14-Day Philippines Highlands & Adventure Tour Package to Cebu Island, Apo Island & Luzon Mountains
Likely to sell out soon
Description
Summary
Tour starts
Manila, Metro Manila, Philippines
Duration
14 days
Ending place
Manila, Metro Manila, Philippines
Languages:
English
Difficulty:
Easy
Minimum age:
None
Description
Escape to the Philippines’ scenic highlands and its top spots for water activities with this 14-day vacation package. This tour will bring you to the breathtaking countryside of Cebu Island, the diving paradise of Apo Island, and the awe-inspiring cityscape of Ilocos and Baguio. This package is also inclusive of accommodations with daily breakfast, transfers, entrance fees, and the service of guides.
To start the tour, you will explore the walled city of Intramuros in Manila City. This unique district is well-known as the home of century-old attractions and open-area picnic spots. From the capital, you will ride a plane to Ilocos Norte to see several of the region’s well-maintained attractions, including the presidential museum of the Malacanang of the North and the Bangui Windmills.
You will also head to Ilocos Sur, where you will find the cobblestone street of Calle Crisologo. After exploring the region, you will make your way to Banaue highlands to visit the Banaue Museum and the numerous indigenous artifacts housed inside the facility. From there, you will drop by Baguio City and visit The Mansion and Wright Park. Another popular attraction you will explore in the highlands is the Strawberry Farm in Benguet.
Afterward, you will hike the active volcano of Mt. Pinatubo in Tarlac province. Here, you will enjoy its breathtaking crater lake before flying to Dumaguete City. Some of the attractions you will visit while in town include the Silliman University and Apo Island. From Dumaguete, you will board a ferry to Cebu Island to see the Kawasan Falls, Temple of Leah, and Sirao Flower Farm. You will then return to Manila on Day 14.
Get to know the Philippines with a 14-day trip to the top attractions in Manila, Ilocos, Sagada, Banaue, Benguet, Tarlac, Dumaguete, and Cebu. Check availability by choosing a date.
Included
13 nights accommodation (budget category)
13 days breakfast
13 lunch
All flights with 20kgs baggage allowance
Day 1 - Intramuros Tour (Manila)
Day 2 to 4 - Ilocos Norte and Ilocos Sur (Ilocos Region)
Day 5 to 8 - Sagada, Banaue and Benguet Tour (Cordillera Region)
Day 9 - Mt. Pinatubo Tour
Day 10 to 13 - Dumaguete and Cebu Tour (Central Visayas)
Day 14 - Back to Manila
All transportation to and from included activities and destinations
All environmental fees, port fees, and all other applicable taxes
Map
Attractions
Activities
Culture, Arts & Historical Tours
Daily itinerary
Day 1
Day 1 - Day 1: Intramuros Tour
Your tour will kick off with a visit to Intramuros in the heart of Manila City. Known as the only area in the city encircled by walls, the district will surely leave you in awe of its old-world charm and cobblestone streets.
Upon arriving at Intramuros, the first thing you will do is to see Fort Santiago, a Spanish stone fortress erected in 1593. The fort, which formerly housed national hero Jose Rizal, is now used for open-air theater and picnics. Afterward, your tour guide will take you to Plaza Roma, believed to be the center of Intramuros. You will then visit Bahay Tsinoy, some 350m away from the square.
This museum is organized into 12 parts highlighting the early Chinese people's contributions to the Filipino lifestyle. Following your museum tour, you will head to Casa Manila that showcases the Spanish colonial furniture and art.
From there, you will make your way to San Diego Gardens and Baluarte De San Diego in the southwestern corner of Intramuros. This bastion, constructed back in the 16th century, is one of Intramuros' earliest stone defenses. Your final two attractions in the walled district will be the San Agustin Church and Museum and the Manila Cathedral.
Read moreDay 2
Day 2 - Day 2: Laoag Tour
After checking out of your hotel in Manila, you will travel by plane to Laoag City to kick off your second day of the tour. From the airport, you will then head to the St. Williams Cathedral. This church, notable for its Italian Renaissance design, serves as the seat of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Laoag. Explore the grand interior of the cathedral before walking to the nearby 150-foot Sinking Bell Tower, the city's tallest historical tower. It is known to sink an inch every year mysteriously.
Afterward, you will go to Museo Ilocos Norte to discover more about the region's culture and way of life. You will head next to Aurora Park to see the multi-tiered obelisk built in the early 1880s. From there, your guide will take you to the Malacanang of the North, located in the neighboring town of Paoay.
