Philippines Discovery

Philippines Discovery

GO BEYOND TOUR | 14 DAYS | PHYSICAL LEVEL 3

MANILA
● PAMPANGA
● BANAUE
● BAGUIO
● VIGAN
● LAOAG
● BOHOL
● CEBU

This 14 day adventure takes you through the highlights of the Philippines; exploring the magnificent nature and intriguing culture of the stunning archipelago. Journey from the stunning rice terraces of the northern highlands to colonial Vigan and the sand dunes of Laoag, before finishing on the beaches of Bohol to view the magnificent Chocolate Hills.

-Explore the captivating rice terraces of Banaue -Learn about the local culture of the northern highlands (cordilleras) *Marvel at the natural beauty of the Chocolate Hills -Wander the charming streets of colonial Vigan -See the hanging coffins and burial caves of Sagada -Spot tarsiers
● the smallest primate in the world
● in Bohol

Philippines Discovery Tour Inclusions:

All accommodation
All meals
All sightseeing and entrance fees
All transportation and transfers
English-speaking National Escort (if your group is 10 or more passengers) and Local Guides
Specialist advice from our experienced travel consultants
Comprehensive travel guides
Safe and secure with ABTA, ATOL and IATA


Extras:

Please ask our sales agent to price the International Flights

The only thing you may have to pay for are personal expenditure e.g. drinks, optional excursions or shows, insurance of any kind, early check in or late checkout and other items not specified on the itinerary. 

Itinerary

Day 1-2: Fly to Manila

Fly overnight to Manila with an evening arrival and transfer to your hotel in the cosmopolitan area of the city. You will have a welcome meeting at your hotel.

Destination Information

Manila – Manila is a rapidly developing city with a fascinating history and an up and coming culinary scene. The city is fast paced with multicultural influences and a vibrant nightlife.

Day 3: Manila
● Pampanga

This morning enjoy a rolling tour of Intramuros which is the historic centre of Manila. The old walled city was mostly destroyed in WWII but rebuilt in a colonial style, featuring an original baroque church. Later you will head north to the hills of Pampanga where you can experience a cooking class before arriving at your accommodation in lush green surroundings.

Destination Information

Pampanga – Pampanga is the culinary capital of the Philippines located in the shadow of Mt Arayat. Sitting on the wide plains of Central Luzon, it is known for its hot air balloon and lantern festivals, as well as its strong Christian traditions.

Day 4: Mount Pinatubo

Early this morning you transfer one hour to the base of Mount Pinatubo to hike to the crater lake at its summit. The hike duration is typically three hours uphill on a gentle incline and two hours back down. On the descent from the crater, visit Taruken Village, settlement of the Aetas of Capas, who are among the 12 million indigenous peoples in the Philippines. For those who are not keen on the volcano hike then there are lovely nature trails available for walking around the Green Canyon nature resort where you are staying.

Destination Information

Mount Pinatubo – The eruption of this volcano in 1991 led to the evacuation of 20,000 people and great damage to the local communities. A decade or so later, the indigenous population returned to their ancestral lands to start rebuilding.

Day 5: Banaue

Today you will be on the road, transferring to the northern highlands (cordilleras) and gateway to the rice terraces of Banaue. En route visit San Guillermo Church in the town of Bacolor.

Destination Information

Bacolor – this small town in Pampanga was restored following the eruption of Mt Pinatubo and is known for the iconic San Guillermo Church.

Banaue
● this highland region is the centre of Ifugao culture and home to dramatic rice terraces. The region features ancient mud walled and stone walled terraces surrounded by incredible mountain scenery.

Day 6: Hapao Rice Terraces

This morning board a 18 passenger jeepney and drive further up into the highlands. Enjoy a largely flat trek through the Hapao rice terraces. At the top of the terraces, arrive at a hot spring where you can bathe in the stream and in the warm rockpool. Afterwards have lunch at the Native Village Inn with fantastic views over the valley.

There is an alternative easier trek which may be possible to arrange, or guests can remain at the Banaue Hotel to enjoy the pool and facilities there.

Day 7: Sagada

Sagada is located a two hour drive from Banaue via beautiful mountain passes. In this region you will find the famous burial caves, as well as the hanging coffins suspended on rock faces. Enjoy a full day tour before returning to the Banaue Hotel.

Destination Information

Sagada
● this quaint region consists of breathtaking cloud covered mountains, magnificent caves and dramatic waterfalls. The town is known as a quiet refuge and home to indigenous communities.

Day 8: Baguio

Today you will travel to the pleasant city of Baguio which has several places of interest including a presidential mansion, market area, weaving workshops and the municipal park.

Destination Information

Baguio – Baguio is a university town which presents a welcoming blend of hill tribe culture and urban dwellers. It serves as a nice stopping point between the highlands and the coast.

Day 9: Vigan

Head to the coast today and arrive at the charming colonial settlement of Vigan
● a UNESCO World Heritage town. Wander the cobblestone streets visiting colonial houses, museums and a pottery workshop.

Destination Information

Vigan – Vigan is a stroll through Spanish colonial history and the thoroughfare of Crisologo St is a wonderful spot to enjoy the local empanadas or ice cream.

Day 10: Laoag & Fly to Manila

Continue north to the city of Laoag for some light sightseeing before visiting its coastal sand dunes. Later this evening you will fly back to Manila.

Destination Information

Laoag – Laoag is a northern city with some history behind it, known for its nearby sand dunes and UNESCO church.

Day 11: Fly to Bohol

Take a morning flight to the beautiful island of Bohol and explore Panglao island, including Hinagdanan Cave and the lovely Bohol Bee Farm where you can enjoy organic ice cream. Arrive at your hotel mid afternoon.

Destination Information

Panglao Island – this island connected to Bohol by road bridge is known for picture perfect beaches including the vibrant Alona Beach which is a great spot for a cocktail.

Day 12: Chocolate Hills

Today you will visit the stunning Chocolate Hills including lunch on a river cruise and a visit to the tarsier sanctuary. Tarsiers are intriguing creatures and the smallest primate in the world.

Destination Information

Chocolate Hills – this is a world class scenic attraction; a geological formation with at least one thousand round hills spread over an area of more than 50 sq kilometres. They are covered in green grass that turns brown during the dry season, hence the name.

Day 13: Cebu

Take the ferry to Cebu and enjoy a tour finishing with great views overlooking the city and bay. Places of interest here include colonial downtown, modern uptown, the Roman style Temple of Leah and a flower farm. Cebu is also known as the best place in the Philippines to try the local delicacy lechon (roast suckling pig).

Destination Information

Cebu – The 'second city' in the Philippines is a bustling commercial centre, with lively bars, eateries and shopping opportunities.

Day 14: Fly from Cebu
● Home

Dates

21/01/23 & 11/03/23 & 08/03/23 & 18/11/23 & 02/12/23 & 20/01/24 & 09/03/24 & 16/11/24 & 30/11/24