Day 1: Manila Arrival
Welcome to Manila!
Upon arrival, your guide will meet you at Ninoy Aquino International Airport and escort you to your hotel to check in. The rest of the day you are able to go to Manila Bay for a walk and enjoy the beautiful bay scenery.
Stay overnight in Manila.
Day 2: Manila City Tour
Today, you will spend a full day exploring the city of Manila.
In the morning, you will first visit
Rizal Park, also known as "Luneta". Dedicated to the Philippines' national hero Dr. Jose Rizal, Rizal Park has gardens, historical monuments, a 3D map of the Philippines, picnic grounds, a grand stadium, and an open-air concert hall.
Next, you will head to visit
Manila Cathedral. It is the main building of the Catholic archdiocese of Manila, founded in 1581, the church's appearance is very solemn style, the front wall is carved with six white religious figures and all kinds of exquisite decorations, and the top is carved with two lovely little angels and solemn cross, sending out a strong religious atmosphere and classical charm.
Then, you will explore
San Agustin Church which was listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1993. It is one of the country’s oldest churches. You are able to get a closer look at the old walls, church ruins, and other remains from the Spanish colonial era.
After visiting San Agustin Church, you will visit the
Chinese Museum. The museum is the world's first Chinese history museum founded by a private group, recreating nearly thousands of years of Chinese Filipinos.
Later, you will visit
Fort Santiago, one of Manila's most important historical sites. It was built by the Spanish in the late 1500s and surrounded by a wooden fence. In the 16th century, the Spanish governor transformed the city village into a stone city.
Your final leg is to explore
Casa Manila Museum. This museum is a replica of a Spanish colonial mansion in 19th-century Manila. It recreates the rich merchant’s way during the Spanish colonization, showcasing period furniture coming from Chinese, European, and Philippine origins. It also shows the Philippines, Austria, Malacca, France, Britain, the Qing Dynasty, and other colonial antiques, including furnishings and furniture.
After the tour, you will be transferred to your hotel.
Stay overnight in Manila.
Manila San Agustin Church
Day 3: Manila to Tagaytay; back to Manila
In the early morning, you will drive to the resort city, Tagaytay to visit Taal Volcano, and the old heritage town of Taal.
Upon arrival, you will board a traditional outrigger boat for around 30 minutes to the
Taal Volcano Island in the middle of Taal Lake. This volcano is said to be the smallest active volcano in the world.
You'll hike uphill through the hardened black lava on the rim of the crater and enjoy stunning views here and find many endemic species. Later, back to the shore and enjoy your lunch.
In the afternoon, you will
explore the old heritage town of Taal, which is well-known for the restored beautiful houses dating to the 18th and 19th centuries. In the old town, you will also see its famous hand-embroidered fabrics and hand-made knives. Then, you will visit the Leon Apacible Museum, Gregorio Agoncillo House, and the Galleria Taal.
After the tour, drive back to Manila.
Stay overnight in Manila.
Philippines Taal Volcano
Day 4: Manila to Banaue
After breakfast, you will drive to
Banaue, a town on the Cordillera mountain range in the north of the island of Luzon, in the Philippines. Banaue is famous for its stunning rice terraces, which are a UNESCO World Heritage site.
You will be highly impressed by the stunning mountainous landscape on the way to Banaue. It will take about 8-9 hours to drive from Manila to Banaue. You'll stop en route for lunch and photo ops.
Upon arriving in Bayombong, you will stop to visit the
Provincial Museum and learn more about Luzon. If time permits, you can also explore the local market in downtown Banaue.
Stay overnight in Banaue.
Day 5: Banaue to Sagada
Today, start your Batad adventure to visit
Batad Rice Terraces which is one of the five inscribed clusters declared as UNESCO World Heritage Sites alongside Nagacadan Rice Terraces, Hungduan Rice Terraces, Mayoyao Rice Terraces, and Bangaan Rice Terraces. You can look out into the vast emptiness or walk the rice terraces, with the blue sky and lush greenery stretching before you.
In the afternoon, you will continue your trip to
Bontoc Museum. You can get a glimpse of the history and life of the Indigenous People of the mountain province.
After the tour, you will drive to Sagada.
Stay overnight in Sagada.
Visit Batad Rice Terraces
Day 6: Free Adventure in Sagada
Today, you'll have a
full free day to explore the outdoor paradise of Sagada, a small town in the mountain province of Luzon.
You can opt to hike around or trip to explore the local caves, hanging coffins, or waterfalls set into the lush green landscape.
Stay overnight in Sagada.
Explore hanging coffins in Sagada
Day 7: Sagada to Vigan
Today, you'll set off for
Vigan, which is a well-preserved Spanish colonial town.
After arriving at Vigan, you will enjoy your free time exploring the town.
Stay overnight in Vigan.
Day 8: Vigan Sightseeing
In the morning, you will visit
Santa Maria Church, which is on the World Heritage List. This church is one of the best examples of Baroque-style architecture that was popular in the Spanish colonial era.
Although the interior of the church is fairly simple, the surroundings of the church make it a popular destination among tourists. The church also has a lot of open space surrounding it, perfect for leisurely walks and quick photos!
The rest of the day is
free for you to explore the town. You can visit some local pottery shops and the local handloom weavers. Or take an optional horse-drawn carriage tour in the town.
Stay overnight in Vigan.
Vigan Sightseeing
Day 9: Vigan to Manila via Laoag
Today, you will say goodbye to Vigan and drive north to Laoag for the flight back to Manila.
On the way, you will visit the World Heritage-listed
Paoay Church, also known as Saint Augustine Church, which is a Roman Catholic church in Paoay. With a massive pediment and complementary bell tower standing imposingly on an expansive plain, the church is famous for its architecture that blends baroque, gothic, Chinese, and Javanese.
After that, you will transfer to Laoag International Airport and take the flight to Manila.
Upon arrival, you will be picked up from the airport to your hotel for check-in.
Stay overnight in Manila.
Saint Augustine Church
Day 10: Manila Departure
Say goodbye to the Philippines.
You are free to arrange your time until the guide transfer you to the airport.
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Service Included
Private English-speaking tour guide
All entrance ticket fees for sightseeing listed in the itinerary
Private van for land transportation
Meals as specified in the itinerary
Hotel accommodation
Governmental taxes
Service Excluded
International air tickets
Visa Handling fee, visa stamp fee
Meals as not listed in the itinerary
Tips and gratitude to the guide and driver
Surcharge for public holidays (if any)
Personal expenses, like laundry, phone call, snacks, soft drinks, etc.
The Philippines Travel Restriction
The Philippines has reopened to international travelers who have been fully vaccinated.
In order to travel to the Philippines, you need to provide an acceptable proof of vaccination and travel insurance with COVID-19 coverage, in addition to the necessary tourist visa.
For the latest and more detailed information about traveling to the Philippines, please feel free to contact us.