Best of the Philippines

Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to the hotel for check-in.

Overnight in Manila

After breakfast, today’s tour begins at the financial district of Makati including Fort Bonifacio and the American Cemetery, before moving into the city of Manila, the country’s capital. See Rizal Park, named in honour of the country’s national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal. After a brief photo stop, proceed to the historic walled city of Intramuros. Travel along cobbled streets to San Agustin Church, the country’s oldest stone church and view its collection of ecclesiastical icons, vestments and other religious articles. Across from the church is the Casa Manila, a reproduction of a 19th century house equipped with Oriental and European decor, as well as Philippine antique furniture. Continue to Fort Santiago, Manila’s main line of defense against invaders from the sea. The stone fort guards the entrance to the city from Manila Bay and this is the site of many tragic moments in Philippine history. From the Fort, drive to Quiapo, Manila’s central district, often referred to as the heart of Manila with its market, pilgrimage Church of the Black Nazarene, jeepney terminals and bazaars. Then proceed to the Chinese cemetery, where the mausoleums are as big and as elaborate as houses and where fusions of Buddhist and Christian religions are very much in evidence.  

Overnight in Manila

This morning after breakfast you will be transferred back to the airport for a flight to the island of Cebu. Upon arrival, at the airport in Cebu, you will be transferred to your hotel for check-in. Enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.

Overnight in Cebu

Bohol located east of Cebu is an island province that is naturally beautiful and historically rich. Its capital city, Tagbilaran, has tree-lined plazas and stone buildings, including a church built by the Jesuits in the 18th century. The province has gained a reputation for having some of the best beaches in the country. Along its coastline are numerous isles including Panglao, Cabilao, Mahinay and Lapinpin, which are excellent diving spots. Leave your resort early in the morning and take the ferry for a day trip that will introduce you to the wonders of Bohol. First stop is the Philippine Tarsier Foundation in the town of Corella, which serves as a refuge for the smallest primate in the world, the tarsier. Observe these rare, nocturnal creatures in their natural habitat and be amazed by their agility as they move about, leaping from one tree to another, and swivel their heads nearly 360 degrees! Then proceed to Baclayon, make a short stop at the historical Blood Compact site, where Spain’s Miguel Lopez de Legazpi and Datu Sikatuna, a native chieftain, sealed their friendship with a symbolic drink. Just nearby is Baclayon Church, one of the many stone churches in Bohol. Having lost only its bell tower and portico recently to a strong earthquake, the church still maintains a museum containing a vast collection of religious art, ecclesiastical vestments, as well as librettos of church music inscribed in Latin on animal skins. The tour continues, passing by Bilar a man-made forest, thick with undergrowth of towering mahogany trees grown on the fringes of the highway leading to the Chocolate Hills, the country’s geological wonder. From a viewpoint stop and admire the view of the hills which change color with the season. In summer, the hill grasses turn deep brown - resembling chocolate candy drops, hence the name, ‘Chocolate Hills’. Then on to Loboc River where a cruise upstream on a floating restaurant is made more enjoyable with a delectable lunch served on board. Return to the hotel by late afternoon.  

Overnight in Cebu

Enjoy your day at leisure or perhaps join our optional tour.

Overnight in Cebu

Optional: Twin City Discovery FD Tour
Explore the famous landmarks of these two highly urbanized cities in Central Visayas Region and discover why Cebu City was declared as the "Queen City of the South" and Lapu-Lapu City as a "Historic Resort City".

Visited places: Fort San Pedro / Plaza Independencia; Basilica Minore Del Santo Niño; Yap - San Diego Ancestral House; Heritage of Cebu Monument; Taoist Temple; Magellan’s Cross; Cebu Museum (Museo Sugbo); Mactan Shrine; Alegre Guitar.

Today you will be transferred back to the airport for a flight back to Manila. On arrival at the airport, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

Overnight in Manila

Optional: Enjoy Fiesta Filipina
Immerse yourself in the traditions of Filipino culture as you watch a folk dance performance and enjoy dinner in Manila. Dig into a delicious meal of Filipino specialties typical of a 'barrio fiesta' (community celebration) before enjoying a series of mesmerizing dance performances by dancers decked out in authentic native costumes. Once you've gotten into the groove, feel free to join in for some dancing of your own at the end of the evening. This dinner and dance performance also includes round-trip transport to your hotel, buffet dinner, and entrance fees. 

Today you will be transferred back to Manila international airport to check in for your flight back to the USA / Canada.