Old Goa Heritage Walk

PRESENTED BY:

Make It Happen
TYPE OF EXPERIENCE

Signature
LOCATION

North Goa
PRICE

From Rs. 850
DURATION

2 hours
PHYSICAL INTENSITY

Light
GROUP SIZE

Min. 1, Max. 20

Architecture
Art and Design
Culture
Educational
History
Lifestyle
Outdoors
Photography

About the experience

History buffs will love this heritage walk around Velha Goa (Old Goa), former capital city of the Portuguese colonial empire. Abandoned after the outbreak of a deadly epidemic in the mid 18th century, this precinct is the last standing relic of a long lost past. Velha Goa houses some of the oldest churches and monuments in the state, and has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Please Note: On Sundays mass services will be held at Se Cathedral and the Basilica of Bom Jesus. So, the entry will be subject to mass service timings. We will include a visit to the magnificent Our Lady of Rosary Church if we are unable to enter either of the churches.

    Highlights
Discover the fascinating history of Goa’s former Portuguese empire, as well as the origins of the old city.
Explore an impressive collection of churches that have earned Goa its title as the ‘Rome of the Orient’; including the Chapel of St. Catherine (the oldest chapel in Goa), the domed Church of St. Cajetan and the famed Basilica of Bom Jesus – each with their own unique backstories and breathtaking architectural styles.
Immerse yourself in tales of Goa’s various Catholic orders and revered saints, as well as enthralling legends of sealed passages, hidden vaults and tombs.
Visit landmark monuments – from the iconic Viceroy’s Arch to ancient temple ruins that date back to the 12th century Kadamba dynasty.
Marvel at the stunning natural beauty of this former port town situated along the banks of the Mandovi river.
    

Old Goa Heritage Walk

From ₹850/person

Old Goa Heritage Walk

Standard (Join an existing tour)
Private (Just you and our storyteller)

₹850

Discover a treasure trove of history on this intriguing heritage walk around the former colonial Portuguese capital in Velha Goa (Old Goa).

❮
❯
May 2023

Adult

₹850/person (13+ yrs.)

− +

Child

₹425/person (5-12 yrs.)

− +

Cap

₹250/person (Add on)

Please Pick a Date

Category: Standard

Description

Description

₹2,600 Start From

Discover a treasure trove of history on this intriguing heritage walk around the former colonial Portuguese capital in Velha Goa (Old Goa).

❮
❯
May 2023

Adult

₹2,600/person (13+ yrs.)

− +

Child

₹1,300/person (5-12 yrs.)

− +

Cap

₹250/person (Add on)

Please Pick a Date

Category: Private

Description

Description

Need help to choose an experience, or combine multiple experiences to make a day of it, or make group bookings for 20+ people?
Call: +91 9764972646

WHAT’S INCLUDED
- Experience led by a knowledgeable local storyteller.
- Entry into some of the best churches in Asia which have been designated as UNESCO World Heritage monuments.
- A refreshing tender coconut water drink.
- If time permits, we could also visit more sites like the St. Augustine Ruins, Our Lady of Rosary Church and Monte Chapel.
WHAT’S EXCLUDED
- Hotel pickups and drops (although this can be arranged at an added cost).
- Sightseeing points that fall outside of the curated route.
- We do not provide umbrellas, raincoats, hats/caps, face-masks or sanitizers.
TRAVELLER TIPS
- Please carry your own water bottle.
- We recommend wearing comfortable footwear and using sunscreen.
- Please also carry your own umbrella/raincoat or cap/hat/sunglasses (as the weather dictates).
FAQ’s
1. How do we reach the meeting point at Viceroyu2019s Arch?
  The location link will be sent to your mobile along with the details of the walk and the name and contact number of your storyteller.
2. Is there parking available?
  Yes. There is ample parking space at the meeting point.
3. Can this heritage walk be done using a vehicle?
  While we ideally recommend experiencing Old Goa through a walk, we understand that some travellers may have physical limitations. A tour by vehicle can be organised as a special private experience, where we will do our best to ensure that the experience remains as close as possible to the heritage walk.
4. Is photography permitted?
  Yes, photography is permitted in the areArchitectural photography of facades, doorways and archways are permitted. However,it is not permitted to take selfies or pose for pictures inside the churches. Photography & videography is also strictly prohibited at the Se Cathedral & Basilica of Bom Jesus.
5. Can we consume beer / other alcoholic drinks during the experience?
  No. It is not recommended to consume alcohol during the experience as we will be visiting holy/religious sites. Alternatively, you can book our Goan Feni & Tapas Experience for a more immersive experience on local Goan cocktails and cuisine.
6. Do we need to wear face masks?
  It is mandatory to wear face masks, use sanitizers and maintain social distancing in all public spaces.
7. Are Covid-19 protocols followed during the heritage walk?
  All Covid-19 safety precautions will be taken by us. Our Storytellers are all double vaccinated, wear face masks, maintain social distance and avoid physical contact. All enclosed spaces will be sanitized by us.
8. Are washrooms available?
  There are public washrooms available within the premises of the heritage sites. Washrooms in Old Goa Residency managed by the Goa Tourism Development Corporation can also be used.
MANDATES
- Please follow all standard Covid-19 precautions – such as wearing a face mask and the use of sanitizers.
- Avoid the consumption of alcohol before the experience as we will be visiting holy/religious sites.
- Strict Dress Code: Do not wear sleeveless clothes, shorts or short skirts above knee length. Knees should be covered at all times. If you are wearing sleeveless clothes, please carry a stole/shawl to cover your shoulders while entering the churches.
- Photography & videography is strictly prohibited at the Se Cathedral & Basilica of Bom Jesus. It is also not permitted to take selfies or pose for pictures inside the churches.
CANCELLATION POLICY
- Cancel up to 7 days before the Experience start time for a full refund.
- If we cancel the experience due to unavoidable circumstances, then a full refund will be processed.
- For groups sizes of 15 and above, refund upon cancellation will be provided if cancellation is done 15 days prior to the booking date of the experience.

