9-Day Philippines Adventure & Heritage Holiday Package to Luzon Highlands & Cebu Island from Manila
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Description
Summary
Tour starts
Manila, Metro Manila, Philippines
Duration
9 days
Ending place
Manila, Metro Manila, Philippines
Languages:
English
Difficulty:
Easy
Minimum age:
None
Description
Indulge in the scenic highlands of Luzon and Cebu in the Philippines with this 9-day vacation package. This package that starts in Manila will let you visit some of Ilocos, Mountain Province, and Cebu’s historic and natural attractions.
Upon arriving at the Ninoy Aquino Airport in Manila, you will make your way to your hotel along Roxas Boulevard before starting your excursion around the heritage sites of Intramuros. This walled city is the city’s oldest district, so expect a Spanish-era atmosphere while here.
You will fly to Laoag Airport in the Ilocos Region from Manila, where you will enjoy a day trip around Laoag and Vigan. There are plenty of historical destinations in these two cities, one of which is the popular Calle Crisologo in Vigan. Here, you will see cobbled streets lined with Spanish-style houses.
You will then enjoy the cool weather at Sagada and Banaue before heading to Baguio. Referred to as the Philippines’ summer Capital, the city boasts numerous locations worth visiting, including the former US military base, Camp John Hay. After the laid-back city tours, you will go on an adrenaline-pumping hike up Mt. Pinatubo in Tarlac to see the volcano’s popular crater lake.
The last three days of your tour will be spent in Cebu, where you will enjoy both wet and dry activities. Three of the tour highlights are the Temple of Leah, Sirao Flower Farm, and Kawasan Falls.
Both the Temple of Leah and Sirao Flower Farm sit atop a hill, giving you a panoramic view of Cebu. Meanwhile, Kawasan Falls is tucked in the town of Badian and features turquoise natural spring waters.
Experience the best of Luzon and Cebu with this 9-day tour package that will provide you with a hassle-free vacation. Check availability by choosing a date.
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Included
8 nights accommodation (budget category)
8 days breakfast
8 lunch
All flights with 20kgs baggage allowance
Day 1 - Intramuros Tour (Manila)
Day 2 - Ilocos Norte and Ilocos Sur (Ilocos Region)
Day 3 to 5 - Sagada, Banaue and Baguio Tour (Cordillera Region)
Day 6 - Mt. Pinatubo Tour
Day 7 to 8 - Cebu Tour (Central Visayas)
Day 9 - Back to Manila
All transportation to and from included activities and destinations
All environmental fees, port fees, and all other applicable taxes
Upon your arrival at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), you will first check-in at your hotel in Manila along Roxas Boulevard. From there, you will then begin your day tour around the walled city of Intramuros.
Previously the seat of government during the Spanish regime, Intramuros now houses well-preserved heritage sites turned attractions. One of the popular spots here is Fort Santiago, located at the far end of the district. This historical park was where the national hero Jose Rizal was imprisoned before his execution in December 1896.
A quick five-minute walk from the fort is Plaza Roma, which is considered as Intramuros’ center. From there, you will enjoy a visit to two of the six museums in the walled city: Bahay Tsinoy and Casa Manila. Bahay Tsinoy showcases the historical contributions of the ethnic Chinese to the country, while Casa Manila features the late Spanish period architecture and interior design.
After your trip to the past, you will stop by the San Diego Gardens to take in the beautifully landscaped area. While here, you will also explore the centuries-old Baluarte de San Diego and its concentric structures. End your day with a visit to two of Instramuros’ iconic churches, San Agustin Church and Museum and Manila Cathedral.
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Day 2
Day 2 - Day 2: Ilocos Laoag & Vigan Tour
From Manila, you will get on a plane and travel up north to Laoag Airport. You will be taken to your Laoag hotel first before proceeding with your tour, starting with the Malacañang of the North in Paoay.
Overlooking Paoay Lake, this two-story mansion was the presidential family’s official residence during the Marcos regime. Explore the mansion-turned-museum and enjoy the quiet atmosphere of the nearby lake.
From there, you will head to Paoay Church, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its distinct architecture. Your guide will then lead you to two of the many museums in the area: Marcos Museum, housing a varied collection of Marcos memorabilia; and Juan and Antonio Luna Museum dedicated to the life and career of the brothers.
Heading next to Vigan, you will stopover at St. Paul’s Cathedral and Bantay Church before making your way to Pagburnayan to witness the art of pottery-making in action. You will then learn more about the thriving history and art of Ilocos with a visit to Burgos Museum, National Museum, and Crisologo Museum.
From Crisologo Museum, you will enjoy a quick ten-minute drive to Baluarte, a resort, animal sanctuary, and butterfly farm all in one. The final leg of Day 2 ends at the famous cobbled streets of Calle Crisologo.
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Day 3
Day 3 - Day 3: Sagada Tour
After checking out of your hotel in Laoag, you will be driven to the town of Sagada in the Cordillera Mountains. This cozy and rustic community comes not only with cold weather but also with a rich culture.
Upon arriving at the town, you will be taken straight to Sugong Cave, where the famous hanging coffins of Sagada are found. These coffins dangle on the side of a limestone mountain instead of being buried underground. To get to Sugong Cave, you have to trek down Echo Valley behind the Sagada Cemetery. The valley itself is a sight to see as towering cliffs and lush greenery surround it.
After your hike, enjoy a quick spelunking adventure in Sumaguing Cave. This chamber is dubbed as the biggest of its kind in the town and sits about an hour’s walk away from the town hall. It will take roughly two hours to complete the short course.
