Silversea Luxury Cruises A MORMUGAO (Goa)

Spend your day today relaxing at the ITC Grand Goa Resort and Spa. A pristine white sand beach and 45 acres of landscaped gardens form the beautiful backdrop at this Goan resort built in a charming Indo-Portuguese village style.

Enjoy a cool welcome drink! Sip a cool drink by the meandering pool or on the white sands of Arossim Beach. Or if you desire revel in a revitalizing and luxurious spa experience at Sereno Spa at your own expense.

A sumptuous buffet lunch awaits you before you head back to the pier!

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.

You will need your imagination to envision the tangle of twisting streets, plazas and ochre villas of the old city, but what remains is a wealth of exceptionally impressive churches and convents, all UNESCO world heritage sites.

Old Goa, Basilica of Bom Jesus, St. Catherine's Cathedral

Your first stop is the Basilica of Bom Jesus. While noted for its size and style, the Bom Jesus is visited mainly for the precious relic it contains. Here worshipers, or the simply curious, may view the body of Saint Francis Xavier (d.1562), which lies partially exposed in a dazzling silver casket. Unfortunately St. Francis' corpse has not rested entirely in peace; bits of it have been removed by relic hunters. One devotee is said to have bitten off a toe. In 1614 part of the right arm was dispatched to the Pope in Rome, where it allegedly wrote its name on a piece of paper, and parts of a hand were sent to Christians in Japan in 1619.

The Se, or St. Catherine's Cathedral, was commissioned to be "a grandiose church worthy of the wealth, power and fame of the Portuguese who dominated the seas from the Atlantic to the Pacific. Its exterior is in Tuscan style, with one remaining tower containing the "Golden Bell", which rang during the Inquisition to announce the public torture and burning of suspected heretics. The vast interior is Corinthian, with enormous pillars dividing the nave, and 15 chapels arranged around the walls. The gilded main altar is stunningly ornate. An altar to St. Anne contains the relics of the "Blessed Martyrs of Cuncolim", who died as a result of their ill-advised mission to convert the Mughal emperor Akbar.

Sighseeing through villages, Goddess of Peace Temple

Travel away from the city and the Portuguese influence. 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.

Spice farm and local lunch

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 you will return to the port and your ship.

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.

You will need your imagination to envision the tangle of twisting streets, plazas and ochre villas of the old city, but what remains is a wealth of exceptionally impressive churches and convents, all UNESCO world heritage sites.

Your first stop, after approximately 1 hour drive, is the Basilica of Bom Jesus, a fine example of Jesuit architecture, and perhaps the richest of the churches, with its heavily decorated yet admirably proportioned interior. Here worshipers, or the simply curious, may view the body of Saint Francis Xavier (d.1562), which lies partially exposed in a dazzling silver casket. Its surrounding chapel, constructed of marble and jasper, was a gift of one of the last Medicis.

The Se, or St. Catherine's Cathedral, was commissioned to be a grandiose church worthy 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.

It is not far to the Church of St. Cajetan, modelled on St. Peter's in Rome. Its neo classical facade, with twin towers flanking the great dome, disguises 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.

Nestled in the quaint village of Merces, "Casa Oliveira Fernandes", is one of the most prominent Indo Portuguese houses in Goa.

The house belongs to the "Oliveira Fernandes" family and can trace its lineage to around 250 years. The family who currently resides in the household are the 7th Generation descendants.The Household has since undergone a variety of restoration but still maintains its rich ancestral heritage. "Casa Oliveira Fernandes" has also been featured in the book "Houses Of Goa".

Within the walls of this house is a myriad of antiques, curios, and vintage furniture each possessing its own historical background and story. In the exterior of the house one is feast for eyes of the avid nature lover. Flowers, Fruit Trees and a bunch of unique flora populate the compound. The grounds of the household also play host to a variety of rare birds including Black swans, Geese, Turkeys among others.

A local band will strike up a serenade as a late morning tea of tasty Goan snacks is laid out for your enjoyment. Feel free to browse among the antiques in the living room. The furniture is 300 years old and solid wood.

On your way back to the ship you drive through the Panjim city area, Goa's bustling capital. The total drive back to the pier takes approximately 1 hour.

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.

Goa sightseeing and Goddess of Peace Temple

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.

Spice Plantation and lunch

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.

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.

Goa sightseeing and Goddess of Peace Temple

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.

Spice Plantation and lunch

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.

You will need your imagination to envision the tangle of twisting streets, plazas and ochre villas of the old city, but what remains is a wealth of exceptionally impressive churches and convents, all UNESCO world heritage sites.

Old Goa, Basilica Bom Jesus

Your first stop, after approximately 1 hour drive, is the Basilica of Bom Jesus, a fine example of Jesuit architecture, and perhaps the richest of the churches, with its heavily decorated yet admirably proportioned interior. Here worshipers, or the simply curious, may view the body of Saint Francis Xavier (d.1562), which lies partially exposed in a dazzling silver casket. Its surrounding chapel, constructed of marble and jasper, was a gift of one of the last Medicis.

St. Catherine's Cathedral, Church of St. Cajetan

The Se, or St. Catherine's Cathedral, was commissioned to be a grandiose church worthy 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.

It is not far to the Church of St. Cajetan, modelled on St. Peter's in Rome. Its neo classical facade, with twin towers flanking the great dome, disguises 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.

Village of Merces, local family residence, high tea In the village of Merces is the ancestral home of the Oliviera de Fernandes family. The Fernandes family have been living here since the house was built 250 years ago, acting as village heads until Goa officially joined the Indian Republic. Your hosts today are the 6th generation of occupants.

Experience true Goan hospitality as the family welcome you. A local band will strike up a serenade as a late morning tea of tasty Goan snacks is laid out for your enjoyment. Feel free to browse among the antiques in the living room. The furniture is 300 years old and solid wood.

On your way back to the ship you drive through the Panjim city area, Goa's bustling capital. The total drive back to the pier takes approximately 1 hour.

Explore Mormugao at your leisure during your full-day (8-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.

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.

Explore Mormugao at your leisure during your full-day (8-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.

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.