Two Weeks Philippines Tours

Today, your private guide and driver will wait for you at your hotel, and accompany you to delve into Manila’s hidden gems. First, in the tree-lined Rizal Park, let’s explore the peaceful gardens, and listen to the glorious story about Jose Rizal (1861-1896 AD). He was praised as the “Father of the Philippines” because he revolted against the Spanish colonial rule and died a martyr. 

Next, we’ll head to Intramuros Old Town, a Spanish-style town which is a testament to the city’s tumultuous colonial history. We’ll explore Casa Manila, a two-story stone mansion standing in a red-brick paved alley. Through its wooden doors and shutters embedded in the thick walls, you can get a glimpse into the luxurious lifestyle of Manila’s upper class in the 19th century AD. Then, follow your guide to visit the 400-year-old San Agustin Church and Manila Cathedral, admiring their ornate Baroque carvings and exquisite chandeliers. If luckily, we might even witness a wedding. Afterward, we’ll stroll around Fort Santiago, and feel the cruelty of war and the weight of history through the ruins.

Next, we’ll continue to visit SM Mall of Asia, one of the largest shopping malls in the world, with thousands of shops and restaurants, and even an Olympic-sized ice-skating rink. You might wonder why there are so many high-end streets and malls in such a country that is not rich even in Asia. This is a true reflection of Philippine society with an enormous gap between the rich and the poor, and the top 1% of Manila’s earners holding nearly 20% of the country’s wealth.

Our last stop is Manila American Cemetery and Memorial. Here you can see tens of thousands of white marble tombstones on the vast, well-trimmed lawns, which are in memory of the American soldiers who died in the Philippines. Learn about the city’s tragic history during World War II (1939-1945 AD), and discover the complexity of Manila from the surroundings tin shacks and wasted fields. After that, your guide and driver will escort you back to your hotel.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Seda Bonifacio Global City, Manila (4 stars) or similar

This morning, you can have a good rest at the hotel or explore the surroundings on your own. After lunch at your hotel, your driver will pick you up and escort you to Baguio, the “Summer Capital of the Philippines”, in about 5 hours. Upon arrival, your driver will assist you to check in at your hotel which is located in the suburb. 

Baguio enjoys a cool climate, with an average annual temperature of only 15-20°C (59-68 ℉). For the rest of the day, perhaps explore the nearby park by yourself, immersing yourself in the beauty of nature. You can stroll through the dense pine forests, and soak up the fresh highland air. Or, you may take a walk and watch a sunset along the winding mountain road near your hotel. Your hotel serves dinner until 10:00 pm, or you can try Ube Champorado of Le Monet Bakery.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Le Monet Hotel, Baguio (4 stars) or similar

After breakfast, your guide and driver will meet you at your hotel for our Baguio tour. We’ll start from the quiet Mines View Park, where you can see colorful houses scattered across the verdant valley and admire the rolling mountains. Besides, you may rent a traditional Igorot costume at your own expense for an immersive cultural experience. Then, we’ll visit the nearby Good Shepherd Convent, which is popular for strawberry jam and Ube jam. Ube is a kind of purple yam native to the Philippines. You can find it in local desserts, cakes, and ice cream, and even the Frappuccino of the Starbucks.

Next, let’s proceed to Wright Park, renowned for its horseback riding experiences. There are well-cared-for ponies with eye-catching pink mane and superhero-themed adornments, resembling real-life My Little Pony! You can ride a horse at your own expense, and stroll through the Pool of Pines. We’ll also visit The Mansion, the official residence of 17 Philippine presidents. You can take photos of its magnificent building. Later, after admiring the Philippines’ abundant plant species in Baguio Botanical Garden and embracing indigenous cultural heritage in Burnham Park, we’ll explore Baguio’s historical sites. 

Follow your guide to Baguio Cathedral via Session Road, and you may be captivated by this neo-Romanesque architecture. Take photos of the twin towers adorned with exquisite rose windows, and admire the splendid altars and murals inside. Then, we’ll visit St. Joseph Church, the most-visited place of worship for locals, and head to Baguio Museum, learn about the indigenous people and see a unique exhibit, a mummy. Different from the well-known mummies of ancient Egypt, the local process of mummification uses fire. People began to made fire mummies to preserve bodies10,000 years ago, long before Egypt. 

