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!
Hike the slopes of Hapao - 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 Mt Pinatubo - Hike up Mt Pinatubo to discover the phenomenal blue crater lake at its heart. On your descent, pass through Tarukan Village, a settlement of the Aetas of Capas, who are among the 12 million indigenous peoples in the Philippines.
Visit the Sanctuary of the Tarsier - 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.
Manila (1N+1N) - Pampanga (2N) - Banaue (3N) - Baguio (1N) - Vigan (1N) - Laoag - Bohol (2N) - Cebu (1N)
Days 1-2: Fly To Manila
Fly overnight to the bustling capital city of Manila.
Includes: Dinner
Day 3: Pampanga
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.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Mount Pinatubo
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.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Banaue
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.
Includes: 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.
Includes: 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.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8: Baguio
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.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9: 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.
Includes: 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.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 11: Fly To Bohol
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.
Includes: 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.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 13: 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.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Days 14-15: Fly Cebu To Australia
Transfer to Cebu's international airport for your flight home, arriving the following day.
Includes: Breakfast
* The above itinerary is subject to change.
Advertised pricing subject to departure date and availability. Please call 1300 414 198 to confirm up-to-the-moment availability and pricing.
City Garden Grand - Manila
Superbly located in chic Makati with lovely rooms and a great rooftop bar, City Garden Grand is a perfect option in Manila.
Green Canyon Resort - Pampanga
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.
Banaue Hotel - Banaue
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 - Baguio
Burnham Suites is a classic city hotel with large rooms and offers a good breakfast.
Hotel Luna - Vigan
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 - Bohol
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 - Cebu
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.
Travel at 60 and supplier booking conditions apply.