This is an immersive journey into this lesser-seen side of Goa, taking you through historic villages, magnificent heritage homes, traditional markets and places that offer a glimpse into the Goa of generations past.
Begin your journey at Goa Chitra, where an extraordinary collection of traditional farming tools, household objects and everyday artefacts brings the rural life of Goa vividly to life.
Continue into Margao’s historic colonial quarters, exploring old streets and traditional architecture, that give character to the town.Visit to the traditional covered market offers a lively glimpse into everyday Goan life.
The journey continues to Palácio do Deão in Quepem, an elegant 18th-century heritage home surrounded by lush tropical gardens.
Step inside the magnificent Braganza Pereira Mansion Chandor, one of Goa’s celebrated ancestral homes, see the grand interiors ,furniture, and learn the distinctive lifestyle of Goa’s old elite, where Portuguese influences met local traditions.
Schedule & prices
Runs
Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, and Sat
Start times
9:00 AM
Next available
Thu, Oct 8
Adult (ages 16–90)
$117
Youth (ages 11–15)
$64
Child (ages 5–10)
$64
Larger groups pay less per person.
From the operator’s live schedule on Viator, checked Oct 7.
Tour Options
Private Historical Tour in Goa
Pickup included
Itinerary
Goa Chitra Museum
Admission included60 min
We visit Goa Chitra museum which is based in the coastal Goan village of Benaulim. We get to see the traditional implements, vessels and tools that evolved over centuries in the agrarian heartland of Goa in the service of farming and other traditional trades
Church of Holy Spirit
45 min
Visit the Colonial Quarters , the church from the outside and the colorful houses.
Margao Market
44 min
Here we visit the Traditional Old Portuguese built Local Covered Market of Margao where one gets to see and buy the local spices and the local Delicacies of Goa.
Palacio do Deao
Admission included30 min
Here we visit this 213 years old mansion was built by a Portuguese nobleman, who was the Dean of the Church, and founder of Quepem town.
At Palacio Do Deão as an option savour on an Indo Goan Cuisine with the Goan Family on Prior appointment with the Family. Lunch cost is not included in the tour price.
Chandor
Admission included30 min
We visit a heritage Mansion , built in the 17th century and stretching along one whole side of Chandor’s village square.
What's included
Included
Bottled water
Entrance Fees included to Goa Chitra and Heritage Mansion Chandor.
English Speaking Guide
All Fees and Taxes
Air-conditioned vehicle
Not included
Lunch is optional @ Charge of Rs 2500/- Per Person to be paid directly at Venue . It is a 4 course pre set menu, Dietary Restrictions to be specified at booking.
Alcoholic and Non Alcoholic Beverages are not included in the lunch package price. All Alcoholic & Non Alcoholic beverages are to be purchased on direct payment.
Traveller Ratings
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
4.9
15 reviews
5
14
4
1
3
0
2
0
1
0
How it compares in Goa
Starting price $117 is 52% above the typical $77 for tours of similar length in Goa
Excurgo comparison of 99 Viator tours, recalculated daily.
Important Information
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
A minimum of 2 people per booking is required.
If you are to be picked up from the Mormugao Harbour . The guide will be standing at the exit point after Immigration Check, with a Viator Placard having your name on it.
Wednesday and Sunday are Non operational Days at Palacio Do Deao Quepem.
Cancellation
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
1+ days before100% refund
0–1 days before0% refund
Frequently asked questions
How long does Private Historical Tour in Goa take?
Private Historical Tour in Goa lasts about 4–5 hours. The itinerary has 5 stops.
How much does Private Historical Tour in Goa cost?
Prices start at $117 per person for this Goa experience, booked through Viator with the price shown before checkout. There is 1 booking option, so the final price depends on the option you choose.
What days does Private Historical Tour in Goa run?
According to the operator’s current schedule, it runs on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, starting at 9:00 AM.
How much does Private Historical Tour in Goa cost for children?
Children aged 5–10 pay from $64, adults from $117.
