Obidos

Small group

Follow in the footsteps of Catholic pilgrims on a full-day sightseeing tour of Central Portugal from Lisbon. Transfer from the Portuguese capital, and drive through a vast variety of landscapes. Your first stop will be the extraordinary town of Fátima, where an apparition of the Virgin Mary is said to have appeared before 3 children every month between May 1917 and October 1917. Now one of the major shrines of the Catholic faith, the complex contains the tombs of 2 of the young shepherd children, the crown of the Virgin in the Chapel of the Apparitions, and a section of the Berlin Wall (said to be a tribute to God’s part in the fall of communism) . Enjoy lunch in a local restaurant (own expense) far from the tourist crowds, and get a taste for authentic Portuguese food. Continue to the fishing port of Nazaré for panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean. Popular with surfers, Nazaré was the site of a 79-foot wave, surfed by Garrett McNamara in 2011. Finally, tour the picturesque town of Óbidos, taken from the Muslims in 1148. Forming part of the dowry of numerous Portuguese queens, Óbidos maintains its medieval feel inside the old city walls, with cobblestone streets and flower-bedecked houses.

Embark on a journey through the beautiful countryside of Portugal, toward Fatima one of the most important Marian shrines in the world. A place that annually hosts more than five million visitors from all countries. Enjoy some free time and let yourself be embraced by its mysticism and buy some souvenirs for friends and family. Take a scenic drive to the town of Batalha, where you will find the majestic Monastery of Batalha, unique for its crossing of Gothic and Manueline styles. Arriving Nazaré have free time for lunch in this colourful and traditional fishing village set over a sea of intense blue. Visit the cliffs, site of the famous legend of Nazaré. Continue this wonderful journey to the  charming medieval village of Obidos, a treasure of western Portugal, a village that holds centuries of history within its walls.

Immerse yourself in the local culture of Óbidos with a tour of the UNESCO heritage town, tastings of local delicacies, a visit to Santa Cruz, and more. Start the tour by cruising the romantic, narrow streets of Óbidos up to the town’s castle. Taste the traditional local liquor, Ginjinha, and visit the unique Bacalhôa Buddha Eden, known as a tranquire artistic space. Explore Torres Vedras, known for its history of Napoleonic invasions, traditional Portuguese windmills, vineyards, mountains, and bean pastry. Taste the traditional delicacy and, after lunch, head to the coastal village of Santa Cruz where you can relax, restore your energy, and enjoy nature. To end the tour, see the historical local windmill where people still make homemade bread, learn how it works, and taste some authentic worm bread before returning to Lisbon.

Drive along Portugal’s rugged Atlantic Coast on a full-day tour from Lisbon, and discover the important religious pilgrimage site of Fátima. The journey takes you into the rolling hills of the countryside, and along the scenic coastline. As you travel to Fátima, your guide will provide a fascinating commentary that allows you to experience life as a pilgrim. Upon arrival at the Sanctuary of Fátima, learn about the visitations of the Virgin Mary to 3 local children, and view the stained glass art, statue of Our Lady of Fatima, and other monuments of the important complex. There will also be the chance to attend Mass for those that wish. After lunch, feel the ocean breeze as you drive along the Atlantic coast, passing picturesque villages en route to the fishing town of Nazaré. Take in the panoramic vistas from the top of Nazaré Cliffs. Continue to Óbidos, famous for its castle and cherry liquor. Fall in love with this romantic village as you admire the medieval buildings, including the castle and fortified wall.