Best Luzon Itinerary Philippines Guide: Multi-day Trips in Baguio, Palawan, Ilocos, Bicol & Near Manila

What are the top destinations in Luzon?

There are plenty of noteworthy Luzon tourist spots waiting to be explored. If you're searching for places to visit in Luzon, check out some of the must-visit destinations listed here that you shouldn't miss.

• Palawan - Known for its stunning landscapes, this archipelagic province is a tropical paradise with crystal-clear turquoise waters, limestone cliffs, and lush jungles. El Nido and Coron are popular spots for island hopping and snorkeling. Puerto Princesa, the capital, is home to the renowned Underground River, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and is known for firefly watching in the Philippines. San Vicente is an emerging destination known for its natural wonders such as Long Beach, the longest white sand beach in the Philippines.

• Manila - The capital city of the Philippines is a vibrant metropolis with a mix of historical and modern attractions. Intramuros, the historic walled city, and Rizal Park are key tourist spots in Manila. The city also boasts a dynamic culinary scene, shopping districts, and cultural events.

• Vigan, Ilocos Sur - This city is renowned for its well-preserved Spanish colonial architecture. The city's cobblestone streets and ancestral houses take visitors back in time. Calle Crisologo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a prime example of Spanish-era charm.

• Batanes - Located in the northernmost province of the Philippines, this small province is known for its scenic landscapes and traditional stone houses. The province is also famous for its rolling hills, cliffs, and rugged coastlines, which are featured in most Batanes tours and Batanes tour packages.

• Baguio - It is a popular mountain retreat known for its cool climate and scenic landscapes. Some of the top Baguio tourist spots include Burnham Park, Mines View Park, and The Mansion. It is also famous for its eclectic arts and crafts scene.

• Albay - Located in the Bicol Region, it is famous for the majestic Mayon Volcano, renowned for its near-perfect cone shape. The province offers a mix of adventure and relaxation, with activities ranging from ATV rides to visiting Cagsawa Ruins.

When is the best time to visit Luzon?

For your trip to Luzon, the best time is from November to May when there's less rain. This season offers great weather to explore both urban and natural attractions included in Philippine travel packages, and there are fewer chances of tour cancellations compared to the rainy months.

How to go to Luzon? How to get around Luzon?

You can fly directly from Manila to various destinations within Luzon, such as Clark in Pampanga, Palawan, Bicol, and Batanes. Additionally, you can take international direct flights to Clark. If you're coming from Cebu in the Visayas island region, there are also direct flight options to Baguio.

For getting around Luzon, you have multiple options. Flights are the quickest way to move between destinations, especially when trying a combined itinerary. When it comes to public land transportation, buses, tricycles, and jeepneys are widely accessible everywhere in Luzon. The fastest is the train system, comprising MRT and LRT lines, connecting key areas in Manila. Sea transfers like ferries are often used for traveling between major islands.

Taxis, car booking apps like Grab, and motorcycle booking apps such as Angkas provide convenient alternatives. For more flexibility and privacy, you can book airport to hotel transfers or rent a car in the Philippines, such as Manila airport transfers and Manila car rentals.

How many days to spend in Luzon destinations?

To maximize your Luzon trip, plan to stay 3-5 days in each destination. A 3-day Luzon itinerary, 4-day Luzon itinerary, and 5-day Luzon itinerary give you enough time to discover attractions and enjoy various activities at each location.

If you have longer days to spend in Luzon, you can try some of the best Philippines itinerary tour packages. Try booking a 1-week Philippines itinerary tour package if you want to follow a 1-week Philippines itinerary, a 2-week Philippines itinerary tour package if you want to follow a 2-week Philippines itinerary, or a 3-week Philippines itinerary tour package if you want to follow a 3-week Philippines itinerary. There are also 8-day Philippines itinerary tour packages and 10-day Philippines itinerary tour packages available.

Best Palawan Itineraries

Best for: Those who want to explore some of the best beaches on islands in the Philippines

If you're looking for a Luzon itinerary that lets you discover the best of Palawan, such as El Nido, Puerto Princesa, and Coron, following a Palawan itinerary is highly recommended. This travel plan will let you enjoy beautiful beaches and islands and other Palawan tourist spots.

Your trip begins in Manila. You can relax at your hotel in Manila, explore the city on your own, or book Manila city tours to discover the urban side of Luzon, like an Intramuros tour. Afterward, you'll start your Coron-El Nido-Puerto Princesa itinerary and visit some of the best beach destinations in the Philippines. 

