Fátima, Batalha, Nazaré & Óbidos Small-Group Day Trip from Lisbon

fátima - batalha - nazaré - óbidos

Duration

8 Hours

Tour Type

Group

Group Size

Máx. 8px/vehicle

Pickup & Drop-off

Lisbon city centre (outside centre on request)

Main highlights

Fátima, Batalha, Nazaré, Óbidos

Price

€84 per person

Rated 5/5 on TripAdvisor.
based on +3.387 reviews

Tour at a Glance

 
  • Duration: 8 hours.
  • Tour Type: Small-group tour (maximum 8 passengers per vehicle).
  • Departure: 08:30 from Lisbon city centre (Hotel pick-up included in Lisbon city centre).
  • Return: Approximately 17:30–18:00.
  • Main Destinations: Fátima, Batalha, Nazaré, and Óbidos.
  • Total Driving Distance: Approximately 290 km round trip.
  • Price: €84 per person.
  • Tripadvisor Rating: 5.0/5 based on 3,387 reviews.
  • License: RNAAT 119/2013.
  • Cancellation Policy: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure.

Tour Details

This guided small-group day trip from Lisbon departs at 08:30 and covers four destinations in 8 hours: the Fátima Sanctuary (142 km north via the A1; 6.2 million visitors in 2024; Chapel of the Apparitions, Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary, and Basilica of the Holy Trinity — all free); Batalha Monastery (UNESCO World Heritage Site reference 264, inscribed 1983; built 1386–1517 across six monarchs); Nazaré (Praia do Norte; world wave record 26.21 m, Sebastian Steudtner, 29 October 2020; Nazaré Canyon 5,000 m deep); and Óbidos (medieval walled town reconquered 1148; UNESCO City of Literature 2015; wall perimeter 1,565 m, fully walkable; free entry).

 

Maximum group size is 8 people per vehicle — not a coach. Price: €84 per person. Hotel pickup included in Lisbon city centre. Guide in English, Spanish, French, or Portuguese.

 

This is the group tour option. For a private vehicle dedicated exclusively to your group, see the Private Fátima Tour (from €330/vehicle) or the Private Fátima Pilgrimage Tour (all 7 Fátima sites, from €320/vehicle).

Why Travellers Choose This Tour

A guided small-group tour places a maximum of 8 passengers in a comfortable, air-conditioned car. There are no crowded coaches, no waiting for large groups to reboard, and the guide accompanies the group throughout all four destinations — providing historical, architectural, and cultural context at each stop. This format is well suited to solo travellers, couples, and small parties who want structured, knowledgeable commentary and reliable transport across multiple destinations in a single day. 

The itinerary is fixed and departure is at 08:30 – the logistics are handled, and the group format means you share the experience alongside other travellers from different parts of the world. The €84 per-person price is fixed regardless of party size. 

At €84 per person with hotel pickup included, this tour compares favourably with individual transport to Fátima alone: a taxi from Lisbon to Fátima costs approximately €120–150 one way, without a guide or the three additional destinations. The bus from Lisbon (Rede Expressos, Sete Rios terminal) reaches Fátima in approximately 1h45 and covers only the single stop.

Tips for Visiting Fátima

Dress code is mandatory inside the basilicas. The Chapel of the Apparitions and both basilicas require shoulders and knees to be covered. A light scarf packed in a day bag resolves this in seconds. 

Entry to the Sanctuary is free. Unlike Pena Palace or Quinta da Regaleira in Sintra, the entire Fátima Sanctuary complex – the esplanade, Chapel of the Apparitions, Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary, and Basilica of the Holy Trinity — is free to enter. There are no tickets to book in advance. 

The Sanctuary is not only for Catholics. The guide presents the 1917 apparitions in historical, sociological, and religious context, covering the Vatican recognition process, the eyewitness accounts (approximately 70,000 witnesses to the Miracle of the Sun on 13 October 1917), and the architectural development of the complex. The tour is appropriate for travellers of all faiths and none.

