Goas Herzschlag: 7h Luxus-Entdeckung – Unvergesslich!

Mr. Mario is definitely the best tour guide we have had in all our experiences anywhere in the world so far. Super knowledgeable, kind, and always available to accommodate last-minute requests. Qualities that any traveler looks for, whether the trip is for relaxation or adventure. The main strengths of his service are: Experience: Mario has been doing this job for 25 years now— and you can feel it! Even the smallest details are planned in advance rather than randomly arranged and later rationalized. There’s a huge difference, especially when it comes to services. Safe immersion: He wants to introduce you to the local environment while still keeping all necessary precautions. Lunch was fantastic, with delicious local cuisine—an absolute must-try. He truly cares about food quality. 5-star hygiene and service: Throughout the tour he constantly checked whether we were comfortable and if we needed water. During two points of the long route (right after the sweatiest parts) he provided us with sterilized towels soaked in cool, pleasantly scented water. All that after providing sanitazing gel. Wow! Warm personality and expertise: All the explanations he gave were delivered with passion and attention to detail. Being a tourist quite interested in history, I usually ask more questions than average. Despite this, he answered everything with enthusiasm and politeness. The one time he didn’t know the answer, he never tried to make something up or justify himself. He simply said, “I don’t know, but I’ll find out and let you know.” Great respect for this gentleman—with a capital G. Flexibility: Besides everything related to the tour, he allowed us to start a bit later since we had arrived in Goa the night before. He let us stop three times to buy what we needed and protected us in every situation to avoid typical tourist surcharges. Very much appreciated. I won’t go into detail about the activities, as they are described much better (and were fully respected throughout the tour) on his website or on those of third-party travel operators who resell his services. Specifically, we chose the package including the visit to the churches and Old Goa + a guided tour of a spice plantation (with local Goan lunch included). Thank you again, Mr. Mario — see you soon to continue our South Indian adventures.

I cannot compliment Mr. Mario enough for the Glimpses of Goa tour. We spent the most wonderful day learning about Goan culture and heritage. The history of the Portuguese presence in the area, along with the architecture and Christian churches, was fascinating, as was the visit to the spice plantation. We enjoyed a great traditional lunch and learned a lot about spice cultivation, their properties, and some interesting tips on how to use them. The plantation is located in the middle of the forest, giving you the feeling of being in the Indian jungle. I also wanted to buy some typical Indian jewellery, and he kindly took us to a place where we found very fine pieces that suited our budget perfectly. Mr. Mario thought of every small detail. Since the day was very hot, he provided us with chilled water and cool towels for refreshment throughout the tour. It was definitely one of the best tours we’ve ever had, and we are looking forward to taking another tour with him the next time we visit Goa.

We had the absolute pleasure of exploring Old Goa with Mario. His deep knowledge of Goa's history, culture, and architecture brought each site to life in a way that was both engaging and informative. We visited some truly stunning places – from the iconic Basilica of Bom Jesus and Latin Quarters to some lesser known hidden gems that we would never have discovered on our own. Mario didn’t just show us around; he shared stories, local insights, and even some interesting trivia that made the whole experience memorable. What stood out most was his passion for Goa’s heritage and extremely warm and friendly nature. I highly recommend booking a tour with Mario. It’s an experience you won’t forget!

Mario was amazing and really added to our experience exploring Goa! He’s knowledgeable and passionate about the area, and he took great care of us!

This tour was wonderful! Mario was so full of knowledge starting from the history of Goa’s founding to the detailed history of all of the places we visited. He did a great job of telling the story of Goa in such a way that kept you intrigued to find out what would be next on the tour. We were able to see a variety of places and had great first hand experiences with the things that make up Goa. I would give Mario and his crew 10 stars if I could!

Mario was a fantastic tour guide! He showed us the amazing sights of Goa and gave us the experience of a lifetime. Would highly recommend! Thank you Mario!

Mario provides a truly excellent service. Very communicative, organised and helpful. We were a group of 7 and did the "Glimpses of Goa" tour and we thoroughly enjoyed it. Mario is incredibly knowledgeable and his love of Goa shines through. Save yourself the hassle and stress of trying to sightsee on your own and let Mario handle it all - including refreshments, wet towels and wonderfully comfortable transport. Thank you Mario!

The first time I hired Mario's services was back in 2019 during a short trip to Goa. Now, in this trip in April 2025, I've hired Mario's tour guide services again and why? Just because my experience back in 2019 was great and because this time I was not travelling alone and I was with my partner and I wanted that she had a very good experience and knowledge about Goa that only someone like Mario can provide. If you want a very professional, full of knowledge about Goa, its culture, history and religion; someone amazingly friendly, educated and polite, with a timely and organised service... just, please, do yourself a favor and contact Mário and hire his services. Since the first moment I've contacted Mário by email, all our preparation by email worked swiftly and well and, as soon as you meet him when he picks you up for the first time and you see his genuine smile, you just feel like "Yes! This will be a very good time in Goa.". And that's was it. Mário is like that friend of your friend that is there to guide you and make the best of your trip to Goa. Don't hesitate to hire Mário's services. You'll get one of the best local guides like I've had in my trips.

What a fabulous day we had with Mario and John on the glimpses of Goa tour . Right from our initial enquiry we felt that we were in good hands . Having never been before Mario helped us to choose the tours that would suit our interest in learning a bit more about Goa . He is such a lovely , interesting guy whose knowledge is incredible . The day flew by and unlike a lot of tours we thoroughly enjoyed every single stop . John was a great driver with a comfortable roomy car and we felt very safe . Mario genuinely cares that his guests enjoy their time on the tour and we really couldn’t have asked for a better day . We would highly recommend exotic Goan experiences . Thank you Mario !

Had the best tour in Goa yesterday with Mario from Exotic Goan Excursions. He truly is one of the best tour guides we’ve ever had. He will email you after booking your tour and ask you for any specific needs, what you like to drink etc. The car was comfortable, very clean and roomy with excellent A/C. His driver is super safe. He’ll have cold water/ soda for you and ice cold scented washcloths for you- it’s HOT in Goa! He is constantly anticipating your needs and watching the time so you have the opportunity to see everything. He meets you right outside the immigration area and on the way to the first stops gives you an in-depth history of Goa. He took us to a Hindu Temple first and gave us a very in-depth education on the Hindu religion and Temple practices. From there we visited the current capital, Panjim with its colorful colonial homes, cute streets and a wonderful bakery. We heard-so many stories and learned so much. Saw the city fruit and vegetable, flower and fish markets. From there we went to Old Goa and visited St Katherine’s Church and the Basilica that houses St Francis Xavier’s, the Patron Saint of Goa, bones. Had a delicious Indian lunch, then toured the spice plantation and spice market. Mario explained everything in depth and made the day fly by. He even goes through immigration with you at the port then his driver takes you all the way up to the ship. He left us with a little gift as well. Mario is a structural engineer by schooling but has a passion for history and has been doing tours for a very long time. He knows everyone it seems and it makes everything go very smoothly. He speaks perfect English and is so knowledgeable and kind. Do yourself a huge favor and book him - you will be so happy you did!!!