Philippine Highlights

Upon arrival at Manila International Airport you will be met and transferred to your hotel to check in.  

Overnight in Manila

Today’s tour begins this morning in the financial district of Makati including Fort Bonifacio and the American Cemetery, then move on to the city of Manila, the country’s capital. Arrive at Rizal Park, named in honor of the country’s national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal. After a brief picture stop, proceed to the historic Walled City of Intramuros. Travel through the cobbled streets of San Agustin Church, the country’s oldest stone church and view its wide collection of ecclesiastical icons, vestments, and other religious articles. Across it is Casa Manila, a reproduction of 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 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. Return to the hotel at the end of the tour.

Overnight in Manila

Today you will be transferred back to Manila International Airport for your flight to Bohol. On arrival at Bohol Panglao International Airport you will be met and transferred to the hotel for check in. Enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure. 

Overnight in Bohol

Leave your resort early this morning 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 the other, 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. Proceed with the tour, passing by Bilar man-made forest, a thick undergrowth of towering mahogany trees grown on the fringes of the highway leading to the Chocolate Hills, the country’s geological wonder. Stop at the drop-off area to admire the view of the hills which change in color with the season. In summer, the hill grasses turn deep brown that they resemble chocolate candy drops, hence the name, ‘Chocolate Hills’. Move 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 Bohol

Enjoy the day at leisure. Perhaps explore the city, relax at the beach or book an optional excursion. 

Overnight in Bohol

Optional: Full day Pamilacan island tour with lunch
A joiners boat tour to Pamilacan, the less frequented island in front of Panglao. It features all the best things of Panglao’s boat tours like dolphin watching, turtles, fish and corals, but in a very private way.

Meeting point: Abraham Bohol, brgy Danao, Panglao, Bohol, Philippines

Today you will be transferred back to Bohol Panglao International Airport to begin your flight home via Manila.