St Eugene’s Cathedral, Derry City
Pilgrimage to Fatima with Rev. Fr. Paul Farren
This 6-day escorted pilgrimage includes return flights with TAP Air Portugal from Dublin to Lisbon, private group transfers, staying in a central 4*Hotel, all meals & local excursions included.
19 - 24 October 2025
£795 per pilgrim
£155 - single room supplement
Overview
Rev. Fr. Paul Farren Adm, extends a warm welcome to all pilgrims wishing to join the Cathedral on their pilgrimage to the Marian Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima; Queen of the Rosary.
The Shrine is the answer to the call of Our Lady of the Rosary, already alluded to on August 13, 1917 and expressly asked in the apparition of October 13, of that year to Lucia de Jesus, Francisco Marto and Jacinta Marto: «I want to tell you that a chapel is to be built here in my honour. I am the Lady of the Rosary». The little chapel was constructed in 1919 in the place of the apparitions of 1917 at the Cova da Iria and, since then, the place of the Shrine was built up, in response to a significant inflow of pilgrims.
This pilgrimage/cultural break will visit the principal places associated with the Apparitions in Fatima & will include visits to the church of the Eucharistic Miracle in Santarem & the seaside resort of Nazare. A paid optional full-day excursion to Lisbon will include the birthplace of St Anthony in Lisbon, the Sanctuary of Christ the King, the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Monastery of Jerónimos.
This tour includes flights, transfers, excursions, services of a travel consultant and 5-night’s full-board accommodation in Fatima. Wine served with meals.
Whats included in this tour
- Return flights from Dublin to Lisbon with TAP Air Portugal
- 5-nights in a 4*hotel (3 min walk to the Shrine)
- Full-board basis (13 meals including water & wine)
- Luxury coach transfers to & from your hotel
- 1 suitcase not exceeding 23 kg & 1 small item of hand-luggage
- Fully escorted & guided tours by an Anam Cara Travel consultant
- Excursions to Valinhos / Aljustrel and Parish Church, Santarem (Eucharistic Miracle) & Nazare.
- Guided visit of the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fatima
- All local taxes & tolls including ATOL Protection
Whats not included in this tour
- Return coach transfers from St Eugene's Cathedral of Derry to Dublin Airport - Price to be confirmed; payable directly to Parish Office
- Travel Insurance - Click here for competitive quotation available via our website (under 80 yrs)
- Single room Supplement - £155 (limited availability!)
- Half day sight-seeing tour to Coimbra (payable locally)
- Gratuities for coach driver & hotel staff (Group leader will advise)
- Additional suitcases (if required)
ITINERARY
PLEASE NOTE: This is a sample itinerary. The final itinerary will be sent by post 3-weeks prior to departure (Flight times are accurate as of 08 Dec 2024).
Coach transfers from Parish to Dublin Airport (collection times TBC) – arranged by the Parish.
Morning – Opportunity to attend Sunday Mass at 11am in St Eugene’s Cathedral before leisurely afternoon transfer to Dublin airport.
Evening – Flight departure at 6:50pm / arrival into Lisbon at 9:40pm.
Upon arrival the group will be welcomed by an Anam Cara guide and transferred by luxury coach to Fatima. Check-in to hotel at midnight.
MEALS – no meals included today.
Morning – After breakfast, we will celebrate our opening Mass in the Chapel of the Angel of Peace. After Mass, a guided tour of the sanctuary domain including a visit to the tombs of the visionaries.
Afternoon – After lunch, the group will pray the Stations of the Cross which lead to the village where the three visionaries lived during the Apparitions. Visit their homesteads & the apparition site of the Angel of Portugal. If time permits, we will visit the Parish Church where the visionaries were baptised.
Evening – After evening meal in the hotel, the group will participate in the torchlight procession.
Meals – B, L & D
Morning – Group visit the the Basilica of the Most Holy Trinity, followed with a group photo on Rosary Square before a guided visit of the Sanctuary Museum.
Afternoon – After lunch, excursion to the town of Santarem to visit the Church of St Stephen (Eucharistic Miracle) where we will celebrate Holy Mass, before an opportunity to venerate the Holy Eucharist. Free time in Santarem to shop before returning to hotel for dinner.
Evening – After evening meal, opportunity to participate in the torchlight procession.
