On this tour we will visit three places, each very distinct from the other.
The century-old history of the apparitions of Fátima, the fishing village of Nazaré with the biggest waves in the world, and the most beautiful castle in Portugal.
We will taste the local gastronomy and discover the extraordinary history of these places.
It will be an honor for Tours and Champagne to be your companion on this very special day.
Valinhos is a place of great importance in the history of the apparitions of Fátima, in Portugal. Located just a few minutes from the Sanctuary of Fátima, it is known as the site of the fourth apparition of Our Lady to the three shepherd children — Lúcia, Francisco, and Jacinta — on June 13, 1917.
Today, Valinhos is a peaceful pilgrimage site filled with religious symbols. There is a sanctuary with a chapel, statues, crosses, and spaces for prayer and meditation, surrounded by the region’s typical nature.
Many pilgrims visit this place to feel the peace and spirituality that still lingers there, combining the visit to the main sanctuary of Fátima with the more intimate experience that Valinhos provides.
Valinhos is part of the traditional pilgrimage route in Fátima. Throughout the year, thousands of devotees from all over the world come here to pray, reflect, and take part in the celebrations that reinforce the message of peace and hope associated with the apparitions.
The House of Sister Lúcia is located in the village of Aljustrel, near the Sanctuary, and is a place of great historical and religious significance. It was in this simple house that Lúcia dos Santos, one of the three shepherd children who witnessed the apparitions of Our Lady in 1917, lived until the age of 14.
The House of Sister Lúcia is a site of deep devotion for pilgrims visiting Fátima, as it reflects the daily life of the visionary who received the messages of the Virgin Mary and worked tirelessly to preserve and share those messages with the world.
In addition, many devotees visit the house to pray, meditate, and feel more closely the human and spiritual dimension of Sister Lúcia.
The House of Francisco and Jacinta Marto is located in the village of Aljustrel, near the town of Fátima, and is one of the most important places for those wishing to learn about the story of the 1917 apparitions and the lives of the two shepherd children who, together with their cousin Lúcia, received the messages of the Virgin Mary.
It is a traditional, simple, and modest house, typical of the rural region where Francisco and Jacinta grew up. The house preserves its original structure, with whitewashed walls, a tiled roof, and simple furnishings, portraying the humble daily life of the Marto family in the early 20th century.
This home is a testimony to the simple life, deep faith, and innocence of the children who, despite hardships, remained faithful to their spiritual mission.
Francisco and Jacinta Marto are recognized by the Catholic Church as the two youngest Portuguese saints, canonized in 2017 by Pope Francis. Their house is a place of great devotion for pilgrims, as it provides a direct connection to the childhood and purity of these two central figures of the Fátima apparitions.
Visiting the house allows for a deeper understanding of the environment in which they grew up, the Portuguese rural culture of the time, and the context of their supernatural experiences.
The Sanctuary of Fátima, located in the town of Fátima in central Portugal, is one of the most important Marian pilgrimage sites in the world. It is dedicated to Our Lady of the Rosary of Fátima, in memory of the apparitions of the Virgin Mary to three shepherd children — Lúcia, Francisco, and Jacinta — between May and October 1917.
From May 13 to October 13, 1917, the Virgin Mary appeared several times to the three shepherd children in Cova da Iria, near Fátima. During these apparitions, she conveyed messages of peace, prayer, and conversion, as well as three secrets that became famous worldwide.
These miraculous events first attracted local attention but were soon recognized internationally, transforming Fátima into a destination of faith and devotion.
Every year, millions of pilgrims visit the Sanctuary of Fátima, especially between May 13 and October 13, the dates marking the apparitions. On these occasions, masses, candlelight processions, recitations of the rosary, and other religious ceremonies take place.
Fátima is also a meeting place for people of diverse religions and nationalities, united by faith, hope, and the pursuit of peace.
The Sanctuary stands as a universal symbol of peace, prayer, and solidarity. The message of Fátima transcends borders, inspiring humanity toward inner transformation and the building of a better world.
Within the grounds of the Sanctuary of Fátima stands an original fragment of the Berlin Wall, one of the most iconic symbols of the Cold War and the division of Europe throughout much of the 20th century.
The Berlin Wall was built in 1961 to separate West Germany from East Germany, representing the divide between the communist bloc and the Western world. For nearly 30 years, it symbolized repression, lack of freedom, and the ideological conflict that shaped Europe and the world.
Its fall in 1989 marked a historic moment that signaled the end of the Cold War, the reunification of Germany, and the triumph of freedom over oppression.
The piece of the Berlin Wall displayed at the Sanctuary of Fátima was offered as a symbolic gift to reinforce the message of peace, hope, and freedom that the site has promoted since the apparitions of 1917.