You'll fly to Coron first and check in at your hotel. Coron is known for its clear blue waters, breathtaking limestone formations, and vibrant coral reefs, making it a perfect spot for nature lovers. The next day, you can go on a Coron island hopping tour, visiting attractions such as Kayangan Lake, Twin Lagoon, and Barracuda Lake. 

You can also explore Coron further on your own or try Coron tours that feature visits to Coron Palawan tourist spots like Mount Tapyas and fun activities like Coron wreck diving. You can also go on another island hopping tour, visiting Malcapuya Island, Bulog Dos Island, and Banana Island. 

Relax and explore the unique features of each island before taking a flight to El Nido in Palawan. El Nido is famous for its amazing limestone cliffs and paradise-like scenery. After you arrive, settle into your hotel and use this time to relax or discover El Nido Palawan tourist spots. The next day, you can go on an El Nido island-hopping tour. It's highly recommended to try El Nido Tour C, which lets you visit attractions like Hidden Beach and Matinloc Island. 

The next day, you can explore more of El Nido. You can visit the Twin Beaches of Nacpan Beach and Calitang Beach for breathtaking sunset views. You can go on another island hopping tour the next day. This time, try El Nido Tour B and visit tourist sites like Snake Island and Cudugnon Cave. You can also make the most of your last day in El Nido by trying El Nido Tour A or El Nido Tour D, or try an El Nido tour featuring inland attractions like Nagkalit-Kalit Waterfalls and Taraw Cliff.

You'll then travel to Puerto Princesa, known for its unique natural wonders. Check-in at your hotel and either relax or explore nearby attractions. Embark on a Puerto Princesa Underground River tour the next day, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the cave's stunning formations and unique ecosystem.

Before leaving Palawan, explore Puerto Princesa at your own pace or go on a Puerto Princesa tour, visiting Puerto Princesa tourist spots like Baker's Hill, Ugong Rock, Plaza Cuartel, or the Butterfly Ecological Garden and Tribal Village. You can also try a firefly river tour before leaving Palawan.

Most Palawan packages with the three island destinations, such as the 2-Week Coron-El Nido-Puerto Princesa Palawan tour package, follow the above itinerary. There are also other similar packages you can try, such as Coron-El Nido tour packages following a Coron-El Nido itinerary and Puerto Princesa-El Nido tour packages following a Puerto Princesa-El Nido itinerary. There are also packages featuring tourist spots in San Vicente, such as the 1-Week Puerto Princesa-Port Barton-El Nido tour package and the 13-Day Palawan tour package.

• Day 1: Arrival in Manila

• Day 2: Arrival in Coron, Palawan

• Day 3: Coron Super Ultimate island hopping tour

• Day 4: Free time

• Day 5: Coron island hopping tour

• Day 6: Arrival in El Nido, Palawan

• Day 7: El Nido island hopping tour C

• Day 8: Free time

• Day 9: El Nido island hoping tour B

• Day 10: Free time

• Day 11: Arrival in Puerto Princesa

• Day 12: Puerto Princesa Underground River tour

• Day 13: Free time

• Day 14: Depart from Puerto Princesa

Best North Luzon Itinerary

Best for: If you want to visit the scenic highlands of Baguio, Sagada, and Banaue, including the UNESCO World Heritage Rice Terraces of the Cordilleras

Explore the hidden gems of Luzon by following a North Luzon itinerary. If you're looking for a unique adventure that combines visits to cultural landmarks and natural wonders, this itinerary, which features Baguio, Sagada, and Banaue, is perfect for you. 

Your adventure begins in Manila after checking in at your hotel. You have the freedom to explore local attractions and try fun activities, like a Binondo food tour. You'll then check out and travel to Mt. Pinatubo for a scenic trek. Afterward, you'll travel to Vigan, which is known for its heritage sites. Check-in at your Vigan hotel to rest.

You can explore Vigan tourist spots on a Vigan tour the next day, including Bantay Church, Archbishop's Palace, and the famous Calle Crisologo. Head to Laoag afterward, which is known for its historical landmarks. Visit tourist spots in Laoag, like Paoay Church and Ilocos Sand Dunes, on a Laoag tour before checking in at your Laoag hotel.

You can also go on an Ilocos tour and explore Ilocos Norte's scenic spots. Visit Kapurpurawan Rock Formation, Cape Bojeador Lighthouse, and more. You can also visit Pagudpud Beach. 

