Iloilo City Private Full-Day Pilgrimage Tour with Lunch

Come along on this spiritual journey and feel refreshed and renewed after visiting the famous and historical churches around Iloilo City. If you are a fan of history and architecture and want an off-the-beaten-path escapade while in the region, then this pilgrimage tour is just what you need. 

After your local tour guide picks you up from your hotel in Iloilo City, you will first visit San Joaquin Church in the town of San Joaquin. This Roman Catholic church dates back to 1869 and boasts a militaristic theme. Its facade features an intricate carving of the Spanish victory over the Moroccan forces during the battle of Tetuan. 

From there, you will go to Guimbal Church, built in 1774 and one of the oldest churches in the country. Its two-story facade is decorated with twin round pilasters adorned with floral carvings. Less than seven kilometers from the Guimbal Church is Tigbauan Church, which features a Mexican facade with a seal of the Augustinian order at the center. Above it is a depiction of Saint John and an image of Santo Nino. Tigbauan Church has one of the most beautiful interiors made of stone murals, including the altar and the Stations of the cross, which local artists of Iloilo created.    

Your group will then proceed to Arevalo Church, where you will find the image of Santo Nino de Arevalo, one of the oldest images of Santo Nino. The image is made of wood, and devotees testify of its miracles, such as healing the sick, blessing childless couples with offspring, or saving the town from famine. There is also a tale claiming that Sto. Nino saved the town from the Moro raid. 

After offering a short prayer at this church, you will stop for a sumptuous lunch at a popular local restaurant like Camina’s Balay na Bato, Breakthrough’s, or Tatoy’s. Once you finish your meal, you will visit the famous Spanish-colonial Molo Church, built in 1831 with a neo-gothic style. Known as a “feminist church” because of 16 women saints perched in its aisle pillars, the church’s centerpiece is a retablo of Sta. Ana, the patron saint of Molo. 

From there, you will make your way to Jaro Cathedral or Church of St. Elizabeth of Hungary. This baroque-style cathedral with gothic elements is home to an all-male collection of statues and the Nuestra Senora de la Candelaria, or the Lady of Candles. The 400-year-old shrine of the Lady of Candles is said to be continuously growing like a living person, and it is said that its glass shrine needs to be constantly adjusted because of this.

The tour will end at the glorious Miag-ao Church or the Church of Saint Thomas of Villanova,  famous for its artistic carved facade of St. Christopher carrying the Christ Child. The church was designated as one of the best examples of a Baroque Church in the Philippines. It is also included in the list of World Heritage Sites by UNESCO.

Discover the religious and historical side of Iloilo with this pilgrimage tour from Iloilo City. Check availability by choosing a date.