Some friends invited us on a week-long Greek Island cruise, and when we looked at the cost of airfare, we immediately got the idea to pair the trip with an additional week plus in another European country. Portugal quickly rose as our choice and the plans fell into place. We ended up deciding to fly from home to Lisbon and then touring on our way to Porto for 4 nights. Then we’d transition back to Lisbon, touring along the way, and spending 5 nights in Lisbon. We found our own hotels (with American breakfast included) but ended up partnering with 2 different tour companies. In Porto, we worked with Oporto Road Trips and in Lisbon, we worked with No Map Tours. With Oporto Road Trips, we took advantage of small group tours – both wonderful! We give No Map Tours our highest recommendation! We emailed back and forth and finally just hopped on a What’s App call to put together our agenda. We worked with Sandra who ended up as our driver and tour guide for every excursion with them. In the end, we had a slightly customized set of private tours, transportation to/from airports and between Porto & Lisbon.
Part one on the Portugal Adventure in Porto and the Douro Valley area can be found here
Overall Map of the Entire Portugal Road Trip
Day 5 – Road Trip Back to Lisbon
Our driver and tour guide Sandra meets us bright and early for a transition exploration journey from Porto back to Lisbon.
Hitting the Road from Porto and heading South to Lisbon
Coimbra
After driving 1.5 hours, we stop to explore Coimbra, a city famous for its ancient university and impressive architecture. Wandering through Coimbra feels like stepping into a living tapestry of history, culture, and academic prestige. The city, perched along the banks of the Mondego River, carries an air of timelessness, where medieval streets wind past centuries-old monuments and the echoes of student life fill the air. Coimbra’s charm unfolds in its monasteries, where Portugal’s first kings rest, and in the Santa Cruz Church, a stunning example of Manueline architecture.
University of Coimbra
The heart of Coimbra beats strongest at its University, one of the oldest in Europe (over 700 years). We begin by walking through the Porta Férrea, the grand entrance and immediately sense the weight of centuries of academia. The Palace of Schools courtyard is vast and is where the statue of King Dinis, the university’s founder, stands as a silent guardian of knowledge. The Chapel of São Miguel, adorned with intricate tilework and a stunning pipe organ, adds a spiritual dimension to the university’s legacy.
We have timed-entry tickets to explore the Biblioteca Joanina, a baroque masterpiece that embodies the grandeur of the Age of Enlightenment. The entrance is slightly challenging to find, but once we step inside, we find ourselves in an area that served as “the prison”. The university once had its own legislation and governance and therefore, needed a prison. It is the oldest medieval prison in Portugal. Today, it is basically a holding place out the elements until it’s our turn to enter the actual library. When we finally enter the library, it stuns with its gilded interior and towering 2-story bookcases made of exotic woods (no photography allowed). The library houses over 70,000 volumes with many rare manuscripts and first editions. There are three rooms that make up the library. The first room is gold and green, the second is gold against red and the third room is gold on black. We learn there’s a bat colony here and each evening, the tables are covered so when bats come out at dusk to eat any insects that would otherwise be harmful to the precious books and tables.
We are fortunate to be visiting Coimbra during graduation week. Students in their final year, about to graduate freely roam the streets adorned in black capes. It sort of makes you feel like you are in the middle of Harry Potter movie.
Conímbriga Roman Ruins
Just a short 30-minute drive and we are in Conímbriga, one of Portugal’s largest Roman ruins from the 1st century A.D. It boasted around 10,000 inhabitants, which isn’t large, but it is one of the best preserved. Only about one tenth of it has been excavated.
Stepping into the Conímbriga Roman ruins feels like wandering through the echoes of an ancient civilization. The sprawling archaeological site is much larger than we expected, so it is a welcome surprise. The area contains numerous intricate mosaic floors remarkably preserved and still vibrant, whispering tales of opulence that once graced these Roman homes. The grandeur of the bathhouses and the impressive remnants of the aqueduct hint at the Romans’ advanced engineering. Strolling along the former streets, it’s easy to imagine merchants bustling about and citizens gathering in the forum. The on-site museum adds depth to the experience, displaying artifacts that breathe life into the ruins. Pottery, jewelry, and tools offer glimpses into the personal stories of Conímbriga’s former inhabitants. The semi-restored garden with working fountains was very impressive.
