Heritage and Islands of the Philippines

To begin your journey, we start at the Philippines' bustling capital, Manila. A local activist and artist takes you on a walking tour through Intramuros, after which you'll sample some delicious Filipino cuisine at La Cocina de Tita Moning in a 1937 ancestral home. In the evening, enjoy this night in Manila at one of the city's sterling five-star hotels, such as the Makati Shangri-la or the iconic and luxurious Raffles.

Today you'll travel to the nearby Taal Volcano, a truly picturesque caldera that holds a lake and a smaller volcanic peak. Here, visit St. Joseph Parish Church in Las Piñas and marvel at the bamboo pipe organ there. Next, it's off to the Jeepney Factory to see how these iconic taxis are made, then you'll stop for lunch with a view over Taal Lake from Antonio's Tagaytay. In the afternoon, visit the picturesque Taal Heritage Town before heading back to your luxury hotel in Makati.

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your domestic flight to Cauayan. Upon arrival, continue overland to Banaue, where you will check in to your hotel and have the remainder of the day at leisure.

Travel by jeepney to the village of Bangaan, where sweeping rice terrace landscapes unfold, before continuing along a mountain road to Batad Junction. From here, follow a scenic trail down into Batad Village, a remote settlement set within a dramatic amphitheater of ancient rice terraces.

Explore the village with your guide, visiting traditional Ifugao homes and learning about local agricultural practices and customs centered around rice cultivation. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant while taking in the surrounding views.

Afterward, take time to admire the terraces from above, with the option to hike to Tappia Falls for a refreshing swim. Later, return along the trail to Batad Junction, where your vehicle awaits for the journey back to Banaue.

Today you'll explore the charming mountain town of Sagada, known for its cool climate, pine forests, and rich cultural traditions. Visit the famed hanging coffins and burial caves, where ancient funerary practices offer insight into the beliefs of local indigenous communities, some of which continue in more remote areas today.

Continue to the Bontoc Museum, founded to preserve the history and heritage of the region’s indigenous groups, including the Ifugao, renowned for creating the iconic rice terraces through centuries of manual craftsmanship.

Depending on time and interest, you may also visit nearby natural and cultural sites such as Bomod-ok or Bokong Falls, Danom Lake, or local weaving workshops, offering a deeper appreciation of Sagada’s landscapes and traditions.

After check-out, transfer overland to the airport for your onward flight to Manila, connecting to Bohol. Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to your resort, where the remainder of the day is at leisure.

After breakfast, set out from Panglao for a scenic journey through Bohol’s countryside, passing coconut groves, nipa palms, and stretches of mahogany forest en route to the iconic Chocolate Hills. From a hilltop viewpoint, take in sweeping vistas of these unique limestone formations, which turn a rich brown during the dry season, resembling rows of chocolate mounds.

Continue with a visit to the tarsier sanctuary to observe one of the world’s smallest primates, followed by stops at Baclayon Church and Museum and the historic Blood Compact site, commemorating an early agreement between local leaders and Spanish explorers.

Conclude with a leisurely river cruise along the Loboc River, where a traditional Boholano lunch is served onboard, accompanied by live music and cultural performances by local communities. Return to your resort with the evening at your leisure.

Begin the day with an early morning outrigger boat excursion into the waters southeast of Tagbilaran, accompanied by experienced local spotters. Scan the horizon for marine life as you cruise through these rich waters, where playful dolphins are commonly seen and, depending on the season, several species of whales may also be encountered.

Continue to Pamilacan Island, where you’ll enjoy a relaxed picnic lunch. Spend the afternoon at leisure with options to explore the island on foot, gaining insight into the local community, or to swim and snorkel in the surrounding clear waters before returning later in the day.

Today you will explore the tranquil Abatan River, once an essential waterway connecting communities across Bohol. Board a traditional banca and cruise through peaceful river landscapes, passing small villages where daily life unfolds along the water’s edge.

Along the way, encounter local traditions such as weaving, fishing, and handicraft-making, shared by the communities that call this river home. The experience is enriched with cultural performances and local delicacies, offering insight into a way of life that has been sustained for generations. Lunch is served at a local restaurant before returning back to your resort for an evening of leisure.

After breakfast you will enjoy a half-day tour to discover Tagbilaran, the capital of Bohol, often referred to as the “City of Friendship” and the site of the historic Blood Compact, symbolizing early ties between local leaders and Spanish explorers. Visit the commemorative monument and browse nearby stalls offering local handicrafts and souvenirs.

Continue exploring the city’s heritage, with stops at historic buildings and colonial-era architecture, including the Provincial Capitol. On select days, experience the lively local market (tabo), where farmers and traders gather to sell fresh produce and regional goods. Conclude with a visit to St. Joseph the Worker Cathedral, noted for its distinctive blend of Neo-Romanesque design and Baroque-style interiors.

After breakfast, check out and transfer to the seaport in Tagbilaran for your business class ferry to Cebu. Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to the airport for your onward flight to Busuanga.

On arrival in Busuanga, you will be met again and transferred to your resort, where the remainder of the day is at leisure.

Discover the beauty of Coron Island as you visit a series of stunning lakes and lagoons, ideal for relaxing swims. Start with Kayangan Lake, known as one of the cleanest in the Philippines, where crystal-clear waters are surrounded by limestone cliffs. Explore the Twin Lagoons--one where boats dock and a hidden one accessible by a man-made bridge or, for thrill-seekers, by diving 3 meters under a rock. Next, visit Skeleton Wreck, a popular snorkeling site in Coron Bay, with depths ranging from 16 to 72 feet. Conclude your experience with a visit to Coral Garden, famous for its vibrant corals and marine life.

Travel to the waters of Barracuda Lake, one of the area's more unusual dive sites. This fresh- and saltwater lake is situated in the crater of a volcano and features visible layers of heated water (thermoclines) up to 38 degrees. To get to it, you have to climb over the caldera rim. Considered a must-see dive site for its unique topography, you'll glimpse various shrimp species here. At night, wind down in your luxurious room at the Two Seasons Beach Resort and Spa.

Today you'll venture to Sangat Island Reserve to do some wreck diving. The shallow reef-filled waters around Coron were treacherous for ships passing through here during World War II, and many a historic wreck now lies submerged here, home to corals and fish. Giant Puffers, Giant Batfish, Sweet Lips, Groupers and Tuna Fish are just some of the species you might spot. Some wrecks are also suitable for snorkelers. At night, return to Two Seasons Beach Resort and Spa

After breakfast, you will check-out and be transferred by the resort’s shared service to the airport for your domestic flight to Clark. Upon arrival, you will be met and privately transferred to Manila, where you will check in to your hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure.

Enjoy breakfast and your morning at leisure before transferring to the airport for your flight onward.