Sacred Goa: Private Heritage Walk and Church Tour

9:00 AM - Your tour guide will pick you up from your hotel in Goa and drive you to your first stop, the Se Cathedral. This stunning church was built in the 16th century and is dedicated to St. Catherine of Alexandria, a Christian martyr. Your guide will give you a brief history of the church and explain its architectural features, including its impressive Corinthian columns, soaring vaulted ceiling, and golden bell.

10:00 AM - From there, you'll drive to the nearby Basilica of Bom Jesus, one of the most famous churches in Goa and a UNESCO World Heritage site. The church contains the mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier, a 16th-century Jesuit missionary who is regarded as one of the patron saints of Goa. Your guide will explain the significance of the church and its various artifacts, including the silver casket that contains the saint's remains.

11:00 AM - Your next stop will be the Church of St. Francis of Assisi, a beautiful Baroque-style church that was built in the 17th century. The church features intricate carvings and frescoes that depict scenes from the life of St. Francis of Assisi, as well as other saints and biblical figures. Your guide will take you on a tour of the church and explain its architectural features, as well as its cultural and historical significance.

12:00 PM - Just a short walk from the Church of St. Francis of Assisi is the Convent and Church of St. Cajetan. This stunning church was modeled after St. Peter's Basilica in Rome and was built in the 17th century by Italian friars. The church features beautiful paintings and frescoes that depict scenes from the life of Jesus, as well as intricate carvings and sculptures. Your guide will give you a brief history of the church and explain its cultural and religious significance.

12:30 PM - Lunch Break

1:30 PM - After a break for lunch, your tour will continue with a visit to a nearby fort. One option could be the Aguada Fort, a well-preserved Portuguese fort that was built in the 17th century. The fort offers panoramic views of the Arabian Sea and the surrounding coastline. Your guide will provide you with insights into the history and significance of the fort.

3:00 PM - After the fort visit, your tour will proceed with a heritage walk through the Fontainhas neighborhood, a charming area of narrow streets and colorful Portuguese-style houses. Your guide will point out various landmarks along the way, including the Chapel of St. Sebastian, the Maruti Temple, and the Adil Shah Palace. You'll also learn about the history and culture of the area, which was once a thriving commercial hub for the Portuguese.

4:00 PM - Your final stop will be the Church of Our Lady of Immaculate Conception, a stunning white-washed church that sits atop a hill in Panaji. The church was originally built in the 16th century but was later rebuilt in the 18th century in the Baroque style. From the top of the hill, you'll have a stunning panoramic view of the city and the Mandovi River. Your guide will give you a brief history of the church and explain its cultural and religious significance.

6:00 PM - After the tour, your guide will drop you off at your hotel in Goa.