This presidential museum was where Ferdinand Marcos and his family lived throughout his presidency. Have a look around the mansion's enormous interiors before proceeding to Paoay Church. This church is a National Cultural Treasure as well as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, making it a popular destination in the region. You will then stop by the Marcos Museum, which highlights the former president's political career, before proceeding to your accommodation.
Read moreDay 3
Day 3 - Day 3: Pagudpud Tour
For Day 3, you will explore Pagudpud coastal town, starting with the Cape Bojeador Lighthouse. This Spanish Colonial-era lighthouse that stands atop Vigia de Nagpartian Hill was first lit in 1892 but continues to function today. From there, you will proceed to the well-known Bangui Windmills of Ilocos Norte. Consisting of 26 70-meter-tall wind turbines, these windmills adorn Bangui Bay's 9km coast and supply over 40% of Ilocos Norte's electricity.
You will head next to the 1.3km long Patapat Viaduct. Considered the country's 5th longest bridge, Patapat Viaduct was completed and opened to the public in October 1986. After visiting the bridge, your guide will take you south to Agua Grande to enjoy the park's natural splendor. Your next stop will be to Paraiso ni Anton, where you can find a mountain stream that residents claim is healing and mystical.
Following your tour of the grotto, you will go to the picturesque Kapurpurawan Rock Formation. This ancient rock structure is well-known for its milky white, streamlined limestone. Before returning to your Laoag hotel, you will stop at Pasuquin Salt Stand, where locals sell fresh-made sea salt. If you're up for the challenge, you can also add a 4x4 tour of the La Paz Sand Dunes to your schedule.
Read moreDay 4
Day 4 - Day 4: Vigan Tour
Your guide will pick you up from your Laoag hotel and take you to Vigan City, where you will visit the National Museum Ilocos Sur Complex. This set of museums houses a collection of memorabilia of two prominent figures in Philippine history: Padre Jose Burgos, one of the three martyr priests from the Spanish colonization, and Elpidio Quirino, the Philippines 6th President.
Your next destination will be the Bantay Church and Bell Tower. This century-old church, also known as the Shrine of Our Lady of Charity, was constructed using pseudo-Romanesque elements in a Neo-Gothic style. From there, you will head to the Syquioa Mansion Museum, a presidential museum dedicated to Elpidio Quirino.
You will also visit the Pagburnayan Jar Factory to witness how the locals produce their intricately designed pots. While you're here, you may also try making pots yourself. You'll then make your way to the Crisologo Museum, an ancestral mansion owned by former Ilocos Sur Representative Floro Crisologo. Afterward, take a stroll along Calle Crisologo, where you'll admire the centuries-old Spanish mansions that line the cobblestone street.
You will go to St. Paul Metropolitan Cathedral next, known as part of Vigan's UNESCO World Heritage Site. Finally, your guide will drive you to Baluarte to experience the safari before returning to your Calle Crisologo hotel.
Read moreDay 5
Day 5 - Day 5: Sagada Tour
You will depart from Calle Crisologo early in the morning and make your way to Sagada town in the Cordillera Mountains. Located some 186km away from Vigan, this little community is well-known for its cold climate and a landscape containing over 60 caves. One of the most intriguing of these caverns is your first stop: Sugong Cave. This cave serves as a burial spot for locals. But instead of burying the coffins, they hang them on the cave's limestone cliff instead.
From there, you will head to Echo Valley. It stands close to Sugong Cave and is the perfect place for relaxing because of the limestone mountains and lush forests surrounding it. After taking in the beauty of Echo Valley, you will proceed to Sumaguing Cave. Commonly known as the Big Cave, Sumaguing is about an hour's walk away from the Sagada City Hall. It features a variety of rock formations inside, as well as stalactites and stalagmites.
After your spelunking adventure, you will pay a visit to the Bontoc Tribal Museum. This museum displays photographs and relics depicting the Ifugao people's culture, along with a replica of an Ifugao village. Your guide will then transport you to your accommodation after exploring the museum.
Read moreDay 6
Day 6 - Day 6: Banaue Tour
From your Sagada hotel, your guide will drive you to the Banaue highlands in the province of Ifugao. Your first stop here will be the Batad Village, where you can find the Batad Rice Terrace. These staircase-like rice paddies were initially created some 2000 years ago and had been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. They showcase a unique and complex rice cultivation technology specific to the Ifugao people.
The Batad Banaue Viewpoint will be your next destination. Visitors coming here are rewarded with a unique perspective of the amphitheater-style rice field in the distance. If you prefer not to visit the observation deck, you can proceed to the Tappiya Waterfall instead.
You can also bypass the waterfalls and head directly to Banga-an Village. Several native Ifugao homes dot this modest farming community. You will also learn about the locals' way of life while you're here.