Then, let’s take a trek in Camp John Hay, and visit the Philippine Military Academy, which cultivated outstanding military talents for the Philippines during World War II. After that, your guide and driver will escort you back to your hotel.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Le Monet Hotel, Baguio (4 stars) or similar

This morning, your driver will pick you up from your hotel for your private transfer to Sagada, a journey of around 5 hours. During the ride, we’ll pass Halsema Highroad Point, which is at an altitude of 2,255 meters (7,400 ft.), the highest point in the Philippine highway system. Upon arrival, your driver will help you check in, and the rest of the day is yours. 

Sagada is also a mountain city, with towering peaks, deep caves, and cascading waterfalls, as well as traditional Igorot culture. You can savor afternoon tea at your hotel’s café, admiring the surrounding misty forests and picturesque rural scene on your own.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Sagada Blue Mountain Cabins or similar

This morning, your guide and driver will meet you at your hotel, and let’s embark on a Sagada exploration. First, take an adventure to Sumaguing Cave, one of the largest caves in the Philippines. Descending a series of steep limestone steps, we’ll enter this mysterious space. Put on your headlight and navigate through the chambers, and admire the bizarre stalactites and stalagmites. 
► For Your Information: Since the cave remains almost untouched and the rocks can be very slippery, please follow your guide closely and watch your step. We’ll need to climb, crawl, and even traverse cool underground lakes, so please wear non-slip flip-flops or sandals. If your physical condition does not permit, please inform your guide in advance.

Next, let’s head to Lumiang Cave and Echo Valley, and be ready to see Sagada’s most special sight - hanging coffins on the cliff face! Igorot people believe that letting the souls of the deceased rest in peace at a high place can bring them closer to heaven. Today, there are still wooden coffins of hundreds of years old firmly fixed to the steep walls, showing the wisdom of the Igorot people. 

Then, follow your guide to visit the 100-year-old St. Mary’s Episcopal Church built by American missionaries. You can admire the simple yet elegant architecture and learn about history of this stone church. Last, we’ll explore the weaving art of Sagada, watching how the ethnic patterns are made by traditional wooden looms and dyed by natural materials.

After that, let’s leave for Banaue by a 3-hour private ride. Upon arrival, your driver will help you check in at your hotel. 

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Banaue Hotel (3 stars) or similar

Put on your hiking shoes and get ready for today’s village exploration! Your guide and driver will wait for you at your hotel, and we’ll head to Batad Village nestled deep in a valley. Here you could find ancient houses built from Amugawan trees, and encounter hospitable villagers. Your guide will tell you about Ifugao people’s way of life passed down through generations. Then, let’s hike to Tappiah Falls, enjoying the lush greenery in the misty air, and swimming in the pool beneath the falls. 

Next, let’s proceed to Batad and Banaue Rice Terraces, a stunning UNESCO World Heritage Site. Two thousand years ago, the Ifugao people came here to flee a war. They carved terraces in the steep slopes with their bare hands, and built an ingenious irrigation system. It is estimated that the stone used to build the terraces even exceeds the Egyptian pyramids. However, more and more villagers are giving up the arduous farming and rushing to the cities. Now, one-third of the terraces are being abandoned, bringing a challenging task to the country. After the tour, your guide and driver will escort you back to your hotel.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Banaue Hotel (3 stars) or similar

Today, after lunch, we’ll bid farewell to Banaue. Your driver will pick you up and escort you back to Baguio. It’s a journey of about 6 hours, during which you can enjoy the scenery of the Cordillera Mountains, overlook verdant valleys and highlands, and indulge in the natural atmosphere. Upon arrival, you can have a buffet on your own at your hotel, and have a good rest to relieve the fatigue.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Le Monet Hotel, Baguio (4 stars) or similar

Today, continue your return journey with your private driver from Baguio to Manila for tomorrow’s flight to Boracay. It takes about 5 hours, and your driver will help you with hotel check-in after arrival.

