Manila Heritage Churches and Cultural Tour with Kalesa Ride | Manila Cathedral, San Agustin Church

Immerse yourself in the history and culture of Manila with this private heritage churches tour. This tour will take you to culturally significant spots in the city, including the Manila Cathedral and San Agustin Church. This Manila tour also includes a kalesa ride in the walled city of Intramuros and the assistance of an English-speaking tour guide. You may also book add-on transfers from and to your hotel in Manila or Makati.

Since you will be visiting several churches on this tour, please dress appropriately and refrain from wearing revealing clothing. Your tour starts when you arrive at the Manila Cathedral. If you have not booked transfers, your guide will meet you here 30 minutes before your tour starts.

After you have met up with your guide, you will tour Manila Cathedral. Originally built in 1571, it has undergone several renovations after being damaged by several earthquakes, a typhoon, and even a fire. It is officially named the Minor Basilica of the Immaculate Conception Manila Metropolitan Cathedral and is the seat of the Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Manila. 

Your next activity is a 30-minute kalesa ride in Intramuros. You will start at Plaza Roma, just outside Manila Cathedral. A kalesa is a traditional horse-drawn carriage used in the Philippines during the Spanish era. On your ride, you will see some Spanish-era structures within the walled city.

Once your ride is done, you will head to the San Agustin Church and Museum. It is the oldest stone church in the Philippines. San Agustin Church is not only a recognized National Cultural Treasure and National Historical Landmark but also part of the four Baroque churches that are included in the UNESCO World Heritage list. 

Before you continue with your tour, you will have lunch (own expense) at either Cabel Restaurant or Emila House of Filipino Food.

Following your meal, you will continue your tour with visits to San Sebastian Church, another recognized National Cultural Treasure and National Historical Landmark and the only steel church in the Philippines, and Quiapo Church, which is home to the Black Nazarene that devotees believe to be miraculous. 

You’ll also drop by Plaza Miranda and the Quiapo Church before heading to your last stop, the Santa Cruz Church, which was built during the Spanish period for the Chinese that lived nearby.

If you booked hotel transfers, you will be dropped off at your accommodations in Manila or Makati. Otherwise, after the tour, you are free to spend the rest of the day however you wish.

Explore the churches of Manila and learn more about the city’s history when you book this tour. Check the availability by choosing a date.