DETAILED ITINERARY

Goa is the smallest state in India but, with its magnificent coastline that stretches endlessly along the warm Arabian Sea, it has attracted holiday makers to its splendid beaches for years. With an eclectic mix of Portuguese heritage, a wonderful climate, vibrant culture, delicious food, rich history and friendly people, Goa offers a wonderful sunshine holiday with plenty of things to see and do.

With over 65 miles of glorious coastline, beach lovers can choose between the bustling resorts of the north coast, or one of the quieter fishing villages in the south. All boast a great selection of beautiful palm-backed sandy beaches, many with traditional beach shacks selling tasty food and souvenirs.

With its own distinct culture, this former Portuguese colony blends ancient Indian traditions with European influences. You will find Hindu and Christian architecture side by side here, with lemon and pistachio heritage homes nestled amongst the verdant landscape. Goa is also renowned for its yoga, holistic spas and new age treatments, as well as fantastic sunsets over the Arabian Sea.

In addition to its sunshine and great beaches, Goa is a wonderful foodie destination with delicious regional Indian curries, as well as a wide variety of international cuisine. All manner of fresh seafood, meats, aromatic herbs and spices come together to produce Goan cuisine, and it’s certainly a treat for the taste buds. You can enjoy traditional dishes such as Goan fish curry, ‘chicken xacuti’ (a spicy chicken curry) and ‘bebinca’ (a mouth-watering layered-cake dessert). One of the best places to sample authentic Goan food is from one of the beachfront shacks. You should also try ‘feni’, a local spirit made from cashew apples or coconut palm sap. If you are a keen cook, why not participate in a hands-on cookery class, where you will get the opportunity to create a flavoursome dish.

The local markets are also fantastic with vibrant textiles, spices, beaded ornaments, local handcrafts, beautiful jewellery and so much more – but do expect to bargain keenly! Tailors will make you a fitted suit, light holiday outfits, special dresses or whatever else you fancy for a fraction of the cost you would pay back home, and prescription spectacles are very inexpensive.

When you are ready to do some sightseeing, step back in time and visit Old Goa (Panjim), today a World Heritage Site, with its historic churches and colonial quarters. You can see Fort Aguada, a 16th century Portuguese fort, and take a guided tour of a restored colonial mansion, such as the Palacio do Deao which is located on the Kushavati River in Quepem. In Loutolim you can visit the Ancestral Goa Centre (or Big Foot Museum), which has re-created a traditional Goan village to showcase local customs. Southern Goa has many quiet fishing villages with sandy beaches, temples and waterfalls waiting to be discovered.

Birdwatchers are truly spoilt for choice, with over 450 different species found in Goa. You can take a guided birding nature walk along the mangrove-lined River Sal, or a boat ride to Choroa Island which is home to the Dr Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary.

You can also explore Goa from the water, looking out for dolphins in the clear blue sea, enjoy an afternoon of crab fishing or cruise the backwaters of the Sal River.

If you head inland for 40 miles, you can swim in the pools of the Dudhsagar Falls on the Mandovi River, an impressive four-tiered waterfall that is one of the highest in India. You can also visit a spice plantation.

Overnight tours can be taken to the Goan backwaters, staying aboard a traditional houseboat on the Siolim River; or to Cola Beach where you can sleep overnight in a safari tent, complete with local food and entertainment. Two night tours are available to the ruins at Hampi, one of India’s top UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and/or to Delhi and the magnificent Taj Mahal. Three night tours explore Cochin and Kerala's backwaters, staying aboard a traditional houseboat for one night on Vembanad Lake.

Wherever you choose to stay in Goa, there are many sights to see!

PRICING

Price is based on two adults sharing en-suite accommodation, with meal plans varying from bed and breakfast to full board. International flights and resort transfers are included.

We offer a choice of hotels at different prices, so please discuss your requirements with us. All hotels are subject to availability.

It is essential that you have personal holiday insurance. The FCO should also be consulted.