Tour Description

Important Note: The Philippines experiences fluctuations in prices during holiday seasons and surcharges will apply for travel that falls within the following periods (dates vary by hotel and will be advised at the time of booking): Chinese New Year | Holy Week | Chinese Golden Week | Japanese Golden Week | Korean Chuseok | All Saints Day | Christmas/New Year

Independent Holiday

8 Days from Manila
Departs Daily

Discover the vibrant city of Manila and the surrounding area with an immersive itinerary that includes a walking tour of historic Intramuros (also known as Old Manila), a visit to the presidential Malacañang Palace, an embroidery class in Lumban, the exquisite wood carvings of Paete, and the rustic charm of Villa Escudero Plantations & Resort, a working coconut plantation.

Highlights:

Explore the renowned walled city of Intramuros
Tour Malacañang Palace
Spend a morning in Lumban, Laguna, taking an embroidery class with a local artist
Visit the “Carving Capital of the Philippines”
Experience the charm of Philippine country life at a working coconut plantation

Itinerary
Accommodation
Important Information

Day 1: Manila (D)

Welcome to The Philippines. On arrival at Manila Airport, you will be met by a representative of our local operator and transferred to your hotel where accommodation is reserved for two nights. Remainder of the day at leisure. Dinner is included this evening at the Café Rizal at your hotel. Overnight Manila.

Day 2: Manila (BLD)

Depart from your hotel for a walking tour of Intramuros (also known as Old Manila) and its surroundings. This historic walled city was the nerve center of Spanish colonial Manila, built on the ruins of a Malay settlement. Conquistador Miguel Lopez de Legazpi established it as the capital in 1571. For 400 years, Intramuros was the hub of Spanish political, religious, and military power in the region, suffering extensive damage during World War II with only San Agustin Church remaining intact.

Next, proceed to San Miguel, Manila for lunch at Casa Roces. Located across from Malacañang Palace, this restaurant, housed in a historic home, offers a blend of classic and contemporary cuisine, inspired by the Roces family’s legacy.

After lunch, visit Malacañang Palace. The Presidential Museum and Library within the palace preserve and promote the history and heritage of the Philippine Presidency.

End your day with cocktails and dinner at Café Ilang-Ilang in the Manila Hotel, renowned for its history, elegance, and exceptional service.

Day 3: Manila – Villa Escudero Plantations & Resort, Quezon (BL)

This morning, head to Lumban, Laguna, dubbed the “embroidery capital of the Philippines”. Experience an embroidery class with a local artist, witnessing the “burda” technique for transferring designs to fabric. Discover the town’s renowned Barong Tagalog and traditional dresses made from pineapple and banana fibers. Lunch will be served in a Heritage House.

Afterward, journey to Paete, known as the “Carving Capital of the Philippines”, where the tradition of pagukit dates back centuries. Discover the exquisite craftsmanship, with works reportedly displayed internationally, including in the Vatican and the United States. Legend has it that the town got its name from a misunderstanding between a Franciscan priest and a local, resulting in “Paete” meaning chisel.

Finally, head to Villa Escudero Plantations & Resort for a two-night stay.

Day 4: Villa Escudero Plantations & Resort (BL)

Experience the allure of Philippine country life at Villa Escudero Plantations & Resort, a self-contained working coconut plantation. It has a worldwide reputation as a showcase for the Philippines’ rich cultural heritage. A carabao drawn cart-ride takes you around the plantation. For lunch, traditional Filipino cuisine is served beneath a man-made dam with your feet immersed in cool rushing waters. Remainder of the day at leisure.

Day 5: Villa Escudero Plantations & Resort – Manila (B)

Morning at leisure. This afternoon you will be transferred back to Manila where accommodation is reserved for three nights.

Days 6 & 7: Manila (B)

Two free days in Manila to explore and experience this vibrant city on your own.

A must in Manila is to hop on an iconic jeepney! These vibrant open-air vehicles are a cultural emblem, reflecting the country’s rich history and artistry. Dive into the diverse array of museums covering history, arts, science, optical illusions, travel, and even desserts. Manila is a culinary haven, offering everything from street food delights to top-rated restaurants serving iconic Filipino dishes. As night falls, catch the breathtaking sunset over Manila Bay before venturing out to popular resto-bars and pubs.

Day 8: Manila (B)

This morning you will be transferred to Manila Airport for your onward flight.

TOUR INCLUSIONS:

Arrival and departure transfers from/to Manila Airport
Services of an English-speaking Airport Co-ordinator during transfers
Transportation by air-conditioned vehicle for transfers and specified sightseeing
Accommodation with private facilities
Meals as indicated on the itinerary (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)
Sightseeing tours in Manila and Laguna (inclusive of English-speaking guide, entrance fees, private transportation)
Philippines Travel Notes – issued by Innovative Travel

TOUR EXCLUSIONS:

International airfares
Airport Terminal fees (where applicable)
Drinks during meals
Optional tours and excursions
Environmental fees
Porterage
Tipping/Gratuities (please refer to tour notes for a recommended guideline)
Personal Expenses
Departure taxes
Hotel charges for minibar or any extra charges
Visas (unless specified)
Any other services not clearly mentioned in the inclusions above

Accommodation based on the following (or similar):

Manila

First Class: Rizal Park Hotel

Quezon

First Class: Villa Escudero Plantation and Resort

Manila

Boutique Style: Hotel Celeste

Holiday Period Surchages Apply
The Philippines experiences fluctuations in prices during holiday seasons and surcharges will apply for travel that falls on the following periods (dates vary by hotel and will be advised at the time of booking):
Holy Week
Chinese New Year
Japanese Golden Week
Korean Chuseok
Christmas / New Year Period

Sightseeing

Activites are subject to weather conditions and may change without prior notice

Enquire About This Itinerary

Trip prices and dates are correct at the time of the website going live, however all offers are subject to reconfirmation at the time of booking. All featured tour itineraries and offers may be subject to change due to seasonal variations without notice, or due to local conditions or other conditions. Please confirm all details at time of booking. Travel insurance is mandatory for all Innovative Travel bookings. All passports must be valid for 6 months prior to your return to your home country. Visas are the responsibility of the traveller. Special VIP meet and assist offers are available in some destinations for New Zealand passport holders, for other nationalities please check at the time of booking. For full terms and conditions, please refer to our Booking Conditions page.

Priced From:

$ 2355pp ^*