This fragment is a physical reminder of the power of faith, prayer, and human will to overcome barriers and build bridges between peoples and nations.
For the millions of pilgrims who visit Fátima every year, the fragment of the wall is an invitation to reflect on the importance of world peace, reconciliation, and dialogue among cultures and religions.
It reinforces the central message of the Fátima apparitions, which call for conversion, prayer, and the building of a more just and harmonious world.
The Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary, located within the Sanctuary of Fátima, is one of the main Catholic temples in Portugal and the spiritual center of the celebrations in honor of Our Lady of Fátima. This imposing basilica marks the place where the three shepherd children — Lúcia, Francisco, and Jacinta — claimed to have seen the Virgin Mary in 1917, and where their remains now rest.
Construction of the basilica began in 1928, about a decade after the apparitions, and was completed in 1953, being solemnly consecrated in the same year. The project, in the neobaroque style, was designed by the Dutch architect Gerardus Samuel van Krieken and continued by João Antunes.
Its bell tower, 65 meters high, can be seen from various points of the city, and at the top stands a bronze crown and a large cross.
The basilica was built as an expression of gratitude and devotion to Our Lady of the Rosary, the title with which the Virgin introduced herself during the apparitions of Fátima. It is a place of deep prayer, where masses, rosaries, and great celebrations are held, especially on the dates of the apparitions — May 13 and October 13.
Inside are the tombs of the three visionaries: Francisco and Jacinta Marto, canonized in 2017, and Lúcia de Jesus.
The colonnade of the Sanctuary of Fátima is an imposing semicircular structure that symbolically embraces the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary of Fátima and part of the Prayer Area. Composed of dozens of columns and pillars, the colonnade represents the Church’s welcome to the faithful from all over the world who come to Fátima in a spirit of prayer and pilgrimage.
Inspired by the classical colonnades of great religious squares, such as St. Peter’s Square in the Vatican, the Fátima colonnade was designed to provide both aesthetic and spiritual unity to the sanctuary grounds.
Planned in the 1940s and completed in the following years, it is made up of around 200 neoclassical columns and pillars, forming a vast semicircle that connects the sanctuary’s main buildings: the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary and the support facilities.
The colonnade is not only an architectural feature but also a space for passage and rest, offering shelter from sun or rain and inviting visitors to contemplation. It is common to see pilgrims praying, keeping silence, or accompanying the processions that pass through the sanctuary grounds.
Its “open embrace” design carries a profound symbolism: it represents the welcome of the Virgin Mary and the Church to all her children, regardless of origin, culture, or condition.
The Great Holm Oak, located within the Sanctuary of Fátima, is a symbolic tree deeply venerated by pilgrims who visit this sacred place. Standing beside the Chapel of the Apparitions, this tree is regarded as a living witness to the events of 1917, when the Virgin Mary appeared to the three shepherd children in Cova da Iria.
The holm oak (scientific name Quercus rotundifolia) is a tree typical of the Mediterranean climate, resilient and slow-growing, and very common in the Fátima region. The Great Holm Oak found in the sanctuary is special because it has been preserved for more than a century and is closely connected to the very site of the apparitions.
Although the apparition of Our Lady took place above a small holm oak (which no longer exists), this Great Holm Oak stood nearby in 1917 and has survived to this day. For this reason, many see it as a symbol of continuity, faith, and memory.
The Chapel of the Apparitions is the most sacred and symbolic place of the Sanctuary of Fátima. Built on the exact spot where, according to the accounts of the three shepherd children, Our Lady first appeared on May 13, 1917, the chapel is considered the spiritual heart of pilgrimages to Fátima.
The small chapel was built by popular initiative in 1920, only three years after the apparitions. The local inhabitants, deeply moved by faith and by the events witnessed by the children — Lúcia, Francisco, and Jacinta — wanted to mark the place with a simple space for prayer.
Originally made of wood and very modest materials, the chapel was blessed in 1921 and has since become the center of religious celebrations and devotion to Our Lady of the Rosary of Fátima.
The Chapel marks the exact spot of the holm oak over which the Virgin Mary appeared in 1917. Today, a statue of Our Lady of Fátima stands on a marble pillar inside the chapel, exactly where the small holm oak once grew.
Despite its modest size, the Chapel of the Apparitions is a place of profound emotion and reflection. The respectful silence of pilgrims, the lit candles, the scent of incense, and the simplicity of the space make the experience unique for those who visit.
Even during major celebrations, such as those on May 13 and October 13, it is around the chapel that thousands of faithful gather, reinforcing its importance as the spiritual center of Fátima.
