Discover the North – Philippines Holiday

Itinerary Highlights

Trek the scenic rice terraces of Batad and visit a traditional village
Learn about the hanging coffins tradition of Sagada
Explore the beauty of Vigan on a horse-drawn carriage
Discover the highlights of Laoag including Paoay Church, a UNESCO World Heritage Site

What's Included

Accommodation Throughout
All Meals
Domestic Flights

from £3,175 per person

Greig

Travel Specialist

01244 722 137

I'm here to tailor-make your perfect Asia holiday. Give me a call and I'll use my expertise to create your personalised experience.

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This ideal introduction to the Philippines is adventure-packed, with inspiring culture, history and several UNESCO World Heritage Sites to discover.

Trek through the terraced valleys of Batad, wander through the awe-inspiring rice terraces of Bagaan and drop into the Bontoc Museum to discover the indigenous culture of the Cordillera region. In Sagada, you'll hike to the hanging coffins and see the Echo Valley burial cave, before cooling off with a swim at the Bomod-ok Falls natural pool.

In Vigan – one of the many places on this tour to hold UNESCO World Heritage status – you can explore the city by horse-drawn carriage, otherwise known as a ‘calesa’. Then in Laoag, the capital of the Ilocos Norte region, take time to explore Paoay Church – one of the oldest and most iconic churches in the Philippines.

Itinerary

Day 1 Arrival in Manila

Upon arrival in Manila, you will be transferred to your hotel. Accommodation: Henry Hotel

Staying at

Dining area, The Henry Hotel, Philippines

Day 2 Manila – Cauayan - Banaue

This morning you will board your flight bound for Cauayan. Upon arrival, transfer by road to Banaue, stopping for lunch en route. In the late afternoon, you will arrive at your hotel for check-in. Accommodation: Banaue Hotel.

Day 3 Batad & Bangaan sightseeing

Today you will trek through Batad, visiting traditional villages nestled amongst terraced valleys. After lunch in Batad, head to Bangaan for incredible views as you trek through the UNESCO World Heritage-listed rice terraces. Accommodation: Banaue Hotel

Day 4 Sagada sightseeing

Enjoy an early breakfast at the hotel, before you depart for Sagada. On the way, stop to visit the fascinating Bontoc Museum, home to artefacts and exhibits about the indigenous culture of the Cordillera region. Explore Sagada, known for its tradition of hanging coffins from the mountainside. Visit Hanging Coffin, Burial Cave and Eco Valley; if time allows, you may also visit Bomod-ok, Danom Lake, Bokong Falls or a traditional weaving shop.

Staying at

Day 5 Banaue – Vigan, Ilocos Sur

Vigan

An early start today for your journey to Vigan, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the city on your calesa (horse-drawn carriage) tour. The historic centre is renowned for its carefully preserved houses filled with antiques. Visit the Burgos Museum, before driving to a local pottery shop. Stop for a few Ilocano delicacies – including empanadas, longaniza sausages and bagnet (deep-fried pork crackling).

Staying at

double queen deluxe bedroom, Hotel Luna, Vigan

Day 6 Vigan – Laoag

Vigan

Continue your journey to Laoag, where you will visit Paoay Church – a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy a city tour, discovering Laoag’s highlights. The capital of Ilocos Norte region, the city is bordered by the Cordillera Central mountains to the east and the South China Sea to the west. After your tour, transfer to the airport for your Manila-bound flight.

Day 7 Depart Manila

Either head to Manila Airport for your homebound flight or continue your Philippines adventure. Our Travel Specialists can tailor this trip and extend it – perhaps with a longer stay to explore Manila’s many attractions or on a trip to another Filipino island. Give our team a call to start creating your bespoke itinerary.