Can I cancel Private Historical Tour in Goa for free?
Yes. Cancel at least 1 day before the start for a full refund. Later cancellations are non-refundable.
Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, pickup is offered. Pickup points include Dabolim Airport.
What languages is Private Historical Tour in Goa offered in?
The experience is available in EN.
Is this a private or a group tour?
It is a private experience: only your party takes part. Up to 15 travellers can book together.
Is the tour suitable for children?
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Will my booking be confirmed immediately?
Yes, bookings are confirmed instantly.
Is Private Historical Tour in Goa worth it?
Travellers rate it 4.9 out of 5 across 15 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor; it is run by Exotic Goan Excursions.
Reviews(15)
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
F
Flyer252513
July 4, 2025 · via Tripadvisor
Look no further
If you are looking for a 5 star private custom tour of Goa, don’t look beyond Mario. Encyclopaedic knowledge, excellent English, punctual, tour given in comfortable AC car, and Mario is a gentleman.
Operator response
Thank you Donal and family for your kind review. It was as a pleasure to take you all on the tour Step Back in Time . I am Glad you enjoyed the tour with me as your tour guide. It was a wonderful time being with you all and sharing my knowledge about the Culture and History about Goa with you.
L
louiseayre
April 4, 2025 · via Tripadvisor
Book this trip !
We had another fabulous day out with Mario exploring South Goa and the Portuguese influence . We visited some beautifully restored mansions and had the most amazing home cooked food . Mario has a wealth of knowledge to share and he brings the history alive with his enthusiasm . We thoroughly enjoyed our day with him and would not hesitate to recommend him for a fascinating look into Goa beyond the beaches . Thank you Mario ! Hope to see you again in our next visit !
Operator response
Thank you Louise for your kind review. It was indeed another fabulous day taking you out on the tour step back in time. I am glad you liked the home cooked meal and enjoyed every bit of the experience with me as your tour guide.
R
roselainep839
March 21, 2025 · via Tripadvisor
Fantastic two days organized by Mario of Exotic Goan Adventures
Mario helped organize a fantastic two days in Goa. He was quick to respond. Always available. Pleasant personality. Clear explanations & full of useful information on the region. Thanks to Mario, we were able to visit three Portuguese colonial houses. Two in Chandor, Braganza and Fernandes mansions. One in Loutolim. Figuerido Mansion. Then a trip in the afternoon to the Sacred Hill of Old Goa to visit one chapel, two churches & a monastery in ruins. Next day out to Panjim to walk around in Fontainhas & Sao Tome, with a visit to the Goa state museum, up to Altinho to have coffee & cake at beautiful Cafe Bodega. Did the Panjim market. We walked on a few Goan beaches, Miramar, Siquerim, Caranzalem. All beautiful. Finished watching the sun set over the Oman sea from Fort Aguada. All in all two very rewarding days thanks to Mario. I strongly recommend his agency. He is used to dealing with Europeans & North Americans and has a very clear cut, organized manner to set up a tour perfectly.
Operator response
Thank you Roselaine for your kind words of encouragement. It was a pleasure to be of assistance to you.
D
Departure151144
February 16, 2025 · via Tripadvisor
Tour by Mario
Mario was very knowledgable about Goa, he was eager and happy to answer any questions and was very patient and helpfull in taking pictures of the sites. The tour is a must if you want to know more about Goa and want to see and experience the main sites with background knowledge.
Operator response
Thank you Jelena for your kind review. It was pleasure to take your Mother and Father in law on a tour of Goa. I am glad they enjoyed the experience with me as their tour guide.
J
JustineHav
January 12, 2025 · via Tripadvisor
Very nice discovery
Living in this neighborhood we were able to visit it day and night, las fontainhas is a beautiful place, amazing discovery in India. The remains of Portuguese colonization
Operator response
Thank you
P
PriyaSFamily
December 30, 2024 · via Tripadvisor
Great tour, great guide
We really enjoyed this tour with Mario. He's a very knowledge guide and a local historian. I would definitely recommend this tour to people wanting to learn about Goan history and life.
