TOUR DESCRIPTION

We invite you to explore the central-west of Portugal. We will start in Fatima, a town visited by 6 million people every year, where it is said that the Virgin Mary appeared to three children – Lúcia (10 years old), Francisco (9 years old) and Jacinta (7 years old) – every single month from May 13th, 1917 until October 13th, 1917. On the last appearance, the Virgin Mary had a prophetic message that would be given to the world by these three shepherd children (‘pastorinhos’) – later on. This is commonly known as the three secrets of Fatima. Fatima is now one of Catholicism’s major shrines (read more here). At the sanctuary, entrance is a segment of the Berlin Wall, a tribute to ‘God’s part’ in the fall of communism.

We then move towards the city of Batalha, where we will have the opportunity to get to know the Batalha Monastery, built by King John I to thank the Virgin Mary for the Portuguese victory over the Spanish during the Battle of Aljubarrota in 1385. The Portuguese army commanded by Nuno Álvares Pereira had 6,500 soldiers while the Spanish army had 30,000 soldiers. Most of the monument was completed by 1434 but there were several Manueline influences added in the 15th and 16th centuries.

After Batalha, it is time to enjoy lunch in a very typical local restaurant (lunch price not included). We promise to take you far away from the tourist traps. Here we will taste true Portuguese food and you will learn how crazy we are about good food! You will feel like taking a nap after, which is not a bad idea, but we will be heading to Nazare…

Nazare will be our best viewing point as the fishing city is full of nice places to stop and enjoy the ocean view. Nazare is one of the most picturesque coastal cities and is now also one of the most popular places to surf in Portugal. In 2011, the biggest wave in the world (nearly 24m; 79ft) was surfed here by Garrett McNamara, a professional American big wave surfer.

The tour continues throughout the historic town of Obidos. The town was taken from the Muslims in 1148 and was part of the dowry of numerous queens of Portugal, that why is often called the Queen´s town. Nowadays Obidos still has a medieval town completely inside the old walls, with cobblestone streets and flower-bedecked houses. We are pretty sure that you will fall in love with this small town. Finally, it is time to go back to Lisbon.