Afterward, you can start following an itinerary featured in most Sagada-Banaue tour packages. First, make your way to Sagada, known for its mountain landscapes and cultural experiences. Check-in at your hotel, explore the area, and dine at local restaurants before checking out tourist spots in Sagada the next day, including Sumaguing Cave and Hanging Coffins.

You can also visit Marlboro Mountain, Blue Soil Hills, Lake Danum, and Sagada Pottery, some of Sagada's underrated tourist spots, on a Sagada tour before heading to Banaue, known for its stunning rice terraces. You can go on a Banaue tour that includes visits to Banaue tourist spots like the Bontoc Museum and the Banaue Rice Terraces Viewdeck before checking in at your hotel.

Then, you can explore Bangaan Rice Terraces and Batad Rice Terraces the next day, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites, showcasing the beauty of traditional Ifugao farming. Afterward, go to Baguio, known as the "summer capital of the Philippines." Check in at your hotel, which is a main highlight of most Baguio tour packages, and enjoy the cool climate. 

For the next two days, you can try Baguio tours and check out Baguio tourist spots, including Camp John Hay, Baguio Cathedral, and Strawberry Farm. Enjoy dinner at Baguio Mountain Man, featuring Cordillera-inspired dishes, before you leave.

Most North Luzon tour packages, such as the 2-Week North Luzon tour package, follow the above itinerary. There are also other similar packages you can try, such as the 2-Day Sagada tour package with side trips to Banaue & Baguio and the 8-Day Baguio to Cebu tour package.

• Day 1: Arrival in Manila

• Day 2: Mt. Pinatubo hike + Arrival in Vigan

• Day 3: Vigan heritage tour

• Day 4: Arrival in Laoag + Laoag tour

• Day 5: Ilocos Norte tour + Pagudpud Beach tour

• Day 6: Arrival in Sagada

• Day 7: Sagada caves tour

• Day 8: Sagada attractions tour

• Day 9: Arrival in Banaue + Banaue tour

• Day 10: Banaue rice terraces tour

• Day 11: Arrival in Baguio

• Day 12: Baguio sightseeing tour

• Day 13: Free time

• Day 14: Depart from Baguio

Best Vigan, Laoag & Pagudpud Ilocos Itinerary

Best for: If you want to explore heritage sites, including the New7Wonders City of Vigan, and breathtaking spots in the Ilocos Region 

For a thrilling exploration of history and culture in Luzon, check out this Ilocos Norte and Sur itinerary. This Ilocos itinerary will help you uncover the highlights of the Ilocos region, visiting Vigan, Laoag, and Pagudpud during your getaway.

Once you're in Manila, catch a flight to Laoag and check in at a hotel. Take the evening to relax or explore nearby areas, with local dining options offering Ilocano specialties. You can go on a city tour the next day, visiting Fort Ilocandia Resort, St. William's Cathedral, and more. You can also experience a 4x4 ride at Suba Sand Dunes.

The next day, before checking in at a hotel in Pagudpud, a coastal town in Ilocos Norte known as the "Boracay of the North," you can go on a Pagudpud tour. Visit tourist spots in Pagudpud, like Bangui Windfarm and Cape Bojeador Lighthouse. Explore more of this town and visit its natural wonders, like Saud Beach and Kabigan Falls.

Then, travel to Vigan and check in at your hotel. The next day, you can go on a heritage tour with visits to the Vigan National Museum, a kalesa ride, and a walking tour of Calle Crisologo. Enjoy an empanada- and okay-making demonstration at Plaza Burgos. Explore more of the city before you leave the Ilocos region.

Most Ilocos tour packages, such as the 7-Day Ilocos tour package to Laoag-Pagudpud-Vigan, follow the above itinerary. There are also other similar packages you can try, such as the 6-Day Ilocos Norte and Vigan tour package and the 1-Week Baguio and Ilocos North Luzon tour package.

• Day 1: Arrival in Laoag

• Day 2: Laoag tour

• Day 3: Pagudpud tour

• Day 4: Free time

• Day 5: Arrival in Vigan

• Day 6: Vigan tour

• Day 7: Depart from Vigan

Best Bicol Itinerary

Best for: Travelers who want to see the iconic Mayon Volcano, ride an ATV around the lava trails of the volcano, explore underrated Philippine beaches, and try out the local Bicolano cuisine

If you're seeking an off-the-beaten-path experience, this Bicol itinerary lets you explore underrated tourist spots in the Philippines alongside popular Bicol tourist spots like Mayon Volcano. Aside from visiting Albay and Sorsogon, you'll also be able to try authentic Bicolano dishes.

