TOUR DESCRIPTION

You are invited to explore the central-west part of Portugal. We will start in Fatima, one of Catholicism’s major shrines (read more here), and 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. There were several prophetic messages and many stories shared with these three shepherd children (‘pastorinhos’). This is commonly known as the three secrets of Fatima. At the sanctuary, there is a segment of the Berlin Wall, a tribute to ‘God’s part’ in the fall of communism.

Later we will depart to the city of Batalha, where we will have the opportunity to get to know the church of Batalha, the best example in Portugal of the gothic architectural style. It was 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 about 6,500 soldiers while the Spanish army had about 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 leaving Batalha, we will ride west to Nazaré for a lunch break, embracing the cliffs and providing stunning views. In Nazaré we will also perceive the smell of grilled fish and realize that we are in a fishing village. Nazare is one of the most picturesque Portuguese coastal cities and is now also one of the most popular places to surf in the world. In 2011, the biggest wave in the world (nearly 24m; 79ft) was surfed here by Garrett McNamara, an American professional big wave surfer.

This tour continues throughout the historic town of Obidos. The town was taken from the Moorish army in 1148 and since that time was part of the dowry of several queens of Portugal, that’s why it 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. Obidos is also known for the Ginjinha, a sweet cherry liquor that you will have the opportunity to taste. After that, you will have some free time on your own to explore the scenic town before going back to Lisbon. We are pretty sure that you will fall in love with this small town.

Finally, it is time to go back to Lisbon.