Back to Lisbon
My Story Hotel – Rossio
There are 5 different My Story Hotels in Lisbon and we chose the one in Rossio for its central location. Once we get there and we walk Lisbon, most of them are all conveniently located, so it’s just a matter of room type preference/availability, location choice and price. Ours is a small boutique hotel right on the Rossio Square and we manage to have a room with a view of the square and the Castelo de São Jorge off in the distance. Despite being on the square, it is quiet at night.
It is May 5th and in the US (and Mexico) we celebrate Cinco de Mayo. We opt to take a break from Portuguese cuisine and have dinner at a Mexican restaurant down one of the side streets that offers outdoor seating for people watching.
Day 6 – Discovering Lisbon
For our first day in Lisbon, we will explore on our own.
Morning walk
Yes, we are going to get a lot walking in today, but it’s never too early to start. The city wakes slowly with most tourists still snuggled in their beds most likely adjusting to time zone changes which allows a great opportunity for photography without a lot of people in the shot.
Hop-On/Hop-Off Bus Tour
There are several companies running a Hop-On/Hop-Off bus tour and we decide to go with City Sightseeing. We start with their red line that takes us on a route past the statue of Marques De Pombal, Belém Tower on the Tagus River, The Monument to the Discoveries (celebrates the Portuguese Age of Exploration) Jerónimos Monastery (a monastery housing archaeology & maritime museums) and the Museum of Electricity. We quickly realize our list of “reasons to return to Portugal” needs to include probably 2 days in this area along the river.
Castelo de São Jorge
Next, we take the green line and decide to “hop-off” at Castelo de São Jorge. Located above the city on Lisbon’s highest hill (one of seven), the view of the city and river is just breathtaking. Dating back to the 2nd century, this place served as a defensive stronghold during 1100’s and later as the Royal Palace in the 1200’s. The castle’s ten towers add a fairly-tale like charm. Peacocks roam freely, their vibrant feathers adding color to the fortress’s rugged stone beauty. We explore the grounds, the small museum and then decide to indulge in an adult beverage to soak in the ambiance. We “hop-on” the bus once again so we can get back to Lisbon in time for a food and culture tour.
Lisbon Food and Culture Walking Tour
We’ve recently discovered the joy of “food tours” so we sign up for the small group Lisbon Roots – Food & Culture Walk. The tour meets just 5 minutes from our hotel and over the next 3.5 hours, we are introduced to spots that natives go to every day! We visit five local businesses out of the crowded and touristy areas. As we walk between businesses, our guide talks about the history and culture of the areas. Our first stop is for wine, cheese and dried meats. We purchase one of the cheeses to enjoy at a later date, ensured it does not require refrigeration and is permitted on a plane. We stop at a small traditional Portuguese cafe to enjoy a traditional sandwich with boiled pork (much better than it sounds). Our third stop is at a tiny local bar (only 6 of us can fit inside at a time) where the owner (who only speaks Portuguese) treats us to his own shot of home-made liquor. Our fourth stop was at a Mozambique restaurant where we got to taste a variety of delightful hand-helds and learn this cuisine’s presence in Portugal has its roots in the spice trades with Africa. Our final stop is for dessert where we indulge in a traditional Portuguese custard tart called Pasteis de Nata. This was a great experience!
Day 7 – A Day Trip to Évora and Wine Country
We’re back with Sandra again today for a full day’s adventure in Évora that includes a trip to a winery.
Roman Walls
After a 1.5-hour drive east from Lisbon, we land in the UNESCO World Heritage Site called Évora. This city is yet another well-preserved medieval area with Roman ruins.
The Church of St. Francis in Évora
The Church of St. Francis is a Gothic and Manueline-style monument built between 1475 and the 1550s. It is best known for housing the Chapel of Bones, a striking sanctuary created by Franciscan monks. The church features a unique narthex with arcades, blending Gothic and Moorish elements. Its façade includes conical and spiral-shaped spires, while the Manueline entrance bears symbols of King João II and King Manuel I. Inside, the single, groin-vaulted nave is the largest of its kind in Portugal, creating an impressive sense of space. The front altar area and choir stalls showcase Renaissance and Baroque influences, while the side altars contain gilded sculptures and Flemish paintings. The church also holds three historic pipe organs, still used in occasional concerts.
The Chapel of Bones
The Chapel of Bones is one of the city’s most striking landmarks. Built by Franciscan monks in the 17th century, the chapel was created as a meditative space to remind visitors of the transience of life. Its walls and columns are adorned with the bones and skulls of approximately 5,000 people, arranged in decorative patterns. The chapel was constructed due to overcrowded cemeteries, with monks exhuming remains to make space for new burials. A haunting inscription at the entrance reads: “We bones that are here, await yours”, a reminder that no one escapes death. This is both beautiful and creepy.