To end your day, you will pay a visit to the Banaue Museum. It houses artifacts associated with the Ifugao, Kalinga, and the Bontoc tribes. You can also find some items belonging to the family of anthropologist Henry Otley Beyer. After exploring the museum, you will retreat to your hotel.
Read moreDay 7
Day 7 - Day 7: Baguio Tour
After checking out of your accommodation in Banaue, you will go to Kiangan town to see the Ifugao Museum. This facility houses various Ifugao antiquities, such as bulol (wooden rice guardians), archaic domestic goods, and headhunting machetes. You will also visit General Yamashita's surrender site while in town.
From there, you will travel to the Philippine Military Academy in Baguio City. Stroll across the well-manicured grounds of this prominent institution and see various vintage tanks and other historical military equipment. You will then proceed to The Mansion next. Built in 1908, this building served as a summer resort for US governors-general before becoming the official summer residence of the Philippine President.
Following your tour of The Mansion, your guide will bring you to Camp John Hay. This 246-hectare site was formerly a military rest and recreation center for the United States Army. The property has been turned into an entertainment complex that includes a museum, a retail area, and a convention center.
Afterward, you will head to Mines View Park to get a bird's eye perspective of the mining town of Itogon. You will also visit Wright Park and Centennial Park, where you can take in the natural beauty of Baguio. Finally, you'll see the Good Shepherd Convent that sells a range of local treats such as ube jam and butter biscuits.
Read moreDay 8
Day 8 - Day 8: Benguet Tour
On Day 8, you will travel to several of Baguio's neighboring towns, one of which is La Trinidad in the Benguet highlands. Here, you can find the Strawberry Farm. This frequently visited attraction is owned and managed by Benguet State University. While visiting the farm, you may pick strawberries and purchase strawberry-related things such as wine, ice cream, and jam.
You will travel to Atok next to see the Atok Sakura Flowers. This is where Benguet planted over 30 Sakura trees that the Kochi Prefecture in Japan gifted in 2016. After posing for some photos at the park, you will then proceed to the Northern Blossom. You can find countless rows of uncommon and vivid flowers here, as well as a view of Mt. Pulag and Mt. Timbak.
From there, it's on to the 2nd Highest Point, found in the Barangays of Cattubo and Paoay. This location is 7,400 feet above sea level, making it the second-highest point on the Philippine highway system. Finally, your tour guide will bring you to the Spanish Trail, which was constructed during the Spanish era. You will then return to your Baguio City hotel at the end of the day.
Read moreDay 9
Day 9 - Day 9: Mt. Pinatubo Tour
Your guide will take you south from your Baguio hotel to Tarlac province, where you will go on a day hike up Mt. Pinatubo. Located at the tripoint boundary of Zambales, Tarlac, and Pampanga, this active volcano towers to about 4,757 feet. It became well-known after its catastrophic eruption in 1991 that cost about 10 billion pesos in damages. Despite its horrible history, Mt. Pinatubo's beauty continues to leave its visitors in awe.
When you arrive in Tarlac, you will disembark at the Sta. Juliana Tourism Center and board a 4x4 vehicle. From the tourism center, your guide will take you across Crow Valley to the mountain base. This area is known for its panoramic sand cliffs and uneven, sandy terrain. After approximately an hour, you will reach the jump-off point and begin your ascent of the volcano.
The hiking trail is approximately 5.5km long and takes hikers between one and two hours to finish. Along the way, you will most likely come across some lava sand formations left behind from the volcano's 1991 eruption. When you finally reach the summit, you'll be greeted with the turquoise waters of the crater lake. Pose by the lakeside and eat your lunch before beginning your descent and returning to your Manila hotel.
Read moreDay 10
Day 10 - Day 10: Dumaguete City Tour
You will enjoy a full-day tour in Dumaguete City for Day 10. After departing from Manila, you will fly to Dumaguete and head to Silliman University. This institution began as a grade school for boys in 1901 until it gained university status in 1938. Following the campus tour, you will head to Rizal Boulevard, Dumaguete's promenade, to take in the city's beachscape.
The St. Catherine de Alexandria Cathedral will be your next destination. This cathedral, also known as Dumaguete Cathedral, features ornately carved altarpieces and exquisite chandeliers. Next to the church, you will find the Dumaguete Campanario, the oldest bell tower in the Visayas.
From there, you will visit the Dumaguete Public Market. You may buy some local delicacies or souvenirs here. You will proceed to the Provincial Capitol and Freedom Park next before dropping by the Clayton Pottery. Following your visit to the pottery, your tour guide will take you to Sidlakang Negros Village, a one-stop-shop for the finest of Negros Oriental's arts, crafts, and cuisines.
