Arriving in Lisbon, we are greeted by our tour guide, board our deluxe motor coach for a panoramic tour of the charming Portuguese capital. See the fanciful Belem Tower, Jeronimos Monastery, dedicated to the Virgin Mary, the Monument to the Discoveries and the Basilica of St. Anthony (patron saint of lost objects). Continue to Fatima with a stop in Santarem, one of the oldest cities in the world., to the Church of St. Stephen, which houses the Miracle of the Bleeding Host on continuous display since 1269 AD. Mass can be celebrated here before we depart for Fatima, arriving in the afternoon to check into our hotel. Balance of the day at leisure. In the evenings (if available) join in the moving Rosary Candlelight Procession beginning in the Little Chapel of the Apparitions (Capelinha). Dinner and overnight in Fatima. (D)

This morning we discover the hamlet of Aljustrel, the shepherd children’s home. Continue to Valinhos, where Our Lady appeared after the children’s release from prison. Visit the church where they were baptized and the local cemetery. Take some time for private devotions before a video presentation on the history of Fatima. Later participate in the Rosary Candlelight Procession (if available). Dinner and overnight in Fatima (B, D)

After breakfast we visit the Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima, starting at the pristine Basilica, with the tombs of Jacinta and Francisco, beatified in 2000, and St. Lucia. Continue to the Little Chapel of Apparitions where Our Lady appeared to the three shepherd children, celebrate Mass, and light a candle near the shrine. The balance of the day is for reflection and meditation as we walk the lovely grounds and visit the new basilica that holds 9,000 pilgrims. Join in the Eucharistic Adoration and Reconciliation available each day at the basilica. After dinner we once again experience the Rosary Candlelight Procession (if available). Overnight in Fatima. (B, D)

These two days are at leisure. For pilgrims who wish to experience Christ’s love, walk the Stations of the Cross along the Sacred Way (Via Sacra) ending at the Chapel of Calvary.  Take time for private devotion, pray for the sick, drink water from the miraculous well. Take one of our optional tours (at additional cost) to visit the spectacular Gothic monasteries of Batalha and Alcobaca, and the colorful fishing village of Nazare. Visit the romantic city of Coimbra (at additional cost) where St. Lucia lived, located on the river Mondego. Coimbra is one of Europe’s oldest college towns. Visit the university, where students still wear long black capes. Se Velha (Old Cathedral), and the Monastery of Santa Cruz. Return to Fatima for some leisure time. And after dinner take part in the Rosary Candlelight Procession (if available). Overnight in Fatima. (B, D)

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for our flight home, arriving the same day, taking with us memories and blessings to last a lifetime. (B)

• 7-9 x underwear, socks
• 2-3 x loose, lightweight trousers or skirts– one full length and one cropped pair would be ideal!
• 2-3 x shorts (in summer)
• 2 x long, loose shirts
• 4-5 x t-shirts or tops
• 2-3 evening tops
• 1-2 x sandals or flip flops for warmer-weather walking
• 1-2 pairs of comfortable walking/running shoes
• 1 x pair of more formal shoes
• 1 rain/wind-proof jacket
• 1 x umbrella and raingear
• 2-3 sweaters or other colder-weather gear
• sunglasses
• sun hat
• toiletries
• 1 x day bag
• European adapter
• Phone, camera and any other electronics needed
• passport and travel docs
• insurance

Specific packing notes for religious sites:
• Cover shoulders: avoid strapless tops, spaghetti straps tops and vests (both men and women)
• Avoid above the knee skirts and shorts (men and women)
• Avoid exposing excessive cleavage, a waist/belly or back
• Do not wear slogans or prints that may be perceived as offensive

Most major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express to certain extent) are accepted, though do note that When making payments, some merchants may have a spending minimum — 10 euros for example. However, if you’re making a contactless payment, you can get away with purchases of just a couple of euros using your card.

Tipping is not obligatory, but is appreciated. Restaurants already include 15% for the servers, but feel free to add more if the service befits. At the coat check, at the bar, in the taxi, and with a tour guide – tips are more likely to be expected.

Communications in Portugal is more direct though polite. Portuguese may come off as fast, loud and emotional – fitting for a Mediterranean destination!