Philippines Discovery

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! 

Your Holiday Package Includes:

• Economy class flight to Manila, return from Cebu
• 12 night Philippines Discovery guided tour with Wendy Wu, Manila to Cebu

Includes:

• Touring with guides & entrance fees
• 3+ star accommodation
• 12 breakfasts, 11 lunches, 12 dinners
• Highlights & authentic experiences
• Airline taxes

Pricing is per person twin share and based on travel 15-28 November 2024

Solo traveller pricing available. Please speak to one of our travel consultants for more details

Flights are based on departures from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide & Perth. Departures from other cities and flight upgrades available on request.

Itinerary:

DAYS 1-2: Fly to Manila

Fly overnight to the bustling capital city of Manila.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

DAYS 14-15: Fly Cebu to Australia

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

Prices listed are per person in Australian/New Zealand Dollars, based on twin occupancy, including all discounts unless otherwise stated. The offer is subject to availability at time of booking. Fares are capacity controlled and are subject to change at any time without notice. Prices/Offers are correct as at 22 February 2024 and can be withdrawn without notice. Cabin categories include prepaid government fees and port taxes unless otherwise stated.  Hotels may charge resort fees not included in this package, payable direct upon check in. Visas are not included. Flights are based on departures from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide & Perth. Departures from other cities and flight upgrades available on request. Payments made by credit card will incur a surcharge. Depending on airline schedules, you may depart and/or arrive on Day 2. Extra nights' accommodation (pre or post tour) or stopovers may be required at an additional cost. Customary tipping amount of approximately US$60pp (AU$87pp) is paid locally in Philippines.