Highlights
Banaue rice terraces - Explore the UNESCO-listed, 2,000-year-old rice terraces built by the Ifugao people. Sagada - See the mysterious burial caves and ancient hanging coffins in Sagada and learn about the local traditions. Vigan - Discover a slice of Spain in the Philippines and take a kalesa (horse-drawn carriage) through Vigan's colonial streets.
Itinerary
From ancient rice terraces to white-sand beaches, the "North Philippines Explorer + Bohol Beach Extension" tour package offers a captivating 16-day journey for experienced travelers seeking an easygoing yet in-depth adventure. Starting and ending in Manila, this trip uncovers Luzon’s breathtaking landscapes and Bohol’s tropical paradise.
Highlights include exploring the 2,000-year-old UNESCO-listed Banaue rice terraces, witnessing mysterious burial caves and hanging coffins in Sagada, and taking a kalesa ride through Vigan’s Spanish colonial streets. The itinerary also features a climb up an active stratovolcano and a chance to experience the vibrant energy of Manila.
The adventure wraps up with three sun-soaked days on Bohol’s Alona Beach—an idyllic spot for relaxation and water activities. Accommodation, meals, and transport are covered, ensuring a seamless experience.
The unique selling point of this tour is its combination of cultural heritage, natural wonders, and beach time—ideal for those who want to see both the historic and the exotic sides of the Philippines in one comprehensive trip.
day 1Join tour in Manila
Our tour starts today in Manilla, the bustling capital of the Philippines. Once known as the 'Pearl of the Orient', Manila was occupied by the Spanish in the 16th century as part of their growing empire. It went on to witness Chinese insurrections, a British occupation, a war against the Spanish and the Americans, and some of the bitterest fighting of World War II. Today, it's one of the most populated cities in the world. For those arriving on time, our tour leader plans to meet you in the hotel reception at 6pm for a welcome meeting, followed by dinner on the roof of a hotel in Intramuros for those who wish to join. There are no other activities planned today, so you're free to arrive in Manila at any time. If you'd like an airport transfer today, you'll need to arrive into Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL), which is a one-hour drive from our hotel. If you miss the welcome meeting, our tour leader will catch you up as soon as possible - you can meet them in the hotel lobby on the morning of day 2. If your flight arrives earlier in the day, you might like to visit the National Museum of the Philippines Complex, which houses the Fine Arts Museum, Natural History Museum and Anthropology Museum. It's less than a 20-minute walk from the hotel, and admission is free. Alternatively, you may want to visit Casa Manila in Intramuros - a faithful reconstruction of a Spanish colonial-era mansion.
day 2Explore Manila's old town, free afternoon
day 3Fly to Laoag; visit the unique UNESCO Paoay Church
day 4Explore Kabigan Falls, afternoon by the coast
day 5Drive to the colonial city of Vigan; free afternoon
day 6In Vigan; full day sightseeing by horse drawn carriage and on foot
day 7Drive to Sagada; discover burial caves and hanging coffins
day 8Head to Bontoc and walk to Favarey's traditional village
day 9Drive to Banaue; visit Bontoc Museum en route
day 10In Banaue; walk through Batad and Bangaan rice terraces.
day 11Drive to Mabalacat; free late afternoon in rural setting
day 12Climb Mount Pinatubo; drive to Manila
day 13Fly to Bohol Island
day 14Relax on the beach
day 15Relax on the beach
day 16Fly to Manila; tour ends at Manila Airport
What's Included
Customer Reviews
Great trip , organised and led by a passionate and genuine leader backed by really good drivers,made this trip so enjoyable. Highly recommended.
Nikki, our tour leader was excellent. She gave us lots of information about the country and gave clear instructions regarding the timetable and activities. The tour was varied and the extension was well worth doing as you could snorkel off the beach and the accommodation was perfect. Some of the walks I found challenging but Nikki made sure that the local guides helped with tricky steps, river crossings and if balance was an issue.
I found the leader welcoming and very helpful. However I found the trip too full often arriving at accommodations just before supper time giving little time to wind down or, for the more energetic, time to explore. I would prefer a more relaxed schedule and would recommend adding a facility to the website where I could actually sort trips according to level of physical activity.
A good and varied trip with many highlights and an interesting insight into Filipino history and culture.
Explore admin not what it was, unfortunately. Attention to detail sometimes now lacking. However, a good itinerary of a beautiful country.
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