Sagada and Banaue Tour in North Philippines

Itinerary

• Day 1: Welcome to Manila

  Hello and welcome to the Philippines, known as the "Pearl of the Western Pacific." When you arrive at Manila's airport, you will be met by a private tour guide and driver who will assist you in checking in at the hotel. The remainder of your time will be at your disposal, whether to recharge your batteries or explore Manila on your own.

  • Manila

• Day 2: Seeing the Sights in Manila

  Morning! The exploration of the Philippines begins this morning! You will first see the San Agustin Church and the Casa Manila Museum. After that, moved to the Manila Cathedral in a "calesa," a traditional horse-drawn carriage. Then stroll to Fort Santiago, which was once the residence of the Spanish colonial governor and imprisoned many local Filipino patriots, such as the Philippines' national hero, Jose Rizal. The cell where Jose was held inside the fort is now open to tourists as a memorial, called the Rizal Shrine. Proceed with the tour to witness the American Cemetery and Memorial, Quiapo (Manila's oldest district), and the bustling Binondo in Chinatown. You have the remainder of the day to yourself to unwind or explore this metropolis.

  • B L
  • Manila

• Day 3: Hitting the Highlights of Baguio

  Depart from your hotel for Baguio via 2-hour transportation. En route, you'll tour Bacolor, which is among hundreds of towns and villages devastated by Mt. Pinatubo's eruption in June 1993. After seeing its Basilica 3/4 buried in Lahar and the other remaining roofs of houses, proceed to Baguio (about 4-hour drive), the summer capital of the Philippines and the gateway to the Cordillera, 1,500 km high up in the Cordillera Mountains.

  This afternoon, you will visit Burnham Park, Mines View Park, Camp John Hay, Baguio Cathedral, Tam-Awan Village with reconstructed Ifugao and Kalinga huts and also a venue for art exhibits and workshops, Woodcarver's Village, Saint Louis Filigree Shop.

  • B D
  • Baguio

• Day 4: Scenic Driving to Sagada

  Depart for Sagada via the La Trinidad Valley. A stop at Bell Church can be made on request, and you could get your fortune told by one of the priests. The scenic drive along the Halsema mountain highway will give you breathtaking views of the vegetable terraces farmed by Benguet tribes.

  Arrive in Sagada. Explore this quaint little town with its towering pine trees, hanging coffins, subterranean caves used as burial grounds by the natives, and eminent limestone cliffs. and nearby scenic falls. Other stunning destinations are Bomod-ok and Bokong Falls, Danom Lake, and Sagada Weaving (a shop selling pure handmade traditional handicrafts). Hike through simple trails that lead to some picturesque summits. Dinner and overnight at your lodging.

  • B D
  • Sagada

• Day 5: Mountains Terrace Field in Banaue

  In the early morning, you will be driven to Bontoc along the winding mountain trail. Bontoc is the mountain province's capital and crossroads. Your private tour today will show you the Bontoc Museum, which was founded by the Belgian sisters who have been active in the area for decades.

  Drive to Banaue in the afternoon. The place is spectacular. Its whole mountain chains were sculpted and curved into terraces by the Ifugaos people centuries ago with their bare hands and crude stone implements for rice farming.

  • B D
  • Banaue

• Day 6: Banga-an Village Tour in Banaue

  Following breakfast, you'll take a jeepney to the village of Banga-an (2 km away at the junction leading to Batad) to visit the Ifugao Village folks. On the way, we will stop at a viewing spot for the terraced rice fields.

  In the afternoon, you may want to trek to Banga-an Village from your hotel to visit the wet market and experience a typical Ifugao market day.

  • B D
  • Banaue

• Day 7: Driving Back to Manila

  You will depart Banaue for Manila in the morning via the Philippine-Friendship Highway, passing through the Central Plains of Luzon, the biggest rice-farming province in the Philippines. Arrive and check in at the booked hotel.

  • B
  • Manila

• Day 8: Manila, Departure

  Before your private transfer to the airport, enjoy your breakfast and some free time.

  • B