Goa Historical Tour

Dudhsagar Waterfall Tour with Spice Garden and Lunch

One of India's tallest and most famous cascades, Dudhsagar Waterfall features in several Bollywood movies. You'll arrive by bus and transfer to an off-road vehicle for the last stretch. Ram, one of our expert local guides, says, ‘Known by locals as the Sea of Milk, legend has it that Dudhsagar Waterfall formed when a beautiful princess poured a golden jug of milk down the mountainside. It's true that when it has been raining, the cascades are milky white.' After the chance to swim in the rejuvenating cascades of water, you'll stop by a spice garden for a tasty local lunch.You'll start the day by passing through palm-shaded villages and paddy fields in vibrant Goa. Then switching to an off-road vehicle, you'll zigzag your way through jungle paths to arrive at Dudhsagar around the hottest time of the day. Spend some time soaking up wonderful views of the 1,000ft-high falls before cooling off, by jumping in. With free time to splash around in the foamy, white waters, you'll see monkeys swing through the trees to the sounds of the thundering falls.After your time at the famously scenic spot, you'll head to a nearby spice plantation for lunch. Enjoy your fill of tasty, local dishes – Goan food is known for its great flavours, and the Portuguese influence gives it that unique culinary twist. When you have finished your meal, you'll have time to wander the spice farm and learn all there is to know about the aromatics they produce, and how they are used.

Panaji & Old Goa Tour with Basilica of Bom Jesus Visit

Packed with religious monuments, grand cathedrals and colonial relics, it's easy to see how Goa became known as ‘The Rome of the East.' This tour takes in Goa's two atmospheric capitals – the current one, Panaji, and the former seat of Portuguese power, Old Goa. Pavan, one of our expert local guides, says, ‘Old Goa reflects the historical and cultural legacy of the region, with its impressive architecture, harmonious mix of religions, and UNESCO World Heritage status.'The morning kicks off in Panaji, where a stroll through its colourful Latin Quarter harks back to the days of Portuguese rule. With its rows of pastel-hued houses and wooden balconies, it's like a small slice of Lisbon washed up in India. Otherwise known as ‘Fontainhas,' the Latin Quarter is a testament to the cultural heritage of Goa. Look out for the Portuguese influences adorning historic buildings such as azulejo tiles and ornate windows.Next, it's time to visit Old Goa. Enter via Vasco de Gama's impressive Viceroy's Arch to discover the sacred relics at the Basilica of Bom Jesus, before moving on to the Se Cathedral to see its golden bell – the largest in Asia. In the afternoon, we'll visit a Hindu temple and a spice plantation. With a tour of the estate, you'll learn all there is to know about what they produce and enjoy a brew of its famous spiced tea. And to finish, you'll dine on a sumptuous selection of Goan dishes, followed by a chance to buy some spices to take home.

Colonial Goa Tour with Rickshaw and Train Ride

Travelling by rickshaw and rail, discover Goa's past as a Portuguese colony. With religious gems and relics aplenty, you'll call in at the city of Margao, hit a local market and finish up with a traditional lunch surrounded by colonial charm. Supriya, one of our expert local guides, says, ‘This tour gets you right into the heart of Goan life. You'll be shopping at the busy market where you'll see the great variety of produce grown in the region, then you'll travel by train and rickshaw, just as the locals do.' The morning kicks off in Margao – Goa's bustling commercial capital. With free time to explore the market here, you can wander its rows of colourful stalls and practice your bargaining skills. The market dates back to the pre-colonial era when it was a prominent trade centre for spices and other commodities. Today, you can find all sorts of fresh foods, clothing and trinkets, plus a flea market section. Then, hopping in a rickshaw, you'll be whisked to the station to catch the train to your next stop.Chugging to a halt in Sanvordem, you'll carry on by bus to Quepem to visit the impressive Palacio Deao. Boasting a superb blend of Hindu and Portuguese architecture, this carefully restored 200-year-old manor boasts impressive views of the Kushavati River. You'll take a guided tour to explore its airy, colonial interiors and exquisite gardens before lunch, where you'll get to try some of the best-loved Goan specialities.

Goa E-bike Tour of Divar Island with High Tea

The island of Divar is small enough to explore on foot, but even better to see by e-bike. Think paddy fields crisscrossed by rickety lanes, peeling colonial churches and brightly coloured temples. Discover it all in total comfort and ease, without leaving a carbon footprint.

Goa Mangroves & Crocodile Tour

The mangrove forests of Goa are a haven for rare plants, birds and wildlife. On this tour, you'll take a boat cruise downriver to spot freshwater crocs and hit a spice plantation to learn all there is to know about the exotic produce that thrives here. What's more, you'll have a traditional lunch included too.

Goa Historical Tour

Once known as the ‘Rome of the East', Goa is packed with religious monuments, grand cathedrals and colonial relics. As the seat of Portuguese rule for 200-years, Old Goa is steeped in rich history and architecture. In the Basilica of Bom Jesus, you'll discover the sacred relics kept there before moving on to the Se Cathedral to see its golden bell – the largest in Asia. Then, it's on to Panaji for a tasty lunch at the Goa Marriott or Vivanta by Taj. After, you'll head for a rickshaw ride around the city's old quarter before rounding off at the bustling daily market for free time to shop or explore.

Hampi Three-Day Tour

Long before the Greeks or Romans ever picked up a brick, there were magnificent temples in India. Travelling the authentic Indian way, you'll journey by train to Hampi to discover one of her most prized historical sites – the ancient city of Vijayanagar. Expect plenty of pretty villages, greenery and history on this three-day tour.

River Aldona Houseboat Tour

Pass ancient villages, temples and dense forests as you cruise the backwaters of the River Aldona in a traditional Goan houseboat. As you sail, grab a drink from the bar, try your hand at fishing, or just sit back and enjoy the peace. Then, as the sun sets, there's a traditional dinner, live music and an overnight stay in a plush cabin onboard.

Taj Mahal Three-Day Private Tour from Goa

If you haven't seen the Taj Mahal, you haven't really seen India. And although it's on the opposite side of the country to Goa, it's worth the trip. This private three-day tour takes in the spectacular domed mausoleum and a few other gems along the way.

Mumbai Sightseeing Tour

Experience one of the world's most vibrant cities on this whirlwind tour of Mumbai. Calling by all the city's top monuments, you'll also visit the sobering Dharavi slum – the largest in Asia. And travelling by plane means you have even more time to explore before heading back by train.