Goa Tour (4 days, 3 nights) in India
Want to experience the various flavors of India’s coastal paradise, Goa? Dotted with picturesque beaches, a blend of Indian and Portuguese culture, this region on the southwestern coast of India is an ideal getaway for those who are seeking sun, sand, food (especially seafood!), and culture.
Goa is a much-loved destination located on the banks of the Arabian Sea, with beachside forts, bustling bazaars, and unique Portuguese colonial architecture and heritage. This is an amazing way to spend a long weekend while volunteering on the IVHQ India - Kerala program or you can take some time after your program has finished to explore Goa and the rest of what India has to offer!
Highlights include, visiting the Church of St. Francis of Assissi and Basilica of Bom Jesus, Calangute Beach, Anjuna Beach and Dona Paula Beach.
The 4 day tour costs US$715 and includes:
- 3 nights at a 3 star hotel - up to 2 volunteers per room (a private room can be arranged for an additional cost, please contact your IVHQ Program Manager to book this)
- Sightseeing as per itinerary below
- English speaking guide
- All transfers in a private vehicle with chauffeur and AC
- Daily Breakfast at hotel
- Mineral water X 1 bottle per day
- All government and local taxes
- Airport transfers
You will be responsible for:
- Entrance Fees to Monuments/Sightseeing places
- Airfare
- Personal Expenses
Click here to see a full itinerary of the Goa Tour
For a full itinerary of the tour please see the schedule below:
Day 1: Arrive to Goa Airport and receive a transfer to your hotel. You can spend the remainder of the day relaxing, hitting the beach or exploring nearby.
Day 2: After breakfast, you will be transported to South Goa for a day of sightseeing, with the first stop being the Se Cathedral Church. This is one of the most ancient and famous buildings in all of Goa and is dedicated to St. Catherine of Alexandria. Commissioned in 1631, the construction of this building took more than 62 years to complete.
Next up is visiting Basilica de Bom Jesus; constructed in 1605, the Basilica is famous for containing the tomb and mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier, who is believed to be one of the patron saints of Goa. Constructed in Portuguese Style, the Basilica is eminent for its architecture.
Panjim Bazar is next on the itinerary and is the perfect blend of old and new and you can find both modern and exotic items. It is a shopaholics paradise with many things to buy like nuts, wine, local spices, handicrafts and after a long day from all the shopping you can sit down and gorge on some local food as there is a wide variety of eateries close by.
In the afternoon you will be transported to Dona Paula beach, a stunning beach resort with water sports being the main activity. Beachside stalls and seafood restaurants make this beach another great place for shopping and eating!
In the evening you will head to Calangute Beach and relax at one of the many beach shacks after a long day of shopping and water sports. This is the perfect spot to watch the sunset and enjoy some dinner and drinks.
Transport back to the hotel will be provided at the end of the evening.
Day 3: Breakfast at the hotel, followed by a day at your leisure. We recommend joining a Yoga Class, more beach time, exploring the old Portuguese quarters (Fontainhas), or the Mahadeva Temple!
Day 4: After a leisurely breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport to board your flight
Taj Mahal Tour (3 days, 2 nights) in India
Is visiting India’s capital and seeing the iconic Taj Mahal on your bucket list? You can arrange this epic tour directly with your IVHQ Program Manager before you depart! This is a perfect way to spend a long weekend while volunteering on the IVHQ India - Kerala program or after your program has finished.
Delhi is a must-visit destination if you are in India and during the tour you will get to experience both the ancient feel of old Delhi and modern marvels of New Delhi.
The trip includes a detailed tour of the city where you will visit some of the oldest markets, mosques and the cremation site of Mahatma Gandhi. In addition, you will get to walk along the white marble floors of the 7th wonder of the world, the Taj Mahal, and experience the mystical allure of the Agra Fort.
The 3 day tour costs US$748 and includes:
- 2 nights at a 3 star hotel - up to 2 volunteers per room (a private room can be arranged for an additional cost, please contact your IVHQ Program Manager to book this)
- Sightseeing as per itinerary below
- English speaking guide
- All transfers in a private vehicle with chauffeur and AC
- Daily Breakfast at hotel
- Mineral water X 1 bottle per day
- All government and local taxes
- Airport transfers
You will be responsible for:
- Entrance Fees to Monuments/Sightseeing places
- Airfare
- Personal Expenses
- Lunch and Dinner Expenses
Click here to see a full itinerary of the Taj Mahal Tour
For a full itinerary of the tour please see the schedule below:
Day 1: Arrive to Delhi Airport and receive a transfer to your hotel. You can spend the remainder of the day relaxing or exploring nearby.
Day 2: After breakfast, you will be transported to the city Agra, which tips the scales with 3 UNESCO World Heritage Sites and was the capital of the Mughal Emperors from 1526 to 1628. First up is the Agra Fort in which its attractions include the Palace of Mirrors (Sheesh Mahal), Hall of Public Audience (Diwan-i-Aam), Nagina Mosque (Gem Mosque), Mina Masjid (Heavenly Mosque) and the 16th Century Jahangir Palace built by Emperor Akbar.
In the afternoon you will be transported to the Taj Mahal, no words needed………enjoy!
Transport back to the hotel will be provided at the end of the day.
Day 3: Breakfast at the hotel, followed by sightseeing in Old Delhi starting with Jama Masjid, India’s largest mosque.
Next on the itinerary is Chandni Chowk - Delhi’s oldest and biggest market. After, enjoy a Rickshaw ride to the impressive red sandstone monument of Red Fort. A UNESCO World Heritage Site and famous for its 18m high walls which took almost 10 years to construct.
In the afternoon, you will be transported to New Delhi and visit Humayun’s Tomb, rumoured to be the inspiration behind the Taj Mahal and was the first garden-styled tomb on the Indian subcontinent. Then make your way to the ‘Soaring Tower of Victory’ - Qutub Minar, a marble and red-sandstone structure which is nearly 73 meters tall and contains a spiral staircase of 379 steps. Built in the 11th Century, the design of the monument is inspired by the Minaret of Jam, in Western Afghanistan.
In the evening, visit the Dilli Haat, an open air bazaar and food plaza which sells handicrafts from all over India. All this shopping calls for food, and at the far end of the market you won’t be disappointed on this front as you can sample cuisine from every corner of the country!
Your magical tour has come to an end and you will be provided a transfer back to the airport to board your flight to your next destination.