Private Tour to Fátima Sanctuary and the Little Shepherds Houses

Porto , Portugal

Private Tour to Fátima Sanctuary and the Little Shepherds Houses

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(30 reviews)

8h - 9h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Join us on a private tour to the Fátima Sanctuary, a place of pilgrimage and devotion that draws millions of visitors every year. Located in central Portugal, this holy site commemorates the apparition of the Virgin Mary to 3 young shepherds in 1917.
During our tour, travelers have the opportunity to attend a mass or participate in the rosary prayer. The main pilgrimage site in Fátima is the Sanctuary, which is home to the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary and the Chapel of Apparitions. The Little Shepherds' Houses, where the three children who witnessed the apparitions lived, are also worth visiting for a glimpse into the events of 1917. Another important site is the Valinhos Sanctuary, believed to be the site of a fourth apparition.
Our knowledgeable guide will share the history and significance of this sacred site, and answer any questions travelers may have. The Fátima Sanctuary is a unique and unforgettable experience that will leave a lasting impression on all who visit.

Available options

Business Suv - 4 Pax

Hyundai Santa Fé<br/>Pickup included

Business Van - 7 Pax

Mercedes Class V<br/>Pickup included

What's included

Transport in luxury vehicles, with maximum comfort and extra equipment tailored to your needs.

Other options can be added on request – See section Exclusions

Personal accident and liability insurance.

Our executive vehicles offer Wi-Fi, bottled water, refreshments, and a relaxing atmosphere.

Detailed itinerary

A large square, bordered by leafy trees in northern and southern sides and outlined in eastern and western sides by the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary of Fatima and the Basilica of the Holy Trinity, respectively. Appreciate the Large Holm-oak Tree, the monument of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, the Nativity Scene, the Berlin Wall, the High Cross and the John Paul II and Pius XII Squares.

The chapel of the Apparitions is the "heart" of the Shrine of Fatima.

It was in the place of the Chapel that the Virgin Mary talked to the little shepherds. Out of the six apparitions of the Virgin Mary, five of them happened in this place – May, June, July, September, and October – where, by the Lady’s indication, a chapel in her honour was to be constructed.

Built between April 28 and June 15, 1919, it was later blessed, having Mass been celebrated there for the first time on October 13, 1921. Dynamited in the morning of March 6, 1922, it was restored and reopened on January 13, 1923.

Stop 3

The temple consists of a large nave with presbytery, transept and two sacristies. It has 14 side altars in each altar, a mystery of the rosary.

One of the altars is where the tombs of Jacinta, Francisco and Lucia are. Since their beatification, a lot of people come inside to the basilica to see them.

One of the altars is where the tombs of Jacinta, Francisco and Lucia are. Since their beatification, a lot of people come inside to the basilica to see them.

The first stone was laid on 6 June 2004 and was consecrated on 12 October 2007.

The altar is made out of a unique piece of local stone, branco do mar. In the front side of the altar, there is a piece of marble from the tomb of the Apostle Peter (over which the Basilica of the St. Peter was built, in the Vatican)

Following the path usually taken by the little shepherds, the Way of the Cross - or the Way of the Little Shepherds - ends on a Hungarian Calvary whose chapel is dedicated to St. Stephen, king of Hungary.

Loca do Anjo - or Loca do Cabeço - is the site where the first and the third apparitions of the Angel took place.

Between the 8th and 9th station of the Way of the Cross in the Path of the little Shepherds, there is the place where the fourth apparition of Our Lady, on August 19, 1917, occurred.

The monument that marks the event was constructed with donations from the Hungarian Catholics.

This is the house where Lucia was born and lived.

In 1981, Sister Lucia donated the house to the Shrine. The surrounding area was arranged and a new information office was built there.

On the backyard of Lucia's house there is a well that became known for being the site of the second apparition of the Angel, in the summer of 1916.

The other two little shepherds that witnessed the apparition of the Virgin Mary were born and raised in this house.

The house is located 200m away from Lucia's house. It was also acquired by the shrine and later rebuilt.

What's not included

Typical Lunch (Starter - Main course – Drink – Dessert – Coffee) with Wines

Gratuities are not included and are left to individual discretion

Available languages

Guide guide

PT EN FR ES

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Tripadvisor 5.0

28 reviews

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Important information

Specialized infant seats are available

Service animals allowed

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

At the door of the Intercontinental Hotel

About Porto

Porto, the second-largest city in Portugal, is a vibrant coastal city known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and delicious cuisine. With its picturesque Ribeira district, historic bridges, and world-famous port wine cellars, Porto offers a unique blend of cultural heritage and modern charm.