Walking & Exploring Évora
Sandra gives us time to explore Évora on our own and we start in Praça do Giraldo, the city’s lively main square, surrounded by historic buildings and bustling cafés. We also walk near the University of Évora, founded in 1559 and see more students in their traditional black capes.
Church of Nossa Senhora da Gracia
The Church of Nossa Senhora da Gracia is a 16th-century Renaissance church known for its distinctive façade and historical significance. Built between 1537 and 1546 during the reign of King João III, it showcases Palladian architectural influences. One of its most striking features is the four large mythological figures atop the façade, symbolizing the four corners of the Earth and the universal power of the king. The entrance is framed by a monumental doorway with angel sculptures, adding to its grandeur.
While the exterior is richly detailed, the interior is relatively plain, as much of its original artwork was moved to other churches in Évora. The convent attached to the church was abandoned in 1834, leading to the collapse of its dome in 1884, which destroyed many of its decorative elements. Today, the Church of Nossa Senhora da Graça is classified as a National Monument and is part of Évora’s UNESCO World Heritage Site designation.
Évora Temple of Augustus
The Temple of Augustus is an ancient Roman temple built in the 1st century AD to honor Emperor Augustus. It is often mistakenly called the Temple of Diana, though there is no historical evidence linking it to the goddess. Located in the heart of Évora’s historic center, the temple originally stood in the Roman forum of the city. Over the centuries, it survived invasions by the Visigoths and Moors, and was repurposed as a fortress, butcher shop and slaughterhouse, which ironically helped preserve its structure. The temple features fourteen original Corinthian columns made of marble, standing on a granite podium measuring 15m x 25m x 3m high. Today, the Temple of Augustus is one of the best-preserved Roman temples and remains a symbol of Roman influence in Portugal.
Enoteca Cartuxa
Sandra’s made lunch reservations for us at Enoteca Cartuxa, a renowned wine bar and restaurant located between the Roman Temple and the Cathedral. We order a seared Ahi tuna dish as well as a helping of marinated pork cheeks (we enjoyed so much on our first afternoon in Porto). Our waiter recommends a bottle of wine we share as we enjoy this phenomenal meal. We are so grateful to benefit from Sandra’s knowledge of great restaurants because this isn’t one we would have likely chosen on our own.
Évora Cathedral
The Évora Cathedral, officially known as the Basilica Cathedral of Our Lady of Assumption, is the largest medieval cathedral in Portugal and a defining landmark of Évora’s historic center. Built between 1186 and 1250, it showcases a blend of Romanesque, Gothic, Manueline, and Baroque architectural styles. Its fortress-like façade, constructed from rose granite, features two massive towers and a Gothic portal adorned with sculptures of the twelve apostles. The central nave, one of the longest in Portugal at 230 feet, houses a Renaissance pipe organ, considered one of the oldest in Europe.
The cloisters, built in the 14th century, are a highlight, offering visitors access to the rooftop, where panoramic views of Évora and the surrounding countryside can be enjoyed. Historically, the cathedral played a role in Vasco da Gama’s 1497 expedition, as his fleet’s flags were blessed here before his voyage to India. Today, the Évora Cathedral remains a UNESCO World Heritage Site, attracting visitors with its rich history, stunning architecture, and breathtaking views
FitaPreta Winery
With our tour of the Cathedral complete, we leave Evora and head out in the country for a short drive to our next destination which is a winery.
FitaPreta Winery is a celebrated winery just outside of Évora known for its innovative approach to Alentejo wines. Founded by António Maçanita, a renowned Portuguese winemaker, FitaPreta blends traditional winemaking techniques with modern experimentation, producing wines that reflect the character of the Alentejo region. The winery is housed in a 14th-century medieval palace, adding a historical charm to our wine tasting and tour. We tour the cellar and enjoy a tasting of food & wine pairings. FitaPreta has earned accolades such as Winemaker of the Year (2018) and Producer of the Year (2020), solidifying its reputation in Portugal’s wine scene.
Scenic Drive on Back Roads as we Return to Lisbon
Sandra has learned how much we enjoy driving through the countryside, so we journey back to Lisbon on some beautiful country roads. It may take longer, but the scenery is almost always better than the faster main highways.
Day 8 – Magical Sintra and Cascais
Sandra meets us at the hotel bright and early for today’s adventures to the towns of Sintra and Cascais.
