Around Lisbon, Lda.
Faith and Heritage: Fatima, Batalha and Oìbidos Tour
Meet your Around Lisbon guide at your local Lisbon hotel for your day trip to Fátima, Batalha, Nazaré, and Óbidos. Hop aboard your air-conditioned minivan and drive about 115 km north of Lisbon to arrive at Fátima, a city that developed after the apparitions of the Virgin Mary back in 1917. At Fátima Sanctuary, you'll find a unique ambiance of devotion—whether you're a believer or not, it's impossible to feel indifferent at this place of great spirituality that receives millions of pilgrims each year. Learn all about the legend of the Virgin Mary's apparitions to three shepherd children in 1917, and what became the most adored devotion in Portugal: Our Lady of Fátima.
Continue to Batalha and visit the best example of late Gothic (14th-century) architecture in Portugal, the Batalha Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage site. It was built in commemoration of the 1385 Battle of Aljubarrota against the Castilians, and its original name is in fact Mosteiro de Santa Maria da Vitória (Monastery of Saint Mary of the Victory).
Stop at Nazaré, a charming seaside town where local fishermen haul in fresh catches from the ocean. Don't miss the opportunity to taste this fresh fish at lunch (own expense). Afterwards, learn all about the legend of Nazaré and how the Virgin Mary had a miraculous intervention in 1182, which saved the life of the Portuguese knight Dom Fuas Roupinho (possibly a Templar) from falling down a 100-meter cliff while he was hunting deer one morning in a dense fog. A chapel was later built at this very site.
Nowadays, Nazaré is also known as the capital of big wave surfing, holding the record for the largest wave ever ridden (33 meters) in 2015. Take the scenic Atlantic coast road that passes São Martinho do Porto village and Óbidos Lagoon on the way to Óbidos, considered by many the highlight of this day trip. Fall in love with this beautiful medieval walled village, wander around its winding cobbled streets, discover small handicraft shops, and taste the famous Ginjinha, a local cherry liqueur.
After such a complete day, head back to your Lisbon hotel, where this tour ends.
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