Sacred Goa: Private Heritage Walk and Church Tour
Package price On Request
Product Code : AGORA310
Step into the rich tapestry of Goa's spiritual heritage with our "Sacred Goa: Private Heritage Walk and Church Tour." Commencing at 9:00 AM, your expert guide will accompany you from your hotel on an enlightening journey through centuries-old churches, each steeped in history and architectural grandeur. Witness the awe-inspiring Se Cathedral and the UNESCO-listed Basilica of Bom Jesus, housing the relics of St. Francis Xavier. Discover the Baroque wonders of the Church of St. Francis of Assisi and the exquisite Convent and Church of St. Cajetan. Explore a formidable fort, relish the essence of Fontainhas' heritage walk, and conclude your day at the captivating Church of Our Lady of Immaculate Conception. This tour is a spiritual sojourn through Goa's sacred past that promises to leave a lasting impression.
Your day of exploration commences at 9:00 AM as your guide collects you from your Goa hotel, setting the stage for a journey through the region's rich spiritual and architectural heritage. The first stop, Se Cathedral, a 16th-century masterpiece dedicated to St. Catherine of Alexandria, provides a glimpse into its fascinating history and breathtaking architectural elements, including the resplendent Corinthian columns and golden bell.
At 10:00 AM, you'll proceed to the renowned Basilica of Bom Jesus, a UNESCO World Heritage site housing the mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier. Here, you'll delve into the church's profound significance and its cherished artifacts, such as the silver casket that cradles the saint's remains.
By 11:00 AM, the charming Church of St. Francis of Assisi, an exemplary Baroque-style church erected in the 17th century, awaits your visit. Adorned with intricate carvings and frescoes, the church narrates the life of St. Francis of Assisi and other biblical tales, a narrative your guide will illuminate.
Following the exploration of this magnificent church, your path leads to the Convent and Church of St. Cajetan, a splendid structure inspired by Rome's St. Peter's Basilica. Built in the 17th century by Italian friars, it captivates with its remarkable paintings, frescoes, and carvings, all elucidated by your knowledgeable guide.
At 12:30 PM, the midday sun calls for a well-deserved lunch break.
1:30 PM marks the revival of your adventure with a visit to a nearby fort, perhaps the Aguada Fort, a testament to Portuguese architecture constructed in the 17th century. Here, the Arabian Sea unveils its grandeur, while your guide imparts historical insights.
Moving forward, at 3:00 PM, a heritage walk through the Fontainhas neighborhood unveils narrow streets and vibrant Portuguese-style residences. Admire landmarks like the Chapel of St. Sebastian, the Maruti Temple, and the Adil Shah Palace. This was once a thriving Portuguese commercial hub, a narrative that comes alive through your guide's stories.
As the clock strikes 4:00 PM, your journey leads to the Church of Our Lady of Immaculate Conception, a gleaming white sanctuary perched atop a hill in Panaji. While gazing at the panoramic view of the city and the Mandovi River, you'll absorb the church's history and cultural significance.
At 6:00 PM, the day's immersive journey comes to a close as your guide returns you to your Goa hotel, leaving you with a treasure trove of spiritual, historical, and architectural memories.
Private AC car/van for pick up and drop off from/to your hotel.
English speaking local guide, if option selected.
Entrance fees to monuments, if option selected.
Lunch, if option selected.
Bottled water in the car.
Government Taxes.
Camera charges at monuments.
Gratuities and optional activities.
Anything not mentioned in the inclusions.