8-Day Philippines Vacation Package to Best of North Luzon Highlands from Manila

From Manila, you will be flying to Ilocos Norte via Laoag Airport. You will wait for your private van to fetch you and take you to your hotel.

St. Williams Cathedral, also known as Laoag Cathedral, is the first destination on your list. In 1612, the Augustinian friars built this church to replace the wooden chapel. The church is also famous for its Sinking Bell Tower. Every year, it is said to sink at least an inch into the ground.

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You will also marvel at Museo Ilocos Norte. This ethnographic museum showcases artifacts featuring the culture and heritage of the region. Another historical landmark lies at Aurora Park, the 19th-century Tobacco Monopoly Monument.

Your historical tour continues at the Malacanang of the North, a grand presidential museum for former President Marcos. Near the museum, you will find the Paoay Church. The structure used to be a former observation post of Katipuneros and Filipino Guerrillas.

After your tour in Paoay, you will proceed to the town of Batac. At Marcos Museum, you will find the cenotaph of the late president. Finally, you will browse through the six galleries at Juan and Antonio Luna Museum. It serves as a tribute to the Luna brothers.

On Day 3, you will visit the UNESCO World Heritage City of Vigan. You will be staying in a nice hotel along Calle Crisologo.

Start your fun-filled day exploring the National Museum Ilocos Regional Complex. Inside the museum, you will learn more about the Spanish era in the Philippines.

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A trip to Vigan will not be complete without visiting the iconic Bantay Church and Bell Tower. The belfry sits on top of a hill overlooking the whole Bantay district and a portion of Abra province from afar. Up next is Syquia Mansion Museum, a 19th-century stone mansion featuring significant family heirlooms during the Spanish era.

For your next activity, you will learn traditional pottery making at Pagburnayan Jar Factory. Then, you will head to Crisologo Museum. It is the former residence of Congressman Floro S. Crisologo and his family. Inside the ancestral house, you can find their well-preserved memorabilia and furniture.

Your heritage tour continues along Calle Crisologo, an iconic street in Vigan that exhibits ancestral houses and historical structures. Then, you will find St. Paul Metropolitan Cathedral just across the dancing fountain at Plaza Salcedo. Finally, you will head to the mini zoo at Baluarte, where you can see life-size dinosaur statues.

On your 4th day, you will leave early from Vigan to head to the Mountain Province via a pre-arranged van transfer. Your private van will drive along Halsema Highway to reach the rustic town of Sagada.

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Your adventure in Sagada begins at Sugong Cave. It features an underground river with water coming from Bokong Falls. The same source of water irrigates the rice fields of Kapay-aw. Next, you will go on a trekking escapade to Echo Valley. The path leads to the famous hanging coffins, which serve as part of the burial traditions in Mountain Province.

Sagada boasts over 60 caves, making it a perfect spelunking spot for adventure-seekers. Sumaguing Cave is the largest cave that features ancient stalactites and stalagmites. Inside the cave, you will pass by its natural pools and streams. Expect to get a little wet during your cave exploration.

After your pulse-pounding adventure, you will browse through the indigenous artifacts at Bontoc Tribal Museum. The museum has a vast collection of traditional costumes, hunting weapons, and farming tools. You will also learn about the culture and traditions in Mountain Province.

At the end of your tour, your van will take you to your hotel in Sagada.

On your fifth day, you will traverse the scenic province of Ifugao to reach Banaue. It is home to amphitheater-like terraces that are part of the UNESCO World Heritage list.

In the town of Batad, you will visit one of the earliest-made rice terraces, which dates back to over 2,000 years ago. The Banaue Rice Terraces serve as a priceless contribution of the Ifugao ancestors to the country.

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The Batad Banaue Viewpoint offers the best view of the terraces. However, if you like to try a more exciting route, you can trade Batad Banaue Viewpoint to visit the Tappiya Waterfall. Once you get there, the majestic view of the waterfalls awaits you. You can also plunge into its refreshing waters.

Then, you will visit the small community at Banga-an Village. The laidback village consists of cogon-made houses with around 30 families. Livestock animals occupy their ground floor. Inside the community, you will learn about the culture and traditions of the Ifugao tribes.

After your village tour, you will head to Banaue Museum. The ethnic museum depicts the life of Ifugao tribes through vintage photographs. You can also see treasured jewelry, weaponry, Igorot artifacts, traditional clothing, and mountain baskets.

On Day 6, you will leave early to visit the coldest destination in the country, Baguio City. Wait for your private van to take you to your hotel.

Baguio, known as The Summer Capital of the Philippines, is perfect for those seeking a quick escape near the metro. For your first destination, you will explore Ifugao Museum. This ethnic museum showcases Ifugao’s ancient traditions and artifacts. Afterward, you will drop by the Surrender Site of General Yamashita, a historic site to commemorate Yamashita’s act of surrendering during World War II.

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You will also visit the Philippine Military Academy, a premier institution for aspiring military officers in the country. Then, you will explore Fort De Pilar, which occupies 373 hectares of land. Afterward, you will head to The Mansion, the official summer residence of the Philippine president.

You can also try adrenaline-rushing activities while enjoying the scenic view at Camp John Hay. Then, you will capture the breathtaking scenery at Mines View Park. You can also go horseback riding and sightseeing at Wright Park and Centennial Park.

Lastly, you will purchase the best-selling local treats in Baguio. Don’t miss out on the chance to buy ube jam at Good Shepherd Convent.

The last leg of your tour continues in the province of Benguet. From Baguio, your private van will take you to your first destination, the 79-hectare La Trinidad Strawberry Farm. As early as the 19th century, Spaniards brought the production of strawberries in La Trinidad. Since then, the farm has been cultivating over 1,775 metric tons of strawberries per harvest.

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Your second stop is at Atok Sakura Flowers. It features around 30 beautiful cherry blossom trees. In 2016, the Japanese government donated cherry blossom seedlings to the municipality of Atok.

For your next destination, a majestic flower carpet awaits you at the Northern Blossom Flower Farm. The three-hectare flower plantation cultivates cabbage roses, sunflowers, snapdragons, marigolds, Peruvian lilies, and other distinct flowers that are mainly from Japan. Behind the lovely flower fields, you can find the rolling mountain ranges of Mt. Timbak and Mt. Pulag.

Before you leave Atok, you will drop by the 2nd Highest Point along Halsema Highway. It offers a breathtaking view of the nearby mountains. You will see Mt. Timbak, one of the highest mountains in Luzon. Lastly, you will traverse the Spanish Trail to witness a panoramic view of the surrounding mountain ranges.

On Day 8, you will travel to the province of Tarlac to see Mt. Pinatubo. From the drop-off point, you will ride a 4x4 vehicle and trek to reach the viewpoint. A majestic crater lake awaits you on top of Mt. Pinatubo. Afterward, your van will drop you off at your hotel in Manila.