15-Day Philippines Highlands & Islands Trip to Cebu Province, Bohol & Cordillera Countryside

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Description

Summary

Tour starts

Manila, Metro Manila, Philippines

Duration

15 days

Ending place

Manila, Metro Manila, Philippines

Languages:

English

Difficulty:

Easy

Minimum age:

None

101 reviews

Description

Explore the highlands and island destinations in the Philippines with this 15-day holiday package. This tour will show you the historical locations in Cebu province, unspoiled marvels of Bohol's countryside, and the captivating landscape of the Cordillera Mountains. This package is complete with accommodation with complimentary breakfast, entrance fees, transportations, and guide service.

Your adventure will begin at a historic walled area in Manila City called Intramuros. Numerous attractions dating back to the Spanish colonial period can be found between its walls. On the second day, you will take a flight to Ilocos Norte province, home to Malacanang of the North and towering Bangui Windmills. You will also explore Ilocos Sur province, where you can find several Spanish-era attractions like Calle Crisologo.

Next on your itinerary is the Banaue Museum, where you can understand the life and culture of the Ifugao people. From there, you'll travel to Baguio City and visit its must-visit attractions, including Camp John Hay and Mines View Park. You will then head to the popular Strawberry Farm in Benguet province. Afterward, you'll have a day hike up the infamous Mt. Pinatubo.

This tour also includes exploration in the Visayas Islands. You will first set off on an adventure to Bohol province. In addition to visiting Pamilacan Island and experiencing the Loboc River Cruise, you will marvel at Bohol's most iconic attraction, Chocolate Hills. From Bohol, you will ride a ferry to Cebu province. You will visit Moalboal town, where you can snorkel around its coral garden. You will also stop by city attractions like Taoist Temple and Sirao Flower Farm.

Take a 15-day excursion and see the historical locations and natural gems in Manila, Ilocos, Sagada, Banaue, Benguet, Tarlac, Bohol, and Cebu. Check out availability by choosing a date.

Included

14 nights accommodation (budget category)

14 days breakfast

14 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 14 - Bohol and Cebu Tour (Central Visayas)