Sample Itinerary

 
  • 08:30–09:00: Hotel pickup in Lisbon city centre. Exact time confirmed 24 hours before departure.
  • ~10:30: Arrival in Fátima Sanctuary (142 km north via A1, approximately 1h30 drive).
  • 10:30–12:00: Fátima visit – Chapel of the Apparitions, Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary, Basilica of the Holy Trinity.
  • ~12:15: Arrival in Batalha (12 km from Fátima, approximately 15 min drive).
  • 12:15–13:00: Batalha Monastery – UNESCO World Heritage Site (1983), including the Royal Cloister, Founder’s Chapel, and Unfinished Chapels.
  • ~13:30: Arrival in Nazaré (22 km west of Batalha, approximately 20 min drive).
  • 13:30–14:30: Nazaré – Praia do Norte viewpoint, Sítio clifftop (110 m), and lunch break.
  • ~15:15: Arrival in Óbidos (37 km south of Nazaré, approximately 35 min drive).
  • 15:15–16:00: Óbidos – Medieval walls (1,565 m perimeter), castle (1148), and tasting of Ginja in a chocolate cup.
  • ~17:30–18:00: Return to Lisbon (approx. 85 km via A8, ~1h15 drive).

Timings are indicative. Departure is fixed at 08:30; stop durations may vary depending on group pace and traffic conditions.

development of the complex. The tour is appropriate for travellers of all faiths and none.

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What You Can See

After pick-up in Lisbon at your accommodation, we begin our journey directly to Fátima. On the way, enjoy the peaceful landscapes of Ribatejo, with its vast plains, green fields, and fertile agricultural zones like the Lezíria.

Fátima – The Sanctuary

We begin our visit in Fátima, one of the most important Catholic pilgrimage destinations. Fátima is a parish town in the municipality of Ourém, Santarém district, 130 km north of Lisbon. Before 1917 it was an agricultural village of a few hundred residents. Today the Sanctuary draws approximately 6 million visitors per year, making it one of the most visited Catholic pilgrimage sites in the world alongside Lourdes (France) and Guadalupe (Mexico). 

The 1917 Apparitions – between 13 May and 13 October 1917, the Virgin Mary appeared six times to three shepherd children at a pasture called Cova da Iria, approximately 1.5 km from the village centre. The children were Lúcia dos Santos (born 22 March 1907) and her cousins Francisco Marto (born 11 June 1908) and Jacinta Marto (born 11 March 1910). The final apparition on 13 October 1917 was witnessed by approximately 70,000 people, who reported seeing the sun spin, change colour, and move toward the earth – the event recorded in secular Portuguese press as the Miracle of the Sun. The apparitions were declared “worthy of belief” by Bishop José Alves Correia da Silva on 13 October 1930. Francisco and Jacinta Marto were canonised by Pope Francis on 13 May 2017, during the centenary of the first apparition. 

The Sanctuary Complex

Chapel of the Apparitions (Capelinha das Aparições): A covered structure built in 1919 on the precise spot of the Cova da Iria. The original chapel was demolished by opponents in 1922 and rebuilt. The current canopied enclosure is the centre of the esplanade. 

Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary: Built 1928–1953, Neoclassical style, 65 m tower. The tombs of Francisco and Jacinta Marto are inside.

Basilica of the Holy Trinity: Consecrated 12 October 2007. Designed by Greek architect Alexandros Tombazis. Capacity approximately 8,633 seated worshippers, making it one of the largest Catholic churches in the world. The entrance mosaic covers 4,500 m². The Sanctuary esplanade measures approximately 540 m in length – longer than St. Peter’s Square in Rome (320 m). On the main pilgrimage dates, the esplanade is impassable except on foot.

Batalha Monastery

The Monastery of Santa Maria da Vitória – known universally as Batalha Monastery – is located 12 km northeast of Fátima. UNESCO World Heritage Site, reference 264, inscribed 1983.