Lisbon to the Pena Palace
Sandra whisks us off into the countryside outside of Lisbon and through several small towns before we spot the Pena Palace up on a mountain ridge in the distance. Her years of experience pay off when she takes some very interesting back alleys and roads to avoid the regular Pena Palace traffic. Our early arrival pays off with a very convenient parking place close to the palace.
Pena Palace
Perched atop the hills of Sintra, Pena Palace is a dazzling masterpiece of 19th-century Romanticism. With its vivid colors, whimsical towers, and eclectic architectural styles, we feel like we’re in a fairy tale once again. Built over a 16th-century monastery, the palace was transformed by King Ferdinand II in the 1840s, blending Gothic, Manueline, Moorish, and Renaissance influences into its design. The interior is filled with European furniture, oriental porcelain, and oil paintings, offering a glimpse into royal life before Portugal’s monarchy ended in 1910. The Palace is surrounded by lush gardens and breathtaking views of the rolling hills.
Sintra
After our tour of the palace has ended we head down the mountain into the main town of Sintra.
Sandra tells us about a famous pastry bakery, Piriquita, known for its traditional “pillow” pastry. We begin our exploration of this quaint town by making a beeline to this place before the plethora of cruise passengers make their way to town (we can see the ship is in the process of docking). The sign for Piriquita includes a cartoon parakeet and we manage to find one open table inside. We order two Travesseiro, a traditional puff pastry treat with a filling of egg, almond cream and a secret ingredient. It was delightful!
As the cruise passengers begin to pour into Piriquita, we leave to walk the streets of this picturesque town. We walk up the main drag, a hill lined with shops on both sides, and head to Igreja de Santa Maria, a church with three naves representing the transition between Romanesque and Gothic of the mid-12th century. It is yet another UNESCO World Heritage Site as is the town of Sintra itself. We walk back via another less traveled alley and find the other main street lined also with shop after shop.
After exploring the town, we have one more important stop. Our friends the Bowmans did a similar trip in Portugal just two weeks prior and had sent us a recommendation and photo from Villa Craft Beer & Bread – so we just had to find it and grab a beer. We managed to sit at the very same outdoor table and took a photo from the same vantage point.
Cabo da Roca
With our tour of Sintra complete we head towards the coast for our next destination.
Cabo da Roca is the westernmost point of mainland Europe, located in the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park in Portugal. Rising 460 feet above the Atlantic Ocean, it offers breathtaking coastal views and a dramatic landscape of rugged cliffs and crashing waves. Historically, the cape was known to the Romans as Promontorium Magnum and later referred to as the Rock of Lisbon during the Age of Sail. A lighthouse, built in 1772, still operates today, guiding ships along the Portuguese coast. The site also features a monument inscribed with a quote from 16th-century poet Luís de Camões, which reads: “Where the land ends and the sea begins.”
Cabo da Roca to Cascais
Time to head south about 10 miles to the charming resort town of Cascais.
Cascais
Cascais was once a summer retreat of the Portuguese nobility and today attracts visitors with its golden beaches, scenic promenades and lively atmosphere. It is considered one of the premier holiday destinations in the Portuguese Riviera. Sandra drops us off in the Cascais Marina area that is lined with restaurants and luxury yachts. We have about 2 hours to have lunch and explore on our own. She suggests the restaurants are better to our right and feels those on the left are too touristy. The ocean breeze makes our afternoon stroll very refreshing as we head into the area on our right in search of lunch. The first thing that strikes us is the mesmerizing wave-like pattern of the sidewalks. We’ve also seen this in the Rossio area near our hotel. The beaches are stunning although few are in the water since it’s been a colder than normal spring. We happen upon a military event with group chanting and later learn it is part of a graduation ceremony.
Lunch at M.A.R.
We settle in at M.A.R. (My American Restaurant) at a lovely outdoor table on a hill overlooking the ocean and marina. We enjoy sea bass and a robust salad. After lunch, we decide to walk through that touristy side on the left and it does have a completely different vibe. With 2 Irish Pubs and several bars, it is just different than the upscale area where we ate.
Back to Lisbon
With our tour of CasCais complete we head back along the ocean to return to Lisbon.
College Hazing
Back in Lisbon in Rossio Square, as we walk to find a place for dinner, we see college hazing in full force. Soon to be graduates are wearing those black cape and are taunting freshmen. Males “haze” males and females “haze” females. We see a group of female freshmen wading in the fountain singing a song. We can tell everyone is enjoying this light-hearted experience with the plethora of laughter from all participants. These rituals involve drinking (mostly men drinking beer and women drinking wine) – in this public setting. Sadly, we didn’t learn you could just drink in public until almost our last evening here. Had we known, we would have brought a bottle of wine to the square and just enjoyed all the people watching.
