Fatima & Santiago de Compostela

Day 1: USA, Lisbon
Depart the USA on an overnight flight to Lisbon. Dinner and breakfast served on board.

Day 2: Lisbon
From Marques de Pombal drive to Principe Real, a very lively and fashionable area, and then to Bairro Alto, one of the oldest neighborhoods, and Chiado, an elegant, sophisticated district of theaters, bookshops, and old-style cafes, the beloved hearth of the city from the 18th century. Driving down to the river, you will explore Cais de Sodré bustling area and Praça do Comércio, one of the most beautiful and elegant squares facing the Tagus River. Continue on along the city’s harbor and pass by the famous Tile Museum set in a monastery from the 16th century. In the afternoon you will reach Parque das Nações a totally renewed area where you will find the most impressive contemporary buildings such as the Portuguese Pavilion, Vasco da Gama Tower, Oceanarium and Oriente Station, all of them designed by world-class contemporary architects. Then Visit the Cathedral of Lisbon, the birth place and Church of Saint Anthony, the Jerónimos Monastery and the Torre de Belém. Return to Lisbon for dinner and overnight at the hotel. [B/D]

Day 3: Lisbon, Óbidos, Nazaré, Alcobaça, Batalha, Fatima
After breakfast start your drive that will take you to Fátima. On the way visit the medieval walled town of Óbidos, one of the most picturesque and well preserved in Portugal. You might explore its castle within the walls, its maze of streets and white houses that are a delight to stroll along. Then, enjoy the seaside at Nazaré, once a busy fishing village and now a surfers’ paradise because of its wonderful waves. Continue to Alcobaça to visit the Monastery of Santa Maria, a UNESCO designated monument, that was founded in the 12th century by King Alfonso I. Its size, the purity of its architectural style, the beauty of the materials and the care with which it was built make this a masterpiece of Cistercian Gothic art. Before your final destination visit the Monastery of the Dominicans of Batalha, another UNESCO monument, which was built in 1385 to commemorate the victory of the Portuguese over the Castilians at the battle of Aljubarrota. It’s a highly original building in the national Gothic style and influenced by Manueline art, as demonstrated by its masterpiece, the Royal Cloister. Finally, reach Fatima the heart of Catholic faith and world pilgrimage site. The Shrine of Fátima, where the Blessed Mother appeared in 1917 to three simple shepherd children and exhorted the mankind to pray for world peace. After dinner at the hotel participate in the torchlight procession and the Holy Rosary that has been blessed by Virgin Mary’s apparitions and the benedictions of many popes. Overnight at your hotel. [B/D]
           
Day 4 – Fatima (Os Valinhos, Aljustrel)
Participate in a procession following the Stations of the Cross, visit Os Valinhos (the site of Our Lady and Angel’s apparitions) and the village of Aljustrel the birth place of Lucia, Francisco and Jacinta. The latter of the three shepherds were buried in Fatima but Sister Lucia’s mortal remains were entombed for one year in Coimbra, where she was a nun at the Carmelites, before they were solemnly transferred to the permanent crypt in Fatima next to Jacinta and Francisco. Return to Fatima for dinner and overnight. [B/D]

Day 5 – Fatima, Coimbra, Braga
After Holy Mass at the Capelinha and visit to the Sanctuary continue to Coimbra to visit Santa-Clara-a-Velha Convent where the Miracle of the Roses took place. Then proceed to the University built in the 23th century, one of the oldest in the world, that offers one of the most complete Gregorian Chants libraries in Europe. Close by is the Carmelite Convent where Sr. Lucia resided. Continue to Braga, named Bracara Augusta by the Romans and the oldest archdiocese of Portugal. Dinner and overnight at the hotel. [B/D]

Day 6 – Braga, Santiago de Compostels
After visiting the Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte and attending the Holy Mass, proceed to Santiago de Compostela. Like ancient pilgrims, walk the narrow streets of the city towards the Cathedral of St. James, one of the finest examples of Gothic architecture in all of Europe. Visit the magnificent Cathedral and climb the stairs behind the high altar to visit the crypt where the relics of St. James are preserved. Dinner and overnight at the hotel. [BD]

Day 7 – Santiago de Compostela, Rias Baixas, La Toja, Vigo
After early Mass have breakfast at the hotel and depart towards one of the most marvelous areas of Galicia, the Rias Baixas. Driving through this magnificent landscape we will arrive to la Toja Island, universally know for its spa. Free time and continuation to the Ria de Arosa, passing through Pontevedra to arrive to Vigo, situated in the middle of the Rias Baixas. Afternoon at leisure to enjoy this lively city or an optional tour to Bayona and Santa Tecla to see the old Celtic remains situated on the hill of Santa Tecla and the impressive views of the Miño River and of Portugal. Dinner and overnight at the hotel. [B/D]

Day 8: Vigo, Guimarães Oporto
After breakfast depart Vigo to Guimarães that was settled in the 9th century. This is one of the country's most important historical cities, with an important role in the formation of Portugal, and is often referred to as the "birthplace of the Portuguese nationality". The city’s historical center is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Continue to Oporto, the second largest city of Portugal, and visit the old quarters on the riverside, the cathedral, the old train station of S. Bento and its typical tiles.  Stop at downtown Porto, to enjoy the most typical part of the city, UNESCO World Heritage Center. In Vila Nove de Gaia, on the south bank of the River Douro visit a Port Wine cellar to learn about the typical wine process and enjoy a tasting. Check-in, dinner and overnight at the hotel. [B/T/D]

Day 9 – Oporto (Douro River cruise)
Depart the hotel to Vila Nova de Gaia pier to board today’s river cruise to one of the most beautiful and well-known wine regions in the world. Just after sailing off enjoy a breakfast on board. Then go through the Crestuma Locks that allow navigation though a gap of 46 ft. During the crossing you’ll be served Port Wine as an appetizer before lunch is served. Once you arrive at the Carrapatelo Dam you’ll cross a flood-gate to level a river gap of 115 ft. that allows the boat to navigate up to the town of Régua. After debarkation you’ll be transferred to a farm and local wine estate for a short visit. Continue to Régua Railroad station to board a train that will bring you back to Oporto arriving at São Bento railway station. There you’ll be pick-up to return to your hotel for dinner and overnight. [B/L/D]

Day 10: Oporto
After breakfast, be ready for your transfer to Porto’s airport for your flight back to the USA. [B}

[B] = Breakfast | [D] = Dinner | [B/D] = Breakfast and Dinner