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PanajiGuided tours

Our most recommended Panaji Guided tours

Panaji: Heritage Walk through Goa's Latin Quarter

1. Panaji: Heritage Walk through Goa's Latin Quarter

Meet your guide at the Panjim Head Post Office near the Mala district of Panjim. Walk through the lesser-known but culturally-rich Fontainhas area of Goa, the oldest and largest Latin quarter in Asia. See heritage homes, appreciate Portuguese architecture, meet friendly locals, and experience the cultural side of Goa. Developed in the late eighteenth century, Fontainhas derived its name - "little fountain" in Portuguese - from the springs found at the base of the Altinho hills. A strong Portuguese influence still prevails in this neighborhood, evident from the architectural style and the road names. Begin your walk at Tobacco Square and trace the arrival of the Portuguese in Goa. Along the way, your knowledgable guide will be happy to share information based on your personal interests. Pass by the small Church of San Thome. Stop into the quaint 31st January Bakery for a quick bite. Take photos against the neighborhood’s colorful backdrop as you make your way to the Chapel of San Sebastian. Explore interesting buildings around Panjim Inn, Fundacao Orient, and Galerie Gitanjali. Lastly, visit a famous Goan musician and learn about the Portuguese influence on Goan music. Before heading back to the meeting point, you can stop by a studio which makes handcrafted ceramic souvenirs.

Goa in 1 Day Tour with Churches,Temples,Spice Farm Tour

2. Goa in 1 Day Tour with Churches,Temples,Spice Farm Tour

You will be met at the cruise port by your guide who will take you to your transportation. Your journey will take you to the city of Panaji, which is the capital of the Indian state of Goa. Your walk will take you through the Portuguese Latin Quarters of Fontainhas (or Bairro das Fontainhas, in Portuguese). Many of the traditional houses here were built in the 18th and 19th centuries, and their red tiled roofs are what attracts tourists to this area year after year. You will then proceed to the old Goa Churches, Old Goa or Velha Goa (Velha means "old" in Portuguese). The remains of the city are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Old Goa contains churches affiliated to various congregations, including the Se Cathedral (the seat of the Archbishop of Goa), the Church of St. Francis of Assisi, the Church of S. Caetano, and notably, the Basilica of Bom Jesus which contains the relics of Saint Francis Xavier. The tour will then take a drive to the spice garden/plantation, where you will be welcomed in a traditional way before heading back to the cruise port.

From Panaji: North Goa Guided Sightseeing Tour

3. From Panaji: North Goa Guided Sightseeing Tour

Discover the city of sun, sand, and beaches like never before on this tour with an English-speaking guide. Start your tour with a visit to the Panjim Church where you can see the Altinho Hill stepped street and Archbishop's Palace. Continue with a visit to the Chapel of St Sebastian in the vibrant Fontainhas neighborhood and the Maruti Temple situated on top of the Altinho hillock. Next, visit the Institute Menezes Braganza, Campal Houses, Kala Academy, and Miramar Beach. Then explore some of Goa's magnificent churches, where you can learn more about the region's cultural and architectural history. Later, visit Fort Aguada and admire the picturesque lighthouse and Portuguese architecture of this 17th-century fort. Finish your tour with a stroll along the city's most famous beaches and enjoy a tasting of some local specialties. Get dropped off back at your hotel at the end of the day with a fresh perspective on the city and its culture, lifestyle, and history.

Divar Island: Local Goan Village Tour with Traditional Lunch

4. Divar Island: Local Goan Village Tour with Traditional Lunch

Go on a tour of Divar Island and discover the mix of paddy fields, ancient temples, pretty churches, Indo-Portuguese houses, and winding roads that speak to the region's complex history. As you disembark the ferry, meet locals sitting with their fishing rods cast in the Mandovi River and learn about the methods they use to snare a catch.  Then follow your local guide into the village, appreciating the rainbow of colorful houses lining the streets. Learn how the Portuguese occupation of the area shaped the village for centuries to come. Check out the 16th century St. Mathias Church, the quaint Our Lady of Candelaria Chapel, and the ancient Saptakoteshwar Temple. Stop into a traditional Goan bakery to see how the local bread is baked and snag a few recipes from the chef. After touring the village, fill up on a delicious lunch in a traditional Portuguese house. At the end of the tour, head up into the island hills and stop for a magnificent view of the Old Churches of Goa and the river below before taking a ferry back to the mainland. Special Note: This experience is not a walking trail and requires transportation. Explore the Island using your own vehicle, or the vehicle arranged by you, to arrive at the meeting location.

Goa: Old Goa Churches and Spiritual Walk

5. Goa: Old Goa Churches and Spiritual Walk

Your guide will meet you at your tour meeting point, from where you can get ready and fasten your seat belts before being taken on a journey through the Portuguese Era. You'll first be taken to the Basilica of Bom Jesus, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. From there you will visit the old Goa Churches, before moving on to the Church of St. Francis of Assisi. Next on your agenda will be the Archaeological Museum and Kristu Kala Mandir Art Gallery, which will be the most cultural element of your experience. The Sé Cathedral will be next, which is the largest church in Asia and contains a statue of Jesus. Finally, you'll explore the Adil Shah Palace Gateway, Viceroy’s Arch, and the Statue of Jesus. Your tour will then conclude with your touring the Church of St. Cajetan which provides excellent views of the Mandovi River and Divar Island.

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What people are saying about Panaji

We had a really enriching experience, loved walking through the colorful lanes and learning about roosters, roofs, sweets (got to eat some sweets as well) and Christmas, among other things. The tour ended with songs and we learnt a lovely dance step! Our storyteller was fabulous too!

Thank you for a great tour, Joe. Very much liked it and glad to have gotten a little taste of Goa and the churches. You are a great tour guide. Hope to do a longer Goa tour with you next time we visit!

it was a really great tour - totally worth it - we learned a lot and enjoyed walking around the beautiful latin quarter. The end part was very enjoyable- would definitely recommend!

The tour guide Nelson was great, he told us great stories about Goa and was there with all his love, you can tell he enjoys it. Super great

It was very informative and entertaining. I had lovely two hours.