Day 15 - 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

Map

Attractions

Chocolate Hills

Manila Cathedral

Casa Manila

Bahay Tsinoy

Mt. Pinatubo

Baclayon Church

Magellan's Cross

Temple of Leah

Sirao Garden Flower Farm

Philippine Military Academy

The Mansion

Camp John Hay

Mines View Park

Wright Park

General Yamashita Surrender Site

Ifugao Museum

Tappiya Waterfalls

Bontoc Village Museum

Syquia Mansion Museum

Pagburnayan Jar Factory

Crisologo Museum

Bantay Church Bell Tower

Kawasan Falls

Taoist Temple

Bilar Man-Made Forest

Cambuhat Village

Calle Crisologo

Cape Bojeador Lighthouse

Malacañang of the North

Paoay Church

St. William Cathedral

Sinking Bell Tower

Intramuros

Fort Santiago

San Agustin Church

Banga-an Village

St. Paul Metropolitan Cathedral

Marcos Museum & Mausoleum or Balay Ti Ili

Bangui Windmills

La Paz Sand Dunes

Loboc River Cruise

Basilica Minore Del Santo Niño

Heritage of Cebu Monument

Pescador Island

Museo Ilocos Norte

Kapurpurawan Rock Formation

Patapat Viaduct

Strawberry Farm

Centennial Park

Good Shepherd Convent

Sumaguing Cave

Echo Valley

Moalboal

Pamilacan Island

Moalboal Sardine Run

Baluarte de San Diego

Yap-San Diego Ancestral House

Plaza Roma

Banaue Museum

Northern Blossom Flower Farm

Cambuhat Oyster Farm

Banaue

Paraiso ni Anton

Agua Grande

Aurora Park

Baluarte Ilocos

Batad

Atok Sakura Flowers

2nd Highest Point

Pasuquin Salt Stand

Cambuhat River

St. Paul College, Pasig

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Daily itinerary

Day 1

A kalesa in front of a building in Intramuros

Day 1 - Day 1: Intramuros Tour

You are set to have a tour of Intramuros on your first day in the Philippines. Before heading to the site, you will first check into your hotel in Manila City or along Roxas Boulevard fronting Manila Bay. Intramuros in Manila is home to many important landmarks, some of which go back to the Spanish colonial days. One of these is Fort Santiago, which the Spaniards built as a defense against pirates. You will find more landmarks at Plaza Roma, a public square regarded as the heart of Intramuros. Your next stop will be a museum called Bahay Tsinoy. Its displays include photographs and old coins that present the contributions of ethnic Chinese in Philippine history and life. You will later learn about how the upper-class residents lived during the Spanish colonial days at another museum, Casa Manila. You will then proceed to San Diego Gardens that has a picturesque landscape and a Spanish-era bastion called Baluarte De San Diego. Your guide will also bring you to San Agustin Church and Museum, which is declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and to Manila Cathedral, the first church in the Philippines to have the "cathedral" status.

Day 2

Day 2 - Day 2: Laoag Tour

Day 2 will mark the start of your exploration in the northern part of Luzon Island. On this day, you'll travel from Ninoy Aquino International Airport to Laoag Airport in Ilocos Norte. Your tour will kick off in Laoag City, with St. Williams Cathedral as your first stop. This two-story church garnered fame for its Italian Renaissance architecture. Just a short walk from here, you'll arrive at Sinking Bell Tower, a 45-meter-high historical building that is said to slowly sink because of the sandy foundation it's standing on. Your guide will drive you to the Museo Ilocos Norte next. Sheltered in a Tabacalera warehouse, the museum showcases not only the province's history but also its heritage. Then, you'll visit Aurora Park, where you can find an obelisk constructed for Spanish King Alfonso XIII, who brought an end to the Tobacco Monopoly. Next is the Malacanang of the North, which showcases the contributions of Ferdinand Marcos, the 10th Philippine President, to the country. You will then see Paoay Church that boasts a unique architecture that includes striking buttresses. Before you head to your Laoag hotel, you'll visit the Marcos Museum in Batac City to discover more about the late president Marcos.

Day 3

Day 3 - Day 3: Pagudpud Tour

On Day 3, your van will pick you up at your Laoag hotel and drive you toward the towns in the northernmost part of Luzon. You will first drop by Burgos town, home to a Spanish-era attraction: Cape Bojeador Lighthouse. You will next visit the renowned Bangui Windmills that are standing at the height of 70 meters. These wind turbines supply electricity to locals living in Ilocos Norte. The following stop will be at Patapat Viaduct, a 1.3km-long bridge that was completed in 1986. Then, you'll stop by Agua Grande, where you can find a river of cold, clear running water where you are free to swim. You will also find a stream of water at Paraiso ni Anton. The water, which is said to provide healing, is safe to drink. Later on, you'll drop by the awe-inspiring Kapurpurawan Rock Formation and the Pasuquin Salt Stand, where salt and salt-preserved products are available for purchase. For thrill-seekers, you may choose to go on an adventure in Lapaz Sand Dunes as an add-on. You will board a 4x4 jeep and drive across the 85-kilometer sandy coastal desert that features slopes of various heights. Afterward, you'll return to your hotel.