Historical Foundation – Commissioned by King João I following the Battle of Aljubarrota on 14 August 1385, in which a Portuguese army of approximately 6,500 troops defeated a Castilian force of approximately 32,000, securing Portuguese independence from Castile and establishing the House of Aviz as the ruling dynasty. Construction ran from 1386 to 1517 — 131 years, six monarchs. Leading architects: Afonso Domingues (main church), David Huguet (Founder’s Chapel), Mateus Fernandes (Unfinished Chapels – Manueline style). 

Key Spaces:

Founder’s Chapel: Octagonal mausoleum containing the side-by-side tombs of João I and Queen Philippa of Lancaster (daughter of John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster), holding hands – one of the most notable royal effigies in Portuguese sculpture. Henry the Navigator is buried in the surrounding chapels. 

Tomb of the Unknown Soldier: Inaugurated 15 May 1921. Contains remains of two Portuguese soldiers, one from World War I (Western Front, France) and one from the colonial campaigns (Mozambique). 

Unfinished Chapels (Capelas Imperfeitas): Seven octagonal chapels commissioned by King Duarte I (r. 1433–1438), never roofed. The doorway arch, decorated with Manueline carvings by Mateus Fernandes, is considered one of the finest examples of the style.

Nazaré

Nazaré is the stop where the world wave record was set – 26.21 m (86 feet) by Sebastian Steudtner at Praia do Norte on 29 October 2020 – and the geography that produces these waves is visible from the Forte de São Miguel Arcanjo viewpoint at Sítio, 110 m above the beach. The town is on the Atlantic coast, 22 km west of Batalha, population approximately 15,000.

The Nazaré Canyon and World-Record Waves – Extreme surf conditions at Praia do Norte are produced by the Nazaré Canyon – the largest submarine canyon in Europe, approximately 230 km long and 5,000 m deep. When Atlantic swells travel from deep water into the canyon and then onto the coastal shelf, wave energy is amplified, producing heights unattainable on standard beaches. 

Garrett McNamara (USA): Surfed a 23.77 m wave on 1 November 2011 – Guinness World Record at the time. 

Sebastian Steudtner (Germany): Surfed a 28.57 m (93.7 ft) wave on 29 October 2020 – certified by Guinness World Records in October 2021 as the current world record for the largest wave ever surfed. Big-wave season at Nazaré runs October to March, peak December–February. Summer months (June–September) see negligible surf. 

Forte de São Miguel Arcanjo and Sítio – The viewing point at Sítio is anchored by Forte de São Miguel Arcanjo, built in 1577 under King Sebastião I as a watchtower against Moorish pirates. From the miradouro, Praia do Norte is visible 200 m below. The upper village (Sítio) is connected to the lower beach by a funicular built in 1889: 318 m long, 42% gradient – one of the steepest in Portugal. Traditional women of Sítio historically wore seven skirts simultaneously, a practice connected to fishing culture. The tradition is maintained for cultural events and photography.

Óbidos

Óbidos takes approximately 45 minutes and covers four centuries of intact medieval urban fabric – the 1,565 m wall circuit (walkable in 30 minutes, free), the castle reconquered in 1148, the tradition of the queens’ town from 1282, and the Ginja cherry liqueur served in an edible chocolate cup. The town is 37 km south of Nazaré, population approximately 11,700.


In Moorish possession until 1148, when Afonso Henriques captured it during the Reconquista. In 1282, King Dinis I gave Óbidos to Queen Isabel as a wedding gift – establishing the tradition of Vila das Rainhas (Queens’ Town): every queen of Portugal received Óbidos as a personal gift until 1834. The castle dates from the 11th–12th century Moorish period, substantially rebuilt by King Dinis I.

Porta da Vila: Main entry gate lined with 18th-century azulejo tiles depicting the Passion of Christ, installed during the reign of King João V (r. 1706–1750). The cobbled main street, Rua Direita, runs the length of the walled town.

UNESCO City of Literature: Designated 21 October 2015 – the first in Portugal – recognised for its concentration of bookshops, literary festivals, and cultural programming. The annual Folio literary festival takes place in October.

Ginjinha de Óbidos: Cherry liqueur served in an edible chocolate cup – a tradition unique to this town. Shops along Rua Direita sell individual cups for several euros.