Afterward, you will stop for lunch at Lab-as Seafood before continuing to Valencia's Forest Camp. Thanks to its large open space, this mountain resort became a popular camping spot for locals. You will then visit the Cata-al War Museum to see some relics from World War II. To end your day, you will stop by the century-old San Agustin Church and the Negros Oriental Arts & Heritage Center.
Read moreDay 11
Day 11 - Day 11: Apo Island Tour
Your guide will pick you up at your Dumaguete hotel and drive you to the Malatapay Boat Terminal, where your tour boat will be waiting for you. After settling in, you will sail to Apo Island, Dumaguete's diving paradise. This water-locked sanctuary, located in the southeast tip of Negros Island, is home to a thriving aquatic ecosystem rich in a diverse range of marine animals.
When you get on the island, you will first go to the turtle sanctuary to get up close and personal with the friendly sea animals. You will then be given enough time to go swimming and snorkeling in the area. While underwater, expect to see a large coral garden with several schools of fish swimming across. Aside from exploring Apo Island's underwater paradise, you can also just relax on the beach and take photographs.
Feel free to visit the Apo Island Lighthouse and Apo View Deck, as well. If you choose to go hiking, your guide will take you on the 600-meter Habagat Eco-Trail, David's Walk, or Witchy's Trail, all of which will provide you spectacular views of Negros' coastline. You will then board your boat and return to the mainland to your accommodation in Dumaguete.
Read moreDay 12
Day 12 - Day 12: Kawasan Falls & Moalboal Sardine Run Tour
Your guide will pick you up from your Dumaguete hotel and transport you to the port, where you will board a boat to Cebu Island. After arriving in the province, you will go to Badian, where you can find Kawasan Falls. Dip into the falls' enticing spring waters and explore its many cascades before proceeding to Moalboal next.
This town is best known for its beautiful white-sand beaches. After admiring the beachscape, you will board a boat and cruise to Pescador Island. This little, rocky island in the Tanon Strait is one of the top snorkeling spots in the region, thanks to its azure blue seas and breathtaking corals of all hues and sizes.
After snorkeling at Pescador, you will head to Turtle Island to swim with sea turtles. You will then return to the mainland for the world-famous Panagsama Beach sardine run. This water activity draws local and international divers from all over the world because of its year-round availability.
Once you arrive at the beach, you will attend a quick briefing before donning your equipment. Your guide will then lead you a few meters out into the water, where you will wait for millions of sardines to swim by. Following the sardine run, you will retreat to your Argao hotel.
Read moreDay 13
Day 13 - Day 13: Cebu City Tour
After your guide picks you up from your Argao hotel, you will make your way to Cebu City, particularly to the Taoist Temple. This temple comes complete with a library, a souvenir shop, and a wishing well on the property, as well as a large balcony with a view of the city.
The Basilica Minore Del Santo Nino will be your next stop. This 16th-century Roman Catholic Church, founded in 1565, features a facade that combines Muslim, Romanesque, and Neoclassical features. You will proceed to the Magellan's Cross next, placed just outside the church.
Your guide will then bring you to the Cebu Heritage Monument. Made by local artist Eduardo Castrillo, this sculpture portrays key historical events in the province. From there, you will visit the Yap-San Diego Ancestral Residence, said to be the first Chinese house built outside of China.
You will also head to the Temple of Leah in the town of Busay. Sitting on top of a hill, this shrine features an art gallery, a library, a bar, and an expansive terrace. You will then cap your day with a visit to Sirao Flower Farm, often called Cebu's Little Amsterdam. Afterward, you'll check into your Mandaue hotel.
Read moreDay 14
Day 14 - Day 14: Departure to Manila
It's time to say goodbye to Cebu and fly back to Manila. Before leaving for Cebu Airport, feel free to make the most of your free time in the province by snapping some last-minute photos and shopping for souvenirs. Afterward, you will board a flight to Ninoy Aquino International Airport.
Read moreWhat to bring
Face mask and Face shield
Extra Clothes
Passport (Valid for 6 months from date of departure)
Swimwear and sunblock
Personal medicines
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.
The season for dolphin watching in Dumaguete is from March to October and is subject to weather and wind conditions. If off-season or on days when the northeast monsoon is strong, dolphin watching may not be possible. During Habagat/ Southwest monsoon Season (June-October), boat ride to Apo Island may be rough.
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.
Similar tours
Install the Philippines’ biggest travel app
Download the Philippines’ biggest travel marketplace to your phone to manage your entire trip in one place
Scan this QR code with your phone camera and press the link that appears to add the Philippines’ biggest travel marketplace into your pocket. Enter your phone number or email address to receive an SMS or email with the download link.