Your adventure begins with your arrival in Manila. Rest at a hotel before taking a flight to Albay the next day. Once you check in at a hotel, you can explore nearby tourist spots in Albay or dine in at authentic restaurants.

You can go on an Albay tour the next day to enjoy the stunning views of Mayon Volcano from Sumlang Lake and Mayon Skyline Viewdeck. You can also indulge in local food or visit some of the waterfalls in the Philippines located here, like Busay Falls, during your free time.

The next day, you'll go to Sorsogon, one of the best places to swim with whale sharks in the Philippines. During your short time here, you can go on a Philippines whale-shark-watching activity or join other Sorsogon tours. Explore Sorsogon tourist spots like Museo Sorsogon and Guerilla Museum.

On your last full day in Albay, you can go on a Mayon Volcano tour. Try an ATV ride around Mayon Volcano, followed by visits to Cagsawa Church ruins and Daraga Church. You can also explore nearby shops and restaurants for last-minute shopping and dining. 

Most Albay Bicol tour packages, such as the 7-Day Albay and Sorsogon tour package, follow the above itinerary. There are also other similar Bicol tour packages you can try, such as the 7-Day Albay and Sorsogon adventure package.

• Day 1: Arrival in Manila

• Day 2: Arrival in Albay

• Day 3: Albay sightseeing tour

• Day 4: Free time

• Day 5: Sorsogon sightseeing tour

• Day 6: Free time

• Day 7: Depart from Albay

Best Nearby Manila Tour Itineraries

Best for: Travelers who only have a few days to explore nearby spots from Manila

Maximize your time in Luzon by exploring numerous road trip destinations near Manila. Whether you crave adventure or a relaxing experience, you'll have various options to enhance your itinerary.

While Manila itself has a lot to offer, with numerous Manila tours and Manila tour packages featuring top hotels in Manila, the exploration doesn't stop there. Nearby destinations also have Philippine day passes and Philippine vacation packages available, offering the chance to go on either a day tour from Manila or a getaway near Manila. There are also resorts near Manila and beach resorts near Manila, perfect for a staycation or a quick day trip from Manila.

In Pampanga, known for its rich heritage and delicious cuisine, you can enjoy various Pampanga tourist spots and join Pampanga tours to fully experience the charm of the province. In Zambales, known for its pristine beaches, you can discover top Zambales tourist spots and join exciting Zambales tours, like Subic Beach Resort day tours.

While in Tagaytay, you can enjoy its cool climate and stunning views. Explore popular Tagaytay tourist spots and join Tagaytay tours for a fun-filled trip. Laguna, known for its natural wonders, has a lot of Laguna tourist spots waiting to be discovered. Don't miss the Pagsanjan Falls Laguna day tour, one of the top Laguna tours, for a waterfall adventure. 

La Union is known for having some of the best surfing beaches near Manila, so be sure to explore La Union tourist spots and join La Union tours for a fun-filled getaway. Tarlac offers an adventurous escape, especially with the Tarlac Mount Pinatubo Crater day hike, which provides breathtaking views. 

In Batangas, you can enjoy its coastal charm and try Batangas tours featuring Batangas tourist spots and Batangas vacation packages featuring Batangas beach resorts. Consider the 2-Day The Farm at San Benito wellness package featuring The Farm at San Benito for a rejuvenating retreat. 

Photo by The Farm at San Benito

Rizal boasts stunning landscapes, and with Rizal tours featuring top Rizal tourist spots like the 2-Day Treasure Mountain camping package, you're guaranteed to have an outdoor adventure. 

You can also explore Bataan and its rich history through Bataan tourist spots and Bataan tours. Lastly, discover the beauty of Pangasinan with its scenic Pangasinan tourist spots and Pangasinan tours.

Try the Best Luzon Itineraries During Your Philippine Getaway!

From bustling cities to stunning natural wonders, Luzon’s wide variety of attractions offers so many reasons why you should visit the Philippines. Whether you choose to go on a Luzon road trip through scenic views or join Philippine guided tours to discover the best Philippine tourist spots, Luzon has a lot to offer: a mix of history, culture, and beautiful landscapes. So, pack your bags, get the necessary Philippine travel requirements done, and get ready to discover the best places in Luzon!