Day 4

Spanish style streets of Calle Crisologo in Vigan

Day 4 - Day 4: Vigan Tour

Your itinerary for Day 4 comprises the top attractions in the UNESCO World Heritage City of Vigan and the nearby town of Bantay. In Vigan, you will check into your hotel along Calle Crisologo, one of the most popular sites in the city. To begin your tour, you'll learn about the history of the Ilocos Region and of the Philippines at the National Museum Ilocos Sur Complex. Next, you'll visit Bantay Church and Bell Tower. Both structures date to the 16th century, and the bell tower was used as a watchtower during World War II. Your guide will then lead you to Syquia Mansion Museum, considered one of the oldest Bahay na Bato ("house of stone") in Vigan. Afterward, you'll gain insight into the pottery industry and the old and authentic methods to create jars. Another museum on your itinerary is the Crisologo Museum, the former residence of the Crisologo political family. You will also walk along the well-known cobblestone street of Calle Crisologo. From there, you'll head to St. Paul Metropolitan Cathedral, a building established in the earthquake baroque style with thick buttresses. Finally, you'll stop by Baluarte, which features the central zoo and a Safari gallery.

Day 5

Rock formations inside Sumaguing Cave in Sagada

Day 5 - Day 5: Sagada Tour

You will wake up before sunrise and travel to the rural town of Sagada. The place has a cool climate as it is set in the Cordillera Mountains. You will kick off your tour with an exploration at Sugong Cave, one of more than 60 caves in Sagada. Inside this cave, you can find an underground river, which supplies water to the Kapay-aw Rice Terraces. It is also famous for hosting the iconic Hanging Coffins, a funerary practice of the tribes in local ethnic groups. You will then go through the lush greenery of Echo Valley. Surrounded by towering limestone cliffs, this natural area is filled with caverns and trails. While here, you may head up the viewpoint, where you can see the coffins from afar. Afterward, you'll go spelunking inside the largest cave in Sagada, named Sumaguing Cave. In addition to the millions of naturally-shaped rock formations inside, this natural wonder also features pools of cold water in which you will have to wade through during the activity. Lastly, your guide will take you to the Bontoc Tribal Museum. A few of the exhibits you can find here are trophies, musical instruments, and everyday tools of different local tribes.

Day 6

Day 6 - Day 6: Banaue Tour

After checking out of your Laoag hotel, you will begin your journey toward Banaue town in the Ifugao region. The municipality is widely known for its breathtaking rice terraces. One of the most popular ones is located in Batad village, called the Batad Rice Terraces. This natural attraction, which looks like an amphitheater, is declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. If you would like to get a more excellent vista of the terraces, you may hike up Batad Banaue Viewpoint. You will need to go on a 30-minute trek to get to the site. If you wish to see an additional natural attraction, you have the option to trek to Tappiya Waterfall. You will have plenty of time to relax or go for a refreshing swim; just be careful since the catch basin is deep. If you opt to learn about the locals, a visit to Banga-an Village is perfect for you. You will find out how typical Ifugao houses look like and how the tribes live their everyday life. You can find more interesting facts and artifacts related to the indigenous groups at your final stop: Banaue Museum. Afterward, you will proceed to your accommodation at a nice Banaue hotel.

Day 7

View of Baguio City houses from Mines View Park

Day 7 - Day 7: Baguio Tour

You will take the time to visit the best attractions within Baguio City, dubbed the Philippines' summer capital. On the way, your guide will give you a quick tour of Kiangan town. You will stop by the Ifugao Museum, which displays the heritage and culture of the Ifugao people in the northern Philippines. You will also head to the town's historical spot: the Surrender Site of General Yamashita. Afterward, you'll make your way to your first Baguio stop, the Philippine Military Academy. Feel free to walk around the campus and discover various historical military weapons. You will next visit The Mansion, which shelters the memorabilia of the past presidents over the years. Your itinerary also includes the well-known Camp John Hay. Spend your time trying out various activities at this mountain resort. At Mines View Park, you'll get to have an amazing view of the Amburayan Valley and the Cordillera Mountains. The following parks you'll visit are Wright Park and Centennial Park, which are both ideal places for relaxing and taking photographs. Before your guide takes you to your Baguio hotel, you will drop by Good Shepherd Convent, where you can find various treats you might like to take home.

