Kick off this horizon-expanding tour of the Philippines from the bustling city of Manila, making your way through the serene countryside towns of Banaue and Sagada. Witness how the Spanish influenced the country's culture in Vigan and Laoag, then head over to the dreamy beaches of Bohol before heading to Cebu for the end to your tour.
Extend your stay with an extra two nights in Cebu. Spend your time lazing on the sandy beaches and soaking up the sun, and exploring the local area.
Depart the UK on your scheduled, overnight flight to Manila.
Dinner
On arrival in Manila, you'll be met and transferred to your hotel to freshen up. Later join your group for dinner.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
After enjoying breakfast at your hotel, embark on a city tour of the colonial history of old Manila. Experience the Walled City of Intramuros a reminder of Spain's conquistadores, before stopping at Fort Santiago, an old Spanish fortress, and the setting of many great moments of Philippine history. Stroll around gardens set amidst the historic ruins and bulwarks, admiring the skyline of old Escolta and watching freight boats sail by along Pasig River.
Travel through cobbled streets to San Agustin Church which is a UNESCO World Heritage site and the country's oldest stone church, to view its wide collection of ecclesiastical icons, vestments and other religious articles. Next, enjoy a short walk to Casa Manila, an exquisite reproduction of a 19th-century house equipped with oriental and European decor, as well as Philippine antique furniture. Enjoy a delicious lunch. In the afternoon, experience Ayala Avenue, the financial and commercial centre of Makati and the city's own version of 'Wall Street' and the famous Ayala Triangle, a junction that connects the city's three main streets.
Proceed to the Ayala Museum and browse its exquisite collection of pre-colonial gold treasures, ethnological and archeological artifacts, meticulously crafted dioramas of Philippine history, and exhibitions of classical and contemporary artworks. Next, take a short walk along the Greenbelt Area, before returning to Ayala Avenue for your dinner and then onto your hotel for the night.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Begin today's drive towards Banaue past the flat and fertile landscape of the Central Plains of Luzon. En-route, witness the haunting San Guillermo Church in Bacolor, which still stands half-buried in lava from Mount Pinatubo's 1991 eruption.
Continue your journey past verdant rice fields being tended to by farmers, water buffalos immersed in mud pools, herons foraging for food, and fields of green and gold stretching far and wide. Along the way, encounter townsfolk selling their wares and goods out of native bamboo and nipa palm huts, lining the side streets of Nueva Ecija. Cross the southern gateway of Cagayan Valley, zigzagging across the Caraballo Mountains, before beginning the 1300m climb to the mountainous town of Banaue.
Stop halfway in Lagawe, the capital of Ifugao and home of the 'People from the High Mountains', known for their woodcarving traditions. Arrive at your hotel in Banaue in the late afternoon and enjoy dinner.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Board a local jeepney to explore the breathtaking scenery and fascinating traditional culture of Banaue. By the roadside near the local church, a 10-story house built on the mountain slopes shows the Ifugaos' engineering skills and adaptability to their surroundings. Several twists and turns along the main road lead you to rice terraces with ample stops for picture-taking. Catch a glimpse of the magnificent terraces from the Barangay Viewpoint, where a sign declares the Banaue Rice Terraces a UNESCO World Heritage Area and an international historic civil engineering landmark. Hike down to have lunch and mingle freely with the villagers. Visit the village of Batad with amphitheater-like terraces built amid a majestic mountain valley. Return to Banaue to explore the market and have dinner at the hotel.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Embark on a scenic drive inland on the mountain trail of Mt. Polis, snaking through a narrow highway bordered with thick undergrowth of moss-laden forest trees and shrubs for our first Bontoc village stop in Bay-yo. View the picture-perfect mosaic of vegetable and rice terraces built close to the crystalline waters of the Chico River, and small thatched-roof huts called allang.
Visit the Bontoc Museum for an insight into the lifestyle of the Igorots, the native settlers of Bontoc and the fiercest headhunters of all mountain tribes. Browse through an interesting collection of pictures, old maps and artifacts of the mountain tribes in the region, including a replica of an ili-village.
