Porto: Fatima and Coimbra Day Trip

Exploring Portugal’s rich religious and cultural heritage can be a rewarding experience for travelers. This day trip from Porto takes visitors to the Sanctuary of Our Lady of the Rosary in Fatima, where the Virgin Mary is said to have appeared, and the historic city of Coimbra, home to the country’s prestigious university. Participants can attend mass at the Fatima basilica, admire the Romanesque architecture of Coimbra’s Old Cathedral, and gain insights from a knowledgeable guide. With an air-conditioned vehicle and included lunch, the tour provides a comfortable and convenient way to discover these fascinating destinations. But what secrets might these holy sites and renowned institutions hold?

Key Points

• A full-day tour from Porto exploring the religious sanctuary of Fatima and the historic city of Coimbra, including a visit to Coimbra University.
• Opportunity to attend mass at the Fatima basilica and learn about the alleged Virgin Mary apparitions at the Sanctuary.
• Discover Coimbra’s cultural wealth, including the Romanesque architecture of the Old Cathedral and the prestigious Coimbra University campus.
• A professional guide provides in-depth knowledge and insights throughout the tour, ensuring a comfortable and informative experience.
• The tour includes an air-conditioned vehicle, lunch, and entrance fees, providing a comprehensive and convenient package for travelers.

Tour Overview

This day trip from Porto allows visitors to explore the Sanctuary of Our Lady of the Rosary in Fatima and take a walking tour of Coimbra, Portugal’s prestigious university city.

In Fatima, travelers will discover the site of alleged Virgin Mary apparitions and attend mass at the basilica inside the sanctuary.

The tour then moves to Coimbra, where guests can admire the city’s historic Old Cathedral and its Romanesque architecture.

Throughout the day, the air-conditioned vehicle and professional guide provide a comfortable and informative experience.

With a full-day itinerary, this excursion offers a chance to take in the local religious culture and explore the wealth of cultural experiences nearby Porto.

Inclusions

The tour includes an air-conditioned vehicle, a professional guide, lunch, and the entrance fee to Coimbra University, which costs approximately 6 euros.

This ensures travelers’ comfort and provides access to key sites and experiences.

The air-conditioned vehicle allows for a relaxed journey, while the expert guide offers in-depth knowledge and insights into the destinations.

Lunch is included, so guests can refuel during the day.

The entrance fee to Coimbra University grants access to explore its prestigious campus and Romanesque architecture.

Tour Details

The tour duration is a full day.

The tour starts at 8:00 am from the meeting point at R. de Mouzinho da Silveira 352 in Porto. The tour ends at the same location.

Travelers should note that the tour may be operated by a multi-lingual guide, and it’s not wheelchair accessible. A moderate physical fitness level is required since there’s no bathroom on board the bus.

The dress code is smart casual.

It’s important to keep in mind that tour details may change without prior notice.

The maximum number of travelers per tour is 30.

Highlights

Travelers can learn about the alleged Virgin Mary apparitions that occurred in Fatima, seeing the local religious culture.

They’ll also discover the wealth of cultural experience nearby Porto, capping off the day with a relaxing and reflective drive back to the city.

At the Sanctuary of Our Lady of the Rosary in Fatima, visitors can attend mass at the basilica.

Then, they’ll explore Coimbra, Portugal’s prestigious university city, and see the Old Cathedral with its Romanesque architecture.

Throughout the day, the knowledgeable guide will provide insightful commentary, enhancing the cultural and historical significance of the tour’s highlights.

This day trip offers a well-rounded experience, allowing travelers to explore the religious and academic aspects of the region.

Fatima Sanctuary

Visiting the Sanctuary of Our Lady of the Rosary in Fatima allows travelers to enjoy the local religious culture and learn about the alleged Virgin Mary apparitions that occurred there.

During the tour, visitors can explore the vast sanctuary, which features a basilica where mass is held.

The sanctuary’s architecture and religious artifacts provide insights into the deep Catholic faith of the Portuguese people.

Travelers can wander the grounds, reflecting on the religious significance of the site and the powerful spiritual experiences it has inspired over the decades.

This visit offers a meaningful cultural and spiritual experience, connecting visitors to the rich religious heritage of Fatima and its enduring importance in Portugal.

Coimbra University

After exploring the spiritual side of the day trip in Fatima, the tour then takes visitors to the renowned Coimbra University, Portugal’s prestigious center of higher education.

Guests will enjoy a walking tour of the historic campus, which dates back to the 13th century. The highlight is the opportunity to explore the Old Cathedral of Coimbra, an architectural gem with Romanesque influences.

The tour also includes admission to the university, allowing visitors to witness the grandeur of this renowned institution firsthand. Throughout the visit, the guide will share insights into Coimbra’s rich history and its lasting impact on Portugal’s cultural and intellectual landscape.

The tour then returns to Porto, leaving travelers with a deeper appreciation for the diversity of experiences in this region.

Transportation

For this day trip, the tour provides an air-conditioned vehicle to transport guests comfortably between Porto, Fatima, and Coimbra. The coach ensures a relaxing journey as travelers enjoy the sights and history along the way. A professional guide accompanies the group, sharing insights and managing the logistics throughout the excursion.

Transportation Details
Vehicle Type	Air-conditioned Coach
Amenities	– Comfortable seating – Driver and guide provided
Stops	– Porto – Fatima – Coimbra

The vehicle and professional guide make for a hassle-free day, allowing guests to fully enjoy the cultural and religious highlights of this Porto day trip.

Additional Information

The tour may be operated by a multilingual guide, allowing travelers from diverse backgrounds to fully engage with the experience. Confirmation is provided within 48 hours, subject to availability.

While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, guests with a moderate level of physical fitness can participate. It’s important to note that there are no bathrooms on the bus, so plan accordingly.

Travelers should dress in smart casual attire. Kindly note that tour details may change without prior notice.

The group size is capped at a maximum of 30 participants per tour.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Cancel the Tour if I Need To?

Yes, you can cancel the tour. Most tour companies allow cancellations, though fees may apply. Check the tour’s cancellation policy before booking to understand the terms and ensure it fits your needs.

Is There an Option to Upgrade the Lunch?

Unfortunately, there is no option to upgrade the lunch on this tour. The tour includes a standard lunch, but participants cannot select an alternative or premium dining option. The inclusions are fixed for this day trip.

How Long Do We Have at Each Location?

The itinerary allows roughly 2-3 hours at the Sanctuary of Our Lady of the Rosary in Fatima and around 1-2 hours for the walking tour of Coimbra. However, the exact time spent at each location may vary depending on the group’s pace and interests.

Can I Purchase Souvenirs During the Tour?

Yes, you’ll have opportunities to purchase souvenirs during the tour. There are shops and vendors at both the Sanctuary of Fatima and in Coimbra’s historic center where you can browse and buy local items as mementos of your day.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Seniors or Students?

The tour does not offer any specific discounts for seniors or students. However, the entrance fee to Coimbra University is around 6 euros, which may be discounted for certain groups. Travelers should inquire about potential discounts when booking the tour.

Recap

This day trip from Porto provides an enriching opportunity to explore Fatima’s religious heritage and Coimbra’s historic university.

Travelers can attend mass at the Fatima basilica, admire Coimbra’s Romanesque architecture, and gain insights into the region’s cultural legacy.

With transportation, lunch, and a knowledgeable guide included, it’s a comfortable and convenient way to discover these significant Portuguese destinations.