Day 8

Day 8 - Day 8: Benguet Tour

Your agenda for Day 8 will be a tour of Benguet province. Also called the Salad Bowl of the Philippines, the place is one of the country's main producers of fresh vegetables. The province is home to numerous farms, one of which is the first stop of your tour: La Trinidad Strawberry Farm. You will have enough time to pick fresh strawberries and also savor strawberry ice cream. From the farm, your guide will bring you to Atok Sakura Flowers in Atok town. The Japanese Sakura trees planted here are yet to fully bloom in the next few years. Besides the trees, you can also find a field of various flowers, which is also a picture-worthy spot. There are also a few huts on the site. Northern Blossom, which will be your next stop, is also an excellent place for taking photographs. This two-hectare vast plantation, planted with common and rare flowers, will surely leave you in awe. You will then travel up to the 2nd Highest Point along the Halsema Highway. This location is situated 7,400 feet above sea level. You will make your final stop at the historical Spanish Trail and later travel back to your Baguio hotel.

Day 9

Day 9 - Day 9: Mt. Pinatubo Tour

On Day 9, you will check out of your hotel in the morning and head south toward Tarlac province, home to your primary destination: Mt. Pinatubo. You will be hiking up this active volcano and see what natural gem is hidden atop this mountain. The jump-off point to Mt. Pinatubo is the Sta. Juliana Tourism Center, where your guide will take you. Upon arriving, you will ride a 4x4 vehicle and proceed to Crow Valley, which gives off a moon-like landscape because of its vast ash fields formed after the catastrophic eruption of Mt. Pinatubo in 1991. You will also be crossing rocky rivers during the trip. Your 4x4 ride will conclude near the base of the mountain. Your guide will then show you the way up Mt. Pinatubo. The trek will take at least two hours before you reach the summit, but your effort will pay off once you see the spectacular view of the volcano's Crater Lake. After taking your lunch, feel free to spend the remaining time of your tour however you like. You will descend the volcano in the late afternoon and travel to Manila to check into your hotel around the Baywalk area.

Day 10

Fresh oysters from Cambuhat Oyster Farm in Bohol

Day 10 - Day 10: Bohol Cambuhat Tour

On the tenth day, you will travel to Bohol province in the Visayas. After checking out of your Manila hotel, you will board a plane at Ninoy Aquino International Airport and fly to Panglao International Airport on Panglao Island. The main subject of your tour for today will be Cambuhat Village, the pride of Buenavista town. The starting point to this peaceful settlement is at Daet Bridge, where you will hop on a paddleboat. Aboard the paddleboat, you will sail through the wide and serene Cambuhat River, where you can find nipa palms and lush mangrove forests. Your boat will take you straight to the village's Cambuhat Oyster Farm. You will gain insight into how locals breed and harvest oysters. Later on, your boat will sail you toward the banks of the river, where the community center is located. You will be treated to a sumptuous lunch of oysters and other seafood. Locals will perform their traditional dance, called the Buri dance, while you enjoy your meal. You will then go around Cambuhat Village to see the residents show off their skills in weaving. Afterward, your van will drive you to your accommodation at a nice hotel on Panglao Island.

Day 11

White sand beach of Pamilacan Island in Bohol

Day 11 - Day 11: Pamilacan Island Tour

You will have an adventure off the coast of mainland Bohol as you will be sailing to Pamilacan Island. Located in the heart of the Bohol Sea, this paradise-like destination houses a myriad of sea creatures, including dolphins and whale sharks that are frequently seen in the area. Better keep close attention to the water as you might spot some of these on the way to the island. Pamilacan Island offers a beautiful stretch of white sand-covered beach where you can lie down or play rounds of beach volleyball. The place is also ideal for swimming, diving, and snorkeling as it is surrounded by crystal-clear waters. While snorkeling, you'll find numerous marine plants and animals like anemones, sponges, tunicates, and giant gorgonians. Sea turtles, unicornfish, stingrays, moray eel, and sea snakes are also among the sea critters you may chance upon. Established on the island is a fishing village where around 2,000 inhabitants reside. You may spend some time getting to know more about the locals before leaving. You also have the option to visit the Spanish fort, declared a National Cultural Treasure, on the northeast side of the island that has been there for over 200 years.

