Philippines Discovery

Days 1-2

Fly to Manila
Fly overnight to the bustling capital city of Manila.
- Dinner
Day 3

Northern Bound
Enjoy a relaxed morning tour of Intramuros, Manila's old colonial centre. This afternoon, depart the city and drive north to the hills of Pampanga province, where you'll stay at an ecological resort.
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Day 4

Volcanos, Lakes & Villages
Today, take a 4x4 partway up Mount Pinatubo and hike to the summit; at the top, you'll be rewarded with majestic views across the volcano's breathtakingly blue crater lake. En route back to the hotel, visit a local indigenous village. Those seeking a more relaxed day can enjoy independent exploration of the green nature trails around the resort.
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Day 5

Into the Highlands
Today enjoy a road trip into the Cordillera, Luzon's northern highlands. Admire the passing scenery as you journey up to Banaue, gateway to the Philippines' famous rice terraces. Break your journey at the town of Bacolor, where you'll stop to visit San Guillermo Church. Your hotel in Banaue is your base for the next three nights.
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Day 6

Hapao Rice Terraces
Board a jeepney and head into the remote highlands to enjoy a largely flat hike through the photogenic Hapao rice terraces. At the top of the terraces, arrive at a hot spring where you can bathe in the stream and in the warm rock-pool before enjoying lunch with fantastic views over the valley.
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Day 7

Sagada's Hanging Coffins
Today's day trip to Sagada includes a two-hour drive through beautiful mountain passes. Learn about local traditions at the famous burial caves and look out for the hanging coffins suspended on the rock faces. Return to the hotel in Banaue.
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Day 8

The City of Pines
Travel to the pleasantly cool city of Baguio, known as the City of Pines and home to a presidential mansion, market area, weaving workshops and municipal park. Visit Camp John Hay, established in 1900 as a military hill station of the US army, later occupied by WWII Japanese forces and finally returned to Philippine ownership in 1991.
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Day 9

Colonial Vigan
This morning, head north along the coast and arrive at the colonial settlement of Vigan, distinctly Spanish in character and now a UNESCO World Heritage town. Wander the scenic cobblestone streets, visiting colonial houses, museums and a pottery maker.
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Day 10

Laoag
A 90-minute drive brings you to Laoag on the island's north-western tip. Stop to visit its coastal sand dunes. Later this evening, fly back to Manila.
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Day 11

Beaches and Cream
Take a short morning flight over to beautiful Bohol and explore Panglao island, including the stalactite-studded Hinagdanan Cave and the lovely ocean-facing Bohol Bee Farm, where you can enjoy organic ice cream. Your beachfront hotel is perfectly placed for some well-earned time on the sand.
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Day 12

Bohol Countryside Tour
Venture out on a full day countryside tour, encompassing the iconic Chocolate Hills, a rolling geological landscape of hundreds of dome-shaped hills named for their resemblance to chocolate drops when they turn brown in the autumn. Enjoy a lunchtime river cruise before continuing to the Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary in Corella to learn about conservation efforts to protect the world's second smallest primate.
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Day 13

The Roof of Cebu
Take a ferry over to the neighbouring isle of Cebu for a city tour and a photographic opportunity at the Roof of Cebu, the highest point on the island, where you can enjoy a refreshing glass of beer as you take in the incredible views. Check in to your hotel before this evening's farewell dinner.
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Days 14-15

Fly Cebu to Australia
Transfer to Cebu's international airport for your flight home, arriving the following day.
- Breakfast

We draw from a wide range of hotels on our holidays, each one is chosen to suit the tour you are travelling on meaning your accommodation can range from a smart business hotel in one city to a family run guesthouse in a smaller town. Here are some examples of the type of hotel you can expect to find on this tour.

Nights 2

City Garden Grand

Superbly located in chic Makati with lovely rooms and a great rooftop bar, City Garden Grand is a perfect option in Manila.
Nights 2

Green Canyon Resort

Green Canyon is located in beautiful grounds with nature trails on the site of an organic farm. There is a huge pool and a separate wave pool separated by a hanging bridge, as well as an outdoor restaurant.
Nights 3

Banaue Hotel

This is a large hotel located in the rice terrace region with well sized rooms and many facilities including a swimming pool, buffet restaurant and bar.
Night 1

Burnham Suites

Burnham Suites is a classic city hotel with large rooms and offers a good breakfast.
Night 1

Hotel Luna

This is a charming place to stay with lots of colonial character and features a courtyard with small swimming pool. Rooms are cosy and the hotel has a lovely bar and gourmet restaurant on site.
Nights 2

Bohol Beach Club

Bohol Beach Club is situated on the best stretch of white beach on Panglao Island. The resort is well laid out with excellent facilities, featuring bright, airy rooms and a superb restaurant serving local and international cuisine.
Night 1

Marco Polo

Marco Polo is an international style hotel with great facilities including several dining options and an outdoor pool. Nestled in the prestigious Nivel Hills, the hotel provides a spectacular view of the city and Mactan Island.