Private Fátima & Coimbra Tour from Lisbon: Sister Lúcia Memorial, UNESCO University & Sanctuary

2 cities in 1 unforgettable full day tour

Duration

8 Hours

Tour Type

Private

Group Size

Max. 8px/Van

Pickup & Drop-off

Hotel or apartment pickup in Lisbon, Sintra, Cascais, Estoril, or anywhere along the coast

Main Highlights

Chapel of the Apparitions, Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary, Santa Cruz Monastery, University of Coimbra,

Pricing

From €360 per private vehicle (see pricing below)

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

Tour at a Glance

Duration: 8 hours.
Departure: Suggested 08:30–09:00 – hotel or apartment pickup in Lisbon, Sintra, Cascais, Estoril, or anywhere along the coast.
Return: ~17:00–17:30 to your pickup location.
Tour Type: 100% private — your group only.
Group Size: Up to 8 passengers.
Vehicle: Air-conditioned private van.
Guide: Driver-guide available in English, Spanish, French, and Portuguese.
Destinations: Coimbra and Fátima.
Total Driving Distance: Approximately 380 km (Lisbon → Coimbra ~200 km · Coimbra → Fátima ~50 km · Fátima → Lisbon ~130 km).
Price From: €360 per vehicle.
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 Overview

This is the tour that tells the Fátima story from beginning to end.

The story starts in Coimbra. Sister Lúcia dos Santos – the only Fátima visionary to survive past 1920 – entered the Carmelite Monastery of Santa Teresa in Coimbra in 1948 and lived there until her death on 13 February 2005. The Irmã Lúcia Memorial, annexed to the monastery, holds her personal objects from the time of the apparitions: her first rosary, the rope belt worn as penance by the three children, and a replica of her monastery cell.

The story ends in Fátima. On 13 May 1917, Lúcia, Francisco, and Jacinta witnessed the first of six Marian apparitions at Cova da Iria. The Sanctuary that grew from that event now receives 6.2 million pilgrims per year. The Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary was completed in 1953. The Basilica of the Holy Trinity — inaugurated 2007, capacity 9,000 — is among the largest Catholic churches in the world.

Between these two stops: the University of Coimbra (founded 1290, UNESCO 2013) and the Santa Cruz Monastery (founded 1131, burial place of Portugal’s first two kings).

The tour is 100% private — your group, your vehicle, your guide. Approximately 380 km round trip. From €360 per vehicle.

Why Travellers Choose This Tour

3,387 verified reviews · 5.0 Tripadvisor – highest-rated private tour operator from Lisbon on the platform.
The only Lisbon-based private tour combining Sister Lúcia Memorial + Fátima Sanctuary + UNESCO university in one day – the Fátima story from 1917 apparition to Lúcia’s 2005 death, visited in sequence.
Fátima Sanctuary is entirely free to enter – all three buildings on the esplanade, no tickets required.
Suitable for non-religious travellers: the University of Coimbra (UNESCO, founded 1290) and Santa Cruz Monastery (royal tombs of Portugal’s first two kings, founded 1131) are significant cultural sites independent of any religious interest.
Guide in English, Spanish, French, or Portuguese; hotel pickup from Lisbon included.
No group schedule – itinerary adapts to your group’s pace and priorities.

Tips for This Tour

This is the longest single-day drive in the Yellow Cab portfolio. 380 km, two cities, four stops. Departure at 08:30 is not a preference – it is what makes the itinerary work. Departure is on time; if your accommodation requires earlier pickup, confirm when booking.

Book the Joanine Library before you book this tour. Timed entry is mandatory (Programme 1 ticket €16.50, book at visit.uc.pt). On this tour, the Coimbra stop is approximately 2 hours. Plan the library slot for 11:15–12:00. If the slot is unavailable, the guide covers the university exterior, Paço das Escolas, and Santa Cruz – the Joanine Library visit is not possible without a pre-booked slot.

The Fátima Sanctuary is entirely free. Both basilicas, the Chapel of Apparitions, the esplanade, and the Via Sacra are open without tickets or advance booking.

Dress for religious sites. Covered shoulders and knees are required at the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary, the Chapel of Apparitions, and the Carmelite Monastery. The Joanine Library does not allow shorts. A light jacket or scarf in a bag is sufficient for all stops.