Return to Lisbon

At the end of this day, we return comfortably to Lisbon, arriving approximately 17:30–18:00 at your hotel or the agreed drop-off point in the city centre. 

In one 8-hour journey, the tour covers 290 km of central Portuguese landscape – from one of the most visited pilgrimage sites in the world, through a Manueline monastery and a world-record surf beach, to a medieval walled town. Four distinct destinations, one vehicle, one fixed price.

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What’s Included

Not included:

Tour Price

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure. Cancellations within 24 hours of departure are non-refundable.

Contact us and Book your Tour

Best Time of Year for This Tour

This tour operates year-round. Every season has distinct conditions across the four destinations. 

April – June (recommended): Daytime temperatures 17–22°C across the route. Fátima is busy on 13 May (main pilgrimage day) but quieter on surrounding weekdays. Batalha and Óbidos have manageable visitor numbers. Nazaré big-wave season ends in March; Praia do Norte surf is moderate in April, negligible from May. Serra de Leiria (the pine forest belt between Batalha and Nazaré) is lush green after spring rains. Book at least 1–2 weeks in advance for May 13. 

July – August (peak season): Temperatures 28–35°C in Lisbon, 24–28°C in Fátima and Batalha. Fátima Sanctuary is busiest on weekends. Nazaré beach (Praia Grande) fills with Portuguese families – Praia do Norte is calm (off-season for big waves). Óbidos can be crowded on weekend afternoons. Early 08:30 departure is especially valuable in this period. No specific venue tickets need advance booking (Sanctuary, Óbidos, and Nazaré viewpoints are all free or same-day entry). 

September – October (second recommended window): Temperatures 20–26°C, Atlantic light dramatic in late afternoon. Nazaré big-wave season begins in October – if surf is a primary interest, this is the window. The Folio literary festival takes place in Óbidos in October. October 13 is the main autumn pilgrimage day at Fátima (anniversary of the final 1917 apparition); expect 300,000–500,000 pilgrims. Crowds across all four stops are lower than July–August. 

November – March (low season): Temperatures 10–17°C; Atlantic winds strong at Nazaré Sítio viewpoint. The Nazaré Canyon peaks December–February – the highest probability of seeing big-wave conditions if timing aligns. Fátima receives far fewer visitors on non-feast-day dates; the esplanade and basilica interiors are quieter than at any other time of year. The Festival Internacional do Chocolate in Óbidos takes place in March. Bring a waterproof jacket and warm layers; the guide adjusts stop order on rainy days to minimise outdoor exposure.

Private Tour vs Group Tour: What Is the Difference?

Yellow Cab TT Tours offers both private and small-group tours to Fátima, Batalha, Nazaré, and Óbidos. 

The private tour gives you complete flexibility. You travel only with your own group, enjoy hotel pickup in central Lisbon, and can adjust the schedule throughout the day – including how long to spend at the Fátima Sanctuary if pilgrimage interest is a priority. Private tours to Fátima start from €330/vehicle see private page

The group tour follows a fixed itinerary and schedule, departing at 08:30. Groups are limited to 8 passengers per vehicle. Price: €84 per person.

Tours are conducted in English (Portuguese, Spanish, or French on request when booking). 

For families and larger parties, the private tour can offer excellent value. A group of four travelling on the private tour pays €105 per person – a small difference for an exclusive vehicle, a flexible schedule, and a personalised guide throughout.

FAQ

The price covers an 8-hour guided tour in an air-conditioned vehicle, hotel pickup and drop-off in Lisbon city centre, a multilingual guide (English, Portuguese, Spanish, French), and mandatory insurance. Monument entry tickets, lunch, and gratuities are not included.

The tour visits four destinations: Fátima Sanctuary (site of six Marian apparitions in 1917, approximately 6 million pilgrims/year, basilica capacity 8,633); Batalha Monastery (UNESCO World Heritage reference 264, built 1386–1517); Nazaré (Praia do Norte, world-record 28.57 m wave 2020, Nazaré Canyon 5,000 m deep); and Óbidos (medieval walled town, UNESCO City of Literature 2015).

