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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.

Your Itinerary

Day 1 - Mabuhay!

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.

Day 2 - Intramuros by Bicycle

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.

Day 3 - North to Banaue

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.

Day 4 - Batad Rice Terraces

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.

hanging-coffins-sagada

Day 5 - Travel to Sagada

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.

Day 6 - Caves and Coffins

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.

Day 7 - From North to South

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.

Day 8 - Highlights of Bohol

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.

Days 9-13 - Days by the Sea

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.

Day 14 - Homeward Bound

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!

DETAILS: -

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.

What's included?

INCLUDED:
  • Prices start from £1680 per person
  • Accommodation on B&B basis
  • Private transfers in an air-conditioned vehicle or as indicated
  • Local taxes
  • Entrance fees
  • All excursions and activities mentioned in the itinerary
  • Internal flights
  • All trips are ATOL protected or ABTA bonded to ensure you are fully covered
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Manila
The bustling capital city is home to historic Intramuros and Rizal Park. Let us arrange a bicycle tour of the walled city so you can explore the narrow streets and learn about the nation's colonial past. More
Banaue
Ancient rice terraces in Batad, coffins mounted on a cliff in Sagada, the Cordillera is home to some of the most unique and fascinating bits of the Philippines. More
Vigan
Some of the best preserved Spanish colonial architecture in the world can be found in Vigan. Wander the cobbled streets, sample the Spanish-influenced cuisine, and relax in one of the city's historic boutique hotels. More
Boracay
Sink your toes into the white sands of Boracay. Grab a cocktail, take it easy, and watch the clear blue water lap against the shore. When night falls, join the parties of District Two or slip away to romantic Diniwid beach. More
Bohol
Chocolate hills, tiny tarsiers, Boholano art, beautiful beaches, and some lovely snorkeling and diving make Bohol one of our favorite parts of the Philippines. The gorgeous boutique resorts don't hurt, either! More
Negros Oriental
The island of Negros is home to world-class diving off the coast of Dauin and on neighboring Apo Island. Waterfalls and adventure are just a day trip away from the university town of Dumaguete. On neighboring Siquijor settle in to the tranquility of an island known for sorcery and healing powers. More
Negros Occidental
On the west coast of Negros you'll find Bacolod, the city of smiles. Sugar plantations in the area host historic mansions and in October, the streets come alive with the annual MassKara festival. More
Puerto Princesa
The gateway to Palawan, Puerto Princesa sits near one of the longest subterranean rivers in the world. Let us arrange a stay for you at a beachside hotel with mountain views just a short boat ride away. More
El Nido
When people refer to Palawan as the most beautiful island in the world, images of El Nido come to mind. Limestone cliffs jut from aquamarine water, lush jungle fills the interior, and the coasts are lined with dazzling beaches. Some of the finest resorts in the country dot the islands around this northern bit of Palawan. More
Coron
For divers, the WWII shipwrecks of Coron are one of the highlights of the Philippines. Natural hot springs, clear blue lakes, isolated beaches, and a rather surprising game reserve and wildlife sanctuary make Coron a fun destination for divers and landlubbers alike. More
Puerto Galera
Fast drift dives and schools of big fish await experienced divers in Puerto Galera while shallow macro dives make for excellent underwater photography, relaxing night dives, and the perfect place to learn or improve your dive skills. More
Tubbataha Reefs
The greatest variety of marine life in the Philippines is within Tubbataha Reefs National Marine Park; only accessible for diving mid-March to mid-June

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