This Classic Philippines Tour covers the best of Luzon, from Manila, northwards past Mount Pinatubo, through the Cordilleras, laid back Sagada and the rice fields of Banaue.

Begin the tour with time to explore Manila, including the historic areas of the city and an insight into the modern metropolis. Included is an excursion out to Laguna Province with a canoe ride and a visit to Pagsanjan Falls.

From Manila, head northwards through Luzon, with a visit to Tarlac and it's beautiful crater lake, a visit to the Mount Pinatubo area and a lunch of local homestyle cuisine at the wonderful Bale Dutung Restaurant.

Drive through the spectacular Cordilleras to Baguio and on to the laid-back mountain town of Sagada, in an area rich in culture and scenery.

Finally reach one of the highlights of Luzon, the spectacular rice terraces of Banaue, before returning to Manila.

Day 1: Fly UK – Manila

Overnight flight from the UK to Manila.

Day 2: Manila

On arrival transfer to hotel with the rest of the day at leisure. 

Overnight Manila.

Day 3: Manila

Enjoy a full day tour of Manila, old and new. Drive through the Cultural Centre of the Philippines grounds by Manila Bay with a stop at Rizal Park & Fort Santiago. Visit Manila Cathedral, Casa Manila - a replica of a 17^th century house, San Agustin Church and its museum.

Drive through Quiapo, downtown Manila and stop to see the Chinese Cemetery before proceeding to Navotas to see the ‘Bat People’, who live under the bridges of Navotas.

Afterwards visit Payatas, now called ‘Smokey Valley’, the biggest garbage dump in the Philippines and one of the three biggest slums in the world. This is an eye-opening insight into the reality of life for many in the developing world.

En-route back to your hotel, pass by Makati City, the business district of Manila, which is a stark contrast to the visit to Smokey Valley. The rest of the day is at leisure.

Overnight Manila. Breakfast included.

Day 4: Manila – Bacolor – Baguio

After breakfast, depart for Laguna Province with a stop in Los Banos to visit the International Rice Institute (IRRI), an independent, non-profit rice research and training organization for an insight into rice growing and it’s importance in Filipino life.

From Los Banos, journey further south to the town of Pagsanjan and enjoy a short dugout canoe ride to the famed Pagsanjan Falls. Spend some time at the falls for a swim or a raft ride under the falls.

Return to a resort in Pagsanjan for lunch before returning to Manila. En-route, visit the towns of Liliw, Paete and Pakil to see the local woodworking craft skills.

Overnight Manila. Breakfast & Lunch included.

Day 5: Clark Air Base

Drive to Tarlac by Jeepney across dramatic terrain. From Tarlac, trek for an hour towards the crater-lake, a nice spot for a swim.

Return to the junction for lunch and on to San Fernando, one of hundreds of towns devastated by Mt. Pinatubo's eruption in 1993. Visit the Basilica, now three quarters buried in Lahar (volcanic flow).

Visit ‘Bale Dutung’ the residence and restaurant of artist & writer Claude Tayag for a home-style Kapampangan cooking lesson and feast.

Mr. and Mrs. Tayag will serve you with authentic Kapampangan dishes and some very entertaining stories about the history of Bale Dutung!

Overnight Clark. Breakfast & Lunch included.

Day 6: 
Baguio

After breakfast drive to San Carlos in Pangasinan, the ‘Mango-Bamboo Capital of the Philippines’. A mango expert will guide you through the plantation with opportunities to pick the mangoes and sample the fruit!