Europe
Day 1
We meet at Malta International Airport at 06:50 for flight FR9654, which departs at 08:50 and arrives in Lisbon at 11:20. Transfer by coach to Obidos, a medieval village. We will visit the historic center, Porta da Vila, R. Direita, the Church of St. Maria, and the castle. Free time to explore the local artisan shops and try the famous local drink, "Ginja." We continue our journey to FATIMA, where we will stay at the centrally located Hotel Santa Maria, a 4-star hotel just a few steps from the Sanctuary. Check-in and dinner. Time for a first visit to the square and the Sanctuary with the tour leader.
Day 2
Breakfast: We begin the day by taking the tourist train (extra) to Valinhos and Aljustrel, where we will meditate together on the Stations of the Cross. We will then visit the homes of Lucia, Francisco, and Jacinta. By coach, we will continue to the Parish Church of the Three Shepherds, and then visit the commercial center of Fatima, where we will have free time for souvenir shopping. Afterward, we depart for Cova de Iria, the Chapel of the Apparitions, the Basilica of the Rosary, where we will see the tombs of the children and the Great Cross. Dinner, followed by an evening with the leader to attend the International Rosary.
Day 3
Breakfast: Today, we depart for the beach of Nazare, where we will stop to enjoy this natural beauty, traditionally linked to fishing. Here, we will enjoy panoramic views from the Miradouro Do Suberco Belvedere over the open Atlantic Ocean. We will also walk along Avenida República and have free time for lunch or shopping in the historic center. We return to Fatima for free time. Dinner, followed by an evening walk through Fatima with the leader.
Day 4
Breakfast: Today, we travel to northern Portugal: Porto. Upon arrival, we continue to Cais de Ribeira, where we will embark on the 6 Bridges River Cruise Tour (extra). Afterward, we will take the "Cable Railway Dos Guindais" (extra) for stunning views of the Douro River, before arriving in the Batalha area. We will continue on foot to explore the Cathedral, São Bento Station, Liberty Square, the Clerigos Tower/Bell Tower, and Praça Lisboa. Free time for a meal, then we will start our journey back to Fatima, one of the most important Catholic sites in the world, dedicated to the Virgin Mary. Dinner. Later, we will have time for a visit to the square and the Sanctuary of the Apparitions and accompany the International Rosary with the leader.
Day 5
Breakfast: Transfer by coach to Tomar. Upon arrival, we will visit the Templars’ Monastery (entrance extra) and take a walking tour of the town and the Nabao River, Serpa Pinto Street, the Cathedral, and Republic Square. Free time, and then by coach, we will head towards the beautiful countryside to visit the Mira D’Aire Caves (entrance extra). We will have a guided tour of these spectacular underground caves in Portugal. Return to Fatima for dinner. In the evening, we will attend the function in Cova d'Iria Square with many pilgrims. We will greet the Madonna for the last time during the "Procession Aux Flambeaux."
Day 6
Buffet Breakfast: Departure from Fatima and transfer to Lisbon, the capital city of Portugal, for a full-day excursion. Upon arrival, we will go straight to the Alfama district to see the church where Saint Anthony was born. We will continue by coach to explore the beautiful avenues, squares, and monuments of Lisbon. With the leader, we will discover Praça do Comércio, Augusta Street, Praça Don Pedro, and Restauradores Square. Free time for lunch, shopping, or a coffee with a Pastel de Nata. Afterward, by coach, we will continue to the Belem area, a modern and beautiful spot along the Tagus River. We will visit the Belem Tower, Vasco da Gama Bridge, and the Monument to the Discoveries (Padrao dos Descobrimentos). A walk along the Tagus River in Belem with the leader, where we will appreciate the beginning of the Atlantic Ocean. It’s time to head to Lisbon Airport. We will check in for flight FR9655, which departs at 21:00, and we will arrive back in Malta at 01:05.
