10-Day Philippines Countryside Tour Package to Cordillera Highlands & Islands of Bohol and Cebu

Chocolate Hills in Bohol
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Description

Summary

Tour starts
Manila, Metro Manila, Philippines
Duration
10 days
Ending place
Manila, Metro Manila, Philippines
Languages:
English
Difficulty:
Easy
Minimum age:
None

Description

Explore some of the Philippines' best attractions, from Luzon's highlands, Bohol's countryside, to Cebu's nature spots. This package already includes all of your transfers in the Philippines, accommodations with free breakfast, tour guides, and entrance fees. You will be able to visit some of the country's top tourist destinations and a few underrated spots. 

This exciting 10-day trip will have you climbing mountains, viewing a crater lake, swimming with fishes, and more. The itinerary offers a good combination of natural attractions, interesting museums, historical buildings, and culturally-significant spots. You’ll be able to learn new things about the Philippines and also garner unique experiences. 

You will start your trip in the historic area of Manila. Intramuros is home to some of the oldest stone structures in the country. Your trip will also include a stop at Vigan, a designated UNESCO World Heritage City. One of its most visited attractions is Calle Crisologo, a well-preserved street that will give you a glimpse of the Spanish Colonial period.

When you make your way up to the highlands, you can expect to visit mountains, valleys, and caves. But not all highland attractions equal to roughing it. You will also go to a highly-urbanized city atop a mountain. Baguio City is home to refreshing tourist parks, including Camp John Hay. Before you head off to the Visayas Islands, you’ll also experience going up Mt. Pinatubo, an active stratovolcano.

You will visit 2 island provinces of Visayas during your trip. In Cebu, you will explore its city as well as its countryside. Be prepared to be wowed by the Sirao Flower Farm and Kawasan Falls. In Bohol, you will go on the exceptional Loboc River Cruise and see the one-of-a-kind Chocolate Hills.

Don’t miss out on visiting the highlands, Bohol countryside, and Cebu. Check availability by choosing a date. 

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Included

9 nights accommodation (budget category)
9 days breakfast
9 lunch
All flights with 20kgs baggage allowance
Day 1 - Intramuros Tour (Manila)
Day 2 - Ilocos Norte and Ilocos Sur Tour (Ilocos Region)
Day 3 to 5 - Sagada, Banaue and Baguio Tour (Cordillera Region)
Day 6 - Mt. Pinatubo Tour
Day 7 to 9 - Cebu and Bohol Tour (Central Visayas)
Day 10 - Back to Manila
All transportation to and from included activities and destinations
All environmental fees, port fees, and all other applicable taxes

Activities

Culture, Arts & Historical Tours

Daily itinerary

Day 1
One of the oldest stone structures called Baluarte de San Diego

Day 1 - Day 1: Intramuros Tour

The City of Manila is the capital of the Philippines. It has long been the center of trade for hundreds of years. You can expect to see historical buildings during your tour and learn more about the city's rich history in museums when you visit the walled city of Intramuros. Once you have arrived at Ninoy Aquino International Airport, your van will bring you to your hotel in Manila. The start of your tour is at Fort Santiago. This citadel was first built during the 16th century. It was rebuilt and renovated throughout the years due to disrepair. In Plaza Roma, you’ll get to see an 18th-century monument of King Charles IV of Spain. The museum Bahay Tsinoy shows how the Ethnic Chinese has contributed to the history of the Philippines. In Casa Manila, you will find a Spanish house replica that showcases the Spanish Colonial lifestyle. San Diego Gardens is a quiet, green space in Intramuros. Baluarte De San Diego is the oldest stone fort in the city, while San Agustin Church and Museum is the oldest stone church in the country. The Manila Cathedral may have been founded in 1571, but its current building was recently made in 1951. The older structures have been destroyed by fire, war, and earthquakes.
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Day 2
Pagburnayan Jar Factory in Ilocos

Day 2 - Day 2: Ilocos Laoag & Vigan Tour

On the second day of your tour, you will go back to the airport to fly off to Northern Luzon. You will be visiting the Ilocos Region and exploring tourist sights in Laoag, Vigan, and towns in between. The Malacanang of the North is a presidential museum and was also the family residence of former president Ferdinand Marcos. It overlooks the large Paoay Lake. Also in the same town is Paoay Church, a historic structure from 1710. You will be visiting 2 museums on the way to Vigan City of prominent people in Philippine history. The first is the Marcos Museum, while the second is the Juan and Antonio Luna Museum. In Vigan City, you will come upon the 18th century St. Paul Cathedral. You’ll also go to Bantay Church in the neighboring town, which comes with an accompanying bell tower on a hill. To learn about old-fashioned pottery, you’ll pay a visit to Pagburnayan. A lot more of Vigan City's history and the region can be known at the Burgos Museum and the National Museum, and the Crisologo Museum. You can see some big rare cats, like the Bengal Tiger, plus other animals at Baluarte. This zoo complex is less than 5km from the historic district of Vigan. The final stop of the day is the picturesque Calle Crisologo.
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Day 3
Rock formations inside Sumaguing Cave in sagada

