Philippine Cultural & Adventure Expedition

Arrive at Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Manila where you'll be greeted by your English-speaking guide. Transfer to your hotel in the historic district of the city. After refreshing, embark on an afternoon walking tour of Intramuros, Manila's walled city established during the Spanish colonial period in the 16th century. Explore Fort Santiago, the stone citadel that served as the Spanish military headquarters, and walk along the preserved walls offering views of Manila Bay. Visit Casa Manila, a reconstructed Spanish colonial home showcasing period furniture and lifestyle. Continue to the ornate San Agustin Church with its baroque interior and museum housing religious artifacts. In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner at a restaurant in a restored colonial building featuring Filipino cuisine and a cultural performance.

Begin your day with a visit to Binondo, established in 1594 as the world's oldest Chinatown, where you'll explore vibrant markets and sample Chinese-Filipino fusion cuisine on a food walk. Continue to the National Museum of the Philippines to view important artifacts including the famous Spoliarium painting by Juan Luna. After lunch, visit the American-era landmarks including Rizal Park and the impressive buildings around the Roxas Boulevard area that showcase American colonial architecture. The afternoon includes a visit to the creative hub of Intramuros where local artists have established galleries and workshops. Return to your hotel with time to freshen up before a dinner cruise along Manila Bay, famous for its spectacular sunsets.

After an early breakfast, embark on a scenic road trip to Banaue in Ifugao province, home to the UNESCO World Heritage rice terraces often called the "Eighth Wonder of the World." The 8-9 hour drive takes you through changing landscapes from lowland plains to mountain highlands with several stops along the way, including lunch at a local restaurant in Nueva Ecija and a coffee break at the Dalton Pass with its panoramic mountain views. Arrive in Banaue by late afternoon and check into your mountain lodge accommodation offering views of the surrounding terraced mountains. Dinner features Ifugao specialties accompanied by a brief cultural introduction to the region and its indigenous peoples.

After breakfast, board a local jeepney (colorfully decorated converted jeeps) for the ride to the Batad Rice Terraces viewpoint. From here, embark on a moderate trek with your local Ifugao guide down to the amphitheater-shaped Batad terraces, built over 2,000 years ago and maintained through generations using traditional farming methods. Visit a traditional Ifugao house to learn about the indigenous architecture and way of life. Enjoy a picnic lunch at a scenic spot overlooking the terraces. In the afternoon, hike to the Tappiya Waterfall for a refreshing swim before returning to Banaue. Visit the local market and museum to gain deeper insights into Ifugao culture. Evening dinner at your lodge featuring traditional mountain cuisine and a cultural performance of Ifugao chants and dances.

After breakfast, check out and travel to Sagada, a mystical mountain town known for its hanging coffins and limestone caves. En route, stop at viewpoints of the Hapao Rice Terraces offering different perspectives from those at Batad. Upon arrival in Sagada, visit the Echo Valley to view the hanging coffins, an ancient burial practice where coffins are suspended on cliff sides. Your guide will explain the spiritual beliefs behind this tradition still practiced by some families today. After lunch at a local café known for its mountain coffee, explore Sumaguing Cave with its impressive limestone formations (alternative activity available for those not comfortable with cave exploration). Check into your mountain lodge accommodation. Evening bonfire dinner (weather permitting) with storytelling about local legends and myths.

Rise early to witness the famous "sea of clouds" at Kiltepan Viewpoint (weather permitting). After breakfast, check out and journey to Baguio City, established as a hill station during American colonial rule and known as the "Summer Capital of the Philippines." En route, stop at the Asin Hot Springs for a relaxing dip in natural thermal waters. Upon arrival in Baguio, check into your hotel before an afternoon city tour including Camp John Hay (former American military base now a leisure complex), Mines View Park overlooking old mining towns, and the Botanical Garden featuring native flora and tribal cottages. Visit the Baguio City Market, famous for its fresh produce, woven products, and silver craft. Dinner at a restaurant specializing in highland cuisine featuring strawberry-inspired dishes, as Baguio is known for its strawberry farms.

After breakfast, depart for Tagaytay, a popular holiday town known for its cool climate and spectacular views of Taal Volcano, one of the world's smallest active volcanoes located in the middle of Taal Lake. The scenic 6-7 hour drive takes you from the mountainous north to the southern Luzon region. Lunch en route at a roadside restaurant featuring local specialties. Arrive in Tagaytay by late afternoon and check into your hotel with views of the volcano. Evening dinner at a restaurant overlooking Taal Lake, featuring cuisine from the Cavite region.

After breakfast, descend to Taal Lake shore for a boat ride across the waters to Taal Volcano Island. Upon reaching the island, trek or ride horseback up the volcano trail to reach the crater rim for breathtaking views of the crater lake and surrounding countryside. Return to the mainland for lunch at a local restaurant specializing in bulalo (bone marrow soup), a regional specialty. In the afternoon, visit Sonya's Garden, a beautiful estate featuring organic gardens, restaurants, and local product shops. Tour a nearby coffee plantation to learn about traditional coffee production methods and sample local blends. Return to your hotel to freshen up before a special farewell dinner featuring a fusion of Filipino cuisines from the different regions you've visited.

After breakfast, check out and begin your journey back to Manila, stopping en route at Villa Escudero, a historic coconut plantation converted into a cultural resort. Enjoy the unique experience of dining at a restaurant set at the foot of a man-made waterfall. Tour the plantation's museum housing an eclectic collection of historical, religious, and cultural artifacts. Continue to Manila's Ninoy Aquino International Airport for your departure flight, taking with you rich memories of the Philippines' diverse landscapes, cultures, and traditions.