6 Nights/ 7 Days
on request
South Goa Heritage Churches Day Tour.
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See UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Basilica of Bom Jesus and Se Cathedral.
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Visit the Church of St. Francis of Assisi and Church of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception.
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Explore Goan Archaeological Museum.
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Walk around in the scenic Latin Quarter of Panjim (Fontainhas).
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Go sightseeing at beautiful Miramar Beach and at Dona Paula Viewpoint.
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Explore Portuguese architecture, baroque and Gothic art and Goan culture.
- Route: Panjim and Scenic Beaches of South Goa, Old Goa Churches.
- Yatra Time: 6 Nights/ 7 Days
- Mode of Transportation: Tempo Traveller/Bus/Car
- Lodging: Hotels to Guest Houses and Dharamshalas
- Type of Package: Private/Customized
South Goa Heritage Churches Day Tour is the best kind of experience that every tourist can have, when it comes to history, culture and architecture. Goa is considered as very popular not only because of its beaches and night life but also its Portuguese heritage and beautiful churches that are dated back to the 16 th and the 17 th centuries. This is a day tour to the very core of South Goa where the large churches, old convents and quaint old quarters narrate the history of the colonial past of Goa. These churches with their beautiful baroque architecture, serene environment and status of a UNESCO world heritage will provide you with a preview of Goa beyond the sand and sea. You do not have to be a history lover, a photographer, or a person that is trying to find a peaceful escape, but this well-thought tour will surely offer you a day of culture and beauty.
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrival in Panjim
The heritage tour starts by a morning with you reporting at the starting point of Panjim, the Goan capital. The guide will then introduce you to the day schedule and details after giving you a warm welcome. Thence will follow a picturesque ride to Old Goa, along quaint Portuguese quarters, quaint houses of all colours, and palm-lined streets. The morning breeze is cool and the Goan relaxed atmosphere makes it a refreshing beginning of the tour.
Day 2 : Vital tour of Basilica of Bom Jesus.
Your tour begins with the popular Basilica of Bom Jesus which is one of the most renowned churches in Goa and a UNESCO World Heritage. This church contains the holy relics of St. Francis Xavier who is the patron saint of Goa. The Portuguese artistry is at its best evidenced in the beautiful baroque architecture, gilded altars and also in the carving of the woodwork. Your guide will tell you tales of the history of the church and its meaning to the Goan culture. Have time to enjoy the serene nature and take gorgeous pictures of this great monument.
Day 3 : Visit to Sé Cathedral
Then you will go to the magnificent Cathedral of the Sé that is one of the largest churches in Asia. This church, named after St. Catherine, leaves a huge impression on the visitors, standing with its huge building, elegant white front, and interior, which is Portuguese-Gothic. Its interior is adorned with the golden altars, the pictures of saints, and the famous Golden Bell which make it even more attractive. Take a little time of silence at this place, imbibing the religious air, and acquiring the history of the Portuguese occupation of Goa.
Day 4 : Archaeological Museum and the Church of St. Francis of Assisi.
The trip is followed by the visit of the Church of St. Francis of Assisi that is characterized by the mixture of the Tuscan and Manueline styles. The frescoes, the flowery carvings and the wooden statues are decorated with the scenes of the life of St. Francis. The Archaeological Museum of Goa right at the side of the church is also quite interesting with its fascination with artifacts, statues and paintings of Portuguese rule. This attraction is a better insight into the rich cultural heritage of Goa.
Day 5 : Miramar beach and Panjim Latin quarter.
You will be driven back to Panjim, after sightseeing the churches of Old Goa, to the lovely Latin Quarter of Fontainhas. It is full of tight lanes, Portuguese houses of all colors, and old chapels that form an image of the perfect European atmosphere. Have a relaxed stroll, make some photos of the colorful avenues, and have a cup of coffee in one of the tiny cafes. Then, visit Miramar Beach, a quiet strip of golden sand where you may relax and enjoy the sea breeze and then have lunch.
Day 6 : Lunch and Tour of Church of Our Lady of Immaculate Conception.
A lunch of delicious Goan fare would be waiting at a traditional restaurant where you will get to experience the traditional Goan dishes such as prawn curry, fish fry and bebinca (Goan dessert). In the afternoon, pay a visit to the Church of our lady of the immaculate conception, which is in the center of Panjim. It is one of the most photographed structures in Goa and is an iconic church whose bright white facade is fastened by zigzagging staircases. The view of the city is panoramic and this makes the church even more charming.
Day 7 : Departure and Sunset at Dona Paula.
The last stop of your tour would be the beautiful Dona Paula Viewpoint known with its romantic legend and its splendid views of the Arabian Sea. The setting of the sun in the shimmering waters will be accompanied by you thinking about the history and culture of the day. Once you have seen the beautiful scenic view, you will be put back at your hotel or starting point with the memories of the great churches and the heritage treasures of Goa.