Day 3 - Day 3: Sagada Tour

You need to wake up early for your next tour destination since Sagada is a long drive from Laoag City. The peaceful town of Sagada is located in a valley of the Cordillera Mountains. Be sure to wear the proper gear as there will be a lot of walking on this day. At Sugong Cave, you will get to know more about the mysterious burial practice of the locals. Hanging coffins on the side of a mountain have been practiced by Sagada people for over a thousand years. Although this is believed to be purely spiritual, there is a practical element to it. You will be hiking through Echo Valley, where you can immerse yourself fully in nature. The trail will lead you to Bokong Falls. After exploring the lush greenery, it’s time to go spelunking at Sumaguing Cave. It’s no easy feat to visit caves as the paths can get very steep and, not to mention, slippery. What you will find inside are ancient rock formations, bats, and natural pools. You can learn more about the traditions and cultures of the locals at the Bontoc Tribal Museum. It features various artifacts and even a replica of a tribal village.
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Day 4
Batad Rice Terraces in Banaue

Day 4 - Day 4: Banaue Tour

On the fourth day of your tour, you are going to visit a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The town of Banaue is home to the rice terraces of Batad and Banga-an. These amphitheater-like terraces are an ancient irrigation system the locals have been implementing for years. The village of Batad is a rural location. To reach it, you need to walk through the rice terraces as no roads or vehicles are going through them. Once you have reached the village, you can choose from 3 options for what you will visit next. The Batad Banaue Viewpoint is a good choice if you want to enjoy a panoramic view of the rice terraces. You will hike up for 30 minutes to reach the viewpoint. If you are a bit adventurous, you might consider visiting the Tappiya Waterfall. It is close to the village, but the trek can be quite challenging. If you want to visit another village in the area, then opt to go to Banga-an. The last attraction you will visit for the day is the Banaue Museum. You’ll get to see black and white photos of the tribes in the area as well as priceless artifacts.
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Day 5
Pine trees forest view from Camp John Hay in Baguio

Day 5 - Day 5: Baguio Tour

Cool-weather and pine trees are some of the defining characteristics of Baguio City. But this tourist destination can offer more than just that. At the Ifugao Museum, you can learn about the different tribes in the province and their cultures and traditions. It is also the site of an important event that occurred in World War II. You will be visiting the Surrender Site of General Yamashita, a prolific military figure from Japan. Baguio City is the site of the premier military academy of the country. Visitors are welcome to see the campus of the Philippine Military Academy. The city is also the site of the President’s official summer home, The Mansion. The military-base-turned-tourist-destination Camp John Hay is a good spot to shop and dine. It also has hotels and gardens. At Mines View Park, you’ll get to see the town of Itogon. This was the site of the country’s first large-scale mining operation. Meanwhile, at Wright Park, don’t miss out on seeing the Pool of Pines. Another park you will visit is Centennial Park. This park within a park is a great place to enjoy the ambiance of Baguio City and view local art. At Good Shepherd Convent, you can purchase some of the city's best-selling products, like the ube jam.
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Day 6
Crater Lake of Mount Pinatubo

Day 6 - Day 6: Mt. Pinatubo Tour

Mt. Pinatubo is a volcano that gained global recognition when it erupted back in 1991. It was the second-largest eruption of the century and has caused massive damages. Its ashfall even reached neighboring countries. However, over time, Mt. Pinatubo has become a popular hiking destination. Due to its eruption, a crater lake was formed at its summit. On this day, you will be visiting the crater lake of Mt. Pinatubo. To get you started, you will go down Baguio City and stop at the province of Tarlac. Mt. Pinatubo is located in 3 provinces, namely, Tarlac, Zambales, and Pampanga. To get you through the craggy roads leading to Mt. Pinatubo, you’ll need to ride a 4x4 vehicle. The area is filled with lahar, so you can expect a bumpy ride and sandy roads. Once you have reached the trail, you’ll have to start hiking. The hike isn’t too difficult, but it will still do you good to wear the proper footwear. Your efforts will be rewarded with a wonderful view of Mt. Pinatubo’s lake. It makes for a dramatic backdrop, rough crater walls that surround serene, blue-green waters.
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Day 7
Magellan's Cross in Cebu

