Your luxury Goa tour kicks off on landing at Goa airport. A member of our team will meet you at the airport and accompany you to Ahilya by the Sea. Quietly nestled on the far end of Coco Beach, neighbouring the quiet fishing village of Nerul, Ahilya by the Sea is a boutique gem offering eight spacious and tasteful rooms. One of our favourite hotels in Goa, this family-run property has a relaxed, friendly atmosphere, with interesting art pieces. It’s ideal for those who appreciate a boutique experience, though it is a short walk away from the beach.

If you prefer direct beach access, we recommend St Regis (formerly The Leela), a luxury 5-star property in south Goa, with a stretch of private sands. Or the Taj Holiday Village, a comfortable 4-star hotel run by the ubiquitous Taj group, conveniently located in bustling North Goa. Another favourite of ours is Taj Exotica. You have several choices to rest your head on your luxury Goa tour – our specialist will help you select the one best suited to your tastes.

Day 2 of your luxury Goa tour takes you for a tour of charismatic Old Goa, with the company of a local guide. A magnificent complex of cathedrals, churches and monasteries, spread along a 1.5-kilometre stretch, marks the site of Old Goa, the Portuguese capital, until the mid-18th century. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the walk through this area takes in two of Goa’s most important religious monuments (the Basilica de Bom Jesus and the grand Sé Cathedral), ending on Holy Hill, where some of Goa’s oldest churches are. Most of these buildings, designed by Italian or Portuguese architects, encompass a range of European styles, from sober Renaissance to exuberant Baroque and Portuguese Manueline.

This area was once a vast city inhabited by more than 30,000 people. In the 16th century, it attracted missionaries and soldiers, merchants and horse traders, and contemporary visitors much-praised its elegant palaces and mansions. However, by the mid-18th century, a series of epidemics and the silting up of the Mandovi river forced the Viceroy to move his residence downstream to Panaji. After that, decline set in and, by the 19th century, they abandoned the city and demolished its houses. Today, Old Goa is a mere shadow of its former self, but the few churches and cathedrals that remain are among Goa’s most significant monuments.

After lunch, you’ll continue to Panaji. Goa’s capital is situated at the mouth of the Mandovi river and is reminiscent of a provincial Mediterranean town. Earlier a port of the Adil Shahi kings of Bijapur, it became a military landing stage after the arrival of the Portuguese in 1510. Today, Panaji has a relaxed and friendly ambience, especially along the leafy avenues of the old town. The old residential quarters of Panaji has an old-world feel, characterised by a jumble of painted, tile-roofed houses. The streets lined with taverns offer authentic Goan cuisine, feni (cashew nut liqueur), and bakeries serving bebinca, the delicious local cake. Many of the residents still speak Portuguese.

The next two days of your luxury Goa tour are yours at leisure to relax and explore the local beaches at your own pace. The number of days you spend here in Goa can be extended (or reduced) to complement your schedule.

Should you wish to further explore, we can arrange to reunite with your guide for:

• tours of north Goa (including Fort Light House, Sinquerim Fort, Candolim, Calangute, Baga, Anjuna, Vagator, and Chapora Fort);
• a guided visit to the Spice Plantation which offers a deep dive into the history and cultivation of spices in Goa;
• a stop at Mapusa Market; a bustling marketplace in North Goa, offering a vast array of goods from fresh produce to spices, handicrafts, clothing, pottery and jewellery. The market’s unique charm lies in its organised chaos, where seasoned hagglers rub shoulders with curious tourists, all navigating through narrow alleys overflowing with goods. The vibrant atmosphere is accentuated by colourful displays, the aroma of fresh food, and the constant hum of activity, offering an immersive experience into Goan lifestyle and commerce. A visit to this market is more than a shopping excursion; it’s an adventure into the heart of Goa’s daily life and traditional commerce.

Today, you’ll be chauffeured back to the airport in time for your onward flight. Some of our guests arrange international flights from Goa, whereas others depart from Delhi or Mumbai, in which case we’d be pleased to assist you with a suitable connection.