Private Tour of Fontainhas & Old Goa's Portuguese Heritage

Goa , India

Private Tour of Fontainhas & Old Goa's Portuguese Heritage

Active

(14 reviews)

4h - 6h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Discover Portuguese heritage & cultural in Goa, Enjoy a guided walk into the colourful neighbourhood of "Fontainhas", which stands as a testament to the region’s rich colonial history and cultural heritage.
Also discover best preserved colonial era churches like: Basilica of Bom Jesus which houses the mummified body of the patron saint of Goa, St. Francis Xavier. Magnificent "Se Cathedral" & finally experience the panoramic view from Dona Paula jetty.
NOTE: Tourists arriving by CRUISE ships CANNOT book this tour, because Sea Port authorities have their own transport setup.

Available options

Private Tour of Fontainhas & Old Goa's Portuguese Heritage

Pickup included

From Goa Port/dock

If arriving by cruise<br/>Guided<br/>Pickup & drop from Goa port<br/>Private car<br/>Pickup included

What's included

GST (Goods and Services Tax)

Transport by private vehicle

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Morning meet our host at your respective hotels. Get briefed about the day's plan, later get driven to Old Goa to discover Churches from Portuguese heritage, visit the famous Basilica of Bom Jesus which houses the mummified body of the patron saint of Goa, St. Francis Xavier. The Se Cathedral is dedicated to Saint Catherine of Alexandria. It is one of the oldest and most celebrated religious buildings in Goa and is one of the largest Churches in Asia. It houses a large Golden Bell on account of its rich tone. It is said to be the largest in Goa and One of the best in the world.

Stop 2

The Se Cathedral is dedicated to Saint Catherine of Alexandria. It is one of the oldest and most celebrated religious buildings in Goa and is one of the largest Churches in Asia. It houses a large Golden Bell on account of its rich tone. It is said to be the largest in Goa and One of the best in the world.

Stop 3

After the Churches, let’s take a walk in one of the Latin quarters located at Fontainhas in Panjim. As you pass through the famous statue of Abade Faria or Jose Custodio de Faria trying to hypnotize a women, next to the Government Secretariat, which was sculpted in 1945 by famous sculptor Ramchandra Pandurang Kamat of Madkai.

Later, we visit Dona Paula Jetty, a brief walk will get you to the main point of view, enjoy the sea breeze and the panaromic view of the Arabian Sea. Later, we drive for OPTIONAL Lunch at Upper House restaurant or Panjim Inn (at your expense if opted). Post lunch, we safely drive you to your respective resort.

What's not included

Food and drinks

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0

2 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 5.0

12 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Dress code is smart casual

About Goa

Goa is a vibrant coastal state in India known for its beautiful beaches, rich history, and unique blend of Indian and Portuguese cultures. It offers a mix of relaxation, adventure, and cultural experiences, making it a popular destination for travelers from around the world.

Top Attractions

Palolem Beach

Palolem Beach is one of the most beautiful and popular beaches in Goa, known for its golden sands, clear waters, and relaxed atmosphere.

Beach Half day to full day Free

Dudhsagar Falls

Dudhsagar Falls is one of India's tallest waterfalls, located on the Mandovi River. It's a stunning sight, especially during the monsoon season.

Nature Full day Free (parking fee may apply)

Basílica de Bom Jesus

The Basílica de Bom Jesus is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most famous churches in Goa, known for its Baroque architecture and the sacred relics of St. Francis Xavier.

Historical 1-2 hours Free (donations welcome)

Anjuna Flea Market

The Anjuna Flea Market is a popular weekly market where you can find a variety of items, including clothing, jewelry, souvenirs, and local crafts.

Market 2-3 hours Varies by item

Fort Aguada

Fort Aguada is a well-preserved Portuguese fort that offers stunning views of the Arabian Sea and the surrounding coastline.

Historical 1-2 hours INR 5 for Indians, INR 100 for foreigners

Must-Try Local Dishes

Goan Fish Curry

A spicy and tangy curry made with fresh fish, coconut milk, and a blend of spices.

Main Course Contains fish and coconut

Vindaloo

A spicy pork curry with origins in Portuguese cuisine, made with pork, vinegar, garlic, and red chilies.

Main Course Contains pork and spices

Bebinca

A traditional Goan dessert made with layers of flour, coconut milk, and jaggery, baked to perfection.

Dessert Contains flour, coconut, and jaggery

Coconut Feni

A local alcoholic beverage made from fermented coconut or cashew apples, known for its strong flavor and high alcohol content.

Drink Contains alcohol

Popular Activities

Water sports (jet skiing, parasailing, scuba diving) Trekking to Dudhsagar Falls ATV rides on the beach Beach lounging and sunbathing Yoga and meditation Spa treatments Visiting historical sites and museums Attending local festivals and events

Best Time to Visit

November to February

This is the best time to visit Goa, with pleasant weather, clear skies, and ideal conditions for beach activities and sightseeing.

25°C to 35°C 77°F to 95°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Konkani, English
Widely spoken: Portuguese, Marathi, Hindi
English: Widely spoken

Currency

Indian Rupee (INR)

Time Zone

IST (UTC+5:30)

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Goa is generally safe for travelers, with low crime rates and a welcoming atmosphere. However, as with any tourist destination, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.

Important Precautions:

• Be cautious of your surroundings, especially at night and in crowded areas.
• Use reputable taxi and tour services, and agree on a fare or price before starting your journey.
• Keep your valuables secure and out of sight, and avoid carrying large amounts of cash.

Getting there

By air

Dabolim Airport • 29 km from Panaji

By train

Thivim Railway Station, Madgaon Railway Station

By bus

Kadamba Transport Corporation (KTCL) Bus Stand in Panaji

Getting around

Public transport

KTCL buses are the most common and affordable way to get around Goa. They connect major towns and tourist spots.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Ola, Uber

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Panaji Calangute Vagator Colva Ponda

Day trips

Dudhsagar Falls

60 km from Panaji • Full day

Dudhsagar Falls is one of India's tallest waterfalls, located on the Mandovi River. It's a stunning sight, especially during the monsoon season.

Old Goa

10 km from Panaji • Half day to full day

Old Goa is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the former capital of Goa, known for its well-preserved Portuguese-era churches and cathedrals.

Spice Plantations

20-30 km from Panaji • Half day to full day

Goa is known for its lush spice plantations, where visitors can learn about the cultivation and processing of spices like pepper, cinnamon, and cardamom.

Festivals

Sunburn Festival • December Goa Carnival • February/March Sao Joao Festival • June 24th

Pro tips

Visit during the shoulder or off-peak season (March to May, October, or June to September) to avoid crowds and enjoy lower prices.
Rent a scooter or bike to explore the region at your own pace and discover hidden beaches and coves.
Try local street food and snacks, such as pork vindaloo, fish curry, and bebinca, for an authentic and delicious culinary experience.
Attend a local festival or event, such as the Sunburn Festival or the Goa Carnival, for a unique and unforgettable cultural experience.
Explore the region's rich history and culture by visiting ancient temples, churches, and museums, and learning about its Portuguese and Indian heritage.