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Goa Heritage & Spice: Private Old Goa Ruins & Plantation Lunch

Walk the Portuguese Baroque grandeur of Old Goa's UNESCO World Heritage churches — including the silver casket of St Francis Xavier — then retreat to a private spice plantation for a multi-course Goan feast under the canopy.

What to expect

Your car collects you at Mormugao Port (Vasco da Gama). The drive east takes you first to the Basilica of Bom Jesus, housing the incorrupt remains of St Francis Xavier, then to Sé Cathedral — the largest church in Asia. Late morning moves to a working spice estate in Ponda, where you walk among vanilla, cardamom, nutmeg, and pepper vines before a lavish buffet of Goan prawn curry, xacuti, and bebinca dessert.

Book it with
Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC) – Private Heritage Tours
INR 4,500–7,500 per person / approx. USD 55–90 (private air-conditioned car + guide, half-day)
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Good to know

Mormugao Port is about 30 minutes from Old Goa by car. The full experience runs ~5–6 hours; confirm all-aboard time to plan accordingly. Dress modestly for the churches (covered shoulders and knees). Book private guiding at least one week ahead through GTDC.

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