If attending Mass is a priority, tell us at booking. Mass is celebrated daily at Fátima in multiple languages. Attending adds approximately 1 hour to the Fátima stop and requires adjusting the departure from Coimbra – possible only if departure is on time.

Sample Itinerary

Suggested Itinerary: Timing may be adjusted according to your Biblioteca Joanina entry slot and personal preferences.

08:30–09:00: Hotel pickup in Lisbon city centre.
10:30–11:15: Santa Cruz Monastery – explore the nave, cloister, and the royal tombs of King Afonso Henriques and King Sancho I (197 km via A1 motorway).
11:15–12:00: University Alta & Paço das Escolas – visit the Via Latina and the Clock Tower, including the 35 m viewpoint (approximately 1 km uphill from Coimbra Baixa).
12:00–12:45: Biblioteca Joanina (timed entry) – discover the three Baroque halls, approximately 70,000 historic volumes, and the library’s famous bat colony.
12:45–13:45: Lunch break in Coimbra Baixa.
13:45–14:30: Sé Velha (Old Cathedral) – Romanesque cathedral built between 1164 and 1184, featuring 380 sculpted capitals (0.4 km from the university area).
14:30–15:15: Mondego River waterfront – stroll along the riverside and optionally visit the exterior of Santa Clara-a-Velha (optional entry approximately €4, located 0.8 km away).
15:30: Departure from Coimbra.
17:30–18:00: Return to Lisbon and hotel drop-off (197 km via A1 motorway).
Total Driving Distance: Approximately 400 km round trip.

Ticket Information: Entry to Biblioteca Joanina is not included and should be booked in advance via the University of Coimbra visitor portal before the tour date.

What You Can See

Sister Lúcia Memorial – Carmelite Monastery of Santa Teresa

The last surviving Fátima visionary lived here for 57 years. Sister Lúcia dos Santos – born 22 March 1907 in Aljustrel, municipality of Fátima – witnessed the first apparition on 13 May 1917 at age 10. After her cousins Francisco (died 4 April 1919) and Jacinta (died 20 February 1920) died in the influenza pandemic, Lúcia entered religious life. In 1948 she transferred to the Carmelite Monastery of Santa Teresa in Coimbra, took her vows on 31 May 1949 as Sister Maria Lúcia of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart, and lived within the monastery’s enclosure until her death on 13 February 2005 at age 97.

The Irmã Lúcia Memorial, open since 2010, documents her life chronologically. Displayed objects include her first rosary, the scarf worn as a child at Aljustrel during the apparitions, the rope belt shared by all three children as an act of penance, a replica of her monastery cell, gifts received from Pope John Paul II, and personal correspondence. A multimedia room presents photographs and archive footage. The museum receives approximately 10,000 visitors per year.

The monastery’s religious enclosure is not open to visitors. The Memorial is the only public access to this story in Coimbra.

Admission: Confirm current policy on arrival; donations typically accepted.

University of Coimbra – Joanine Library & Royal Palace

Founded 730 years before most of the universities that now rank above it. The University of Coimbra was established by royal charter in 1290 by King Dinis I – the oldest university in Portugal and one of the oldest in continuous operation in Europe. For over 250 years it was the only university in Portugal, educating students from Brazil, Angola, Mozambique, and Goa. UNESCO inscribed it as a World Heritage Site in 2013.

The Joanine Library (Biblioteca Joanina) was completed in 1728, commissioned by King João V using revenue from Brazilian gold and diamond mines. Three Baroque halls lined with original jacaranda and rosewood shelving decorated with gold leaf; approximately 70,000 volumes including a first edition of Os Lusíadas (1572). A permanent bat colony protects the collection from insects. Timed entry is mandatory – book at visit.uc.pt before the tour date.

On this tour, the Coimbra stop is approximately 2 hours on-site – enough for the Joanine Library and Paço das Escolas courtyard. For 4 hours in Coimbra, see the dedicated Coimbra Day Trip.

Admission: Programme 1 ticket (€16.50 per adult) covers Joanine Library, Clock Tower, Via Latina, and Academic Museum. Book timed entry at visit.uc.pt before confirming the tour date.

Santa Cruz Monastery – National Pantheon of Portugal

Two kings are buried here. The Mosteiro de Santa Cruz was founded on 28 June 1131 at the initiative of Archdeacon D. Telo and D. João Peculiar, under the patronage of King Afonso Henriques – the founder of Portugal. Because both Afonso Henriques (died 1185) and his son King Sancho I (died 1211) chose Santa Cruz as their burial place, the monastery holds the designation National Pantheon of Portugal – the only building outside Lisbon with this title.

