University of Coimbra.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

This tour, titled “Sanctuary of Fátima and Coimbra City Tour,” offers a comprehensive exploration of two significant Portuguese destinations.

Priced from $75.53 per person, the 10-hour experience is available in Spanish, English, French, and Portuguese. Guests can reserve their spot and pay later, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

The tour includes guided visits to the Sanctuary of Fátima and the historic center of Coimbra, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

The Sanctuary of Fátima and the historic center of Coimbra, a UNESCO World Heritage site, are the highlights of this guided tour.

Travelers will enjoy free time for personal reflection and exploration, as well as transportation via bus or coach.

Sanctuary of Fátima

The Sanctuary of Fátima is the first stop on this comprehensive tour.

It’s a renowned Catholic pilgrimage site where the Virgin Mary is said to have appeared to three shepherd children in 1917. Visitors can explore the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary and the Chapel of the Apparitions.

A 1.5-hour free period allows for personal reflection or religious activities. This historic location attracts over 5 million pilgrims annually, with peak visits in October and on May 12-13.

The guide provides context on the site’s significance and relevance to Catholic faith and tradition.

Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary

As a central focus of the Sanctuary of Fátima, the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary stands as a magnificent testament to Catholic devotion.

This grand structure features:

• Impressive neo-Baroque architecture with intricate facades and bell towers.
• Stunning interior adorned with marble, gold, and religious artwork.
• Iconic statue of the Virgin Mary at the high altar, drawing millions of pilgrims annually.
• Tombs of two of the three Fátima visionaries, Jacinta and Francisco Marto.
• Significant religious events and pilgrimages held throughout the year.

The Basilica serves as the heart of the Sanctuary, offering a profound spiritual experience for visitors.

Chapel of the Apparitions

Within the Sanctuary of Fátima, the Chapel of the Apparitions stands as a hallowed site where the Virgin Mary is believed to have appeared to three young shepherd children in 1917.

This modest chapel marks the exact spot where the Marian apparitions occurred, attracting millions of pilgrims each year. Visitors can kneel and pray at the chapel, seeking spiritual connection or solace.

The chapel’s simple, unadorned architecture allows the focus to remain on the profound religious significance of the site.

The Chapel of the Apparitions is a revered destination for those seeking to experience the profound faith and history associated with the Fátima miracles.

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Coimbra

After visiting the Sanctuary of Fátima, the tour continues to the historic city of Coimbra.

The guided tour explores the city’s medieval and Renaissance architecture, including:

• The University of Coimbra, a UNESCO World Heritage site
• The historic center, showcasing Portugal’s cultural heritage
• Free time to wander and discover the city’s charm
• Highlights like the Joanina Library and Paço das Escolas
• The opportunity to take in Coimbra’s rich history and academic legacy.

University of Coimbra

The University of Coimbra is the focal point of the guided tour through the historic city. Founded in 1290, it’s one of the oldest universities in the world.

The grand Baroque library, Joanina Library, is a highlight, with its ornately decorated halls and thousands of rare books. Visitors can also explore the university’s historic buildings, including the iconic Paço das Escolas, which houses the Rectory and other administrative offices.

The university’s status as a UNESCO World Heritage site reflects its architectural and cultural significance. The free time allotted allows guests to wander the campus and soak in its rich history.

Transportation Details

The tour transportation involves a bus/coach for the journey. This includes:

• Travel time of 2 hours from the starting point to Fátima
• 1 hour lunch break
• 45 minutes to reach Coimbra
• 75 minutes for the return journey

Clients must arrive 15 minutes prior to departure at the Gray Line office.

The bus/coach provides the most efficient and comfortable way to explore the sites on this comprehensive tour. Participants can sit back and enjoy the scenic countryside as they’re transported between the Sanctuary of Fátima and the historic city of Coimbra.

Inclusion and Exclusions

This tour includes a guided exploration of the key sites, providing ample free time for personal religious activities at the Sanctuary of Fátima.

The package also covers transportation via bus/coach. However, meals, drinks, and personal expenses aren’t included.

Plus, gratuities and hotel pickup/drop-off aren’t part of the package. The tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users, and pets aren’t allowed.

Children under 3 years old can join for free.

Cityrama reserves the right to cancel or change services due to circumstances beyond their control, with no refunds for such cases.

Since You Asked

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

Clients are allowed to bring their own food and drinks on the tour, though meals are not included in the overall cost. Consuming personal snacks and beverages during the tour is permitted.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

While the standard tour lasts 10 hours, customers can inquire about extending the duration. This may allow more time to explore the sites at a leisurely pace or include additional stops, though it’ll likely incur an extra fee.

How Accessible Is the Tour for Individuals With Disabilities?

The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users, as the itinerary doesn’t accommodate accessibility. However, the tour provider may be able to offer alternatives or suggest other tour options better suited for individuals with disabilities.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Students or Seniors?

There are no specific student or senior discounts mentioned for this tour. The tour provider states it’s not suitable for wheelchair users, so accessibility options may be limited. Travelers should inquire about any special pricing or accommodation needs when booking.

Can I Leave the Tour Group to Explore on My Own?

Yes, the tour allows you to explore on your own during the free time provided at the Sanctuary of Fátima and in Coimbra. This gives you the flexibility to personalize your experience.

The Sum Up

The “Sanctuary of Fátima and Coimbra City Tour” offers a captivating blend of spiritual and cultural exploration. Visitors can enjoy the rich history of the Sanctuary, renowned for the Virgin Mary’s apparitions, and discover the medieval architecture and cultural treasures of Coimbra, including the prestigious University of Coimbra. This 10-hour experience provides a well-rounded opportunity to connect with Portugal’s religious and historical significance.

You can check availability for your dates here: