Question 1

What is the significance of Fatima and what can I expect to see there?

Accepted Answer

Fatima is one of Catholicism's most important pilgrimage sites, where three shepherd children reported apparitions of the Virgin Mary in 1917. During your 2.5-hour visit, explore the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fatima with its vast square (twice the size of St. Peter's in Rome), the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary with tombs of the three visionaries, and the modern Basilica of the Holy Trinity. Don't miss the Little Chapel of Apparitions built at the exact site of the Marian visions.

Question 2

What makes Batalha Monastery a UNESCO World Heritage site?

Accepted Answer

Batalha Monastery (Mosteiro de Santa Maria da Vitoria) represents the pinnacle of Portuguese Gothic architecture with Manueline influences. Built to commemorate Portugal's victory at the Battle of Aljubarrota in 1385, this masterpiece took over a century to complete. During your 1.5-hour tour, admire the intricate stone lacework of the Founder's Chapel, the unfinished chapels (Capelas Imperfeitas) with their open-sky design, and the Chapter House with its remarkable star-vaulted ceiling supported without central columns.

Question 3

How far are these sites from Lisbon?

Accepted Answer

Fatima is approximately 130 kilometers (81 miles) north of Lisbon, with a driving time of about 1 hour 15 minutes. Batalha is about 20 kilometers (12 miles) further west from Fatima, adding roughly 20 minutes to the journey. Your private Daytrip driver-guide handles all transportation logistics through the Portuguese countryside, allowing you to relax and prepare for these significant cultural experiences.

Question 4

When is the best time to visit Fatima to avoid large crowds?

Accepted Answer

Fatima receives over 6 million visitors annually, with major pilgrimages occurring on the 13th of each month from May to October (commemorating the dates of the apparitions). The largest gatherings happen on May 13th and October 13th with hundreds of thousands of pilgrims. For a more contemplative experience, visit on weekdays outside these dates. Early morning or late afternoon tours offer a more peaceful atmosphere as day-trip crowds typically arrive mid-morning.

Question 5

Are there any special events or ceremonies I might witness in Fatima?

Accepted Answer

Daily religious services take place at the sanctuary, with schedules posted at the information center. The Candlelight Procession happens every evening at 9:30 PM from April to October (at 9:00 PM from November to March), where visitors walk with candles around the square. If you visit on the 13th of any month, you'll witness more elaborate ceremonies. Even during a daytime tour, you may see pilgrims fulfilling promises by walking on their knees across the vast square.

Question 6

What should I wear when visiting these religious sites?

Accepted Answer

Both Fatima and Batalha request appropriate attire as they are active religious sites. Shoulders should be covered and shorts or skirts should reach at least to the knee. This is particularly important at Fatima Sanctuary, where visitors in inappropriate attire may be denied entry to certain areas. Comfortable walking shoes are essential as both sites involve considerable walking on stone surfaces. Bring a hat and water during summer months, as Fatima's sanctuary has limited shade.

Question 7

Is this day trip suitable for families with children?

Accepted Answer

Families will find both sites have convenient facilities for taking care of young children. However, there are sections of both Fatima and the Batalha Monastery that are hard to access with a stroller, so take that into consideration when traveling with small children. Your private guide will make adjustments to the tour based on accessibility and the age of the travelers.

Question 8

How do day trips with Daytrip work?

Accepted Answer

Day trips offer travelers private round-trip transportation to popular sightseeing locations. One of our professional drivers will pick you up in a luxurious, climate-controlled car, take you to the site of interest, and wait for you while you explore before driving you back to your hotel.

Question 9

Will I have to wait around for the driver to return?

Accepted Answer

Your Daytrip driver will wait for you nearby for the duration of your exploration, meaning you’ll never have to wait for your return trip transportation to arrive. Your comfort and convenience are our top priorities, and we aim to close out your day trip with a return on your schedule.

Question 10

Can I customize the pickup and drop-off times?

Accepted Answer

Yes! You’re free to choose the pickup and drop-off times that work best for you. However, the time spent at the destination is fixed and cannot be changed.

Question 11

Are entrance tickets and tours included in the price?

Accepted Answer

The price of a day trip does not include any entrance tickets, guided tours, or meals you may partake in at your destination. The price covers round-trip transportation in a luxury vehicle with a professional driver who can provide local insights en route.

Question 12

How long will I have to explore?

Accepted Answer

Each sightseeing stop has a recommended duration that includes plenty of time to explore. However, it is possible to customize the time spent at each sightseeing stop at a later stage in the booking process to best fit your unique schedule.

Question 13

If my plans change, is the booking flexible?

Accepted Answer

Day trip bookings can be canceled up to 24 hours before your trip for a full refund, no strings attached. While the destination and stops are predetermined, it is possible to change your pick-up point, whether it is at your hotel or some other location within the city.

Question 14

Can I take a large group?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Day trips are fully customizable to suit the needs of any private group. From solo travelers to large families with children and even corporate groups, we are ready to create a bespoke itinerary that accommodates parties of all sizes. The price is dependent on the number of vehicles required to serve your group, and we also provide child seats.

Question 15

Will my driver speak English?

Accepted Answer

Your friendly, professional, local driver will speak English. Our drivers are happy to provide any local insight they can on the way to your destination and may be able to answer questions and provide tips for the best possible experience on your day trip.

Question 16

Can I request children’s car seats for the journey?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we provide car seats for children of all ages, which meet stringent safety standards and local legal requirements. You can even bring your own car seat. We also have handicapped-accessible vehicles available for a wide range of needs for our passengers. When booking your day trip, please specify the accommodations you will need.

Question 17

Can I pay securely online?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Daytrip offers flexible payment options. We accept Google Pay, Apple Pay, and Ali Pay. You also can pay securely online with any major credit card, such as Visa, Mastercard, or American Express.

Question 18

How do I book?

Accepted Answer

Booking your day trip is as easy as our one-way and return trips! On the landing page of the day trip you’d like to take, simply select the date, pick up time, and how many adults and children will be on the trip. On the second page, you’ll fill in personal details, including any special requests, disability accommodations, and children’s car seats you may need. We are flexible too! You can change your exact pick-up location (hotel address, etc) up to 24 hours before your day trip.

Lisbon to Fatima and Batalha: Private, guided full-day tour

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