Location

SHARE START POINT

Our Storytellers

Our experiences are led by passionate, professional, English-speaking local storytellers.

Amreen Shaikh

Lata Rodrigues

Raysancia D’cunha

Abhijith Ramesh

Evane Picardo

Petula Castellino

Nelson Menezes

Josina D’Silva

Reviews & Ratings

Wow experience & a memorable Heritage walk indeed!

This was unexpectedly one of the most amazing heritage walks I have been on.
Make it happen team’s storyteller Nelson, who conducted the walk, is such an amazing storyteller. The overall experience was fun, happening and so much of history and knowledge , I remember myself saying ‘Wow’ and OMG a lot on the heritage walk as I was exposed to the spaced with the history of the Portuguese and the Churches, the Cathedral and the Chapels.

This was such an insightful walk.

For the First timers, do ensure you take the early morning Old Goa Heritage walk and then post that experience, take the Fontainhas Heritage walk (to make it a wholesome experience).

I highly recommend the Make It Happen team for an Old Goa heritage walk folks who are interested in fun & in history in general.

Highly knowledgeable and delightful experience filled with walking, talking & fun.

Ekta

Goldmine called Old Goa Heritage Tour

Truly this has been a treasure trove of a tour and has been a gem of an experience!!!

I have visited these places in Goa at least 8 times since childhood but newer understood or comprehended on the historical significance until this tour

And what a tour it has been… Magnificent Gold mine!
The host Ms. Raysancia was at her immaculate best and like a true magician she unboxed the secrets one by one as we wandered around old Goa.

Like a jigsaw puzzle; she helped hit all the pieces and helped us understand a perspective on colonization; past history; inquisition all in a matter of 3 hours

Source: Airbnb

Aldo

Walk through Old Goa with Young Ray!

A wonderful walk through Old Goa monuments that talk to you about the rich history of the region – but only if you are lucky enough to have a knowledgeable narrator. And we were indeed lucky to have Raysancia (Ray) from Make It Happen guide us through! We started at 9am, and found the early start to be great as most of Goa is still waking up and you have all the heritage buildings to yourself.

Sanjay Sondhi

Old worldly charm
Dec 2021 – Solo

I was at this walk on a very busy day before the feast of St.Francis Xavier. Old Goa was colourful with patrons attending the mass. Raysancia was wonderful. She took her time explaining the prominence of each church. The colourful chapel of the architect who constructed the church was a surprise. The old Goa after a night of rains, the greenery and the coconut plantations all around and the Mandovi river, was a beautiful sight.

Abhilash P

A Great Walk through the corridors of power and piety!
Feb 2022

A wonderful, guided tour through the rich architectural grandeur and religious traditions of the Portuguese, well choreographed to understand the evolution of a chapter of Goan history that involved negotiations among local and foreign powers. It wasn’t merely the monuments that were introduced but also the stories of power of those who had and those who were dominated. Nelson did a great job.

Source: TripAdvisor

Deenabandhu

November 2021

I am fond of heritage and history and this tour served me right. Amreen is an amazing and passionate story teller. I literally got goosebumps everytime she would talk about the history of the arches, monuments, rivers, bridges and churches. I highly recommend this tour to everyone who wants to connect with the journey that Goa has gone through over the years.

Source: Airbnb

Aishika

Similar experiences nearby

Saligao Village Saunter

Experience an authentic taste of Goan village life with this walking trail through the splendid and vibrant village of Saligao.

North Goa • 2 Hours • From Rs. 1200

Chronicles & Echoes of Divar Island Breakfast High Tea

Enjoy a change of pace as you experience a day in the life of a local on the quaint Divar Island, followed by a hearty breakfast or high tea.

North Goa • 3.5 Hours • From Rs. 1400

Chronicles and Echoes of Divar Island With Lunch

Enjoy a change of pace as you experience a day in the life of a local on the quaint Divar Island, followed by a sumptuous lunch spread of local delicacies.

North Goa • 3.5 Hours • From Rs. 1800

Olaulim Village Saunter with Tea Appreciation

Discover the charming, untouched village of Olaulim and enjoy a special tea-appreciation experience with a homegrown tea brand.

North Goa • 3 hours • From Rs. 2000

Fort Aguada Port and Jail Heritage Walk

The captivating fort Aguada has borne witness to countless events in Goan history. From defending the Portuguese colony against invasions from the Dutch and the Marathas, to its internal prison complex used to house freedom fighters battling for Goan independence – this magnificent structure is bursting with rousing stories from the past. Embark on a […]

North Goa • 1 hr 15 Min • From Rs. 500