Pearls of the Philippines

Day 1  Fly to Manila

Day 2  Manila  
Arrive in Manila, the Philippines’ lively capital. Take some time to explore independently before meeting your group at this evening’s welcome dinner.

Day 3  Manila  
Get up close to Manila on a tour, taking in the old walled city of Intramuros, home to colonial churches, plazas and historic landmarks. At the Jeepney Museum, learn about the Philippines’ iconic and uniquely decorated public transport, before travelling to the lively district of Las Pinas.

Day 4  Manila to Banaue  
Fly from Manila to Northern Luzon before taking in the scenic journey on the road to Banaue, which takes you through the spectacular landscapes of the Cordillera Mountains, where traditional mountain life takes place against a backdrop of dramatic valleys and terraced hillsides. En route, stop to admire the rice terraces of Mayoyao which were carved into the mountainside over 2000 years ago.

Day 5  Hapao  
Today, explore the beautiful Hapao rice terraces on a scenic walk, visiting villages and local schools along the way. Enjoy a rice wine-making demonstration and choose to continue to the relaxing Bogya Hot Spring where you can soak in its natural thermal waters before returning to Banaue.

Day 6  Sagada  
Drive through scenic highlands to Sagada, one of the Philippines’ most fascinating mountain regions known for its cool climate and dramatic limestone landscapes. Visit the mysterious Hanging Coffins, suspended high on the cliffs of Echo Valley, a unique burial practice of the local people. After lunch, explore the atmospheric burial caves and return to Banaue in the late afternoon.

Day 7  Banaue to Bohol  
Take a scenic drive to the airport and fly via Manila to Panglao on the island of Bohol. Known for its lush countryside, unique wildlife and laidback atmosphere, a day on Bohol can easily transform from jungle trekking to lying on a sandy beach.

Day 8  Bohol  
Visit the striking landscape of the Chocolate Hills, where over a thousand symmetrical limestone mounds erupt from the otherwise flat landscape. Formed over millions of years by the erosion of ancient marine coral reefs, they have earned their name by the deep brown colour they turn during dry season when their grass dries out. Continue with a relaxing cruise along the Loboc River, drifting past palm-fringed river banks and peaceful rural villages. Later, visit a sanctuary dedicated to the Philippine tarsier, one of the world’s smallest primates, whose massive eyes are larger than their brain.

Day 9  Bohol to Cebu  
Today, visit a local cocoa farm to learn about traditional chocolate making techniques and the cultivation of cacao, gaining hands-on experience with the craftsmanship behind one of the Philippines’ most beloved exports. Later, travel by ferry across the Visayan Sea to Cebu, the historic heart of the country.

Day 10  Cebu to Puerto Princesa  
Explore Cebu City’s colonial heritage, including landmarks linked to Ferdinand Magellan and the arrival of Christianity in the Philippines. Later, fly to Puerto Princesa on the island of Palawan, famed for its natural beauty.

Day 11  Puerto Princesa  
Travel to the spectacular UNESCO World Heritage listed Underground River, carving beneath a dramatic limestone landscape. Board a boat and cruise through the cave system, gliding past rock formations, chambers and stalactites. Pass by thousands of bats hanging overhead and learn about the unique ecosystem hidden beneath the cliffs.

Day 12  Puerto Princesa  
Spend the day island hopping across the idyllic waters of Honda Bay. Swim in crystal clear waters, relax on white sand beaches and explore coral under the surface. Later, enjoy a Filipino cooking experiences, learning about local ingredients and techniques before savouring the dishes you have prepared. As evening falls, set out along a mangrove-lined river to watch the fireflies flit past.

Day 13  Puerto Princesa to Manila
In the morning, fly to Manila. Spend the day at leisure exploring the city, and in the evening celebrate your adventures with a farewell dinner.

Day 14  Fly home