Continue onwards to the limestone valley of Sagada, best known for its people's unique burial practices where the dead are placed in pine coffins and buried in caves or lodged between ridges of limestone cliffs. Witness the Lumiang Cave entrance, a sacred burial ground where the ancient pinewood coffins can be seen. Drop by the Sagada Weaving House to learn about hand-loom weaving and products made by local women.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
After breakfast, travel through high mountain passes offering spectacular views of the Cordilleras, past deep gorges, and canyons, to reach Cervantes. Continue towards Bessang Pass, once the site of one of the bloodiest battles of World War II. Witness the highland scenery transform into idyllic agricultural towns ringed by rice and corn fields and tobacco-curing barns. Experience the coastal settlements by the Luzon Sea and gray sandy beaches lined with coconut and mangrove trees.
Before arriving in Vigan, enjoy a visit to the village of Santa Maria and explore the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Church of the Assumption, a Baroque church resembling a medieval fortress sitting atop a hill. Access the church via a wide 82-step stone stairway to view its heavily buttressed walls and views of the surrounding countryside.
Continue onwards to Vigan, a town famous for its cobbled street of Mena Crisologo, old colonial houses and horse-drawn carriages called 'calesas'. Witness St. Paul's Cathedral whose bell tower stands separately in Plaza Burgos. In the evening visit the colonial city centre to watch a light and sound show.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Today, travel north towards Paoay stopping en-route to Saint William the Hermit Parish Church, also known as San Guillermo Hermitanio Parish Church. Located 14 km north of Vigan on the way to Laoag, is Magsingal, the Magsingal Church Complex was declared a National Cultural Treasure in 2001. It includes the ruined walls and bell tower of the former Parish Church of San Guillermo de Aquitania, which was built in the 18th century under the Augustinians, a school, the present church, and the old convent.
Proceed to San Augustin church and Malacanang of the North, a former presidential residence overlooking Paoay Lake. Upon arrival in Laoag, explore the Museo Iloko, housed in the old Tabacalera where government-controlled tobacco was stored in colonial times, and view many interesting artifacts related to the province's history and culture. Pass by the Abolition of Tobacco Monopoly Monument at the town plaza and pause briefly at St. Williams Cathedral and its Sinking Bell Tower. Proceed to Laoag Airport for your afternoon flight to Manila.
Breakfast & Dinner
After enjoying breakfast at the hotel, you'll catch a morning flight to Bohol. Once you arrive, you will transfer to your hotel for check-in and the rest of your day will be at leisure to explore the nearby area and get a feel for the local culture. For lunch, you might want to try one of the local restaurants that offer delicious Filipino dishes and a welcoming atmosphere.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Visit the Philippine Tarsier Foundation, 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 another, swivelling their heads nearly 360 degrees. Proceed to Baclayon for 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. In Baclayon, visit a centuries-old stone church housing a museum containing a collection of religious art, ecclesiastical vestments, as well as librettos of church music inscribed in Latin on animal skins. Pass by the man-made forest of Bilar, a thick undergrowth of towering mahogany trees grown on the fringes of the highway leading to the Chocolate Hills, the country's geological wonder. Hike up to the viewpoint for a bird's eye view of the surrounding area before moving on to Loboc River for a cruise downstream and lunch at a floating restaurant.
Breakfast & Dinner
Enjoy your day at leisure to explore the island or relax at the beach. An optional tour can be arranged locally for a fee to Panglao Island where you can visit Alona Beach renowned for its white sand and crystal-clear waters. It's ideal for swimming and sunbathing. Discover the Hinagdanan Cave, A fascinating natural wonder on the island made out of limestone cave with an underground lagoon.
Breakfast & Lunch
Start your day with an early ferry ride over to Cebu, upon arrival take a historical tour of the city starting Fort San Pedro, the first and smallest foreign military defence structure in the country. On to the Basilica Minore del Sto Nino home of the legendary Holy Image of the Child Jesus “Santo Niño,” and Magellan’s Cross, the spot where Christianity was first planted in Cebu. The final stop on your tour will be the Carbon Market, a popular flea market in the city. Enjoy lunch en route to Cebu’s highlands.
Admire the scenery and flower farms nestled in a beautiful valley between the barangays of Babag and Bonbon as you drive up the mountain. Stop at the Adlawon Vacation Farm, a mango orchard and a farm that grows a wide variety of local flowers and orchids throughout the year. Follow bamboo basket making and the production of palm wine from the farm's coconut trees. On your way back to the city pass by the Temple of Leah perched on a scenic hill. This majestic temple was built as a symbol of love featuring towering columns, sculptures and a grand staircase leading to a bronze statue.