Day 7 - Day 7: Cebu City Tour

On day 7, you will go back to Ninoy Aquino International Airport. This time, you will be flying off to the island province of Cebu. The flight to Mactan-Cebu International Airport is only about an hour and a half. Cebu has a significant Chinese community, and in the 70s, they have created the massive Taoist Temple. The city is also known to be the origin of Catholicism. The Basilica Minore Del Santo Nino is the oldest Roman Catholic church in the Philippines. Nearby is Magellan’s Cross, which was planted in 1521. You can learn more about the rich history of Cebu at the Heritage of Cebu Monument. The brass, bronze, and steel tableau depicts important events of the city and symbols and people. Just a few steps away, you will come upon the Yap - San Diego Ancestral House. This historic residence dates back to the 17th century and is made of wood and coral stones. The next destinations are just a few kilometers from the city center. The Temple of Leah is a grand Roman-style structure that is dedicated to the wife of a Cebuano. Meanwhile, Sirao Flower Farm is a hillside attraction known as Mini Amsterdam. You can spot a wide variety of flowers at the farm, including sunflowers, asters, and daisies.
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Day 8
Loboc River Cruise in Bohol

Day 8 - Day 8: Bohol Countryside Tour

You will leave Cebu City and head to the neighboring island of Bohol via ferry. The province of Bohol is home to many wonderful natural sites. You’ll get to see jaw-dropping geological formations, man-made attractions, and more. The first stop of the day is the Corella Tarsier Sanctuary. You’ll get to meet the palm-sized tarsiers, one of the smallest primates in the world. They have big eyes and small brown bodies. They cling on to branches and feed off insects. You can get a taste of the lush landscape of Bohol at your next activity. You will go aboard a floating restaurant to experience the Loboc River Cruise. Besides treating your eyes to the green lands and blue waters, you will also enjoy musical presentations. You can marvel at the architecture of the Baclayon Church, which is made of coral stones. The convent of the church has been turned into an ecclesiastical museum and also the priest’s house. You’ll also make a stop at the Butterfly Conservatory and the man-made Bilar Forest. The highlight of your trip is the Chocolate Hills. This superb location has over 1,500 hills that turn brown during the summer.
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Day 9
Sardine Run in Moalboal

Day 9 - Day 9: Kawasan Falls & Moalboal Sardine Run Tour

After your tour of Bohol, you will go back to the island province of Cebu. This time, you will be exploring its countryside. In the town of Badian, you will go to the exciting Kawasan Falls. It is a popular site for canyoneering, thanks to its waterfalls, jungle trails, and natural pools. Moalboal is about 20km away from Kawasan Falls. This town is the gateway to Panagsama Beach. The area is known for its rich marine life, so you can expect to find several dive centers in Moalboal. You will ride a boat going to Pescador Island, which is located on Tanon Strait. Visitors don’t really go there to visit the land but rather the waters surrounding it. Hard corals, soft corals, and schools of fish can be easily found around Pescador Island. At your next destination, you’ll be able to see sea turtles. Turtle Island is the place to be if you dream of seeing turtles up close. You may even swim with them if you wish. The final activity for the day is the Sardine Run. You will experience seeing millions of sardines all in one place, moving and swimming together near the shores of Panagsama Beach.
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Day 10
Manila International Airport waiting area

Day 10 - Day 10: Departure to Manila

After your 10-day vacation, you'll be going back to Manila. Your van will pick you up from your hotel in Mandaue City and take you to Mactan-Cebu International Airport. You will board a flight that will take you back to Ninoy Aquino International Airport.
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What to bring

Facemask and Face shield
Extra Clothes
Passport (Valid for 6 months from date of departure)
Swimwear and sunblock
Personal Medicine

Good to know

Please bring appropriate clothing. Please be aware that your itinerary may have to be rearranged to fit your arrival date and time better.

All our guides speak English. For other languages, contact us for availability and rates.

Not all establishments accept credit or debit cards, and ATMs can be limited.

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Accommodation

See our accommodation levels below and our preferred accommodation partners under each day in the daily itinerary. All accommodation levels, bookings for one person will be arranged in single rooms, bookings for two or more people will share a twin/double, and odd number groups will always be allocated a single room. If you are travelling in a group, but prefer a single room, please make separate bookings. Teenagers and children will be arranged in the same room with parents. If additional room(s) is needed, additional costs will incur.

For multi-day guided tours, accommodation cannot be upgraded and the levels below do not apply. Guide to the Philippines will provide you with the best available accommodation at the time of your booking from our preferred partners. If our preferred partners are fully booked at the time of your booking, we will find another suitable accommodation for you of similar level.

We always do our best to accommodate special requests, which may incur additional costs. Press choose a date to find availability.

Budget

Private rooms with private bathrooms in guesthouses or small hotels with basic amenities.

Comfort

Private Rooms with a private bathroom at three-star hotels or resorts located in the city center, in close vicinity, or near the beach area. Breakfast is included and with basic room amenities and toiletries.

Quality

Rooms at four-star to a five-star hotel in the city center or beachfront resort with a private bathroom at the absolute best locations with the best amenities, facilities, and services.

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