A private 3-day pilgrimage from Lisbon, connecting the two Marian shrines of Fatima and Nazare with the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela across the border in Spain — the traditional end point of the Camino de Santiago. Along the way, the route also takes in medieval Obidos, UNESCO-listed Alcobaca Monastery, and two days based in Porto, with a guided visit and a Douro River cruise.
You travel throughout with a dedicated driver-guide and a private, air-conditioned vehicle. Hotels aren't included, which gives you the freedom to choose your own — we suggest booking two nights in Porto, since that's your base for days 2 and 3, and we're glad to point you toward options if that helps.
Trip Highlights at a Glance
- A 3-day private pilgrimage from Lisbon, linking Fatima, Nazare and the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in Spain
- Stops at medieval Obidos and UNESCO-listed Alcobaca Monastery on the way north
- Two days based in Porto, including a guided visit and a Douro River cruise
- A dedicated driver-guide throughout, with hotels left for you to book (we suggest 2 nights in Porto)
- Rated Easy — private vehicle and guided walks, no hiking involved
Duca has been arranging private tours across Portugal since 2003. This itinerary is one of the few we run that crosses into Spain, and our driver-guides are used to the logistics of a multi-day route that spans both countries.
Itinerary
Day 1 — Lisbon to Porto: Obidos, Alcobaca, Nazare and Fatima
Pickup in Lisbon
Your driver-guide collects you from your hotel in the Lisbon area early in the morning, for the drive north.
Obidos
A stop in the medieval walled town of Obidos, with its whitewashed houses and cobbled lanes — free to explore on foot.
Alcobaca Monastery
A guided visit to the UNESCO-listed Alcobaca Monastery, one of the largest churches in Portugal and the burial place of King Pedro I and Ines de Castro.
Nazare
Time in Nazare, the fishing town known both for its centuries-old Marian shrine at the Sitio clifftop and, more recently, for the giant winter waves that draw big-wave surfers from around the world.
Sanctuary of Fatima
A guided visit to the Sanctuary of Fatima — sometimes called the \"Altar of the World\" — one of the most visited Catholic pilgrimage sites anywhere, with its esplanade and two basilicas.
Arrival in Porto
We continue on to Porto, where you're dropped at your hotel for the first of two nights (booked separately by you).
Day 2 — Porto: guided sightseeing and a Douro River cruise
Porto walking visit
A guided walk through central Porto, taking in the Ribeira district along the riverfront and the historic core of the city.
Douro River cruise
A scenic cruise on the Douro River, passing beneath Porto's six bridges, included as part of this tour.
Free time in Porto
The rest of the day is yours, to explore Porto's wine cellars, riverside cafes or shops at your own pace. Second night in Porto.
Day 3 — Porto to Santiago de Compostela and back to Lisbon
Drive to Santiago de Compostela
An early departure from Porto for the drive across the border into Galicia, Spain, to Santiago de Compostela.
Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela
A guided visit to the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, the traditional end point of the Camino de Santiago and one of Christianity's three most important pilgrimage sites, along with its old town.
Return to Lisbon
We begin the journey back south, arriving in Lisbon in the evening to close out the three days.
What's included
- Private transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle
- A dedicated driver-guide
- Bottled water
- WiFi on board
- Insurance required by the Portuguese Tourism Board
- Guided visits at each stop along the route
- A scenic Douro River cruise in Porto
Exclusions
- Meals and drinks
- Hotel accommodation (we recommend booking two nights in Porto as your base for days 2 and 3)
Please note
- This is a private door-to-door tour, but hotels aren't included — you book your own two nights in Porto, and we're happy to suggest options if you'd like a hand choosing one.
- The route crosses into Spain for the Santiago de Compostela leg. Portugal and Spain are both in the Schengen area, so there's no border control, but it's worth carrying your passport or ID card with you for the crossing.
- Not wheelchair- or stroller-accessible.
- Not suitable for pets.
- Infants must not sit on laps, and infant seats aren't available on board — if you're travelling with a baby, let us know in advance so we can look at the options.
- Please share your hotel name and address with us after booking, so pickup can be arranged; if your hotel isn't on our usual list but is within greater Lisbon, there's no extra charge for pickup.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does this pilgrimage actually cover?
Three days on the road from Lisbon, taking in Obidos, Alcobaca, Nazare and the Sanctuary of Fatima on the way north, two days based in Porto with a guided visit and a Douro River cruise, and a day trip across the border to the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in Spain before heading back to Lisbon.
Is hotel accommodation included?
No. Transport, your driver-guide and all the guided visits are included, but you book your own hotel — we suggest two nights in Porto as a base, since that's where days 2 and 3 start and end. We're glad to recommend places if it helps.
What's included in the price?
Private transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle, a dedicated driver-guide, bottled water, WiFi on board, the insurance required by the Portuguese Tourism Board, guided visits at every stop, and the Douro River cruise in Porto. Meals, drinks and hotel accommodation aren't included.
Do we need tickets for the monastery in Alcobaca or the cathedral in Santiago?
For Alcobaca, we visit the church, which is free to enter; if you'd like to go further into the monastery itself, tickets are inexpensive and you pay directly on site. Entry to the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela is free for the main visit. A few optional extras inside, like the rooftop tour, have their own separate tickets if you're interested, which we can point you toward on the day.
Do we need a passport to cross into Spain?
Portugal and Spain are both in the Schengen area, so there's no border control to pass through. It's still a good idea to bring your passport or ID card along for the crossing, as international travelers are expected to have it on hand.
How physically demanding is this tour?
It's rated Easy. You're riding in a private vehicle between sites and joining guided walks at each stop — there's no hiking or strenuous activity involved.
Is Fatima entrance included, and do we attend a religious service?
Entry to the Sanctuary of Fatima, its esplanade and both basilicas is always free. We visit as a private group and your guide explains the site's history; we don't schedule attendance at a specific service, since Mass times vary and aren't something we can guarantee around a private itinerary.
Can children join, or travelers who use a wheelchair?
The vehicle isn't wheelchair- or stroller-accessible, and infant seats aren't available on board, so this tour isn't a good fit for travelers with mobility needs or very young children. If you're planning to bring a baby, let us know in advance and we'll talk through what's realistic.
Where does the tour start and end?
It starts with pickup in Lisbon on day 1 and, after the loop north through Fatima, Porto and Santiago de Compostela, ends back in Lisbon on the evening of day 3. Exact pickup details are confirmed with you when you book.