Breakfast
Continue your stay in Cebu for your beach extension. This time will be at leisure.
Breakfast
Transfer to the airport for your return flight to the UK.
Your flight lands back in the UK today.
Use discount code TOUR200 at the checkout to save £200 per person on selected tours departing in March 2026, May 2026 and June 2026
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The order of events and sightseeing may vary according to local conditions or for operational purposes. The schedules of the domestic airlines in country are subject to frequent changes. For this reason, we have indicated approximate times only. Your local guide will inform you of any schedule changes as they are informed of them. The driving times listed are point to point and do not include the duration of excursions or stops en route. Some road construction and/or weather conditions may lengthen the driving times. Our intention is to adhere to the day-to-day itinerary as printed; however, order of events and sightseeing may vary according to local conditions.
If booking more than 12 weeks before departure a deposit of £295.00pp will need to be paid at the time of booking with the full amount payable at 12 weeks prior to departure. The deposit applies to adults and children. If you are within 12 weeks of travel then the full balance of the holiday will be payable.
A valid passport is required for all visitors. Generally, visitors may stay without a visa for up to 30 days, provided they have an onward or return journey ticket. There are however certain nationalities who are required to apply for a visa when travelling to the Philippines.
You must also register with the ‘e-travel’ system 72 hours or less prior to your arrival.
It is advisable to check with the Philippine Embassy or consulate for visa requirements. Further advice should be sought from the applicable tourist authority for other nationalities and for general queries. We strongly advise you check your destinations' Tourist Board or Embassy for the most up-to-date guidelines regarding passport validity.
Please note your final documentation will be sent to you approximately 21 days before departure. Check in baggage is included with your flight. Weight restrictions will be finalized on your final documentation. Should you wish to take additional luggage you will need to pay extra at check-in. Check-in should be at least 3 hours before departure. If you wish to arrange Airport car parking or accommodation at preferential rates, we recommend you book this in advance with Holiday Extras on 0333 188 0407, quoting HX313.
IMPORTANT: A printed E-ticket is no longer required at check-in, all you need to do is present your passport to the staff at the desk and your boarding pass will be given to you. Please note that you should carry your invoice with flight details on it as you will need to show this at the airport.
We strongly recommend that you and all members of your party are suitably insured as soon as you book your holiday. It is a condition of booking that you must have suitable travel insurance. It is important that you purchase travel insurance that suitably covers your participation in whatever activities you may undertake at the time that you make your booking. To assist you with this, we have arranged travel insurance in partnership with Holiday Extras, including up to a 20% discount, which is given to all Mercury Holidays customers. To arrange your insurance with Holiday Extras, please visit https://www.mercuryholidays.co.uk/info/insurance for more details. Please ensure you provide us with the name of your insurer, policy number and their 24 hour emergency contact number as soon as possible. Mercury Holidays will not be liable for any costs incurred by you due to your failure to take out suitable travel insurance from the date of booking.
ellow Fever vaccination is required upon arrival of visitors coming from infected areas, except children under one year old of age who are, however, subject to isolation when necessary. Malaria is endemic in many provincial regions of the Philippines but does not affect the capital Manila.Dengue fever has been on the rise in Manila and neighbouring provinces along with outbreaks of other mosquito-borne diseases in many areas particularly during the rainy season between June and November. We encourage you to where necessary; take measures to avoid insect bites, including using an insect repellent at all times and wearing long, loose fitting, light coloured clothing. Medical facilities in the Philippines are adequate in major cities but are very limited in provincial regions and remote islands. Major private hospitals, particularly in Metro Manila, are well equipped and internationally accredited. Most hospitals will require up-front payment or guarantee of payment prior to commencing treatment, which can be expensive. We recommend that you take out appropriate travel insurance that will cover any overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation, before you depart. Over the counter prescription drugs are widely available in major cities, but best to bringfrequently used medicines from home. It is your responsibility to check any health and vaccination requirements applicable to your booked arrangements. We can only provide general information about this. Health and hygiene facilities and disease risks vary from country to country. You should take health advice about your own needs as early as possible and in good time before your departure. Sources of information include; www.fco.gov.uk, www.travelhealthpro.org.uk, www.hpa.org.uk, your General Practitioner or a specialist clinic.