► Recommended Activities in Manila (at your own expense):
For the rest of the day, you may take a dip in your hotel’s outdoor pool, or replenish travel supplies or exchange currency at the nearby Bonifacio High Street or Ayala Malls. There is a wide array of local and international restaurants. If you’re looking for Filipino flavors, Manam High Street is a nice option for trying traditional pork sisig and beef sinigang. The average cost is around USD 20 per person.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Seda Bonifacio Global City, Manila (4 stars) or similar

Time to say goodbye to the mountain scenery of northern Philippines! Today, your driver will accompany you to Manila Airport for a one-hour flight to Caticlan. Upon arrival, the local driver will pick you up and escort you to your hotel on Boracay Island, one of the most renowned islands of the Philippines’ more than 7,000 islands. The rest of the day is yours to explore this beautiful island at your own pace. With the “finest sand in the world”, Boracay’s white beach is hailed as one of the “top ten beaches in the world” by Lonely Planet. Walking barefoot on its “flour-like” sand feels like walking on soft clouds. You can admire the crystal water and breathtaking sunset views, head to D’mall, or enjoy a Filipino massage at a spa center.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: The District Boracay (4 stars) or similar

In the morning, your guide and driver will wait for you at your hotel to start the exciting Boracay Island exploration! First, let’s visit the secluded Tambisaan Beach, discovering exquisite sandcastle artworks and experience snorkeling. The next stop, Puka Beach, is famous for its seashells. It is said that the famous actress Elizabeth Taylor (1932-2011 AD) was once a big fan of the Puka shells. She wore a lot of puka shell chokers, and brought the beach into the public’s view.

Then, lose yourself in the dreamy beauty of Diniwid Beach, and relax on a deck chair under the coconut trees. At Ilig-iligan Beach, you can swim in the shallow waters and feel the gentle waves. Our last stop is Crocodile Island. Snorkeling in its water with excellent visibility, you may spot schools of clownfish and lionfish around beautiful corals. 

After a seafood barbecue lunch on the beach, your guide and driver will escort you back to your hotel.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: The District Boracay (4 stars) or similar

Today, let’s head to the oldest city of the Philippines, Cebu. Your driver will pick you up from your hotel and accompany you to Caticlan Airport. After a one-hour flight, you’ll arrive at Cebu Airport, where your local driver will meet you and escort you to your hotel. The rest of the day is free for you.

► Free Time Recommendations in Cebu (at your own expense):
After a good rest at your hotel, you may explore the nearby Ayala Center Cebu by yourself. Hukad is a restaurant inside the mall, serving authentic Filipino food. You can have a taste of the classic crispy pata, baked scallop, and sisig. The average cost per person is approximately USD 10-15.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Seda Ayala Center Cebu (4 stars) or similar

After breakfast, your guide and driver will pick you up from your hotel to head to Lapu-Lapu City on Mactan Island. It is named after the legendary Filipino hero Lapu-Lapu (1491-1542 AD), the first Filipino to successfully defeat Western conquerors. At Lapu-Lapu Monument and Mactan Shrine, you can learn about the Battle of Mactan in 1521 AD, in which Lapu-Lapu led his men to kill Ferdinand Magellan (1480-1521 AD) and repel the Spanish colonists. Then, visit the decades-old Alegre Guitars Factory, admiring the handcrafted guitars and ukuleles, and even attending a wonderful mini-concert.

Next, we’ll drive an hour to TOPS Cebu, get away from the bustling city and admire the scenery. For lunch, there are two decent restaurants on the mountain for you to choose from: Tops of Cebu offers panoramic views, while Balay sa Busay serves traditional Filipino cuisine. 

In the afternoon, let’s return to the downtown area to visit Magellan’s Cross and Basilica Minore Del Sto. Nino. Take photos and learn about the beginning of Christianity in the Philippines. Next, follow your guide to visit the Heritage of Cebu Monument, a massive sculpture group standing at a busy intersection, depicting historical scenes including the Battle of Mactan. Then, delve into the story of Cebu’s Chinese community at the Yap-San Diego Ancestral House. Housing exquisite Chinese wooden furniture pieces and carvings, it is one of the few well-preserved traditional wooden structures in the Philippines. Finally, we’ll visit the Cebu Taoist Temple, admire its traditional Chinese architecture adorned with dragon statues and learn about the local beliefs. Afterward, your guide and driver will escort you back to your hotel.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Seda Ayala Center Cebu (4 stars) or similar

Today, your driver will accompany you to Cebu Airport according to your flight schedule. This is the end of your tour. Bon voyage!

If you want to extend your tour to other Southeast Asian countries, such as Indonesia and Vietnam, please contact us to customize your itinerary.

Meals: Breakfast

► Recommendations for Late Departure (at your own expense)

You may consider taking a 20-minute taxi ride to Carbon Market for a Cebu life experience. Here you can interact with the locals, take photos of the daily life scenes and see traditional Filipino food like dried mango and roast suckling pig. However, if you’re sensitive to hygiene situation or prefer a quiet, spacious environment, the market is not recommended.