The royal tombs were sculpted in 1521 by Nicolau de Chanterene, a French-born master who introduced Renaissance naturalism to Portuguese funerary sculpture. The church façade was redesigned in Manueline style between 1507 and 1513 by architects Boytac and Diogo de Castilho. The Manga Cloister (1519), adjacent to the church, contains a Renaissance fountain attributed to the same workshop.

Admission: Small ticket for cloister and tombs – confirm price on arrival.

Fátima Sanctuary

6.2 million people visited this site in 2024 – roughly the population of Portugal. On 13 May 1917, three shepherd children reported the first of six Marian apparitions at Cova da Iria: Lúcia dos Santos (age 10), Francisco Marto (age 9), and Jacinta Marto (age 7). The final apparition occurred on 13 October 1917. Francisco and Jacinta died in 1919 and 1920 during the influenza pandemic and were canonised by Pope Francis on 13 May 2017 – the first non-martyr children canonised in the history of the Catholic Church.

Three structures define the Sanctuary:

The Chapel of the Apparitions was built April–June 1919 on the exact site of the holm oak tree. It was dynamited on 6 March 1922 by anti-clerical activists and rebuilt the same year. The current open-air canopy marks the site.

The Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary was built 1928–1953. The tower is 65 metres high, topped by a 7,000 kg bronze crown. The interior contains 15 altars and the tombs of Francisco and Jacinta Marto.

The Basilica of the Holy Trinity was inaugurated on 13 October 2007, designed by Greek architect Alexandros Tombazis. Capacity: 9,000 seats. Diameter: 125 metres. Received the IABSE Outstanding Structure Award in 2009.

All Sanctuary grounds and buildings are free to enter.

Return to Lisbon

Finally, after a day filled with faith, history, and reflection, we return to Lisbon. Your heart will be full, and your mind enriched by the powerful connection between Coimbra and Fátima—a bond rooted in memory, devotion, and timeless faith.

This carefully designed itinerary invites you to reflect deeply. However, the experience is yours to shape. The suggestions are ours—but the choice is always yours.

Yellow Cab TT Tours – always at your service, with the care and quality our clients know and trust.

Included

8 Hours Tour
Private air-conditioned vehicle (up to 8 passengers)
Hotel/apartment pickup and drop-off in Lisbon, Sintra, Cascais, Estoril, or anywhere along the Estoril Coast
Mandatory passenger insurance
Fuel, motorway tolls, and parking at all stops

Not included

Tour Prices

Prices are per vehicle, not per person.

Up to 2 Pax €360
3 to 4 Pax €460
5 to 8 Pax €590

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

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Observations

Best Time of Year for This Tour

The two practical constraints for this tour are the Fátima pilgrimage dates and Joanine Library timed slot availability – both are predictable and plannable weeks in advance.

Avoid 12–13 May and 12–13 October. The anniversaries of the first (13 May 1917) and last (13 October 1917) apparitions bring hundreds of thousands of pilgrims to the Sanctuary. Roads around Fátima are congested; the Sanctuary experience is profoundly different from a normal visit. These dates are not recommended for a standard private tour unless the pilgrimage atmosphere is specifically what your group is seeking.

March–May (recommended outside 13 May): Temperatures 14–20°C. Coimbra’s academic district is active. Joanine Library tickets available 1–5 days ahead. Good conditions at both cities.

June–August: 22–30°C in Coimbra – 4–6°C hotter than Lisbon. Library slots sell out in advance; book as early as possible. Fátima is busiest on pilgrimage days but manageable otherwise. Plan morning visits for Coimbra.

September–October (recommended outside 13 October): 18–26°C. New academic year begins in October; Coimbra is lively. Comfortable conditions for the long drive. Joanine Library available within 1–3 days.

November–February: 8–14°C. Lowest visitor numbers at both sites. Library generally available same-day. The Fátima esplanade in winter has a different atmosphere – fewer visitors, more contemplative.

FAQ

What is the difference between this tour and the dedicated Fátima day tour?

