Goa In A Nutshell - EXOTIC GOAN EXCURSIONS

A Concise View Of Goa for its Culture and Heritage.
Duration : 4 Hours

An ideal tour for travelers who have a limited amount of time to spend while on a visit to Goa, and would like to explore the culture and history of Goa to its full potential. This tour experience for me is very special as I love to explain about the once prosperous capital city for what it was in the bygone days. To unravel the mysteries as to why this once prosperous trade and commerce city known as the Rome of the East across the world was abandoned. An intense explanation of the world heritage monuments Basilica of Bom Jesus and the Se cathedral. Explore with me my neighborhood Fontainhas on a Heritage walk and feel the nostalgia of where I have grown up as a child be mesmerized by the colonial buildings and houses of the past painted with bright pastel colors today. Learn with me the cultural customs and traditions as we walk these quaint streets that were once a part of our lifestyle. Finally a quick stop at a local fruit, flower and vegetable market, to see the local produce.

Itinerary :

Visit Colonial quarter Fontainhas.
Visit a traditional Fruit, Flower and Vegetable Market.
Visit the world heritage monument at Old Goa: Basilica of Bom Jesus and Sé Cathedral.

Inclusions :

Experienced Tour Guide.
Air Conditioned Vehicle.
500ml Cold Bottled Water.

Exclusions :

No Beverages or Lunch will be provided on this tour.

Meeting Point : Pickup from Guest Location by Air Conditioned Car.

Operational Days : Monday to Saturday (Please inquire about Sunday as certain places of visit could likely be closed)

Group Size : Min. 2 – Max. 12 Participants

Timing : 9:00 AM, 02:00 PM

Age Restrictions : N/A.

Safety Measures Guidelines:

Protect against sunlight exposure with application of sunscreen.
Carry your own umbrellas and raincoats during monsoon season.
No loud talking in the colonial quarters as it is a residential area.
No posing for photos in front of people’s homes.
Dress Code At Places Of Worship:
- A strict dress code to be followed.
- NO sleeveless tops or short shorts. Cover shoulders in case wearing sleeveless top.
- Shorts have to be below knee length, No mini skirts, No strapless or fine strap dresses or short dresses or Sleeveless T-shirts or T-shirts or Blouse tops above midriff.

Price Details :

NOTE: Costing will change if group size is 4 pax and above.

PLEASE CHECK CALENDAR FOR AVAILABILITY.

Incredible Personalized Tour.

September 20, 2023

I had no idea I’d get such an incredible personalized tour. His name is Mario, and he was very helpful and friendly to us. Throughout our tour, he directed and informed us in great detail. He told us about each site of interest in thoroughness, as well as what was nearby.

We went to Utorda Beach, two churches, Basilica de Bom Jesus and Se Cathedral, and the epic local market in Panjim Municipal Market. Mario Miranda’s panting was on display at that market. I love his wonderful picture. Mario patiently explained many of the items sold in the market (brown rice, flowers, and various vegetables, etc.).

During the journey, it rained. But, it did not prevent us from buying souvenirs or stuff. Mario drove us to the shopping center on June 18th Road. He is very patient in waiting for us to walk through the various shops.

The last place we went was Fountainhas, where we had the opportunity to try the Bebinca cake. I like it:D, it has a sweet taste and a soft texture. We toured and learned a lot about Fountainhas history. We discovered many colorful houses that were extremely interesting. Unfortunately, it rained heavily, and we wanted to finish our tour before continuing on to our last destination, a resort where we would stay.

Thank you really lot. Mario, many thumbs up. We had so many wonderful impressions of Goa because of you. Stay healthy to all of us.

Melinda S

Response from EXOTIC GOAN EXCURSIONS

Thank you Melinda so very much for this very kind elaborate review of your tour experience of Goa. I am very glad that you enjoyed thoroughly the entire experience of the churches at old Goa , the local market and the old quarters Fontainhas.

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Please allow 2-3 days advance notice for any booking.

If you have selected "A Nostalgic Evening Walk Down Fontainhas With a Tasting of Home-Brewed Wines" tour, please submit your ID proof by replying to the booking confirmation email you will receive after completing your booking.

      EXCELLENT  
   Based on 134 reviews 
    
 
 
 
   
 
 
       Posted on Google  
   
   Becky S 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. A Wonderful, Personal Tour of Fontainhas with Mario! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

We thoroughly enjoyed our private walking tour of Panjim and the beautiful Fontainhas quarter with Mario, a long-standing local resident and wonderfully knowledgeable guide.

