Your Itinerary
Day 1 - Touchdown in Manila
This afternoon your overnight flight arrives in Manila, an energetic city with a historic heart. Your private driver will greet you at Ninoy Aquino Manila International Airport and transport you to your comfortable accommodation. We’ve not planned anything for this afternoon to allow you to recover from your flight, so relax or head out for a wander!
Day 2 - Explore historic Intramuros
Today you will tour the walled city of Intramuros on bamboo bicycles. Your guide will explain the history of the walled city as you cycle leisurely along on a hand-made bicycle. See the UNESCO-designated Saint Augustin Church, Fort Santiago, and other historic buildings. Exploring by bicycle allows you to see more of this historical area and absorb the sights and sounds of what was once the heart of Manila. The tour including time to reach Intramuros and return to your hotel takes approximately 4 hours. You may wish to have lunch in the old city, and the remainder of the day is at your leisure.
Day 3 - Trek up Mount Taal
Today your private guide will take you to Mount Taal, an active volcano in the middle of a lake. After a short trek to the summit, visit the ancestral heritage houses of the town of Taal, founded in 1572. Return to Manila for the night.
Days 4-5 - Rice terraces of Banaue
Rise early to beat the Manila traffic and head north to Banaue. As you venture into the Cordillera Mountains you’ll stop at historic monuments and view points along the way. Your guide in Banaue will take you out in a private jeepney to the stunning rice terraces of Batad. Visit the farming community of Banga-an to see the traditional Ifugao homes before beginning the walk to the rice terraces. These 2,000-year-old terraces are fed by an irrigation system just as old. 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.
Days 6-7 - Coffins and caves of Sagada
Your private driver and guide will take you through more mountains to Sagada. On the way you’ll have stunning views of the rice terraces and a stop at the Bontoc Museum. Sagada and other Igorot towns resisted the 16th century Spanish conquest of the Philippines. Traditional culture survived the centuries including the unique burial practices of hanging coffins. Your guide will take you to see some of these and the Lumiang Burial Cave where more than 100 coffins are stacked in the entrance.
Day 8 - Tabuk trekking and cultural heritage
Hike up to the village of Bugnay where homes are built into rice terraces and traditional tattoo artists still practice their craft. Visit the weaving community of Lubuangan and meet some of the women who carry on the Kalinga weaving traditions. Overnight in the town of Tabuk.
Days 9-11 - Soak up the sun in Boracay
Travel to the island of Boracay via air and water. Enjoy the white sand beaches, fine restaurants, and a few days to take it easy.
Days 12-14 - South to Bohol
Travel via water and air to the island of Bohol and settle in to your accommodation in Panglao. You’ll have time here to dive, snorkel, relax on the beach, and get in a private tour to see the tarsiers, chocolate hills, and a cruise along the Loboc River.
Days 15-17 - Mystical Siquijor
Travel by ferry to the small island of Siquijor known for magic, sorcery, and healing. One day, you’ll get a full tour of the island including visits to a traditional healer, Cambugay Falls, and the century-old Balete Tree with its natural fish spa. Enjoy time on this quiet island or consider a snorkeling trip to neighboring Apo Island one day.
Day 18 - Travel to Cebu
You’ll be leaving the Visayas soon so board a 5-hour ferry ride to Cebu. Your driver will collect you at the pier in Cebu for a ride to your hotel for the night.
Days 19-20 - Palawan, the Last Frontier of the Philippines
Fly to Puerto Princesa where you’ll be driven to your beachside resort in Sabang. Enjoy a half-day tour of the UNESCO-designated Subterranean River, walk the beach, and settle in to the slow, disconnected pace of life on Palawan.
Days 21-24 - El Nido
It’s a six-hour drive to El Nido through the lush jungle of Palawan but once you arrive, you’ll have four nights to wind down your trip. We’ve arranged for one full day of island-hopping and a half-day of exploration to a waterfall and remote beach. The rest of the time is yours to dive, snorkel, and relax. By the time you leave, you may begin plotting your next trip to this beautiful country!
Day 25 - Bid farewell to the Philippines
This morning you’ll head for the El Nido airport to catch your flight to Manila. From there, connect to your flight homeward. Safe travels!
DETAILS: -
This itinerary costs from £5200 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 £600 per person return – do ask us for advice. Alternatively we can book the flights for you but a booking fee may apply.
What's included?
INCLUDED:
- Prices start from £5200 per person
- Accommodation on B&B basis
- Private transfers in an air-conditioned vehicle or by boat
- Local taxes
- Entrance fees
- All excursions and activities mentioned in the itinerary
- Internal flights and ferries
- All trips are ATOL protected or ABTA bonded to ensure you are fully covered
