Goa Beach Break

Itinerary

Day 1 Arrive Goa

Arrive in Goa any time and transfer to hotel.You will be met upon arrival at Goa Airport or Railway Station and transferred to your hotel (transfers cannot be arranged on arrival, please advise flight or train arrival details at least 14 days prior to your arrival in Goa). Meals: None included.Overnight: Hotel of your choice as listed in 'Joining Hotel' below.With a history as vast as the sea itself, the Portuguese influence can be felt everywhere in Goa, in the churches and chapels, and unbroken sun-soaked beaches. A fun-and-feni kind of place. Goa is the destination for a lazy yet freaky holiday. This is where ocean-lovers can really get their fill - surfing, yachting, swimming or simply reclining on the golden sands with a drink. Goa is just 600 km south of Mumbai, situated on the slopes of the Western Ghats (Sahyadri ranges). More than some exotic beaches, Goa is about throwing caution to the wind and soaking in the unconventional. This Ibiza of India is one of the hottest destinations for bohemian raves, which have thrown up some avant garde eateries. When in Goa, you must try its local cuisine that includes pork vindaloo, chicken xacuti, fish/prawn/chicken caldine, sorpotel, bebinca and balchao. The seafood is, of course, the freshest fare in the town. Feni is the local firewater, brewed from cashews or coconut. Shopping is best at the famous markets including the Wednesday flea market at Anjuna where the area is jam-packed with stalls selling everything from jewellery to sarongs to spices, massages and even a haircut. Be sure to bargain hard.

Day 2-4 Goa

The 'Pearl of the Orient', dubbed so by the Portugese has many things for you to enjoy whilst here. Beyond Goa's beaches and sea, you will find a soul which goes deep into unique history, rich culture and some of the prettiest natural scenery that India has to offer.St Catherine’s Cathedral or Sé Cathedral is believed to be the largest church in Asia; it has an 80m long isle, and four chapels on either side of the church. The cathedral was once crowned by two towers (one of which collapsed in 1776); the remaining tower still stands tall and supports a lovely old bell. The main altar is beautifully gilded, and showcases paintings on the life of St Catherine of Alexandria. There is an art gallery in the church and the view from the top of the tower is not to be missed.The Convent and Church of St Francis of Assisi is situated within the compound of the St Catherine’s Cathedral. The church is built in the Portuguese Gothic style of architecture, marked by two octagonal towers. It is a beautiful old structure with a stucco ceiling, some noteworthy woodwork and frescos, an interesting mix of the European and Indian style. The convent has been converted into an Archaeological Museum, housing some portraits and a fine range of stone sculptures from different periods of Goan history.The imposing, brown laterite Basilica of Bom Jesus houses the body of St Francis Xavier – the founder of the Jesuits’ Order. The church was built in 1605, and is stark and simple in beauty. The Basilica is highly revered and a large number of pilgrims visit the shrine every year. The façade of the monument is especially remarkable, while the interiors are somewhat plain; with the exception of the beautiful altar and the striking baroque columns. The church also houses an art gallery.The rest of your time in Goa is free. Enjoy the beaches, discover the markets, taste the food, visit a spice plantation or maybe do some more sightseeing - the choice is yours. Some beaches of North Goa include:Dona Paula - Sprinkled with palm trees and Casuarina plantations, the beach of Dona Paula in North Goa is a peaceful stretch next to the little town and fishing village of Dona Paula. You can take a ferry from here to Vasco da Gama. Sinquerim and Candolim - The Sinquerim Beach in North Goa has a dramatic backdrop in the form of the 16th century Fort Aguada. Built in 1612 by the Portuguese, the Fort Aguada is pretty much in ruins, but the view from the top of the fort as you look down to the mouth of the Mandovi River, is simply breathtaking.Calangute and Baga - Ever since the 60’s, the flower children have headed straight for Calangute; their abode, their psychedelic, and their Mecca. Though the beach is still pretty ‘active’ and the ‘Om Namah Shivai trance’ continues to linger; today, Calangute is a far cry from what it used to be. The shacks and palms have given way to a rapidly growing, package-tourist market, rows of shops, guesthouses and other budget hotels. The tidy little fish market in town is worth a visit. Baga formed a twin beach with Calangute, and therefore shares Calangute’s colourful past. Anjuna Beach - is a stretch of straight sand, with a backdrop of feathery coconut groves. Anjuna is known for its flea market, held under the shady coconut groves, every Wednesday. You can pick up trinkets, get a tattoo, or just hang around to enjoy the crazy colourful atmosphere.Some beaches of South Goa include:Bogmalo - The village of Bogmalo, 8km from Vasco da Gama has a pleasant beach with some nice cafés. It also has the Park Plaza five-star hotel, which has been built in disregard of the rule that disallows any construction 500m of the beach.Majorda, Colva and Benaulim - Not a long time ago, the spectacular beaches of Colva in South Goa and Benaulim were sleepy fishing villages; today plush hotels, restaurants shops and discos have replaced them. That said, the beaches are still very beautiful, and once you get out of the main drag, you are without doubt in a tranquil, tropical Xanadu. Seafood in one of the several beach shacks on Benaulim is still excellent.Betul - Situated close to the estuary is the idyllic little fishing village of Betul. The village is spread around groves and gardens of coconut, jackfruit and banana. The jetty in Betul is a good place to observe the hustle and bustle of Betul’s everyday life. Colourful boats filled with coir and fishes, and busy fisher folk turned out in vibrant colours, make this a truly interesting experience. Agonda - Dominated by cliffs and the Portuguese Cabo de Rama Fort is the little village of Agonda lying on the straches of South Goa costal line. This beach here is simply gorgeous and totally unspoilt, as it is not well connected by the local bus service. If you happen to be mobile, then Agonda is a beach you have to soak in.Palelom - The beach is here unspoilt and is co-habitants both local fishermen and foreign tourists live in respective peace. The crescent-shaped beach stretching one mile is dotted by shacks along the shore and punctuated by rocks jutting out at either end. The depth of the sea increases gradually, making the currents moderate and consequently safe for average swimmers. Its most recent claim to fame is that it featured in The Bourne Supremacy (2004) as the Indian residence of Jason Bourne (Matt Damon).

Day 5 Depart Goa

Your time is free until your check out is which is normally 12 noon. Additional nights can be booked in Goa if required. Rise early and head to the long white sandy beaches for one last time. And be sure to grab a bottle of feni for friends back home.Meals: Breakfast included.

Trip Details

Accommodation	Hotel (4 nts)
Departure	Daily
Group Size	Varies by tour, please see website.
Included Highlights	-There are no included highlights on this Beach Break so the choice is yours! See dossier for complete list of optional activities available.
Meals Included	Daily breakfast included.
StartFinish	ex Goa
Transport	Private vehicle
Brochure Intro	Goa, a favourite of travellers from all around the world, is much more than just beaches and sea. Its soul goes deep into a unique history, rich culture and some of the prettiest natural scenery that India has to offer. Seafood being a specialty here, you cannot miss the prawn balchao or the kingfish in garlic sauce for local favourites.

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