From there, you then be taken to the Bontoc Tribal Museum in the town proper. This museum houses artifacts and photographs of the Ifugao people and showcases their heritage. The design itself is also inspired by the traditional Bontok hut with a pointed roof.
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Day 4
Day 4 - Day 4: Banaue
After leaving Sagada, you will travel to the nearby town of Banaue via van or jeep. Here, you will visit the National Cultural Treasure that is Batad rice terraces. Also named as a UNESCO World Heritage site, the terraces are surely a fascinating view and a perfect site for a quick hike.
From there, you will make your way to Batad Banaue Viewpoint, where a postcard vista of the terraces is seen. This viewing deck sits at the end of a half-hour trek from the main road and is guarded by some elderly Ifugao and Bontoc women in their tribal dresses.
You also have the option to stop at either Tappiya Falls or Bangg-an Village instead of Batad Banaue Viewpoint. The waterfall is perfect for backpackers wanting a more adventurous time in Banaue as it takes a trek of about two or three hours to get there. On the other hand, Bangg-an Village is more laid-back and showcases the daily life of the Ifugao tribe.
Before you head back to your hotel, stop by Banaue Museum first. The two-story building keeps a varied collection of artifacts from numerous Northern Luzon tribes, from jewelry to weaponry to traditional wear.
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Day 5
Day 5 - Day 5: Baguio Tour
Before leaving for Baguio City, you will first visit the town of Kiangan, where the Ifugao Museum and General Yamashita’s surrender site are located. The museum keeps several Ifugao artifacts, including bulol (rice guardians), household utensils, and headhunting machetes.
Meanwhile, General Yamashita’s surrender site that dates back to 1974 commemorates the end of the World War II era in the country. Afterward, you head south to Baguio for your tour of the city.
Upon your arrival, you will be taken to the Philippine Military Academy, where you can observe the students’ military drills and take photos of the lush greenery. From there, drop by The Mansion next. As the official summer residence of the Philippine Presiden, tourists can only access the palace’s museum.
Take some selfies in front of The Mansion before you head to Camp John Hay. Used a military base by the US Armed Forces before, this spot is now a recreational area and a forest watershed reservation.
You will enjoy more recreational activities at Mines View Park, Wright Park, and Centennial Park. The last leg of your Baguio tour is at the Good Shepherd Convent, a religious convent known for its sweet treats and souvenirs.
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Day 6
Day 6 - Day 6: Mt. Pinatubo Tour
It’s time to head back to Manila. Your tour van will drop you off at your Manila Baywalk hotel first before heading north again to the province of Tarlac, home to the world-famous Mt. Pinatubo. Here, you will enjoy a quick trek up to the active volcano’s crater lake, so make sure to get your hiking gear ready.
Once you arrive in the province, you will be transferred to a 4x4 jeep that will take you across the dusty and bumpy Crow Valley at the foot of the mountain. You will reach the drop-off point in about an hour’s drive, and from here, you will hike to the top.
The entire trek to the crater will take about an hour to an hour and a half at most. Along the way, you will see some interesting volcanic formations that date back to 1991 when the volcano erupted.
When you finally reach the summit, you will be rewarded with the impressive vista of Mt. Pinatubo’s Crater Lake. Enjoy the place’s refreshing atmosphere as you dig into your lunch and observe the panoramic landscape below. Make sure to take plenty of photos before descending the mountain and heading back to Manila.
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Day 7
Day 7 - Day 7: Cebu City Tour
From Manila, you will fly to Mactan-Cebu International Airport. Your excursion continues in Cebu, starting with the Taoist Temple. Set atop a hill, this temple has been the center of worship for Taoism in the area since its establishment in 1972.
You will then make your way to downtown Cebu, where you can find the oldest Roman Catholic church in the Philippines, the Basilica Minore Del Santo Nino. The cathedral dates back to 1565 and houses a museum and a library.
Just across from the basilica is the Magellan’s Cross. Believed to have been planted by Portuguese and Spanish explorers in 1521, the large wooden cross now stands under a Spanish-styled pavilion.
You will get to know more about Cebu’s history at the Heritage of Cebu Monument and the Yap - San Diego Ancestral House, both showcasing significant pieces of the province’s past. About a half-hour drive from the ancestral house is the Temple of Leah. Built by a local for his late wife, this elaborate Roman-style temple will give you a breathtaking view of Cebu.
From there, you will end your day with a trip to the city’s Little Amsterdam, the Sirao Flower Farm. The site is known not only for its colorful blooms but also its overlooking view.
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Day 8
Day 8 - Day 8: Kawasan Falls & Moalboal Sardine Run Tour
From your hotel in Mandaue, you will head to the town of Badian, where Kawasan Falls is located. The fall itself is about a 1.5-km walk uphill from the jump-off point, but the trek will be worth it once you dip yourself in the cool natural spring waters.
About a half-hour drive from Badian is the town of Moalboal, known for its many white beaches. Stroll along the shore or go for a quick swim before heading off the coast to Pescador Island.
This island is around 30 minutes away by boat and is the perfect place for snorkeling. You will also be visiting Turtle Point, where you might be lucky enough to go swimming with sea turtles. Afterward, you will head back to the mainland and go to Pinagsama Beach for the famous sardine run.
Upon arriving at the beach, a guide will brief you on the activity beforehand and give you your gear. You will then head out to sea until you reach the 70-meter drop of the reef wall. This is where the millions of sardines will cloud the area, so prepare your underwater camera and take plenty of photos.
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Day 9
Day 9 - Day 9: Departure to Manila
Your 9-day vacation package has come to an end. After checking out at your hotel in Mandaue in the morning, your tour van will pick you up and drive you to the irport. The flight to the Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Manila will take about an hour and fifteen minutes.
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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.
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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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