Discover the Philippines on this join-in small group tour with a maximum of 10 passengers and guaranteed departures every Sunday from Manila.
Designed for culturally curious travellers and nature lovers, it’s a perfect fit for first-timers and second-timers alike who want to go beyond the beaches and explore the country’s mountainous heart. The best time to go is between November and May when weather conditions are ideal for both inland and coastal travel.
This trip packs in key highlights with time to take it all in, ideal for those who enjoy a good mix of history, scenery, and authentic cultural experiences. You’ll journey by road through the Cordillera highlands, where ancient rice terraces cling to mountain slopes and indigenous traditions live on.
Expect a varied and enriching route: wander through 400-year-old Intramuros in Manila, stand before the dramatic hanging coffins of Sagada, and marvel at the UNESCO-listed rice terraces of Banaue. Then, trade the mountains for white-sand beaches as the tour winds down on the tropical island of Boracay consistently ranked as one of the best beaches in the world.
All travel arrangements are taken care of, just bring your sense of adventure and let us handle the rest.
Welcome to Manila, the vibrant gateway to the Philippines. Upon arrival, you'll be met by your guide and transferred to your hotel in the heart of the city. Manila is a dynamic blend of old and new, where Spanish colonial heritage meets modern city life. Settle in and take in the buzz of the capital, a city filled with rich history, diverse cuisine, and warm Filipino hospitality.
Today’s tour offers a rich introduction to the capital’s layered history. Start in Makati’s modern business hub before pausing at the serene American Cemetery. Then step back in time in Manila’s historic core beginning at Rizal Park, dedicated to the country’s national hero. Inside Intramuros, the old walled city, walk cobbled streets once ruled by Spanish colonists. Visit San Agustin Church, a UNESCO-listed treasure filled with centuries-old religious relics. End at Casa Manila, a reconstruction of a 19th-century home where Spanish, Oriental, and Filipino influences meet. It’s a fascinating glimpse into the city’s past and its colonial legacy. (B)
Leave the bustle of Manila behind as you head north toward the cool mountain air of Baguio. Along the way, stop in Bacolor, a resilient town partially buried by Mt. Pinatubo’s 1991 eruption. At St. Guillermo Church, see how locals preserved their faith and heritage beneath layers of volcanic ash. The drive continues through the lush farmlands of Luzon’s Central Plains before ascending into pine-covered hills. Known as the “Summer Capital of the Philippines,” Baguio offers fresh air, scenic vistas, and a laid-back charm that contrasts beautifully with the capital’s energy. Check-in and relax in the mountain breeze. (B)
Start your day exploring Baguio’s highlights from the colonial-era Mansion House to bustling Session Road and the vibrant public market, a kaleidoscope of local produce and crafts. Then journey deeper into the Cordillera Mountains via the scenic Halsema Highway, with sweeping views of vegetable terraces carved into the slopes. Arrive in Sagada, a remote mountain town steeped in tradition and mysticism. Visit an ancient burial cave, where wooden coffins are stacked in rock chambers, then hike to the iconic hanging coffins, an age-old funerary practice unique to the region. End the day at a local weaving house, where culture lives in every thread.
Leave Sagada behind and journey toward Banaue, passing through dramatic mountain landscapes dotted with rice terraces that seem to float in the clouds. Stop at scenic viewpoints to take in the vastness of this ancient, hand-carved wonder. In Bontoc, visit a museum founded by Belgian nuns, home to an insightful collection of artefacts that tell the story of the Cordillera’s mountain tribes - from headhunting tools to everyday objects. Continue to Banaue, gateway to the world-famous rice terraces, where centuries of indigenous knowledge and engineering continue to shape both the land and the people who call it home. (B)
An optional Banga-An Village Tour is available for those who want to explore traditional villages and trek through the rice terraces up close. Simply contact our travel specialists for pricing and to add this experience to your itinerary.
After breakfast, travel to Clark Airport for your flight to Boracay. On arrival at Caticlan Airport, you’ll be transferred to your resort for check-in - settle in and enjoy your first glimpse of the island’s white sand beaches and turquoise waters. (B)
Enjoy a free day at leisure in Boracay, known for its powdery white sand, clear waters, and laid-back charm. You can unwind on the beach, go snorkeling, join an island-hopping tour, or explore inland gems. A must-see is the Motag Living Museum, where local traditions come to life through farming, weaving, and cooking demonstrations - we can arrange a visit for you. Whether you're up for adventure or just need to recharge after your Northern Philippines journey, today is yours to enjoy. For activity ideas or bookings, our travel specialists are happy to help. (B)
Free day at leisure. (B)
Enjoy some free time until your transfer to the airport for your flight back to Manila, where you'll connect to your international flight. If you'd like to extend your stay, our travel specialists can assist with arrangements and provide updated costs. (B)
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