Pickup takes place between 08:30 and 09:00 from your hotel in Lisbon city centre. The exact pickup time is confirmed 24 hours before departure based on the full pickup sequence for the group.

Yes. The guide presents Fátima in historical, sociological, and religious context. Approximately 70,000 people witnessed the Miracle of the Sun on 13 October 1917; the Vatican recognition process and architectural development of the Sanctuary are explained. The tour is appropriate for travellers of all faiths and none.

The Fátima Sanctuary, Óbidos town, and all viewpoints are free to enter.

Modest dress is appropriate inside the basilicas and the Chapel of the Apparitions: shoulders and knees should be covered. The esplanade is 540 m long; comfortable walking shoes are recommended. A light scarf serves as a versatile cover-up and the guide keeps spares in the vehicle.

Yes. Solo travellers frequently book the group tour. The €84 per-person price applies regardless of party size. The maximum group size is 8 people per vehicle.

Yes. The tour operates on all dates except 1 January, 24 December, 25 December, and 31 December. On 13 May and 13 October — the main pilgrimage dates — crowds at Fátima can reach 300,000–500,000 people. The guide navigates accordingly. Book 4–6 weeks in advance for those dates.

Fátima approximately 90 minutes, Batalha Monastery approximately 45 minutes, Nazaré approximately 60 minutes, Óbidos approximately 45 minutes. Total tour duration including driving and pickup: 8 hours.

Maximum 8 people per vehicle. The vehicle is an air-conditioned car, not a coach, providing a comfortable, personalised experience with direct access to the guide throughout the day.

Yes, year-round. Fátima, Batalha, and Óbidos have significant covered and indoor spaces. The Nazaré viewpoint at Forte de São Miguel Arcanjo is exposed to Atlantic weather. Between October and March, bring a waterproof layer and wear layers. Weather does not cancel the tour.

Lunch is not included. Both Nazaré and Óbidos have restaurants near the tour stops. Typical lunch: €10–18 per person at a seafood restaurant in Nazaré; €12–20 in Óbidos. The tour schedule includes time for a sit-down meal at one stop.

Yes. Free time in Óbidos includes the opportunity to try the Ginjinha de Óbidos — a cherry liqueur served in an edible chocolate cup, a tradition unique to this town. Shops on Rua Direita sell individual cups for approximately €1–2.

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the scheduled departure. Cancellations with less than 24 hours’ notice are non-refundable, as the vehicle and guide are committed to the tour at that point.

What our guests say

Irene F
We travelled by van with Pedro T as our guide. He was very knowledgeable about each place we visited, was courteous, well spoken and a pleasure to interact with. He was an excellent driver who was punctual and did a great job of introducing us to each location and directing us to the best approaches. We were a group of three women from Canada and thoroughly enjoyed our tour.
jduneske
My wife and I had a wonderful tour. Our guide Jorge Silva did a fantastic job explaining all the sites. We felt very safe and would highly recommend using Jorge! John
Defney Rodrigues
Our guide was very enthusiastic and made the tour enjoyable from start to finish. He took us around with great care, explained the history and details of the places in an engaging way, and was always patient with our questions. Tiago went above and beyond to make sure we had the best experience possible, and his passion for what he does really added to the trip. We truly appreciated his effort and highly recommend Yellow Cab Tours for anyone looking for a memorable and well-guided tour.
Emmanuelle H
Amazing guide and tour, he will give u all the information about the place you are visiting and recommend u the best places to go, very smooth ride with beautiful scenery and give u freedom to tour around the area. I recommend this day trip as a beautiful escape.
annie10rosas
Our excursion was excellent! Our guide, Pedro Trintate, was the best. Very knowledgeable about the history of the places we visited. Very friendly , friendly and we understood each other perfectly (we speak Spanish). I highly recommend this tour.

Also Available in Private Tour

If you’re looking for a more exclusive experience, this tour is also available as a Private Tour — with a car and a tour guide/driver dedicated just to your group. Enjoy the same highlights at your own pace, with full flexibility and personal attention throughout the day.

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