GTDC introduces ‘Hop on, Hop off’ tours during St. Francis Xavier Exposition

goanewlogoPanaji, November 25: In an initiative to  integrate  history and  heritage  with the on-going  spiritual fervor  of the St Francis  Xavier Exposition 2014,  the Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC)   launched  an innovative  ‘Hop On Hop Off’  tour for  tourists and pilgrims  visiting  Old Goa.

 

The  route   chalked out  for the  ‘Hop On Hop Off’  tour covers  around  seven  kilometers  in and around  Old  Goa complex where  heritage  monuments and  churches of  historical  importance  are  located.

 

Some  of these  include  Monte  Chapel,   St. Augustine  tower,   Church  of  the  Miraculous  Cross, St Cajetan’s  Church.

 

The  Hop  On Hop Off vehicles  depart  from  the  ticket booking  counter  at the SFX Secretariat  every  half hour.   A nominal fare of Rs 50 is charged for those who want to avail this service.

 

According to  the  GTDC,  passengers  can  spend  time at  each of  the  monuments  during  the ring route tour and Hop On  and Off at   any  location of their  choice during the tour.

 

The GTDC has also announced special boat trips from St. Monica Jetty   daily during the   Exposition. The boat trips are scheduled twice   during the day departing at 9. 30 am and 1.30 pm.  From Old Goa Jetty, the boats will set sail for St Monica Jetty at 11 am and 3.30 pm. A fare of Rs. 50 is charged for this service as well.

 

“The objective is to  make  it  the commute to Old Goa easier for tourists and pilgrims. That is why we decided to use the inland waterways,” said Shri. Nilesh Cabral, Chairman – GTDC.

 

“The  Hop On Hop Off circuit  tours is also another  facility introduced  by the  GTDC  for  tourists and pilgrims  to   learn  more  about  Goa’s   rich    heritage  housed  at  Old  Goa,” Shri Cabral  said.