Tour Overview
The Old Goa Heritage Walk is a deeply immersive journey through one of India's most extraordinary colonial histories. Goa was under Portuguese rule for 451 years — longer than any other colonial territory in Asia — and the architectural, culinary and cultural legacy of that era is astonishing in its depth and variety.
The tour centres on Old Goa's UNESCO World Heritage Site churches — including the Basilica of Bom Jesus, which houses the preserved body of St Francis Xavier, one of Catholicism's most important saints. The Se Cathedral is the largest church in Asia, while the Church of St Francis of Assisi contains some of the finest religious art in India.
Beyond the churches, you will explore the colourful Fontainhas Latin Quarter in Panjim — Goa's capital — where pastel-painted Portuguese villas line narrow cobbled lanes. A traditional Goan spice plantation tour with a home-cooked lunch rounds off a genuinely enriching cultural experience.
Tour Highlights
Basilica of Bom Jesus — UNESCO World Heritage Site housing the relics of St Francis Xavier
Se Cathedral — The largest church in Asia — a magnificent example of Portuguese-Manueline architecture
Fontainhas Latin Quarter — Goa's colonial Portuguese neighbourhood with pastel villas and cobbled lanes
Spice Farm Tour — Guided tour of a traditional Goan spice plantation with home-cooked lunch
Church of St Francis of Assisi — Exceptional 16th-century religious paintings and gilded woodwork
Goan Home Kitchen — Traditional Goan thali lunch with a local family in their ancestral home
Goa State Museum — Collection of Hindu, Christian and Islamic art spanning 2,000 years of Goa's history
Photography Walk — Curated photography walk through the most photogenic spots of Old Goa
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Arrival in Goa — Panjim Orientation
Arrive in Goa. Transfer to heritage hotel in Panjim. Evening walking tour of Panjim's Church Square and the Immaculate Conception Church. Dinner at a traditional Goan restaurant. Overnight in Panjim.
Old Goa UNESCO Heritage Circuit
Full day in Old Goa. Guided tour of Basilica of Bom Jesus, Se Cathedral, Church of St Cajetan and Church of St Francis of Assisi. Goa State Museum. Photography walk through the ruins of the old city. Overnight in Panjim.
Fontainhas Latin Quarter & Spice Farm
Morning heritage walk through Fontainhas — the last remaining Latin Quarter in Asia. Pastel houses, ancestral mansions and century-old chapels. Afternoon drive to a traditional spice plantation. Guided tour and home-cooked Goan lunch. Overnight in Panjim.
Goan Home Kitchen & Departure
Morning traditional Goan cooking class or home-style breakfast with a local family. Visit the Saturday Bazaar for Goan pickles, spices and feni liqueur. Transfer to airport. Tour concludes.
Inclusions & Exclusions
✓ Included
- 3 nights heritage hotel in Panjim
- Daily breakfast
- 1 traditional Goan thali lunch (spice farm)
- Guided Old Goa UNESCO heritage tour
- Fontainhas walking tour with expert guide
- Spice plantation tour
- Goa State Museum entry
- All transfers by private AC vehicle
- All monument entry fees
✕ Not Included
- Flights / train tickets
- Travel insurance
- Dinners (except Day 1 welcome dinner)
- Tips & gratuities
- Personal shopping
- Anything not in inclusions