The Chapel of the Apparitions is not only a place of Catholic devotion but also a symbol of peace, hope, and universal faith. People of all ages and nationalities gather there to pray, meditate, and feel the spiritual presence that the space evokes.
The Candle Burner of the Sanctuary of Fátima is one of the most emblematic and moving places of this sacred site. Located near the Chapel of the Apparitions, it is where thousands of pilgrims, every year, light candles as a sign of faith, devotion, gratitude, or a request for the intercession of Our Lady of Fátima.
The Candle Burner is a large, covered structure where pilgrims can safely leave their lit candles. It is designed to receive thousands of candles each day and operates continuously, with the fire always burning. There, the heat, the scent of melting wax, and the silence of the faithful create an atmosphere of reflection and emotion.
In addition to regular candles, there are also symbolic candles shaped like parts of the body (hands, feet, hearts), representing specific intentions, often linked to healing or thanksgiving for miracles.
Lighting a candle at the Sanctuary of Fátima is one of the most traditional acts among pilgrims. Many travel long distances with promises or special intentions and leave their candle as a sign of personal devotion. Some perform this gesture on their knees or in deep silence, as part of fulfilling a vow.
The Basilica of the Most Holy Trinity, also known as the Church of the Most Holy Trinity, is the newest and most imposing building of the Sanctuary of Fátima.
Inaugurated in 2007, this modern basilica was built to welcome the growing number of pilgrims who visit Fátima each year, while preserving the site’s spirituality and harmoniously integrating with the sanctuary’s tradition.
Designed by the Greek architect Alexandros Tombazis, the basilica impresses with its simplicity, spaciousness, and symbolism. With clean lines and a circular form, it evokes unity, eternity, and the centrality of God.
Dedicated to the Most Holy Trinity, the basilica expresses faith in the central mystery of Christianity — one God in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. It is a place where large masses, religious congresses, youth gatherings, and community prayer moments are celebrated.
The Basilica of the Most Holy Trinity represents the encounter between traditional faith and the contemporary world. It offers pilgrims a space of prayer, silence, and communion, adapted to the needs of the 21st century, without losing the spiritual essence of Fátima.
The statue of Saint John Paul II, located in the Sanctuary of Fátima, is a tribute to one of the popes most devoted to Our Lady of Fátima and the papal figure most closely linked to the recent history of this sacred place. Inaugurated in 2000, the sculpture honors the fundamental role John Paul II played in spreading the message of Fátima and in consecrating the world to the Immaculate Heart of Mary.
The bond between Pope John Paul II and Fátima deepened after the assassination attempt he suffered on May 13, 1981, in St. Peter’s Square — the exact date of the first apparition of the Virgin in Fátima. The Pope attributed his survival to the intervention of Our Lady of Fátima, saying:
“It was a mother’s hand that guided the path of the bullet.”
As a sign of gratitude, he offered the bullet that struck him, which was later embedded in the crown of the statue of Our Lady of Fátima that stands in the Chapel of the Apparitions.
John Paul II visited Fátima three times (1982, 1991, and 2000), reinforcing the importance of the Marian message during his pontificate. On his last visit, he beatified the shepherd children Francisco and Jacinta Marto.
He was canonized in 2014, and today he is venerated as Saint John Paul II. His statue in Fátima is a place of special devotion, where many pilgrims pause to pray and give thanks.
The statue of Pope Paul VI, located in the Sanctuary of Fátima, pays tribute to the first Pope to visit this sacred place. A symbol of faith, commitment to peace, and deep devotion to Our Lady of Fátima, the statue recalls a milestone in the sanctuary’s history: the first papal visit to Fátima, carried out by Paul VI in 1967.
Pope Paul VI visited Fátima on May 13, 1967, on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the apparitions of Our Lady. It was a historic moment, as it marked the first time a Pope set foot in Fátima, reinforcing the sanctuary’s importance at the international level.
During his visit, the Pope celebrated Mass in the sanctuary grounds, prayed in the Chapel of the Apparitions, and delivered a powerful message of peace, penance, and reconciliation, in a world still marked by the Cold War.
The statue of Paul VI in Fátima is more than just a sculptural piece — it is a symbol of communion between the Church of Rome and the Marian people of Fátima, and a reminder of the living presence of the successors of Peter along the path of faith and peace.
The High Cross is one of the most striking elements of the Sanctuary of Fátima, rising on the horizon with its 34 meters in height. Located in front of the Basilica of the Most Holy Trinity, it is a modern symbol of the centrality of Christ in the message of Fátima and in the Christian path of faith.
The High Cross represents Christ crucified and glorified, and was designed to remind pilgrims that, although Our Lady is the central figure of the apparitions, the entire message of Fátima points to Christ — the Savior, source of mercy, redemption, and peace.
