• Portugal
  • Spain
Lisbon Area, Portugal - Azenhas do Mar

Overview

Take a journey through several of Portugal & Spain's most fascinating cities. You'll visit historic sites that illuminate centuries of religion & culture, and discover famous symbolic art, ancient architecture, prestigious monuments, & amazing scenery. This inspiring, seven-day tour also features Mass at local sites, & an opportunity to see the offering of the Botafumeiro, one of the world’s largest incense diffusers. 

Highlights

  • Jerónimos Monastery – Lisbon’s Manueline-styled gem that took an entire century to complete. The complex features the National Archeology Museum, the Maritime Museum, & the tomb of famous explorer Vasco da Gama.
  • Santo António Church – 18th-century Portuguese national monument dedicated to the saint of lost people, Saint Anthony.
  • Lisbon Cathedral – Lisbon’s oldest church, dating back to the 12th century.
  • Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fátima – Located at the prestigious site of the Marian apparitions of 1917.
  • Old Cathedral of Coimbra – One of Portugal’s prime displays of Romanesque architecture, featuring the famous blue & gold altarpiece.
  • Santiago de Compostela Cathedral – Features the crypt which houses the remains of Saint James, the famous sculpture “Pórtico da Gloria,” & the Botafumeiro, one of the world’s largest incense diffusers.

Itinerary

Day 1: U.S.

Depart on an overnight flight to Lisbon, Portugal.

Day 2: Lisbon

Welcome to lovely Lisbon. Upon arrival, transfer to hotel. Enjoy a sightseeing tour of one of the oldest cities in Western Europe. Visit the Jerónimos Monastery, Lisbon’s Manueline-styled gem that took an entire century to complete. The complex features the National Archeology Museum, the Maritime Museum & the Church of Santa Maria, home of the tomb of famous explorer Vasco da Gama.  See the 16th-century Tower of Belem & one of Portugal’s national monuments, Santo António Church. Spend the remainder of the day at your leisure. 

Day 3: Lisbon – Fátima

Venture through Lisbon’s historic districts today. See the beautiful Lisbon Cathedral, located in the Alfama district, the area not completely destroyed by Lisbon’s 1755 earthquake. Discover Lisbon’s vibrant culture in the Chiado district, an area filled with museums & theatres, & visit the city center, the Baixa district, whose layout was constructed to withstand future earthquakes. Head to Fátima for dinner & an overnight stay.

Day 4: Fátima – Aljustrel – Valinhos

Visit the 20th-century Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fátima, located at the prestigious site of the Marian apparitions of 1917. See the beautiful alters, each representing a mystery of the Rosary, & the sacred monument inside the Chapel of Apparitions, which signifies the specific place where several of the miraculous events occurred.  Explore the community of Aljustrel, which features the homes of the three children who saw the apparitions, & Valinhos, home of the monument commemorating the site of the Saint’s fourth appearance. 

Day 5: Fátima – Coimbra – Santiago de Compostela

Journey to Coimbra, famous for its 13th-century academic institution & Romanesque architecture. Walk through the University’s library, which features an extensive collection of literature, with over a million texts.  Explore the Old Cathedral of Coimbra, a prime display of Romanesque architecture, featuring the famous blue & gold altarpiece. Visit the Carmelite Convent of Santa Teresa, where Sister Lucia, one of the children who saw the Marian apparitions of Fátima, laid her head to rest. Attend Mass before departing for Spain. Travel along the “Camino de Santiago,” a symbolic route to Santiago de Compostela. 

Day 6: Santiago de Compostela

Stroll through the Plaza del Obradoiro & visit one of the plaza’s bordering historic buildings, the Santiago de Compostela Cathedral, built in honor of the legend of the remains of Saint James. Highlights of the cathedral include the crypt which houses the Saint’s remains, the famous sculpture “Pórtico da Gloria,” & the Botafumeiro, one of the world’s largest incense diffusers. Attend Mass, & see the offering of the Botafumeiro. Enjoy a final overnight stay in Spain. 

Day 7: Santiago de Compostela – U.S.

Transfer to the airport, & board return flight home. 

Optional Add-Ons

Available upon request

Includes

  • International flights
  • Airport transfers
  • Meeting & assistance upon arrival
  • Meals per itinerary
  • Accommodations per itinerary
  • Sightseeing with licensed tour guides
  • Touring with air conditioned vehicle
  • Entrance fees per itinerary