Europe
Day 01
We meet at Malta International Airport at 07:15 for flight FR9654 departing at 09:25 and arriving in Lisbon at 11:55 (local time). Transfer by coach to Óbidos, a medieval village, where we visit the historic centre: Porta da Vila, Rua Direita, the Church of Santa Maria, the castle, and the local artisan shops. We continue to Fatima, where we will be accommodated at the 4-star Hotel Santa Maria, just a few steps from the Sanctuary. Room allocation and dinner. In the evening, time to walk down with the leader for the first visit to the Square and the Sanctuary.
Day 02
Breakfast and we begin our new day by taking the tourist train (extra) to Valinos and Ajustrel to meditate together the Way of the Cross. We continue to visit the homes of Lucia, Francesco and Jacinta. Then we proceed to the Parish Church of the Three Shepherds and afterwards visit the commercial centre of Fatima where we will have free time for souvenir shopping. We then return to Fatima to visit Cova da Iria, the Chapel of the Apparitions, the Basilica of the Rosary where we see the tombs of the three children, and the great Cross. Dinner and afterwards an evening walk with the leader to attend the international Rosary.
Day 03
After breakfast we depart for the beach town of Nazaré, where we stop to admire this natural beauty with its ancient fishing tradition. Here we enjoy beautiful panoramic views from the belvedere Miradouro do Suberco overlooking the open Atlantic Ocean. We also take a walk along Avenida República and have free time for lunch or shopping in the historic centre. Dinner and evening walk.
Day 04
Today we travel to the north of Portugal: Porto. Upon arrival, we head directly down to Cais de Ribeira where we board the 6 Bridges River Cruise (extra). Afterwards we take the Guindais Cable Railway (extra) where we enjoy beautiful views of the Douro River, ending in the Batalha area. We continue on foot to discover the Cathedral, São Bento Railway Station, Liberty Square, the Clerigos Tower and Lisbon Square. Return, free time and dinner. In the evening, time to walk to the Square and the Sanctuary of the Apparitions to accompany the International Rosary with the leader.
Day 05
Breakfast and transfer by coach to Tomar. Upon arrival we visit the Templars Monastery (entrance extra) and later take a walking tour of the town and the Nabão River, Serpa Pinto Street, the Cathedral and Republic Square. Free time and then we continue to the Mira de Aire Caves. Free time to visit these spectacular caves (entrance extra), natural marvels beneath the earth. Dinner at the hotel. In the evening we join thousands of pilgrims for the ceremony at Cova d’Iria Square. We bid farewell to Our Lady during the Aux Flambeaux procession.
Day 06
Breakfast and we leave Fatima to begin our journey to Lisbon, the capital city of Portugal, where we will have a full-day excursion. Upon arrival we head straight to the Alfama district, where we visit the church where Saint Anthony was born. We continue exploring Lisbon’s beautiful avenues, squares and monuments. Together with the leader we visit the Commercial Square, Augusta Street, Dom Pedro Square and Restauradores. Free time for lunch. Afterwards, we continue by coach to Belém, a modern and beautiful area along the Tagus River. We visit Belém Tower, the Vasco da Gama Bridge, and the Monument of Padros dos Descobrimentos. We take a walk along the Tagus River where we appreciate the beginning of the Atlantic Ocean. Later transfer to the airport for flight FR9655 departing at 20:15 and arriving back in Malta at 00:20.
Note for Group A:
On Day 01 we meet at the airport at 12:15 for the flight departing at 14:15 and arriving in Lisbon at 16:25. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel.
On the last day, the return flight departs at 15:35 and arrives in Malta at 19:45.
