4 Days South Goa Tour Package – Markets, Temples & Beaches
Overview
This is a 4-day South Goa tour package for those who want to experience the quieter side of Goa – the calmer beaches, the local markets and a more relaxed pace than you'll find in the north. You arrive, check in and spend your first evening wandering the markets and beachside cafés, getting a feel for the local food.
Day two is a full day of sightseeing around the capital and its heritage: Dona Paula viewpoint and Miramar beach (where the Mandovi meets the Arabian Sea), the colonial streets of Panjim, the Basilica of Bom Jesus and the other churches of Old Goa and the Shantadurga temple near Ponda. Day three is all free for you to do as you please – book an Ayurvedic massage or a banana boat ride, go to the markets to pick up some seafood and Goan spices, or just stay on the beach.
With a 3-star hotel for 3 nights, daily breakfast, a private vehicle for transfers and sightseeing, and pick-up and drop-off at either the Goa airport or the railway station, this is ideal for couples, families and anyone looking for a relaxed short break with a bit of culture thrown in.
Package Features
Old Goa's famous church, home to St Francis Xavier's relics.
One of Goa's most revered Hindu temples, near Ponda.
Colonial streets, the Dona Paula viewpoint and Miramar Beach.
Evening market stroll and beachside cafés on arrival day.
Ayurvedic massage, banana boat ride or a quiet beach.
Pick-up and drop at Goa airport or railway station.
Included
- 3 nights' stay at a 3-star hotel in Goa on double occupancy
- Daily breakfast at the hotel
- Pick-up and drop-off at Goa airport or railway station
- All transfers and sightseeing by private vehicle as per the itinerary
- Full-day sightseeing on day 2 and activities as listed in the itinerary (items marked optional are extra)
- GST
Excluded
- Flights or train tickets to and from Goa
- Lunch and dinner
- Monument entry tickets and camera fees, unless specifically included
- Optional activities on the leisure day, such as an Ayurvedic massage or a banana boat ride
- Your personal expenses such as shopping, laundry, phone calls and tips
- Travel insurance
- Anything not listed in the Included section
Tour Itinerary
Day 1 Arrival in Goa
- Your coastal break begins in Goa, a land of tranquil beaches and rich heritage.
- On arrival at Goa airport or railway station, our driver meets you and transfers you to your hotel for check-in and rest.
- In the evening, explore the nearby local markets and beachside cafés, take in the laid-back mood, and try some Goan flavours. Overnight stay in Goa.
- Highlights of the Day: Local Market Visit, Café Hopping
Day 2 South Goa Sightseeing
- After breakfast, set out on a full day of sightseeing among serene landscapes and important places of worship.
- Start at Dona Paula (a headland viewpoint with a rather romantic local legend attached) and then head to Miramar Beach, where the Mandovi River meets the sea.
- Take in the colonial atmosphere of Panjim and head on to the churches of Old Goa (including the Basilica of Bom Jesus).
- End the day at the Shantadurga Temple (near Ponda). Overnight in Goa.
- Highlights of the Day: Dona Paula Beach, Miramar Beach, Panjim City, Old Goa Churches, Shantadurga Temple
Day 3 Leisure Day
- After breakfast, enjoy a relaxed day to explore South Goa at your own pace.
- Book an Ayurvedic massage, try a banana boat ride or browse the local markets for seafood and Goan spices (activities at your own cost).
- If your stay falls around a full moon, look out for beach parties and South Goa's livelier evenings. Overnight stay in Goa.
- Highlights of the Day: Ayurvedic Massage (optional), Banana Boat Ride (optional), Seafood Shopping, Local Market Exploration
Day 4 Departure from Goa
- After breakfast, check out from your hotel.
- Transfer to Goa airport or railway station for your onward journey, taking with you the calm of South Goa's beaches, the colour of its markets and the warmth of its people.
- Highlights of the Day: Check-out, departure from Goa
Payment Policy
- An advance payment is required to secure your booking; the balance is paid as per the schedule in your booking confirmation.
- Your booking is only confirmed once the itinerary has been agreed, the advance has been received and Luxe Trail Holidays sends you a written confirmation.
- Full payment may be required at the time of booking for peak season dates, special hotel rates and certain activities.
- If payment is not received by the due date, the booking becomes subject to the relevant cancellation terms.
- Package price is per person sharing and includes GST.
Refund Policy
- Cancellation fees will vary depending on when we receive your request, the hotel and transport supplier policies and any peak season restrictions. The applicable charges are shared with your quotation.
- Refunds are processed once the relevant suppliers approve them, so timelines can vary.
- Refunds are made to the original payment method or another method agreed with you.
- Non-refundable amounts, supplier fees and bank or payment-processing charges may be deducted.
- If a service cannot be provided because of weather, road closures, government orders or other events beyond our control, a refund or an alternative arrangement is offered as per the supplier's terms.
Policy & Important Terms
- Every traveller must carry a valid government photo ID (Aadhaar, passport, voter ID or driving licence). Foreign nationals need a passport with a valid Indian visa.
- Optional leisure-day activities, such as an Ayurvedic massage or a banana boat ride, are paid separately and subject to availability.
- Banana boat rides and other water sports are suspended during the monsoon (roughly June to September), when the sea is rough; swim only where lifeguards allow it.
- Dress modestly at the churches in Old Goa and at the Shantadurga Temple (shoulders and knees covered).
- The order of the sightseeing will be subject to change due to traffic, weather, local events or monument opening times.
- The vehicle is provided for the routes in the itinerary. Any additional trips or detours will be charged separately.
- Standard check-in and check-out times apply. Early check-in and late check-out are possible subject to availability.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why choose South Goa over North Goa?
South Goa is far quieter, has the longer, more spread-out beaches and a much more relaxed pace than the Calangute/Baga stretch. It's ideal for couples and families who just want to relax, eat well and see some of the heritage rather than be out every night.
What does the sightseeing day cover?
Day 2: Dona Paula, Miramar Beach, the old streets of Panjim, the Basilica of Bom Jesus and the other churches of Old Goa and the Shantadurga Temple near Ponda (all by private vehicle). Entry and camera fees (where applicable) are not included unless stated in your quotation.
Are the Ayurvedic massage and banana boat ride included?
No, the leisure day is entirely up to you. An Ayurvedic massage and a banana boat ride are both optional and would be paid for separately. We can of course recommend a few good ones or book them in advance so you have a slot confirmed for the day.
When is the best time to visit South Goa?
November to February is the peak period (dry, pleasant weather, calm seas). March to May is hotter but quieter. The monsoon (roughly June to September) sees the coast turning green and peaceful, though water sports are all but off the table and the sea is too rough for swimming.
Can I add North Goa or Dudhsagar Falls to this trip?
Yes, you can add in a night for the forts and beaches of North Goa, a trip to Dudhsagar Falls or a boat trip to Grand Island, and you can also upgrade to a beach resort. Just let us have your travel dates, and we'll send you a revised quotation.