Top Attractions

Ribeira District

The Ribeira district is the historic heart of Porto, known for its colorful buildings, narrow streets, and lively atmosphere. It's a UNESCO World Heritage site and a must-visit for anyone coming to Porto.

Historical 2-3 hours Free to explore

Livraria Lello

Livraria Lello is one of the most famous bookstores in the world, known for its stunning neo-Gothic interior and as an inspiration for J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter series.

Cultural 1 hour €6 (includes a book voucher)

Clérigos Tower

The Clérigos Tower is a iconic Baroque bell tower that offers panoramic views of Porto. Climbing the 240 steps to the top is well worth the effort for the breathtaking views.

Architecture 1 hour €5

Dom Luís I Bridge

This double-deck iron bridge spans the Douro River, connecting Porto to Vila Nova de Gaia. The upper deck offers stunning views of the river and the city.

Architecture 30 minutes Free

Port Wine Cellars

Vila Nova de Gaia is home to many of Porto's famous port wine cellars, where you can learn about the history of port wine and enjoy tastings.

Cultural 2-3 hours €10-€30

Must-Try Local Dishes

Francesinha

A hearty sandwich made with layers of meat, covered in melted cheese and a special sauce, served with fries.

Lunch/Dinner Contains meat and dairy

Bacalhau à Brás

A traditional Portuguese dish made with shredded cod, onions, potatoes, and eggs.

Lunch/Dinner Contains fish and eggs

Tripas à Moda do Porto

A traditional Porto dish made with tripe, beans, and spices, slow-cooked to perfection.

Lunch/Dinner Contains meat

Pastéis de Nata

Delicious custard tarts with a flaky pastry crust, often dusted with cinnamon or powdered sugar.

Dessert Contains dairy and eggs

Popular Activities

Hiking in the Serra do Pilar Kayaking on the Douro River Sunbathing at Praia do Castelo do Queijo Enjoying a port wine tasting Visiting the Livraria Lello Exploring the Ribeira district Swimming at Praia do Castelo do Queijo Boat tours on the Douro River

Best Time to Visit

May to September

This is the peak tourist season with warm weather and plenty of sunshine. It's ideal for exploring the city and enjoying outdoor activities.

18°C to 28°C 64°F to 82°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Portuguese
Widely spoken: English, Spanish, French
English: Widely spoken in tourist areas

Currency

Euro (EUR)

Time Zone

GMT+1 (Western European Time)

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Porto is generally a safe city for travelers, with low violent crime rates. However, petty crime, such as pickpocketing and bag snatching, can occur in tourist areas and on public transportation.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight, especially in tourist areas and on public transportation
• Be cautious when using taxis, and always ensure the meter is running or agree on a price before starting your journey
• Avoid walking alone at night in quiet or poorly lit areas

Getting there

By air

Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport • 11 km (7 miles) from city center

By train

Porto Campanhã, Porto São Bento

By bus

Porto Bus Terminal (Terminal de Camionagem de Porto)

Getting around

Public transport

The metro system is efficient and easy to use, with six lines connecting major points of interest.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Bolt, Uber

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Ribeira Bolhão Foz do Douro Miguel Bombarda

Day trips

Braga

50 km (31 miles) • Full day

Braga is a historic city known for its beautiful churches, monasteries, and the Bom Jesus do Monte sanctuary.

Guimarães

40 km (25 miles) • Full day

Guimarães is a historic city known as the birthplace of Portugal. It's home to a well-preserved medieval center and the stunning Guimarães Castle.

Douro Valley

80 km (50 miles) • Full day

The Douro Valley is a stunning wine region known for its terraced vineyards, port wine cellars, and scenic boat tours.

Festivals

São João Festival • June 23-24 Festa de São João • June 24 Porto Wine Festival • September

Pro tips

Visit the Livraria Lello bookstore early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the crowds and long queues
Take a port wine tasting tour to learn about the history of port wine and sample a variety of wines from different cellars
Explore the historic center of Porto on foot, as many of its narrow streets and charming squares are best discovered by walking
Try the local cuisine, such as Francesinha, Bacalhau à Brás, and Tripas à Moda do Porto, at traditional restaurants and cafes
Take a day trip to the Douro Valley to see the stunning vineyards, visit port wine cellars, and enjoy a scenic boat tour on the Douro River