Operator response
Thank you Priya and family it was a pleasure and delight to take you all on the tour Step Back In Time. And to share with you the history of Goa’s Past. I am glad you have left with fond memories of your tour.
R
R2872OXlauram
September 20, 2024 · via Tripadvisor
Great way to see the culture highlights
A luxurious tour from a passionate guide with encyclopedic knowledge of Goa! This was my first visit to Goa and I was initially overwhelmed trying to figure out how to see historical sites spread across South Goa. I was interested in the Portuguese influence outside Panjim but I was traveling solo and didn’t have transportation of my own. This tour solved that problem and exceeded my expectations. Mario is an expert at what he does—from his knowledge of history, to the high quality service, to his personal connections. He thought of the smallest details, like refreshing towels and shady spots to stand. He also was able to convince a historic home owner to open for tours on a day when the owner originally planned to close. Mario patiently answered every one of my questions and I walked away with a much richer understanding of Goa, past and present. I loved seeing the market. Another highlight was the Palácio do Deão. The lunch there was my best meal in Goa and will likely be the best food I eat during my entire trip to India. Highly recommend!
Operator response
Thank you Laura for an amazing review. It indeed was a pleasure taking you on a tour of south Goa and showing you the heritage and culture of Goa. I am glad you enjoyed the lunch at Palacio Do Deão.
F
Fearless40352972319
August 1, 2024 · via Tripadvisor
GOA TRIP!
We went to Goa during monsoon season and that did not deter us from sightseeing or having fun! Our itinerary was for 3 days and our guide was Mario from withlocals tour company. We visited so many places both in the North and South Goa. We encompassed churches like the Se Cathedral Church and Saint Augustine Ruins, took a leisurely stroll in Panjim's Fontainhas, age old Hindu temples and colonial solar houses and even made time to go visit and eat at the Spice Plantation. Mario is a very dedicated guide and a passionate historian who is an expert in his craft! He also takes very good care of his clients and is attentive to every detail and needs. If you go visit Goa and want a tour guide better call Mario Monteiro!
Operator response
Thank you Celina it was a pleasure taking you and your friend out on a tour of Goa for the three days that you were in Goa. I glad you enjoyed your visit to Goa and have gone back with fond memories of Goa.
A
Ambassador280940
February 26, 2024 · via Tripadvisor
An amazing and magical experience
Our 3 days with Mario were an absolutely amazing experience! He truly enriched our stay in Goa. Mario tailored the tours perfectly to our interests, providing detailed explanations and sharing fascinating historical curiosities along the way. The places we visited were truly magical, and the food was delightful. We completely emerged in Goa’s past and felt the real experience of the present.
Besides the amazing guide Mario is, his personality and kindness brought these days to the top! He is extremely attentive and doing the extra mile for people to be the most comfortable as possible always providing fresh beverages and refreshing towels that saved us during the hot weather. Finally the driver was also excellent and the car very comfortable. I highly recommended Exotic Goan excursions for anyone visiting Goa!
Operator response
Thank you Slyvie for your kind words of encouragement. I am truly happy that you had a wonderful tour experience with me as your Guide.
R
ratohe
February 25, 2024 · via Tripadvisor
Magnificent!
What a memorable tour I took with Mario! During the visit to Casa Meneses Bragança in Chandor I felt like I was in a movie! What a wonderful collection. Casa do Deão also transports us to the past, but with a modern touch. The story of the current owner Rubem and the delicious lunch they served us. A walk in the gardens is a must.
Mario is an excellent guide attentive to small and large details, such as his wonderful scented and refreshing wipes distributed at the right time. They also provided very cold drinks. I would repeat the tour without thinking twice. If you visit Goa, don't waste time looking for a guide. Contact Mario! Once more, thank you!
Operator response
It was a delight and pleasure to take you through Goa’s past and I am glad that you enjoyed the Goan meal at Palacio De Deão.
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