SHORE EXCURSION OR ONE DAY TOUR
Explore the outstanding Tropical Spice Plantation and the fascinating Panjim Bazaar after visiting Basilica of Bom Jesus and Cathedral of Saint Catherine that no visitor to Goa should ever miss.
SPECIAL OFFER
Individual bookings now : $120US
OFTEN FULL : We strongly recommend that you book well ahead in order to ensure to do the Spicy Goa with the experts of Shore Excursions India.
HIGHLIGHTS
Basilica of Bom Jesus
Cathedral of Saint Catherine
Tropical Spice Plantation
Lunch at the plantation
Panjim Bazaar
PICK UP and DROP OFF
Shore Excursions : Our vehicle will enter the protected Cruise Ship Port to pick you up as you leave your ship and to return you there at the end of your excursion before your ship’s sailing time.
One day tours : We will collect you at the location defined in your booking agreement (hotel, airport, train station, …) and return you there or to a different predefined place.
ITINERARY
Basilica of Bom Jesus
The famous Basilica of Bom Jesus is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is considered to be one of the best examples of baroque architecture in India.
The Basilica houses the mummified body of the patron saint of Goa, Saint Francis Xavier. The remains of the saint attract a huge number of visitors, Christian and non-Christian alike, especially during the public viewing of his body every ten years (last held in 2014). The saint is said to have miraculous powers of healing.
Construction work on the church began in 1594. The church was consecrated in 1605.
The floor is of marble inlaid with precious stones. Apart from the elaborate gilded altars, the interior of the church is simple. The main baroque style altar holds a large statue of Saint Ignatius of Loyola, the founder of the Society of Jesus (Jesuits), and one of Francis Xavier’s companions whose words drew him to a reformed life. It stands between Solomonic pillars above which is the name of Jesus in the IHS monogram and the Holy Trinity.
The church also holds paintings of scenes taken from the life of Saint Francis Xavier. The mausoleum, on the top of which is placed the silver casket with the body of Saint Francis Xavier was the gift of the last of the Medicis, Cosimo III.
On the upper level, overlooking the tomb, is the Bom Jesus Basilica Art Gallery, containing the works of the Goan surrealist painter, Dom Martin.
Cathedral of Saint Catherine
The cathedral is locally known as “Sé Cathedral”. The word Sé is Portuguese for See which denotes a bishop’s ecclesiastical jurisdiction The Se Cathedral was built to commemorate the victory of the Portuguese over a Muslim army, leading to the capture of the city of Goa in 1510. Since the day of the victory happened to be on the feast of Saint Catherine, the cathedral was dedicated to her.
Construction began in 1562. Completed in 1619 it was consecrated in 1640. It originally had two towers, but one collapsed in 1776 and was never rebuilt. It is one of the largest churches in Asia. The church houses the Golden Bell, the largest bell in Goa.
On the tomb of Saint Francis Xavier can be seen the Golden Rose presented to the Cathedral by Pope Pius XII in 1953. The Golden Rose is a gold ornament blessed by a pope and conferred as a token of reverence or affection.
In 2015 a memorial stone was erected in the courtyard to honour Andrius Rudamina, the first Lithuanian, a Jesuit, who arrived in Goa in 1625.
Tropical Spice Plantation
Here, the harmony of nature and tradition will leave extraordinary memories. The tropical spice plantation offers the perfect setting for you to soak in pure unadulterated Indian nature in this area spread over large tract of verdant land. It is located near Keri (Ponda), a village untouched by pollution. You will experience the respect of traditions which enhance the environment where the local villagers cultivate various tropical vegetables, fruits and spices.
The guided tour of the plantation will refresh your senses and make you feel a part of nature. You will indulge in a riot of colours in the butterfly garden, as the latest additions to the already magnificent ecosystem fly around and delight in the sight of tens of species of birds within the plantation.
Optional activities at supplementary cost :
There will be time for additional optional activities such as buying local grown authentic organic spices, enjoying the Elephant ride, experiencing a bathing session or meandering around the beautiful plantation.
Lunch at the plantation
Lunch is provided from a buffet of delicious local dishes from which everyone finds things to suit their taste. In harmony with the plantation, healthy and nutritious food is served in a traditional manner on a banana leaf.
Panjim Bazaar
Villagers from all parts of Goa flock to Panjim bazaar seeking good deals for local products. The caricatures on the huge walls of the market depict the different trades which have been here through the ages.
You will find fascinating items on display on the large number of stalls and boutique shops. The wonderful aromas will attract you to the spice specialists where you can see, and maybe buy, the exotic spices and herbs which are grown in the marshlands of Goa.
UPCOMING CRUISE SHIP ARRIVALS TO GOA
VESSEL NAME | ARRIVAL | DEPARTURE |
AIDAvita | 3-Nov-2019 | 3-Nov-2019 |
Costa Victoria | 7-Nov-2019 | 7-Nov-2019 |
Silver Spirit | 20-Nov-2019 | 20-Nov-2019 |
Costa Victoria | 21-Nov-2019 | 21-Nov-2019 |
Seven Seas Voyager | 22-Nov-2019 | 22-Nov-2019 |
Costa Fortuna
Norwegian Jade |
23-Nov-2019
4-Dec-2019 |
23-Nov-2019
4-Dec-2019 |
Costa Victoria
Oceana |
5-Dec-2019
6-Dec-2019 |
5-Dec-2019
6-Dec-2019 |
Celebrity Constellation | 10-Dec-2019 | 10-Dec-2019 |
Oceania Nautica
Costa Victoria |
15-Dec-2019
19-Dec-2019 |
15-Dec-2019
19-Dec-2019 |
Celebrity Constellation
Costa Victoria |
26-Dec-2019
2-Jan-2020 |
26-Dec-2019
2-Jan-2020 |
THE PRICE
SPECIAL OFFER
Individual bookings now : $120US
The price includes
Pick up and drop off at your ship in Goa Port or at your hotel
Fully air conditioned vehicle, recent and in excellent condition
Escort by a friendly professional English speaking guide
Entrance toi the Tropical Spice Plantation
Entrance fees to the other selected sites and camera fees where applicable
Lunch at the Tropical Spice Plantation
A bottle of water per person in the vehicle
BOOK NOW
Please use the form below to book your trip with Shore Excursions India. We have a policy of replying within 48 hours.
If you are a Cruise Ship Guest booking a Shore Excursion, please indicate the excursion you require and the name of your ship.
Otherwise, please indicate the tour you have selected and the points of pick up and drop off.
More Goa Excursions
You can use the following links to offers on our other Goa Excursions
Each page gives the itinerary of the excursion, its price and a booking facility.
Discover Goa
OUR COMMITMENT TO YOUR SATISFACTION
WE ARE are a Government Approved Tours and Travel Company and a Government Approved Cruise Liner Transporter.
WE HOLD the Government Permit allowing entrance to the protected Cruise Ship Port.
WE PICK YOU UP as you leave your ship and to return you there at the end of your excursion before your ship’s sailing time.
WE PROVIDE excursions for Cruise Ship travellers wishing to discover the incredible sites of India in and around our wonderful city.
WE SERVE cruise ships regularly and know how to meet their requirements.
OUR EXCURSIONS are all-included no-hassle excursions with no add-ons and no unwanted commercial visits. Obviously you will support any personal expenses you might decide to incur.
OUR VEHICLES are recent, fully air conditioned, comfortable, safe, clean and perfectly serviced.
OUR SMALL GROUP POLICY enables you to enjoy a private tour in a convivial atmosphere, ideal for communicating with your guide and visiting the sites together.
OUR GUIDES are English Speaking Official Guides who will accompany you during the whole of the excursion, guide you round the sites, and explain local culture and history. They will be delighted to give you any additional information you might request (if you prefer another language, please consult us for a quote).
OUR DRIVERS are Government Registered Tourist Drivers who furthermore have signed our Drivers’ Charter.
OUR EMPLOYEES are professional, experienced and trustworthy local people who will look after you at all times.
WE CARE FOR YOU AS OUR GUEST to ensure you enjoy your excursion in comfort and security. We will take you only to safe areas and to places of proven quality.
CUSTOMER REVIEWS can be found on this website and on the links to TripAdvisor. We encourage you to add your own review after your excursion to help Cruise Ship travellers choose us.
OUR REPUTATION depends on YOUR SATISFACTION and we are organised to achieve your satisfaction during your excursion.
… IF YOU ARE HAPPY, WE ARE HAPPY.