Walk through ancient rice terraces in the northern mountains and catch some sun on the southern beaches of the Philippines. This two week holiday starts in Manila, goes north into the Cordillera, then south to Bohol. Combining these two regions can feel like visiting two different countries. The north is rich in tribal tradition and the south is all about island living.
This itinerary is here to inspire you as all of our holidays are tailor-made to suit you. We’re happy to add or subtract days, change hotels, islands, and adjust as you see fit. To learn more about a Philippines holiday, give us a call at UK 020 7112 0019 or email philippines@fleewinter.com to start planning your holiday.
Welcome to the Philippines! Your driver will collect you at Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Manila and transfer you to your art-filled boutique hotel in the Pasay area. Relax into the tropical heat, sit in the garden, dip in the pool, or take it easy this evening. Nothing is planned so you can settle in.
Explore the historic walled city of Intramuros on locally made bamboo bicycles. See the UNESCO-designated Saint Augustin Church, Fort Santiago, and other historic buildings and parks on your leisurely ride. There’s no better way to see Manila’s most picturesque sights than with the community-focused Bambike team. The afternoon is yours to relax or explore as you’d like.
Depart Manila and fly early this morning to Cauayan in the northern part of Luzon then sit back for a scenic drive to the town of Banaue. The region is renowned for its ancient rice terraces and traditional culture. Stretch your legs on the path outside your hotel or try one of the local restaurants in town for dinner.
Your guide today will take you in a private jeepney to the ancient rice terraces of Batad which sit in a unique amphitheatre design. Visit the farming community of Banga-an to see traditional Ifugao homes before walking to the 2,000-year-old rice terraces. If you’re up for more, your guide can lead you to a waterfall before you return to your jeepney and the ride back to Banaue.
Your private driver and guide will take you past scenic rice terraces through the mountains to Sagada today. Stop in Bontoc to visit the small museum to learn about the various tribes of the north. It’s a short visit and well worth the stop. You’ll reach Sagada in time to wander the quiet streets of this mountain town.
Sagada and other mountain towns resisted the 16th century Spanish conquest of the Philippines and the later colonization by the Americans. As a result, traditional culture including the unique burial practices of hanging coffins continues to today. Walk with your guide to see some of these and the burial caves where more than 100 coffins are stacked in the entrance.
Travel overland today to the airport in Clark then board an evening flight to the island of Bohol in the Visayas island group. Upon arrival, you’ll be met and transferred to your beachside hotel in the Panglao area. This is a long day of travel so consider breaking it up with a night near the Clark airport.
Meet your guide this morning to visit the highlights of Bohol. Stop at the Philippine Tarsier and Wildlife Sanctuary in the town of Corella to see these peculiar small primates in their natural habitat. Afterwards, head to the Chocolate Hills, covered in green grass that turns brown during the dry season. Have lunch on the banks of the Abatan River then grab your kayak and paddle your way through the nipa palm mangroves with your guide.
These days are yours to relax on the beach, organise snorkelling, diving, dolphin-spotting, spa treatments, or to explore Alona Beach, kick back in a hammock, dip in the swimming pool or the ocean, and otherwise do as you like. Enjoy the white sand, palm trees, and clear waters of the Visayas.
Transfer today to the port in Bohol for your ferry crossing to Cebu and ride to Cebu-Mactan International Airport. From here, you can get a flight beginning the journey home. Hopefully you depart with plenty of sun-kissed memories and a desire to return and see more of the Philippines. Safe travels!
This itinerary costs from £1680 per person B&B and is based on two people sharing during the high season (Nov-May) excluding the Christmas and New Year, Chinese New Year, Easter, and other holiday periods. The price includes all private transfers and domestic travel but not international flights.
International flights can be found from £700 per person with a flight to Manila and home from Cebu – do ask us for advice. Although we can book the flights for you, a booking fee will apply and you may prefer to book directly with the airline or flight expert of your choice.
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