Dinner
This area of Lisbon is saturated with places to eat and drink – so many with outdoor seating that is can be overwhelming to make a choice. We decide to walk toward the waterfront to find somewhere completely new. We select Soutelinho & Rodrigues Cafe where we enjoy a Portuguese meat pizza and Nancy discovers the amazing Sangria in this region (why did she wait so long?).
Day 9 – Castles and History in Almourol and Tomar
Lisbon to Amourol Castle
Once again, Sandra picks us up at our hotel and we whisk through the countryside for our last day of adventuring in Portugal.
Almourol Castle
This final day of exploration brings us first to Almourol Castle, a medieval fortress perched on a small island in the middle of the Tagus River. The castle was part of the defensive line controlled by the Knights Templar, and a stronghold used during the Portuguese Reconquista – a series of military and cultural campaigns that European Christian kingdoms waged against the Muslim kingdoms following the Muslim conquest of the Iberian Peninsula. There are two ways to get to the Castle and both involve a ferry ride. Sandra takes us to the closer, yet smaller ferry dock – but the waters are too high from recent rains for the ferry to run. The other ferry, about another hour’s drive is also not currently running. The rangers tell her to check back around 2pm (they are expecting the waters to recede), so we get back in the car and head to Tomar.
Almourol Castle to Tomar
It’s a fairly short drive from Almourol Castle to Tomar and soon we enter the town where we are greeted by a large Knights Templer mural.
Tomar
Tomar was the last Templar town to be commissioned for construction and is one of Portugal’s historical jewels. In 1160, the Order’s Grand Master in Portugal and Tomar’s somewhat mythical founder, laid the first stone of the Castle and Convent of the Knights Templar that would become the headquarters of the Order in Portugal. The Templars ruled a vast region of central Portugal which they pledged to defend from Moorish attacks and raids. The town was especially important in the 15th century when it was a center of Portuguese overseas expansion under Henry the Navigator, the Grand Master of the Order of Christ, successor organization to the Knights Templar in Portugal.
Statue of Henry the Navigator
As we near our first destination in Tomar we pass by the Statue of Henry the Navigator which was erected in honor of his contributions to Portugal’s Age of Discovery during the 15th century.
Tomar Castle and Convent of the Order of Christ
We enter the grounds of the Tomar Castle and Convent of the Order of Christ, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Originally a 12th-century Templar stronghold, when the order was dissolved in the 14th century the Portuguese branch was turned into the Knights of the Order of Christ. The Castle of Tomar was built around 1160 on a strategic location, over a hill and near the Nabão River. It has an outer defensive wall and a citadel with a central tower serving both residential and defensive functions. The round towers in the outer walls were more resistant to attacks than previously used square towers. When the town was founded, most of its residents lived in dwellings located inside the protective outer walls of the castle.
Convent of the Order of Christ
Once the Castle of the Order of The Knights Templar was turned into the Convent of the Order of Christ, Prince Henry the Navigator (early 1400’s) initiated the construction of two cloisters and the Chapel of São Jorge. Later King D. Manuel ordered the construction of a sacristy (today the Hall of Passage), connecting the choir to the Chapel of São Jorge with the wall of the stronghouse. By the end of the 1400’s, the convent was expanded as well as the chapterhouse, main altar, and the niche/archway. Additionally, paintings and sculptures were added and the choir were all expanded or remodeled.
The famous round church of the Castle of Tomar was built in the second half of the 12th century. From the outside, the church is a 16-side polygonal structure, with strong buttresses, round windows and a belltower. Inside, the round church has a central, octagonal structure, connected by arches to a surrounding gallery. The interior of the round church is magnificently decorated with late gothic sculptures and paintings, added during a renovation sponsored by King Manuel I that started in 1499. The pillars of the central octagon and the walls of the aisles have polychrome statues of saints and angels under exuberant Gothic canopies, while the walls and ceilings of the ambulatory are painted with Gothic patterns and panels depicting the life of Christ.
It is truly a sight to behold.
Igreja de Santa Maria dos Olivais
We leave Tomar Castle and Convent of the Order of Christ and stop to visit the Igreja de Santa Maria dos Olivais. This historic church has deep connections to the Knights Templar and was built in the 12th century by Gualdim Pais, the provincial master of the Order. It served as a burial site for Templar knights and later for the Order of Christ. As we tour the church we see many of the ancient grave makers embedded in the floor of the church. Among its features are a rose window and a pentagram symbol linked to the Templars. The church houses the tomb of Gualdim Pais and is believed to connect to underground tunnels used by the order.
