Classic Philippines Tour

Today, your guide and driver will pick you up from your hotel and accompany you to learn about Manila’s past through visiting its historical sites. Our first stop is Rizal Park, which was built to commemorate Jose Rizal (1861-1896 AD), the “Father of the Philippines” who gallantly resisted Spanish colonial rule.

Then, we’ll proceed to Intramuros Old Town. Literally “within the walls,” Intramuros is a walled city built by Spanish colonists, where only colonial rulers and the Filipino elite could live and work. Strolling along its cobblestone streets, you can feel the contrast between old and new. We’ll visit Casa Manila, an exact replica of a 19th-century upper-class mansion, furnished with antique furniture and exquisite decorations. You can find an old double-seated toilet, which is a fashion at that time, allowing two people to chat while using the toilet. Then, let’s go to San Agustin Church, a UNESCO World Heritage site survived 7 earthquakes. It’s one of the oldest and best-preserved stone churches in the Philippines. We’ll also visit Manila Cathedral, admiring its magnificent Romanesque dome and seeing the sunlight streaming through the stained-glass windows. At Fort Santiago, you can explore the ancient fortifications and dungeons. 

Next, after visiting SM Mall of Asia, follow your guide to Manila American Cemetery and Memorial, the final resting place of nearly 20,000 American soldiers. During World War II (1939-1945 AD), they paid the ultimate price in the Pacific Theater. The forest of gravestones now serves as a reminder to reflect on war and cherish peace. After that, your guide and driver will escort you back to your hotel. 

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Seda Bonifacio Global City, Manila (4 stars) or similar

This morning, your guide and driver will wait for you at your hotel. Leaving the hustle and bustle of Manila behind, let’s head to Tagaytay, enjoying the cool air and captivating natural scenery! During the two-hour private ride, you can take in the changing views with coconut, pineapple, coffee, and mango plantations, and learn about the local culture and customs from your guide. 

Upon arrival, we’ll have lunch at Tagaytay Ridge before going to People’s Park in the Sky, Tagaytay’s highest point, for panoramic views of the beautiful Taal Volcano. As one of the world’s smallest active volcanoes, it’s surrounded by the vast Taal Lake. With its unique scene of “a lake within an island within a lake”, it’s like a Russian nesting doll! Located on the Pacific Ring of Fire, the Philippines has as many as 53 active volcanoes, thus eruptions and earthquakes are quite common. You may think the country has poor natural conditions, but the truth is, although frequent natural disasters cause problems, they also bring rich minerals to the soil and create diverse landscapes. During our visit, you may even witness puffs of white smoke rising from the crater.

After all the visits, your guide and driver will escort you back to your hotel in Manila. 

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Seda Bonifacio Global City, Manila (4 stars) or similar

After breakfast, you’ll enjoy a private transfer to Manila Airport for a one-hour flight to Caticlan. After arrival, your local driver will pick you up and escort you to your hotel in Boracay. For the rest of the day, you can make your own arrangements.

Boracay is proud of its world-famous 4-kilometer (2.5 mi.) White Beach, and our handpicked hotel is conveniently located near it. You may enjoy the finest “flour sand” and limpid water, or stroll through the adjacent D’mall, the island’s largest shopping center, having a coconut ice cream or mango smoothie and immersing yourself in Boracay’s laid-back atmosphere. However, please note that the items here are generally expensive. If you need to buy travel accessories or have a meal, it’s better to shop around for the best deal.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: The District Boracay (4 stars) or similar

In the morning, your guide and driver will pick you up at your hotel to start the exciting Boracay island-hopping tour! 

You can swim and snorkel in the jelly-like water of Tambisaan Beach or Coral Garden, admiring schools of clownfish swimming among the vast cabbage corals. Search for shimmering seashells and take photos with whimsical sand sculptures at the tranquil Puka Beach. And on Crocodile Island, which resembles a crocodile floating in water, you can snorkel and explore the sea caves. If you love water sports, Bulabog Beach offers a variety of activities including kitesurfing and windsurfing. If weather permits, we’ll also go to Diniwid Beach and Ilig-iligan Beach.

➤ Tips: We suggest you bring a waterproof bag, a dry towel, and dry clothes for snorkeling. Besides, please use sunscreen to prevent sunburn.

Later, after a seafood barbecue on the beach, your guide and driver will escort you back to your hotel.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: The District Boracay (4 stars) or similar

Waking up to the salty sea air, you’ll enjoy a whole day to explore this island at your own pace!

In the morning, you may lazily sunbathe on the sandy beach, watching the waves crashing against the shore, or experience various water activities depending on the weather and your physical condition. D’Talipapa Market is perfect for savoring local cuisine and fresh seafood, just a 10-minute walk from your hotel. Here you can pick some fish, squid, or shrimp and crab, and have them cooked at a restaurant. After that, maybe find a spa near the market for a traditional massage to soothe your fatigue.

Late in the afternoon, how about trying Sunset Paraw Sailing? It’s one of Boracay’s most worthwhile activities. You can book it online, or on-site via your hotel or a local operator on the White Beach. We suggest you arrive at the meeting point about 40 minutes before sunset, in case there are long queues or any other situations. As you sail on the sea, embrace the romantic sunset as the vast sky is gradually painted brilliant orange-red, as if coated with a golden filter.

➤ Insider Tips: Don’t hesitate to bargain with the vendors for a 30% to 40% discount when you make a purchase, as the prices are generally inflated. Besides, cash is essential on the island, and you can exchange some in Manila beforehand if you need.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: The District Boracay (4 stars) or similar

Today, your driver will pick you up from your hotel and escort you to Caticlan Airport for a one-hour flight to Manila. Your tour ends here.

If you’re looking forward to exploring other destinations in the Philippines, such as the historic Cebu city or El Nido’s pristine islands, please feel free to contact us to customize a private itinerary.

➤ Notes for Your Departure at Manila Airport
We guarantee that you’ll reach Manila Airport as early as possible based on your departure flight time. However, since Manila Airport is the busiest and most inefficient airport in the Philippines, we recommend you book a late flight. If it’s on a public holiday or weekend, please allow at least 3 hours of extra time.

Meals: Breakfast