From Lisbon: Fatima, Valinhos, and Wine Cellar Tour

Explore Portugal’s Sacred and Wine Heritage in a 9-Hour Small Group Tour

This From Lisbon: Fatima, Valinhos, and Wine Cellar Tour offers a well-rounded experience combining spiritual landmarks with a taste of local wine traditions. Priced with the flexibility of reserve-and-pay-later options, the tour lasts approximately 9 hours and is guided in English, Portuguese, and Spanish. With a small group limited to 8 participants, it provides an intimate setting for exploring some of Portugal’s most meaningful sites.

Starting from central Lisbon, the tour takes you to the renowned Sanctuary of Fatima, where the story of the shepherd children unfolds amid impressive basilicas and religious monuments. The journey continues to the quaint village of Valinhos, home to the houses of the little shepherds, offering a glimpse into the humble lives of those who witnessed the apparitions. The final highlight is a guided visit to a wine cellar and museum, including tastings of local cheeses, jams, liqueurs, and even chorizo.

This tour is ideal for those interested in religious history, cultural heritage, and wine tasting. However, it’s worth noting that booking the wine cellar visit requires 48 hours’ notice; otherwise, the schedule focuses on Fatima. The tour emphasizes comfort and practicality, with comfortable shoes and a camera recommended, and strict rules in place to ensure a smooth experience.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Duration: 9 hours, perfect for a full-day excursion from Lisbon
• Highlights include: Sanctuary of Fatima, Valinhos, and a wine cellar with tastings
• Small group: Limited to 8 participants for a more personalized experience
• Multilingual guides: Available in English, Portuguese, and Spanish
• Booking flexibility: Reserve now, pay later, with full cancellation up to 24 hours in advance
• Includes: Visit to key religious sites, village of Valinhos, and optional wine tasting (with prior booking)

Pickup and Drop-Off Locations in Lisbon

The tour departs from five convenient pickup points in Lisbon, including HF Fénix Lisboa and Hotel Borges Chiado. After a van transfer lasting about 1.5 hours, travelers arrive at the Fatima sanctuary for approximately 2.5 hours of sightseeing and exploration. The return journey also takes around 1.5 hours, ending at similar central locations.

Visiting the Sanctuary of Fatima and Its Sacred Sites

The Sanctuary of Fatima is the centerpiece of this tour, offering a chance to see the Little Chapel of the Apparitions, where the Virgin Mary is said to have appeared. The Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary and the High Cross are significant religious sites that provide a sense of the spiritual atmosphere of Fatima. The Basilica of the Most Holy Trinity is also visited during this time.

The guided tour explains the history and importance of each site, giving visitors context about the Marian apparitions of 1917. The free time allows for personal reflection, photography, or visiting the shops for souvenirs. The entire Fatima experience lasts about 2.5 hours, making it a manageable and meaningful visit.

Exploring Valinhos and Its Shepherds’ Homes

The village of Valinhos offers a more intimate look at the lives of the little shepherds. You’ll see the homes where they lived and learn about their stories. The church where they were baptized adds historical depth to the visit, connecting visitors to the roots of Fatima’s religious significance.

This stop provides a peaceful break from the crowds, with opportunities to walk around and appreciate the simple charm of this rural setting. It’s a chance to see the everyday environment of those who witnessed the Marian apparitions, making the experience more personal and grounded.

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Visiting the Wine Cellar and Museum

The final major activity is a guided visit to a local wine cellar and museum presenting memories and traditions. The museum showcases historical artifacts, stories, and the heritage behind Portuguese wine-making. The guided tour explains the different types of wines produced, the aging process, and regional specialties.

At the tasting session, cheeses, jams, bread, and liqueurs are served alongside the wines, offering a genuine taste of Portugal’s culinary delights. This part of the tour is available only if booked with 48 hours’ notice; otherwise, the schedule focuses solely on Fatima. The tasting experience provides an authentic and relaxing conclusion to the day.

Practical Logistics and Group Experience

The tour operates with a comfortable van providing transportation between Lisbon, Fatima, Valinhos, and the wine cellar. The small group size ensures personalized attention from the professional guides, who are fluent in English, Portuguese, and Spanish.

The pickup and drop-off points are centrally located, simplifying logistics. The timing allows for a leisurely exploration of each site without feeling rushed, while the full-day schedule makes it suitable for those with a full day available for sightseeing.

What to Bring and What to Expect

Travelers should wear comfortable shoes for walking and bring a camera to capture the scenic views and sacred sites. Since the tasting includes alcoholic beverages, travelers must be of legal drinking age. The tour enforces strict rules against pets, large luggage, food and drinks in the vehicle, backpacks, and party groups to maintain a smooth experience.

The flexible cancellation policy allows full refunds if canceled at least 24 hours in advance, adding peace of mind when planning. The overall rating of 4.9 reflects the quality and satisfaction level of this tour.

Comparing Similar Experiences and Alternatives

Several similar options are available for exploring Fatima from Lisbon, including guided day trips to Nazare, Batalha, and Obidos with or without wine tastings. These tours often emphasize religious sites and local history but may differ in focus, duration, or inclusions.

This tour’s unique appeal lies in combining spiritual landmarks with a cultural visit to a wine cellar, making it ideal for those seeking a mix of religion, tradition, and gastronomy. For travelers wanting more elaborate experiences, some alternatives include night candlelight processions or inner journeys into Fatima’s story, but the core features of this tour remain its quality sites and intimate group size.

Final Thoughts on the Fatima, Valinhos, and Wine Cellar Tour

This 9-hour guided tour from Lisbon offers a balanced itinerary that highlights religious significance and local traditions. The small group setting ensures personalized attention, while the flexible booking options cater to different planning needs. The opportunity to visit Fatima’s sacred sites, explore Valinhos’ rural charm, and enjoy wine tastings makes it a comprehensive and memorable day.

While booking the wine cellar visit requires advance notice, the tour’s focus on spiritual and cultural insights remains strong even without this activity. It is well-suited for those interested in Portugal’s religious history and wine heritage, and for travelers who appreciate comfortable, well-organized excursions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for people with limited mobility?
The tour involves walking at the Fatima sanctuary and Valinhos; comfortable shoes are recommended. Non-folding wheelchairs and strollers are not allowed.

What languages are available for the guide?
Guides speak English, Portuguese, and Spanish.

How long is the travel time between Lisbon and Fatima?
The van transfer takes approximately 1.5 hours one way.

Can I cancel the tour if my plans change?
Yes, full cancellation is possible up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is there an age restriction for wine tasting?
Yes, participants must be of legal drinking age to enjoy the tasting.

What should I bring for the tour?
Bring comfortable clothes, a camera, and passport or ID. Luggage, food, and drinks in the vehicle are not permitted.

Does the tour include free time at each site?
Yes, there is free time at the Fatima sanctuary for reflection or shopping, and the schedule allows for a relaxed visit.

What is the group size?
The small group is limited to 8 participants, providing a more personalized experience.

Is it possible to join this tour on short notice?
Yes, but the wine cellar visit requires 48 hours’ notice for booking.

Are meals included?
No, meals are not included, but local snacks and drinks are available during the wine tasting.

This tour combines religious reverence, cultural discovery, and local gastronomy to create a meaningful day trip from Lisbon. Its small group format and flexible booking make it a reliable choice for those wanting an organized yet intimate experience.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby