Silversea Luxury Cruises A MORMUGAO (Goa)

Once the capital of Portuguese Goa, the Old Town remains the spiritual heart of the territory and is renowned for its baroque churches and convents, all UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Tourists come from all over to admire the imposing façades and gilt altars of beautifully preserved churches; pilgrims come to see the tomb of St. Francis Xavier in the Basilica of Bom Jesus.

This tour provides an introduction to Old Goa and Panjim.

From Marmugao port, a 50-minute drive brings you to Old Goa, where your first stop is at the Basilica of Bom Jesus.

Basilica of Bom Jesus

Whilst the church is a fine example of Jesuit architecture with its heavily decorated interior, Bom Jesus is visited mainly for the precious relic it contains. Here worshipers or the simply curious can view the body of Saint Francis Xavier. The remains of the renowned 16th-century missionary are enshrined in a dazzling silver casket. The surrounding chapel, constructed of marble and jasper, was the gift of one of the last Medici. The elaborate tomb is an ironic final resting place for a man who ardently refused such splendour throughout his life.

Se Cathedral

Also known as St. Catherine's Cathedral, the Se was commissioned to be "a grandiose church worth of the wealth, power and fame of the Portuguese who dominated the seas from the Atlantic to the Pacific." It is still larger than any church in Portugal. Its exterior is in Tuscan style, with one remaining tower containing the "Golden Bell", which was rung during the Inquisition to announce the public torture and burning of suspected heretics. The gilded, ornate main alter is dedicated to St. Catherine of Alexandria; paintings depict scenes from her life and martyrdom.

Church of St. Cajetan

Not far away is the Church of St. Cajetan, modelled on St. Peter's in Rome. Behind its neo-classical façade is an interior that is pure, unrestrained baroque. Hidden beneath the church is a crypt where the embalmed bodies of Portuguese governors were kept in lead coffins before they were shipped back to Lisbon. Forgotten for a time, the last batch was removed only in 1992.

On your way back to the port, your drive takes you through the Panjim city area, Goa's bustling capital.

Please note: This tour involves moderate walking between the churches, which are all fairly close together. Appropriate dress is required for the church visits (no short shorts or bare shoulders). We recommend bringing sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat.

Discover the beautifully preserved heritage of Goa and the old world charm of Portuguese-style mansions in the Latin Quarters; a unique collection and display of original farming implements and other ancient tools of trade, set against the backdrop of a traditional organic farm, at the Goa Chitra Museum.

Depart the pier for an approximate 60-minute drive to Margao, also known as the commercial capital of Goa. Having preserved its rich historical past and diverse cultural heritage, feel the old world charm with Portuguese-style mansions dotting the landscape.

Latin Quarters

Walk through the 'Latin Quarters' - narrow streets, Portuguese-style lively painted old villas and red-tiled roofs with overhanging balconies. Laid out on reclaimed land at the base of a hillside Altinho with natural springs, it was given the name Fontainhas (fountains in Porto). Apart from the architecture, you will notice the Mediterranean influence in the signs and cobbled streets as you walk along. You will walk past the Holy Spirit Church in the old market square - originally built by the Jesuit missionaries in 1564, it is a fine example of Indian Baroque style architecture.

Goa Chitra Museum

Your next stop is the Goa Chitra Museum, an ethnographical museum. Founded by Victor Hugo Gomes, it has a unique collection and display of original farming implements and other ancient tools of trade, set against the backdrop of a traditional organic farm. Showcasing more than 4000 artefacts it is a reflection of various civilizations, their lifestyles, crafts art and folklore. On exhibit, you will find objects like time-worn modes of transport - carts, carriages, palanquin; old tools used by various craftsmen - carpenters, goldsmiths, cobblers, barbers, blacksmith; ancient weights and scales. The structure of the museum blends modern technology with traditional materials and elements such as wood, stone, doors, windows, pillars and railings that were salvaged by the designer from more than 300 traditional houses that were being demolished.

At the conclusion of the tour reboard you coach for the approximate 60-minute drive back to the pier.

Please Note: This tour requires a moderate amount of walking for approximately 350 metres (1148 feet) and 5 steps at Goa Chitra Museum over sometimes uneven and cobblestone surfaces and it is not suitable for guests with limited mobility or those who utilise a wheelchair. Guests are required to wear respectful attire when visiting the churches (no exposed knees and shoulders). We recommend guests wear light comfortable clothing and comfortable walking shoes, sunglasses, sunscreen and a hat. Posing for personal pictures and flash photography is prohibited inside the churches. At some sites, depending on traffic and parking conditions, it may be necessary to cross busy streets. Sites may also be crowded and guests need to exercise normal caution. Vehicles used are the best available in the city, they will not be of the same standard as vehicles found in Western Countries.

Travel away from the city and the Portuguese influence with its many churches. Pass through small towns and villages, and feast your eyes on large elegant homes and brilliant green rice paddies. In the lush valleys and forests of Ponda are hidden a number of Hindu temples, built in the 17th and 18th centuries by those who attempting to practice their traditional religion away from the prying eyes and persecution of the Portuguese.

Visit a temple dedicated to the Goddess Durga, also known as the Goddess of Peace. Considered one of the most important and the largest in Goa, the original temple was destroyed by the Portuguese in 1564 but the idol of the Goddess was taken away to safety and subsequently brought to its present abode. Constructed in 1738 A.D., it is an unusual temple with a pagoda like structure and a roof made up of long slabs of stone. The impressive idol of the Goddess dominates the temple.

Following your visit, a 30-minute drive takes you to a spice plantation for an introduction to Goa's cherished spices. They are an ever present part of daily life and essential in flavouring the distinctive regional cuisine.

Spices are an ever-present part of Indian life - they are essential in flavouring the distinctive regional cuisines and if you keep your eyes open you will see their bright colors reflected in the ladies' saris, and decorative textiles everywhere.

To find out where they come from you will pay a most enjoyable visit to a spice plantation. Take a guided walk through the trees see what you can identify, smell, taste, and learn about the myriad spices for which India is renowned. And what place could be more perfect for a meal? Enjoy lunch here where everything is fresh and fragrant. Don't worry, the simple, tasty food will be spiced for Western tastes, and the preparation of each will be explained.

After lunch, conclude this delightful outing with the drive back to the port at Marmugao and the ship.

Please note: This tour involves moderate walking at the spice plantation. Uneven ground and some inclines require sure-footing and make the tour unsuitable for wheelchairs. We recommend wearing comfortable shoes and bringing sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat. Proper attire is required to visit the temple. Shorts and short skirts are not allowed. Women must have their shoulders covered. Shoes must be removed prior to entering the temple. We suggest bringing along a pair of thick socks because the pavement will be hot.

Explore Mormugao at your leisure during your full-day (7-hour) sightseeing tour via private car. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned car and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Please note: This tour is non-refundable if cancelled within 48 hours prior to arrival in the port. Actual vehicle type varies depending on availability. Participation is limited to 2 guests per car. The price, exclusive of meals, entrance fees and gratuities, is per vehicle. Therefore, when making your reservation, please indicate the number of vehicles, not the number of guests. Only one person in the party needs to reserve this programme. Please see the Shore Concierge Office on board the ship to arrange your individual itinerary.

Explore Mormugao at your leisure during your half-day (4-hour) sightseeing tour via private car. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned car and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Please note: This tour is non-refundable if cancelled within 48 hours prior to arrival in the port. Actual vehicle type varies depending on availability. Participation is limited to 2 guests per car. The price, exclusive of meals, entrance fees and gratuities, is per vehicle. Therefore, when making your reservation, please indicate the number of vehicles, not the number of guests. Only one person in the party needs to reserve this programme. Please see the Shore Concierge Office on board the ship to arrange your individual itinerary.

Explore Mormugao at your leisure during your full-day (7-hour) sightseeing tour via private van. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned van and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Please note: This tour is non-refundable if cancelled within 48 hours prior to arrival in the port. Actual vehicle type varies depending on availability. Participation is limited up to 8 guests per van. The price, exclusive of meals, entrance fees and gratuities, is per vehicle. Therefore, when making your reservation, please indicate the number of vehicles, not the number of guests. Only one person in the party needs to reserve this programme. Please see the Shore Concierge Office on board the ship to arrange your individual itinerary.

Explore Mormugao at your leisure during your half-day (4-hour) sightseeing tour via private van. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned van and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Please note: This tour is non-refundable if cancelled within 48 hours prior to arrival in the port. Actual vehicle type varies depending on availability. Participation is limited up to 8 guests per van. The price, exclusive of meals, entrance fees and gratuities, is per vehicle. Therefore, when making your reservation, please indicate the number of vehicles, not the number of guests. Only one person in the party needs to reserve this programme. Please see the Shore Concierge Office on board the ship to arrange your individual itinerary.