Fátima

Description

Be sure to read the Special Notes further down this page for important requirements and restriction.

Discover the religious heart of Portugal on this special interest day trip to Fatima, the destination for many pilgrims, and home to their spectacular basilica which is also home to one of the most visited Catholic Shrines.

Your day starts when you meet your driver and guide at the harbor, for the scenic motorcoach journey through the bustling city of Lisbon, and along the freeway, en route to the world famous Our Lady of Fátima Basilica.

This magnificent basilica was seen around the world in 1982, when Pope John-Paul II addressed more than a million people in the square, and still attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors a year.

The shrine marks the site where the Virgin miraculously appeared to three young shepherds on 13th May, 1917, who told them that she was 'the Lady of the Rosary'. The story goes that the Virgin asked the children to pray for peace, and promised to return on the 13th day of every month until October. Crowds flocked to the sight, and many swore that they saw the sun rotating on the Virgin's final appearance. Almost a hundred years on, the faithful continue to visit to pray, and seek one of the miraculous cures that have occurred there.

Your knowledgeable guide will be able to share facts about the neo-classical basilica where the Children are buried and the spectacular modern basilica of The Holy Trinity with a capacity for 9000 seats where most services are held every day. The square itself is dominated by the Chapel of Apparitions, which is built on the exact spot where the Virgin Mary was said to have appeared, and where the statue of Our Lady is kept.

You will have plenty of free time to explore this revered site at your leisure, shopping for mementos and religious articles. You will also be free to choose when and where you have lunch, and are advised to bring plenty of Euros to cover your expenses.

After you have enjoyed exploring this unique religious landmark, you will then board the motorcoach for the journey back to the ship.

Special Notes:

Euros are recommended to purchase your lunch.

Reconstruction works are carried out at the Old Basilica until approximately end of April 2017. During this time, only the area of the tombs of the 3 sheppard kids at the Old Basilica can be visited, although limited. New Basilica 'John Paul II' and all other areas at the Sanctuary are open for visitors.

This tour will operate with a duration of 6.5 hours on calls where the ship is in port for a minimum duration in Lisbon of 7.5 hours; free time in Fatima will be reduced for shorter port calls and the overall tour duration will be shortened to match.

Child Price:

12 years & under only