The Fátima & Coimbra tour follows the complete story of Sister Lúcia: Fátima is where she witnessed the 1917 apparitions; Coimbra is where she lived for 57 years until her death in 2005. The itinerary also covers the University of Coimbra (UNESCO, founded 1290) and Santa Cruz Monastery (founded 1131, National Pantheon of Portugal). The Fátima Tour from Lisbon covers Fátima alongside Batalha Monastery, Nazaré, and Óbidos. For the deepest pilgrimage experience at Fátima alone, see the Fátima Pilgrimage Tour.

Is this tour suitable for non-religious travellers?

Yes. Coimbra’s Joanine Library (1728, Portuguese Baroque, approximately 70,000 volumes) and Santa Cruz Monastery (royal tombs of Portugal’s first two kings, founded 1131) are significant cultural landmarks independent of any religious interest. The Fátima Sanctuary visit covers the historical events of 1917 and the architectural evolution of the complex.

What is the Sister Lúcia Memorial in Coimbra?

A museum annexed to the Carmelite Monastery of Santa Teresa, open since 2010. Displayed items include Lúcia’s first rosary, objects from the 1917 apparitions era, a replica of her monastery cell, and gifts received from Pope John Paul II. The museum receives approximately 10,000 visitors per year. The monastery’s religious enclosure is not accessible to the public.

Is the Fátima Sanctuary free to visit?

Yes. All Sanctuary buildings and grounds — the Chapel of Apparitions, both basilicas, the Via Sacra, and the esplanade — are free to enter. No advance booking needed.

How long does this tour last and when does it depart?

8 hours total. Departure 08:30–09:00 from your Lisbon hotel. Route: Lisbon → Coimbra (~200 km, ~2 hours) → Fátima (~50 km, ~45 min) → Lisbon (~130 km, ~1.5 hours). Return approximately 17:30.

Are entrance tickets included in the tour price?

No. University of Coimbra (Programme 1 ticket €16.50/adult — covers Joanine Library, Clock Tower, Via Latina, Academic Museum; book in advance at visit.uc.pt) and Santa Cruz Monastery require separate entry fees. The Fátima Sanctuary is entirely free. The tour price covers the private vehicle, licensed guide, hotel pickup, and insurance.

Is the tour price per person or per vehicle?

Per vehicle. A group of 4 pays €460 total — €115 per person. A group of 5–8 pays €590 total — €74–€118 per person. The vehicle is exclusively for your group.

Can we attend Mass at Fátima on this tour?

Yes. Mass is celebrated daily in multiple languages. Attending adds approximately 1 hour to the Fátima stop. Inform us when booking so the itinerary can be adjusted.

What languages does the guide speak?

English, Spanish, French, and Portuguese.

What is the cancellation policy?

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

What Our Guests Say

First of all, Kate was a wonderful tour guide. Secondly, the Templar sires we visited were fascinating and beautiful. It was an altogether first rate experience. I would highly recommend to anyone interested in history.

Amazing tour, Kate was extremely knowledgeable and accommodating. We visited all the sites that we wanted to, and even had lunch in a beautiful little sandwich shop in Tomar. These Yellow Cab private tours seem more expensive, but it was worth every penny as they stepped in last minute when our group tour operator cancelled last minute. I can’t recommend them enough and would only do private tours in the future. Outstanding!!

The most Experienced guides, excelent drivers and absolute the best historien knowledge you can ask for. I am so suprised that I felt I met a new friends for the future on the two days I spent with them. I strongly recomend their servesis, the yellow cab is the best. Thank you Ruigeorge and Katarina for making my stay in Lissabon so nice. Big hugs Stefan Eklund.

This is our second tour with this company. Our first tour was 4 years ago so I think it says something that we came back for a second tour. This time it was me, my husband, and his dad (there wasn't an option for "family" of adults so I guess "couple" +1?) Once again, we did a private tour and again, I think it was the best decision for us. We like having the little bit of wiggle room in terms of pace of sites and not having to wait on anyone else or have anyone else wait on us. We had a wonderful day with Jorge! My husband and his dad enjoyed all the extensive history information and chatting. The sites are beautiful and we had a delicious lunch and even got to pop in a couple of shops along the way around town. My FIL has bad knees and Jorge was sure to check in to make sure everyone was doing okay with the pace we were going at. I highly recommend this tour for the castle and history lovers and having Jorge as your guide!

We had amazing weather so Jorge was able to show us beautiful sights, tell us the history and answer all of our questions regarding the Knights Templar in Tomar. Jorge also shared a side street secret at lunch time of Peri Peri chicken. It was amazing and we shared a lot of conversation. This tour was a highlight of our trip.

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