Overview
Itinerary
Fly overnight to the bustling capital city of Manila. (D)
Enjoy a relaxed morning tour of Intramuros, Manila's old colonial centre. This afternoon, depart the city and drive north to the hills of Pampanga province. (B/L/D)
Today, take a 4x4 partway up Mount Pinatubo and hike to the summit; at the top, you'll be rewarded with majestic views across the volcano's breathtakingly blue crater lake. En route back to the hotel, visit a local indigenous village. Those seeking a more relaxed day can enjoy independent exploration of the green nature trails around the resort. (B/L/D)
Today enjoy a road trip into the Cordillera, Luzon's northern highlands. Admire the passing scenery as you journey up to Banaue, gateway to the Philippines' famous rice terraces. Break your journey at the town of Bacolor, where you'll stop to visit San Guillermo Church. Your hotel in Banaue is your base for the next three nights. (B/L/D)
Board a jeepney and head into the remote highlands to enjoy a largely flat hike through the photogenic Hapao rice terraces. At the top of the terraces, arrive at a hot spring where you can bathe in the stream and in the warm rock-pool before enjoying lunch with fantastic views over the valley. (B/L/D)
Today's day trip to Sagada includes a two-hour drive through beautiful mountain passes. Learn about local traditions at the famous burial caves and look out for the hanging coffins suspended on the rock faces. Return to the hotel in Banaue. (B/L/D)
Travel to the pleasantly cool city of Baguio, known as the City of Pines and home to a presidential mansion, market area, weaving workshops and municipal park. (B/L/D)
This morning, head north along the coast and arrive at the colonial settlement of Vigan, distinctly Spanish in character and now a UNESCO World Heritage town. Wander the scenic cobblestone streets, visiting colonial houses, museums and a pottery maker. (B/L/D)
A 90-minute drive brings you to Laoag on the island's north-western tip. Stop to visit its coastal sand dunes. Later this evening, fly back to Manila. (B/L/D)
Take a short morning flight over to beautiful Bohol and explore Panglao island, including the stalactite-studded Hinagdanan Cave and the lovely ocean-facing Bohol Bee Farm, where you can enjoy organic ice cream. Your beachfront hotel is perfectly placed for some well-earned time on the sand. (B/L/D)
Venture out on a full day countryside tour, encompassing the iconic Chocolate Hills, a rolling geological landscape of hundreds of dome-shaped hills named for their resemblance to chocolate drops when they turn brown in the autumn. Enjoy a lunchtime river cruise before continuing to the Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary in Corella to learn about conservation efforts to protect the world's second smallest primate. (B/L/D)
Take a ferry over to the neighbouring isle of Cebu for a city tour and a photographic opportunity at the Roof of Cebu, the highest point on the island, where you can enjoy a refreshing glass of beer as you take in the incredible views. Check in to your hotel before this evening's farewell dinner. (B/L/D)
Transfer to Cebu's international airport for your flight home, arriving the following day. (B)
Trip Inclusions
- Visit Mt. Pinatubo
- Hike Luzon's scenic rice terraces
- Admire Vigan's architecture
- Explore the famous Chocolate Hills
- See Sagada's Hanging Coffins
- Meet tiny tarsiers at the Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary
- International flights and current taxes (excluded if a land only option is selected)
- Domestic transportation
- Touring with guides and entrance fees
- 3 - 4 star accommodation
- 12 Breakfasts, 11 Lunches, 12 Dinners
- City Garden Grand, Manila (4 star): Superbly located in chic Makati with lovely rooms and a great rooftop bar, City Garden Grand is a perfect option in Manila.
- Green Canyon Resort, Pampanga (3 star): Green Canyon is located in beautiful grounds with nature trails on the site of an organic farm. There is a huge pool and a separate wave pool separated by a hanging bridge, as well as an outdoor restaurant.
- Banaue Hotel, Banaue (3 star): This is a large hotel located in the rice terrace region with well sized rooms and many facilities including a swimming pool, buffet restaurant and bar.
- Burnham Suites, Baguio (3 star): Burnham Suites is a classic city hotel with large rooms and offers a good breakfast.
- Hotel Luna, Vigan (4 star): This is a charming place to stay with lots of colonial character and features a courtyard with small swimming pool. Rooms are cosy and the hotel has a lovely bar and gourmet restaurant on site.
- Bohol Beach Club, Bohol (4 star): Bohol Beach Club is situated on the best stretch of white beach on Panglao Island. The resort is well laid out with excellent facilities, featuring bright, airy rooms and a superb restaurant serving local and international cuisine.
- Marco Polo, Cebu (4 star): Marco Polo is an international style hotel with great facilities including several dining options and an outdoor pool. Nestled in the prestigious Nivel Hills, the hotel provides a spectacular view of the city and Mactan Island.
- Itinerary and inclusions are subject to change
- Flight Inclusive rates only: These include airline fuel surcharge and taxes. Correct as of 1 June 2024. Please note supplements may apply if lead in economy rates are not available.
- Customary tipping amount of approximately US$65pp (AU$97pp) is paid locally in Philippines.
- Depending on airline schedules, you may depart and/or arrive on Day 2. Extra nights' accommodation (pre or post tour) or stopovers may be required at an additional cost.
- Flight Inclusive rates only: Based on departures from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide & Perth. Departures from other cities and flight upgrades available on request.
Wendy Wu's Go Beyond touring range are characterised by engaging cultural experiences, active adventures and getting off the beaten track. Read more
Wendy Wu include return international economy-class flights from Australia as part of their fully inclusive tours. Upgrades are available too! Read more
On all of our tours you will be escorted by a dedicated National Escort, tasked with the responsibility to keep you safe, happy, entertained and inspired. Read more
Prices & Dates
There are currently no departures available on this trip. Either it's the end of the season and new departures will be released shortly, or this itinerary has been changed and is not operating this season. Feel free to contact us for information about when next seasons dates will be released or click here to view general release dates for all destinations.
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Wendy Wu. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from the cruise-line and should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