It invites contemplation of the Paschal Mystery (the Passion, Death, and Resurrection of Jesus) and serves as both a visual and spiritual landmark for those arriving at the sanctuary’s esplanade.
Even though it is outdoors, many pilgrims stop before the High Cross to pray in silence, reflect, or simply contemplate its spiritual grandeur. Especially at night, when illuminated, the cross becomes a point of powerful visual and emotional impact.
Installed in 2007, the same year the Basilica of the Most Holy Trinity was inaugurated, the High Cross was created to be a symbol of faith for modern times, where contemporary art serves as a vehicle for evangelization and reflection.
Above all, the High Cross is a visual call to faith: it rises silently as a witness to the Christian message that unites millions of pilgrims in Fátima. A modern symbol for an eternal faith.
The Monastery of Batalha, officially called the Monastery of Saint Mary of the Victory, is one of the most impressive Gothic monuments in Europe and a symbol of Portuguese national identity. Located in the town of Batalha, in central Portugal, it was commissioned by King John I to give thanks for the victory at the Battle of Aljubarrota (1385), where Portuguese forces secured the country’s independence from Castile.
Construction began in 1386 and continued for nearly two centuries, involving several kings and architects. The monastery was given to the Order of Saint Dominic, becoming an important religious, cultural, and artistic center.
The victory at Aljubarrota was seen as a divine intervention, which explains the strong spiritual and nationalist character of the monastery’s foundation. For this reason, in addition to being a religious space, the building also celebrates the independence and sovereignty of Portugal.
In 1983, the Monastery of Batalha was classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognizing its artistic, historical, and cultural significance not only for Portugal but for all humanity.
The Monastery of Batalha is a place where faith, art, and history intertwine, offering a unique experience to those who visit. Every stone, every stained-glass window, and every chapel tells part of Portugal’s history and its Christian soul.
Nazaré is a town with a strong fishing tradition and home to one of the most characteristic beaches in Portugal’s Central Region. The town as we know it today has only existed since the 18th century, as until then the entire lower area was covered by the sea, which reached that far inland.
The town of Nazaré is one of the most emblematic coastal localities in Portugal, located in the Central Coast region, in the district of Leiria. Known for its historic ties to the sea, its fishing traditions, and tourism, Nazaré is today a travel destination that blends heritage, breathtaking natural landscapes, and a strong cultural identity.
Nazaré has a centuries-old tradition connected to fishing and maritime life. For many centuries, fishing was the foundation of the local economy, and even today many inhabitants keep this activity alive, expressed through cultural practices and sea-related festivals.
Nazaré Beach is famous for its giant waves, which attract surfers from all over the world, especially at the “Praião” and the northern part of the beach. The power of the Atlantic Ocean, combined with the uniqueness of the Nazaré Canyon (a submarine formation), creates waves that can exceed 30 meters in height, making Nazaré one of the world’s top destinations for big-wave surfing.
The history of Nazaré is deeply connected to the legend of Our Lady of Nazaré, which dates back to the 12th century. According to tradition, the image of the Virgin Mary was brought by a hermit and protected by miracles, giving rise to the famous Sanctuary of Our Lady of Nazaré, located in Sítio da Nazaré, at the top of the cliff with a panoramic view over the sea.
The town of Nazaré is a place where the sea, faith, and tradition come together, offering visitors a unique experience of stunning landscapes, living history, and vibrant popular culture.
Óbidos Castle is one of the best-preserved and most emblematic medieval castles in Portugal, located in the charming town of Óbidos, in the district of Leiria. Surrounded by imposing walls, this castle is a living testament to Portuguese history, military architecture, and culture, attracting visitors from all over the world.
Originally built by the Romans, the castle was expanded and reinforced during the period of Moorish occupation and later conquered by the first King of Portugal, Afonso Henriques, in the 12th century. In the reign of King Dinis (13th century), the castle and the town of Óbidos were given as a wedding gift to Queen Isabel, becoming one of the “jewel towns” of the Portuguese crown.
From then on, the castle played a strategic role in defending the territory and protecting trade routes, and it witnessed several historic events.
Today, Óbidos Castle is one of the main tourist attractions in central Portugal. The town of Óbidos is also famous for its International Chocolate Festival, its Medieval Fair, and other cultural events held throughout the year.
Óbidos Castle is, without a doubt, a symbol of Portuguese historical and cultural heritage, combining architectural beauty with the unique atmosphere of a preserved medieval town. A visit here transports travelers back in time to relive the history and tradition of Portugal.
About Us
Tours
Privacy Policy
