Also, The GOA excursions are listed in the pdf - you can call to book them - I don't know why they aren't bookable or listed online.
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GOA (MORMUGAO), INDIA
GOI-001 HIGHLIGHTS OF GOA
Duration: 5.00 Hrs Tour Price: $0.00 Retail Price: $129.00
Date: April 16, 2013 09:15 AM
Lush and lovely Goa was created as a place for relaxation. Studded with vibrant temples and majestic churches, Goa is a window to the religious history and eclectic blend of Portuguese and Indian cultures found in western India. On this enlightening half-day tour, discover two of India.s most captivating cities, Old Goa and Panjim.
Departing Mormugao, you will first come to Old Goa, where you will visit two historically important churches, the most prominent legacy of the Portuguese. Tour the Se Cathedral, dedicated to St. Catherine and consecrated in 1640. The most imposing church in Old Goa, the cathedral took over 80 years to build and is larger than any church in Portugal. Next, proceed to the Basilica of Bom Jesus, the first church in India to be elevated to the status of a
minor basilica and a World Heritage Monument. Constructed in 1605, the church houses the sacred relics of St. Francis Xavier, patron saint of Goa. Covered with marble and inlaid with precious stones, the splendid Bom Jesus is considered the best example of baroque architecture in India.
Goa.s capital, Panjim is spread along the south bank of the Mandovi River, in a charming sprawl of red-roofed houses, sunny squares and gardens of bougainvillea and frangipani. Panjim town has a relaxed and friendly atmosphere with streets lined with taverns and bakeries offering Goan cuisine,.Feni. (cashew nut liquor) and `Bebinca., the delicious local cake. Explore the city.s highlights, including Church Square, the Church of Our Lady of the
Immaculate Conception and the Fontainhas, the city.s oldest district.
Later, visit the market before departing to a heritage Goan-Portuguese mansion, the home of Otto de Oliveira Fernandes, to meet a .Goanese. family over light refreshments.
Later, enjoy a relaxing drive back to the ship.
Please note: Order of sites visited may vary.
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GOI-003 GOA CHITRA & BEACH TOUR
Duration: 5.00 Hrs Tour Price: $0.00 Retail Price: $99.00
Date: April 16, 2013 09:30 AM
Goa Chitra, an ethnographical museum is a tribute by its founder to his ancestors and their way of life based on age old wisdom passed down through generations. Set in a typical Goan village the innate beauty of the site is kept intact. Its natural grazing grounds and low lying areas are full with varieties of tree ferns, mosses, flowering plants, flamboyantly colored butterflies and birds.
The museum display comprises more than 4000 objects representing the universality of the culture of ancient Goa. Against the backdrop of a traditional organic farm, water harvesting and irrigation systems the structure blends modern technologies with antique elements such as wood, stone, doors, pillars
and railings salvaged by the curator from more than 300 heritage homes that were being demolished. Age old traditions through museum display and outreach programs allow younger generations a share of the wisdom of the past. Implements that represent a lifestyle of a people, their indigenous methods, craftsmanship, art and folklore.
Victor Hugo Gomes its founder conducts a tour of the Museum and organic farm before hosting a folkloric performance.
Following this visit, reboard the bus for a short drive to the Taj Exotica Beach Resort -an opportunity to use the resort.s beach, pool and other facilities. Soft drinks and light snacks are served at the resort.
Later, drive back to the ship via Goa.s scenic coastline.
Please note: Towels are provided by the hotel.
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GOI-002 A TASTE OF GOA
Duration: 7.00 Hrs Tour Price: $0.00 Retail Price: $129.00
Date: April 16, 2013 09:45 AM
On this full-day excursion, delight in the culinary wonders of the region, and discover Goa.s unique blend of Indian and Portuguese cultures, where Christianity and Hinduism exist side by side.
Begin with a drive from the port, through the lush green countryside to Old Goa. Here you will visit the magnificent Se Cathedral, consecrated in 1640 and built in the Portuguese-Gothic style and breathtaking Corinthian interior. Tour the elegant basilica of Bom Jesus, built of black laterite stone with marble and inlaid precious stones. The most honored and famous of all the churches in Old Goa, the Bom Jesus contains the tomb and mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier who spread Christianity in the Portuguese colonies.
Leaving Old Goa, proceed to the Mahalsa Temple one of the most famous temples in Goa. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Mahalsa, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. It displays the distinctive Hindu style prevalent in the early 18th century, with massive wooden pillars and a silver framed door. The six-storied `deepstambha. or ornamental lamp pillar in the courtyard is 40 feet in height and has 21 rings of a hundred fifty small lamps. A fascinating spectacle when it is lit up with oil wicks on the annual festival day or Jatra.
Continue to the Sahakari Spice Farm, set on more than 130 acres of verdant forestland and home to more than 84 different species of bird, 100 varieties of orchids, and almost every spice imaginable. Take a guided tour of the grounds and inhale the aromas of beetle nuts, peppers, turmeric root, cinnamon and cashew trees, as well as the vanilla plant. Learn about the natural healing properties of spices, and sample refreshing lemon grass tea made from boiled
water, fresh lemon grass, ginger, and cardamom. Enjoy a sumptuous traditional Goanese lunch, using the local spices grown on the farm.
Return to the ship following your pleasant afternoon at the spice farm.
Please note: Order of sites visited may vary.
