Inspiring Trails Through Art, History, and Religion: Discovering Portugal

The rich food, delicious wine and warm hospitality make this a deeply satisfying destination for modern pilgrims.  Illume has created a rich itinerary that combines time in one of the most popular Catholic pilgrimage destinations, Fatima, with excursions and visits to nearby sites including Tomar, Batalha, Nazare, Sintra and Lisbon.  Enjoy guided visits with local experts, delicious meals featuring local cuisine, and leisure time to explore cultural treasures and artisan studios at your own pace.  

Program Details:

Prices

Includes: 7-nights accommodations in centrally located upscale 4-star hotels, buffet breakfast daily,  2 lunches, one wine tasting, 4 dinners, local transportation via deluxe motorcoach, a full-time local tour manager and guide, entrances and guided visits, arrangements for private group liturgy, and prayer at religious sites.

For groups of 20-45, prices per person in double occupancy are as follows:

$1750-1949 per person with one free
$1785-2010 per person with two free
Single room supplement: $550.00

Program Prices based on availability of hotels.

Group airfare, if desired, is additional.
 

Dates

Select departure dates available November-March, excluding holidays. Customized quotes for peak season travel also available.

Program Itinerary:

Liturgies can be arranged at historic sites throughout the itinerary.

Day 1: Depart the USA for Lisbon.

Day 2: Arrival Lisbon. Travel by private motorcoach to Fatima. The afternoon will be free for exploring the shrine and participating in private or public devotions. Gather for liturgy this evening, followed by a welcome dinner.  Overnight Fatima.

Day 3: Breakfast. Have liturgy at the Basilica, with a visit to the graves of Francesco and Jacinta. Visit the Chapel of the Apparitions, and the hamlet of Aljustrel where the children were born. At Vallinhos, walk the stations of the cross and visit one of the sites of the apparitions. This afternoon, go on an excursion to nearby Tomar. Tomar is noted for the convent fortress begun by the Knights Templar and finished by the Knights of Christ. Continue with a visit to Convento di Cristo, with some time afterward to enjoy the charming town center. Return to Fatima for dinner and participation in the candlelight procession at the Shrine. Overnight Fatima.

Day 4: Breakfast. Begin with a visit to the spectacular Monastery of Batalha, commemorating the victory of the Portuguese over the Spaniards in the 14th century. Afterward, enjoy a wine tasting and lunch in the region. Before returning to Fatima, visit one of the quaint Portuguese coastal fishing villages – Nazare. Liturgy can be arranged today at a place of your choosing. Dinner and overnight Fatima.

Day 5: Breakfast. Travel to Lisbon today,  stopping in the village of Sintra to tour the Palacio Nacional de Sintra. Continue with some free time in the old town of Sintra, followed by a visit to the unique Palacio de Pena. Proceed to Lisbon and check into the hotel. This evening, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant. Liturgy can be arranged today at a place of your choosing. Overnight Lisbon.

Day 6: Breakfast. Explore the Belem section of Lisbon, visiting the spectacular Monastery of the Jeronimos -  built to celebrate the historic voyage of Vasco de Gama. Continue with a visit to nearby Tower of Belem and the Monument of Discoveries. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure. Overnight Lisbon.

Day 7: Breakfast. Take a walking tour of the Alfama district of Lisbon, including the Cathedral, St. Anthony, and the Castle of Sao Jorge. Have liturgy at one of these sites. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure, before a farewell dinner with traditional Portuguese music. Overnight Lisbon.

Day 8: Breakfast. Transfer to the airport for return flight(s) to the USA.

Illume’s Portugal initiative is perfect for church groups, academic groups, a gathering of family or friends or an inspiring venue for a meeting of trustees, business associates or organizational leaders.    

Whether you'd like to take advantage of this itinerary or customize a group travel program on the dates of your choosing, call us at 800.368.6757 x131 or submit the form below to begin planning.

For more information on other destinations: Holy Land - Rome/Assisi - Barcelona - Greece