His fascinating insights into Goa's Portuguese history, architecture and the stories behind the buildings really brought the streets to life. We particularly enjoyed learning about the complexities of historic property ownership and how these continue to shape the area today.

Along the way, we sampled delicious treats from a traditional bakery, enjoyed refreshing lime sodas and had the privilege of visiting a beautiful family home dating back to 1827, complete with original period furniture and homemade wine!

What made the tour especially enjoyable was Mario's warmth, local connections and willingness to share his knowledge of both historic and contemporary Goan life.

We would wholeheartedly recommend Mario to anyone looking for an authentic, engaging and personal walking tour of this fascinating part of Goa. A wonderful experience!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   rohanuplekar 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We booked a private tour with Mario last month and it ended up being one of the highlights of our time in Goa. From the start, the travel arrangements were comfortable and seamless. The pickup was on time, the vehicle was clean and comfortable, and the driver was safe and courteous, so we could relax and enjoy the day. Mario is a genuinely knowledgeable guide. The history of the churches in Old Goa, the Portuguese influence on the architecture, and the stories behind Fontainhas came alive in a way no guidebook could manage. He tailored the day to what we were interested in and answered every question we had. He never rushed us, which left real time to enjoy each stop along the way.

What really set the experience apart was his attention to detail and how personable he was. He thought of the small things without being asked, and it felt like we were being shown around by a friend rather than a hired guide. There was no pressure to shop or to stop anywhere we didn't want to, and he was warm, patient, and clearly wanted us to have a great day. If you want to understand Goa's history and culture rather than just tick off sights, I can't recommend him highly enough.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Ryan Carvalho 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We had an excellent and truly illuminating session with Mario, who was unfailingly polite and remarkably knowledgeable! He took great care to explain the details and context behind every point of interest on our walking tour of Old Goa's churches.

Whether it was a specific architectural feature of a church or the reason a particular element was built the way it was, no detail was too small for Mario.

He answered our many questions with great patience and an impressive command of the lesser-known history of the area and its venerable institutions.

I should mention that our entire group was Goan, keen to learn more about our own rich heritage, and Mario delivered in spades!

I highly recommend this tour to anyone visiting Old Goa and wanting to explore its multi-layered, endlessly fascinating history.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   SAYANTANI PAUL 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We had booked the Fontainhas heritage walk with Mario. Mario was extremely knowledgeable about Goa’s history, especially of Panjim. Walking around Fontainhas and getting to know the significance of various details (be it buildings, local businesses, arts) was really amazing. Would definitely recommend anyone visiting Goa to avail this heritage walk with Mario!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   vaibhav soni 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Everything about the tour was a memory that's etched deep in our lives - i would rather say that Mario was the perfect host and made us feel comfortable
Carefully chosen places - each with a story as exclusive and special through the eyes and words of Mario is captivating and surreal
Cheers to Mario
Regards
Vaibhav soni (loads of love from Ira)
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Adam Phua 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Learned a lot about Goan history and covered all the main tourist attractions with good insights into each location. The plantation tour was educational and very interesting
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Chris Campbell 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Mario was an amazing tour guide. He created a fantastic tour for us, spoke amazing English and knew what to recommend.  Would Have no hesitation about booking with him again.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Ralf Diener 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I highly recommend Mario, with whom I spent two days in South Goa. He has a deep knowledge of culture and history, which he shared in a pleasant way without being pushy. Mario tailored the two-day itinerary to my preferences on short notice and organized everything very well.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   João Oliveira 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I had the distinct pleasure of being guided through Goa by Mário, whose professionalism and expertise made the entire experience exceptionally rewarding.

Mário possesses an impressive depth of knowledge of Goa’s history, which he conveys with clarity, enthusiasm, and a genuine passion for the region. His explanations struck an excellent balance between detail and accessibility, allowing for a rich understanding of both the historical context and the cultural nuances of the area.

What truly set Mário apart, however, was his remarkable ability to adapt the experience to my specific interests and preferences. He took the time to understand what I wished to see and experience, and from this, he crafted a thoughtfully tailored itinerary that maximised both time and enjoyment. This flexibility and attentiveness ensured that every moment felt purposeful and engaging.

In addition to his professional capabilities, Mário is an exceptionally pleasant and courteous individual. His warm demeanour and natural friendliness made the experience not only informative but also genuinely enjoyable. His command of English is excellent, facilitating clear communication throughout and allowing for meaningful and fluid conversation.

I would not hesitate to recommend Mário to anyone seeking a knowledgeable, adaptable, and personable guide in Goa. His dedication to delivering a high-quality, personalised experience is evident in every aspect of his work.
  
 
  
  
 
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