5 days/4 nights
This luxury tour extension of the ‘Sunshine State’is an idyllic way to relax after your exciting travels in Rajasthan and elsewhere on the subcontinent. With nearly two-dozen palm-fringed beaches spanning the coastline,spend your days lounging on the white sand and browsing the colourful markets just off the beach. There’s a rich history to explore, too. Colonised for over 450 years by the Portuguese and only returned to Indian rule in 1961, Goa is dotted with Baroque architecture, whitewashed churches, crumbling forts, and magnificent cathedrals. But, this is not a place stuck in the past. Goan life is full of colour and not just for the hippy but for the hip as well with a burgeoning arts scene, chic boutiques and excellent restaurants (making use of the impeccably fresh seafood). However, above all, as – the local motto “Sossegade” says – “Take it easy.” This is just a small extension which can be added in the middle of end of your tour to India. We are happy to discuss and fine tune our extensions to best fit your holiday schedule.
Your luxury private tour of India begins on arrival in Goa, where you’ll be met by a member of our team at the airport and chauffeured to The Leela Goa, an elegant 206-room luxury hotel, with a sumputous spa, exclusive golf course, private access to the beach and four restaurants. South Indian temple traditions and Portugese heritage come together at this beautiful resort. 75 acre grounds lead to the beach along with a 12-hole golf course and floodlit tennis courts. For a more affordable option, choose Alila Diwa Goa, which has everything needed for a family-friendly stay or Taj Exotica, an oasis of calm with stunning sea views in North Goa.
Today, you’ll be exploring the best of Goa on a private-guided tour with a local expert. On your way to the old capital, Panaji you will visit a spice plantation and enjoy a cooking class.
Once considered the ‘Rome of the East’. Goa’s former capital of 1853, is spread along a 1.5-kilometre stretch, is now a magnificent complex of towering churches, majestic convents, monastries and stately mansions from the 16th century when it wa the commercial hub of Portugal's eastern empire rivalling even Lisbon in magnificence. After lunch, continue to Panaji, whose cobblestone streets are lined with colourful villas, overlooking the broad Mandovi River.
This afternoon, visit the various local markets and restaurants recommended by us to immerse yourself in some of the very best seafood dishes.
The next two days are spent at leisure. With 130 kilometers of coastline here are many heavenly white-sand beaches, where you can lap up the sun, sea and sand before watching the fisherman unload their catch on the beach. We can also arrange private guided tours of the surrounding area, taking in the Portuguese white-washed Baroque churches, sleepy fishing villages and intimate coves that punctuate the tropical scene. There are great street and flea markets, too. Goa is a big town and across the Mandovi river there are Baga and Anjuna beaches which are worth a visit. Alternatively, you can relax and stay in Southern Goa at the Leela which is a destination in itself.
Please note: we can reduce or extend the number of days spent in Goa to suit your itinerary.
Today, your luxury private tour ends. Transfer to the airport in time for your onward flight. We will be happy to discuss the possibilities around traveling to other destinations to and from Goa. Alternatively, we can organise an internal flight to Delhi or Mumbai, where you can catch your international flight.
This tour is purely a suggested itinerary for what your trip to Goa could include. Treat this journey as inspiration. Each trip designed by Rajasthan Tours is created uniquely for you, working to your budget and interests with an absolute commitment to quality. A good way to include our Goa tour in a comprehensive itinerary would be to combine it with one of our Rajasthan tours, flying from Udaipur down to Goa via Mumbai.
The price shown includes hotels on double or twin sharing basis, breakfast, sightseeing, transfers, internal flights or trains, private guides, monument entrances, activities and excursions and chauffeur-driven car. On request, we can include international flights, too. In other words, we take the work off you to allow you to enjoy the most memorable holiday experience. The price is a guide and subject to change based on hotels, dates of travel and number of people travelling. During the low season (April to September), the costs are significantly less yet this season remains a great time to travel with smaller crowds and more affordable rates. During the high season, particularly over Christmas and New Year, prices are higher however there are lots of great festivals and the weather is excellent.