A Special Lunch
Sandra has arranged for us to have lunch at Taverna Antiquita, a medieval themed restaurant. The restaurant’s menu features traditional dishes from the Middle Ages, including meat and fish options, as well as vegetarian choices. We enjoy Beef with Witch Sauce and Wild Boar Pie with Mashed Apples as well as beer served in a wooden tankard. The ambiance is truly remarkable, with the entire place decorated to match the theme and the waitstaff’s attire matches as well. The interior design is impressive, with candles as the only source of light, creating a romantic and cozy atmosphere. This was a perfect choice to complement our tour so far.
Tomar
After Lunch we did a small walking tour of Tomar. The historic center is the perfect spot to soak in the town’s atmosphere. It includes the Praça da República with its statue of Gualdim Pais, the founder of Tomar and a Grand Master of the Knights Templar. Once again we are taken with the beauty of the mosaic sidewalks with their contrasting gray and beige diamonds. And of course, as with most of Europe, we see yet another elegant church: São João Baptista Church. Hidden among the cobbled streets is the Tomar Synagogue, one of Portugal’s oldest Jewish temples, adding another layer to the town’s rich past.
Meanwhile, Back at Almourol Castle
We arrive back at the smaller ferry dock for Almourol Castle, but the ferry is still closed because the water is even higher than earlier this morning. We see the ferry from the other dock slowly trying to make journey across the river and it struggles to navigate the rushing waters but finally makes it to shore with a boatload of school children. Meanwhile, a ranger comes by, and Sandra learns that a town further upriver opened their dam to ease the water pressure there. This ferry will not be running today – and he warns us not to bother driving to the other ferry location because it won’t be running again. We are disappointed, but again we have a reason to return to Portugal.
Fatima
Our final stop on today’s tour is Fatima, famous for the six apparitions of the Virgin Mary to three children in 1917, and the miraculous sun phenomenon that followed.
The story of the Our Lady of Fátima miracle begins on May 13, 1917. Three peasant children, Francisco, Jacinta, and Lucia were tending to their family’s sheep. The children under 10 years old were blessed with the presence of the Virgin Mary, Mother of Jesus. The children saw this beautiful woman, dressed in white and standing above a bush. The Virgin Mary told the children that world peace would occur if they spread the godly message of prayer. She visited the young children on the 13th for the next six months. The Miracle of the Sun, occurred on the 13th of October 1917. The children told the people in the village to come out and witness it, even the skeptics. There are reports of over 70,000 people being in attendance.
According to various witness accounts, the rainy sky cleared up, and the ground that was wet from the rain became dry. The sun appeared “dancing around” and “zigzagging” in the sky within broken clouds, giving it the name of the Miracle of the Sun. Some say that the dancing sun even appeared to fly closer to the earth and then jump back into its place quickly. Others also mentioned multicolored light and radiant colors all over the sky. They said the Miracle of the Sun lasted for at least 10 minutes. The children were then finally believed by the people of Fátima.
We visit The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fátima, a site with Catholic religious buildings built in the area where the three children were visited by the Virgin Mary. The complex includes religious buildings, monuments, and statues of saints. Two of the more famous structures are The Chapel of Apparitions (in the exact location where the Virgin Mary would visit every month on the 13th) and the Basilica.
8 million pilgrims visit the city of Fátima every year to witness the place of the miracles. The most popular times to visit Our Lady of Fátima are on the 13th of the month between May and October when the apparitions occurred. Many of those that travel to the sanctuary are facing terminal illnesses or bereavement and looking for religious guidance. They travel thousands of miles from all over the world to be blessed by the Virgin Mary.
Our Last Night in Lisbon
We’ve been on the go, exploring so many amazing places and it is time to find one last meal in Lisbon (and more Sangria). We end up finding an outdoor table at A Campesina and soak in the ambiance of the sights and sounds around us in the bustling city – with one last opportunity for people watching.
Summary
Lisbon is a great place to anchor for touring. It allows for one hotel stay with the opportunity to embark on several tours in all directions such that most within 1-2 hours. Overall, Portugal’s beauty, history, and culinary delights make every moment special. From lively cities to quiet coastal towns, this trip is one for the books!
The first part of the Portugal Adventure in the Porto area can be found here: Portugal Adventure Part 1 – Porto/Douro Valley Region.
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