10/11/2026
A Day of History, Faith & Portuguese Charm
After a peaceful night at the beautiful Montebelo Mosteiro de Alcobaça Monastery Hotel, we began our day exploring the magnificent Alcobaça Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Its soaring Gothic church and the moving tombs of King Pedro I and Inês de Castro tell one of Portugal’s most tragic love stories. Legend says their tombs face one another so they can find each other again in eternity.
Next, we visited Fátima, where three young shepherd children reported seeing the Virgin Mary in 1917. Standing in this sacred place and learning about the famous Miracle of the Sun brought the history and devotion of millions of pilgrims to life.
Our stay at Luz Charming Houses was another delight—a peaceful retreat nestled among trees and flowers, complete with cozy fireplaces, a natural grotto, and a wonderfully unique pool. 🌿
Lunch at Tia Alice was a taste of authentic Portuguese hospitality, with comforting homemade food and a lovely connection to the story of two of Fátima’s shepherd children, Francisco and Jacinta Marto.
The perfect ending? Joining approximately 2,000 people for the 9:30 p.m. candlelight procession at the Sanctuary of Fátima. Thousands of flickering candles, quiet prayers, and a profound sense of peace made it an evening we won't soon forget.
And our new favorite Portuguese expression: “Bem haja”—a heartfelt way of wishing someone well.
A day filled with beauty, history, faith, and gratitude. Portugal continues to touch our hearts in the most unexpected ways.