Meals – B, L & D
FREE DAY IN FATIMA – After Holy Mass at the Shrine, with a free day to relax or visit the numerous museums in the area. The tour representative will help assist in planning visits during your free day. Evening meal in Hotel.
Meals – B, L & D
AFTERNOON EXCURSION (OPTIONAL) or FREE DAY IN FATIMA
Morning – After breakfast, Holy Mass in the Sanctuary & opportunity to visit Chapel of Adoration & the Reconciliation Chapel.
Afternoon – After lunch, optional excursion to the beautiful historic university city of Coimbra. We will celebrate Holy Mass in the Carmel of St Teresa (where Sr Lucia lived for 57 years, until her death in 2005). Following Mass, we visit the stunning Monastery of Santa Clara-a-Nova; a masterpiece of baroque architecture. With its panoramic views over the city, this National Monument contains the tomb & shrine of Queen Saint Isabel of Portugal. Free time to relax before returning to Fatima.
NOTE: The excursion price will be provide with the travel documents. Payment will be accepted locally by the guide in Euros or Sterling.
For pilgrims who prefer to remain in Fatima, your guide will provide times for Masses and suggestions on how to spend you leisure day.
Meals – B, L & D
Morning – After breakfast, we will celebrate our closing Mass (Note: Mass on this day will either be at the Sanctuary at Fatima or Lisbon / TBC) before transfer to Lisbon airport for home-bound flight.
Flight departure at 3:15pm / arrival into Dublin Airport at 6:05pm.
Meals – Breakfast
Accommodation
Hotel Cinquentenário was opened in 1967 at the time of the 50th anniversary of the Apparitions of Our Lady of Fátima, thus its name is a tribute to the event. Nowadays, with a 4-stars rating and being just 60 metres from the Shrine, a privileged location, it seeks to pass on the art of wellness and hospitality.
All rooms have been carefully equipped and prepared with:
– Air Conditioning and Central heating
– Telephone with direct line to the outside
– Satellite TV
– Individual safe
– Electronic lock
– Hairdryer
– Cosmetic mirror
– Amenities
– Free Internet access
– Free cribs
For more details, please visit www.hotelcinquentenario.com/en
FAQs
The deposit per pilgrim is £195. If you request the Travel Insurance of the Tour Operator, this must be paid alongside the deposit.
Of course! You can make installments by cash or cheque (payable to Anam Cara Travel) to the Parish Office, or by online card payment to Anam Cara Travel. Just contact us at least 48 hrs in advance so we can prepare a link for the card payment. Alternatively, you can also pay Anam Cara Travel directly by Bank Transfer – using your Unique Booking Reference when making payments.
The full balance will be requested 9-weeks prior to departure (FRIDAY 15 AUGUST 2025).
Travel insurance is mandatory for all pilgrimages organised by Anam Cara Travel!
Travel insurance provides coverage for various unforeseen events such as trip cancellations, medical emergencies, lost luggage, and travel delays. Without insurance, you may be financially responsible for any expenses incurred due to such incidents. It is prudent to ensure your protect yourself and your investment in case of unexpected circumstances. It offers peace of mind and financial protection during your travels.
For your travel insurance, we are happy to refer you to Global Travel Insurance Services Ltd who are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and whose status can be checked on the FCA Register by visiting www.fca.org.uk or by contacting the FCA on 0845 606 9966, ‘Firm Ref’ 305686.
Please click on the following link to open the summary of cover of an insurance product which is suitable for all our trips.
Click to download the GLOBAL SINGLE TRIP – Summary of Cover
To obtain a Quotation, please CLICK HERE which will take you to the GTIS website.
Beyond providing this information, we are not permitted to assist you in any way in the arrangement of your travel insurance or give any advice.
If you would like any further information about their services, you should contact Global Travel Insurance on 01903 235042.
The GHIC replaced the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for all NI residents following the end of the Brexit transition period. It covers healthcare services for pre-existing conditions and chronic illnesses, as well as emergency medical treatment and maternity care.
The card is free of charge and can be obtained by applying through the official GHIC website or by contacting the NHS in Northern Ireland. It’s important to note that the GHIC is not a substitute for travel insurance and may not cover all medical expenses or repatriation costs. Travelers are still advised to obtain comprehensive travel insurance when traveling abroad.
