Philippines DiscoveryEscorted Tour, Philippines

Discover the culture and nature of the Philippines - South East Asia's lesser visited gem. 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.

TOUR INCLUDES

All international airfares

All domestic transportation, departure taxes and current fuel surcharges

3-4* accommodation

All meals

Entrance fees, guides and daily tours

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

DAY 6 Hapao Rice Terraces

This morning board an 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.

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.

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

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.

DAY 11 Fly to Boho

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.

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.

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).

DAY 14 Fly from Cebu to UK

Board your flight to the UK, arriving home the same day

Philippines Discovery is located in Escorted Tour, Philippines. Accommodation rating is the operators own rating and may not be the official rating. Hotel details correct at 28/10/2020