On this 15-day adventure you will uncover stunning scenery – from the vivid green rice terraces of Luzon to the magnificent Chocolate Hills of Bohol and powder white beaches. Combined with intriguing history and remarkable culture, this tour will take you right into the heart of this magnificent destination and its people. Mabuhay!
Our Philippines Discovery tour will see you exploring the most iconic sites, delving into deep-rooted culture and dining on delicious cuisine.
Explore the rice terraces of Luzon
See the hanging coffins and burial caves
Wander the cobblestone streets of this UNESCO World Heritage colonial town
Admire this incredible natural phenomenon
Our Philippines Discovery Tour has been thoughtfully designed and thoroughly researched to bring you a range of once-in-a-lifetime experiences, many of which are entirely exclusive to us.
Enjoy a relaxed hike on the slopes of the UNESCO-listed Hapao Rice Terraces, the gentlest of the terraces in the Ifugao region. The panoramic views can be admired from the roadside viewpoint, while those feeling adventurous can hike down and meet the local farmers.
Hike up Mt Pinatubo to discover the phenomenal blue crater lake at its heart.
Visit the Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary, home and refuge of the second smallest primate in the world. The sanctuary protects dozens of these tiny creatures throughout the area and is committed to initiatives to restore their natural habitats across the archipelago.
Fly overnight to the bustling capital city of Manila.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Transfer to Cebu's international airport for your flight home, arriving the following day.
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.
Superbly located in chic Makati with lovely rooms and a great rooftop bar, City Garden Grand is a perfect option in Manila.
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.
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.
Burnham Suites is a classic city hotel with large rooms and offers a good breakfast.
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.
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.
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.
Places Visited: Manila (1N+1N) - Pampanga (2N) - Banaue (3N) - Baguio (1N) - Vigan (1N) - Laoag - Bohol (2N) - Cebu (1N)
All of our tour departures (Excluding Antarctica and Australia tours) include international flights and taxes in the price. If the dates we have available for this tour don't suit your needs, or you are not sure travelling as part of a group is for you, maybe a Private Tour would be more ideal. If your tour departs in less than 30 days, please call our travel experts to book.
With our Book with Confidence guarantee you have peace of mind with low deposits, free changes and extended final payment. Plus, find a tour with the same inclusions cheaper and we will match it AND give you a reward. See full terms and conditions.
Fetching Price Information - please wait
There are no dedicated Solo departures for this year. You can enjoy any of our tours with no Single Supplement on our Happy to Share option or explore the solo departures in other years.
Extend your holiday or break up your journey with one of our extensions and stopovers. Choose from city breaks or some beach time, or spend more time in your chosen destination.