All our tours feature a “Tour Pace” to help find the right holiday for you. To travel on any of our tours requires unaided mobility and the ability to stroll around the sights, climb stairs and get on and off coaches and boats. The tour pace of Wonders of Philippines is rated as Active. This is largely due to long driving times on low quality roads on the north island. A good level of fitness is required as you may be on your feet for approximately four hours in a day, though this will be interspersed with regular breaks and will vary from day to day. You will be walking around the sights, getting on and off coaches, boats and climbing steps which may be irregular. You will stay in variety of hotels throughout the tour. Our guides will always endeavour to provide the highest level of service and assistance; however, they cannot be expected to cater for customers who are unfit to complete the itinerary.
The currency in the Philippines is the Peso (Php). divided into 100 Centavos. Coins come in denominations of 1, 5, 10, and 25 centavos, P1, P5, P10 and notes in denominations of 20, 50, 100, 200, 500 and 1,000 pesos. We recommend that you exchange your currency before you leave the UK. It is important that you budget carefully and ensure you have the right form of currency before you arrive in the country. Cash machines will also be available throughout the tour in order to withdraw money in local currency although these may be very limited in more rural areas. All commercial banks, most large hotels, and some malls are authorized to exchange foreign currency. Bring your passport with you when exchanging foreign currency as it may be required by the banks and some money changers for identification purposes. American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa credit cards are widely accepted across the country except in some remote areas where cash payment is preferred.
As normal practice you may be asked for your credit card details on check-in at the hotel in order to cover any extras incurred during your stay. If you do not have a credit card, you may be asked for a cash deposit. MasterCard and Visa are widely accepted in hotels as well as American Express.
You will need to take money with you to cover any personal purchasessuch as souvenirs, laundry, any meals not included in the itinerary as well as drinks and any additional snacks. Approximately £300-£400 per person will be sufficient for the duration of the tour.
Tipping
Tipping is not compulsory and is at your discretion to tip both your driver and guide. We would recommend to tip approximately 2 USD per person per day. This is a total of 26 USD per person to budget for tips on your trip. Tips are accepted in the local currency.
The minimum number of travellers in your group will be 10, and the maximum will be 25. If in the unlikely event there are less than 10 people booked on your tour date, we will endeavour to reduce any disruption to your holiday and try to operate your tour with lower passenger numbers. If we are not able to operate your departure date, then you may be asked to change to a different date and a full refund will be made available to you should this alternative not be suitable.
There is no minimum number of travellers for this extension however the main tour passenger numbers will apply for the main part of the tour. If in the unlikely event there are less than the required number of people booked on your main tour date then you may be asked to change to a different date. A full refund will be made available to you should this alternative not be suitable.
This is a fully escorted tour meaning that you will be met by a local guide in each of the cities that you visit, ensuring that you have first-hand knowledge at all times.
Your accommodation is selected for convenience, location, comfort or character. Hotel accommodation is generally rated as local three to four-star standard, but please note there is no international classification system for hotels, and differences in facilities and quality do exist between the UK and Philippines. All group tours hotels have private bathroom facilities. Rest assured that all accommodation used by Mercury Holidays is regularly inspected by our staff and partners to ensure that standards meet your needs.
Breakfast is always western style and served in the hotel each morning. Lunch (when included) will be taken in local restaurants or at the hotel. A variety of restaurants are visited giving you the chance to experience a range of dishes and flavours.
Please contact Customer Experience for questions about other dietary requirements or allergy information. Vegan, vegetarian meal options are available, all meal requests need to be sent over to our suppliers before travel.
It is not recommended to drink the tap water, even in developed countries water may contain unfamiliar elements that can cause upset stomachs. In less developed countries water is not filtered in the same way. A bottle of water will be supplied daily on this tour
Semana Santa is the most important event in the Philippine calendar as many Filipino people celebrate the Catholic religion. It is a time for people to be with their loved ones and celebrate. During this week many shops and business close for the celebrations and tourist attractions will be open but may be crowded.
On your arrival in Manila you will be met by a representative from our local agent, Blue Horizons Travel, holding a sign displaying: “Mercury Holidays”. The Mercury Holidays/Blue Horizons Travel representative will show you to your transfer vehicle. Your national guide will be on hand 24 hours a day should you have any queries.
The Mercury Holidays/Blue Horizons Travel representative will show you to your transfer vehicle. Your national guide will be on hand 24 hours a day should you have any queries, however if you need to contact your representative during your stay the details are: Blue Horizons Travel Contact number: +639178840563 Email: carla.mariano@bluehorizons.travel