The benefits of applying for a GHIC (Global Health Insurance Card) include:
Access to healthcare: A GHIC allows you to access state-provided healthcare services during temporary stays in EU countries, as well as Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein. This coverage includes necessary medical treatment for pre-existing conditions and chronic illnesses.
Emergency treatment: In the event of a medical emergency during your trip, a GHIC ensures you receive the necessary healthcare without incurring high out-of-pocket costs. This includes emergency medical treatment and maternity care.
Peace of mind: By having a GHIC, you can travel with peace of mind knowing that you have access to essential healthcare services in case of unexpected illness or injury while abroad.
The UK GHIC is not a replacement for travel insurance! We advise you to have private travel and medical insurance for the duration of your trip.
Apply for your Free GHIC card here
If a resident of the Republic of Ireland, please ensure you are in possession of your free EHIC card. For more details, please CLICK HERE
If you do not hold a valid UK, Irish or other EU passport, you might need to apply for a Schengen Visa to visit Portugal. Application opens 3 months prior to departure. Visa application costs are paid directly by the client. UK Passport Holders must have 3 months validity after the return date (25 Jan 2026) & not have been issued prior to 25 Oct 2015.
As of December 2024, it is still unclear when the ETIAS will be implemented for non-EU passport holders.
The rules of travel to Europe have changed. Starting in the first half of 2025, some 1.4 billion people from over 60 visa-exempt countries are required to have a travel authorisation to enter most European countries.
As of now, UK passport holders do not require an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorisation) to enter the European Union (EU). However, at some stage during 2025, UK passport holders and travellers from other visa-exempt countries will need to apply for an ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System). This will be completed online prior to arrival and should cost less than €15 for a 3-year visa (payable directly by the client).
When more details become available & should this affect our travel dates, the Tour Operator will contact all pilgrims.
The price is approx. £20 per person. The payment will be collected in Fatima by your guide. Details will be provided with your travel documents.
All passengers are permitted one hold luggage (maximum weight of 23 kg) and one small item of hand-luggage (8 kg). You will be advised of the luggage size dimensions in your travel pack (3 weeks prior to departure).
Our flights with TAP Air Portugal will depart from Dublin T1 to Lisbon Airport:
OUTBOUND: Sunday 19 Oct (depart 18:50pm / arrive 21:40pm) TP1325
INBOUND: Friday 24 Oct (depart 15:15pm / arrive 18:05pm) TP1324
In late October, Fatima, Portugal experiences the transition from autumn to early winter, with generally mild temperatures and changing weather patterns. Daytime temperatures typically range from around 12 to 18 degrees Evening temperatures tend to be cooler, ranging from 6 to 12 degrees. While it’s not as rainy as earlier in the month, you should still be prepared for some precipitation. It’s advisable to pack an umbrella or waterproof jacket just in case.
Overall, late October in Fatima can still be a pleasant time to visit, with cooler temperatures and fewer crowds compared to the peak summer months.
Whilst in Fatima, you are under no obligation to participate in all activities. You are invited to join whenever you wish or make your own time for private prayer / relaxation. Excursions are included but optional.
By packing a combination of lightweight layers, waterproof outerwear, and comfortable walking shoes, you’ll be well-prepared for the varying weather conditions in Fatima during late October. It is best to dress in layers, which can be removed to suit weather conditions. The Shrine request modest dress; no sleeveless shirts. If wearing shorts, ensure your knees are covered. Take protection from with sun, remember to pack a sunhat and a light umbrella.
All meals are covered whilst in Fatima (starting with breakfast on Day 2 and ending with breakfast on departure day – 13 meals in total). Meals are served as self-service buffet. Wine is included with all meals. The group will eat in the Hotel restaurant each day. If you have a special diet or allergy, you must inform your group leader or include details on the booking form.
No, this is not provided. You might consider taking a light travel kettle in your luggage along with a supply of Irish tea or your preferred coffee.
No, a porter service is not included at our hotel. Upon arrival at the hotel, your luggage will be unloaded and placed at the side of the coach or as near to the hotel reception. If you will have difficulty managing your luggage, please request assistance from your guide.
The following books are available to order online via Amazon or Google Play:
- What happened at Fatima (Book by Leo Madigan)
- Fatima in Lucia’s Own Words (Book by Sr. Lucia)
- Fatima for Today: The Urgent Marian Message of Hope (Book by Andrew Apostoli)