Day 12

Day 12 - Day 12: Bohol Countryside Tour

Your twelfth day will focus on more of Bohol's stunning attractions. Your tour, which will take place in the province's countryside, will begin with a visit to the Corella Tarsier Sanctuary. Here, you can observe the googly-eyed creatures, which are considered among the smallest primates in the world. You may take pictures of these small creatures; just remember to avoid flash photography. Your tour will continue with a Loboc River Cruise. For this part, you will ride a floating restaurant that will treat you to a hearty lunch of various Filipino dishes. You will also enjoy a vista of lavish greenery that is lining the river. You will proceed to Baclayon Church once you return to land. This 16th-century building stands next to an old convent that houses a mini-museum. Your guide will then take you to the Butterfly Conservatory, which shelters approximately 200 species of butterflies. You will also drop by the man-made Bilar Forest that is composed of picturesque mahogany trees. Before retreating to your Panglao hotel, you will visit the Chocolate Hills, the most iconic attraction in Bohol. The site consists of more than 1,000 hills whose grasses turn from green to brown during the dry season.

Day 13

Canyoneering experience at Kawasan Falls in Cebu

Day 13 - Day 13: Kawasan Falls and Moalboal Sardine Run Tour

After checking out of your Panglao hotel, your van will pick you up and transfer you to a terminal, where you will ride a ferry bound to the neighboring province of Cebu. The first stop of your tour will be Kawasan Falls in Badian town. This three-layered fall will stun you with its beautiful turquoise water. Feel free to swim in its natural pool after the long and tiring trek. If you're up for a challenge, you may include the canyoneering activity at Kawasan Falls in your itinerary. Next, you will travel to Moalboal, a tiny coastal town that attracts divers with its rich marine life. This location will be the starting point for your next stops. You will board a boat and sail to Pescador Island, an ideal place for snorkeling. Stunning corals and a range of fish are the ones you'll see underwater. You will then head to Turtle Island, where you can spot sea turtles swimming in the open sea. To wrap up the tour, you will drop by Panagsama Beach to observe the fascinating Sardine Run, which involves millions of sardines swimming as one group. Your van will later transfer you to your hotel in Argao town.

Day 14

Day 14 - Day 14: Cebu City Tour

Your guide will pick you up at your Argao hotel and drive you to Cebu City, the oldest city not only in the province but in the Philippines. You will first visit the Taoist Temple, which was established in 1972 with a Chinese architectural style. Next is the Basilica Minore Del Santo Nino. This 16th-century Roman Catholic Church stands on the location where the image of Santo Nino de Cebu was discovered. Your guide will next show you Magellan's Cross, which is placed just outside of the church. This historic site symbolizes the propagation of the Roman Catholic faith in the province. Your guide will tell you more about Cebu's history at the following stop: Heritage of Cebu Monument. This set of sculptures portray the province's major historical events. A few meters away is the Yap - San Diego Ancestral House, one of the country's oldest homes. Afterward, you will head to the mountains to visit the Temple of Leah, which displays the memorabilia of the late wife of a wealthy local businessman. The remaining time of your tour is dedicated to Sirao Flower Farm. Your van will later bring you to your accommodation in Mandaue City.

Day 15

Waiting area at Manila International Airport

Day 15 - Day 15: Departure to Manila

On Day 15, you will travel back to Manila as your tour has come to an end. Your van will transport you to Mactan-Cebu International Airport then you'll ride a plane to Ninoy Aquino International Airport. The journey typically requires one to 1.5 hours before you reach your destination.

What 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.

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.