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PHILIPPINES:
ISLANDS OF PARADISE
World
Heritage Sites Tour of Philippines |
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The
Philippines are a rich mosaic of Filipino, Chinese, Japanese,
Spanish, West European, and American civilizations thriving
in a topical paradise with exquisite aqua blue water and
endless white beaches. Our foray into these islands of
Paradise is an introduction to this land of fiestas and
fun-loving, friendly and hospitable people..
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Tour
Summary
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Map |
Day
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Place
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01
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Arrive Manila |
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02
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Manila |
| 03 |
Manila / Banaue |
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04
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Banaue |
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05
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Banaue / Sagada |
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06
|
Sagada / Baguio |
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07
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Baguio / Vigan / Laoag |
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08
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Laoag / Manila |
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09
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Manila / Cebu / Bohol |
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10
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Bohol / Cebu |
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11
|
Cebu / Puerto Princesa |
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12
|
Puerto Princesa |
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13
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Puerto Princesa / Manila |
| 14 |
Depart Manila |
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|
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UNESCO
World Heritage Sites Visited
This tour has been tailored to include the following World
Heritage Sites |
| World
Heritage Sites in Philippines covered in this tour |
| Rice Terraces of the Philippine
Cordilleras (1995) |
For 2,000 years, the high rice fields of the Ifugao have
followed the contours of the mountains. The fruit of knowledge
handed down from one generation to the next, and the expression
of sacred traditions and a delicate social balance, they have
helped to create a landscape of great beauty that expresses
the harmony between humankind and the environment. |
| Historic
Town of Vigan (1999) |
Established in the 16th century, Vigan is the best-preserved
example of a planned Spanish colonial town in Asia. Its architecture
reflects the coming together of cultural elements from elsewhere
in the Philippines, from China and from Europe, resulting in
a culture and townscape that have no parallel anywhere in East
and South-East Asia. |
| Puerto-Princesa
Subterranean River National Park (1999) |
This park features a spectacular limestone karst landscape
with an underground river. One of the river's distinguishing
features is that it emerges directly into the sea, and its
lower portion is subject to tidal influences. The area also
represents a significant habitat for biodiversity conservation.
The site contains a full 'mountain-to-sea' ecosystem and has
some of the most important forests in Asia. |
| Baroque
Churches of the Philippines (1993) |
These four churches, the first of
which was built by the Spanish in the late 16th century, are
located in Manila, Santa Maria, Paoay and Miag-ao. Their unique
architectural style is a reinterpretation of European Baroque
by Chinese and Philippine craftsmen. |
| Detailed
Itinerary |
Day 01: Arrive
Manila
Mabuhay! We are warmly welcomed to the capital city of Manila – the
pride of many Filipinos. We get our first experience of this
busy and colorful city as we are driven from the airport to
our hotel.
Overnight: Dusit Hotel, Manila (2 nights)
Day 02: Manila
Our morning city tour includes visits to Intramuros, the Spanish
Colonial City in Manila, the ruins of Fort Santiago, the old
Spanish garrison and military headquarter, San Agustin Church,
Casa Manila, Baluarte de San Diego, and the walls of Intramuros.
After lunch we cross the river Pasig via Lawton Bridge to Quiapo
district. Quiapo Church is known for the statue of the Black
Nazareen that draws believers to flock every day. Quiapo is
a popular church among the masses, guests can see how the local
venerate the Nazareen and practice their traditional beliefs.
Proceed to the Chinese Cemetery afterwards, interestingly,
the cemetery is unique in the world as it encloses mausoleums
of rich Chinese in the Philippines having electricity, water
supply, kitchen facilities and amenities for the living. (B)
Day 03: Manila / Banaue (Drive)
We leave Manila for Banaue. The drive will take about 8 hours
and is along the scenic countryside of the Northern Luzon of
the Philippines passing by the provinces of Nueva Vizcaya and
Nueva Ecija. En route enjoy sightseeing of the lush green countryside.
Late afternoon we arrive at Banaue.
Overnight: Banaue Hotel, Banaue (2 nights) (B)
Day 04: Banaue
Full day tour of Banaue Rice Terraces and local villages by
private jeepneys. We drive through the trail that leads to
Banga-an, a typical traditional Ifugao village set in the middle
of a valley surrounded by terraces. Trek down to the village
to see and experience the life of the typical Ifugao. Afternoon
visit of the Banaue Viewpoint to see one of the most awesome
rice terraces in the area that are known as 8th Wonder of the
World. Visit the Banaue Trade Center to buy souvenirs and soak
up the local atmosphere. (B, L)
Day 05: Banaue / Sagada (Drive)
Morning we depart for Bontoc, the heart of the Cordillera Mountains.
Bontoc is at the cross road of the Cordillera Provinces. Visit
the town of Bontoc and its museum of old photos and artifacts
of the tribal minorities of the Cordillera. Then take the road
to Sagada, a small town known for the hanging coffins and burial
caves. Sagada bears witness to the ancient mummification practices
of the mountain tribes. Visit Sagada and its burial caves.
Overnight: Igorot Inn, Sagada (1 night) (B, L)
Day 06: Sagada / Baguio (Drive)
After breakfast we depart for Baguio on the Halsema Highway
which has extraordinary mountain views. Midday arrival at Baguio.
Check in at the hotel then head out for lunch. Our afternoon
tour of the city includes Baguio market, Burnham Park, Mines
View Park, Easter Weaving School, St. Louie Silver Craft School,
Imelda Park and the Mansion House.
Overnight: Camp John Hay Manor Hotel, Baguio (1 night) (B,
L)
Day 07: Baguio / Vigan / Laoag (Drive)
Today we head for Laoag City. The trip from Baguio to Laoag
takes about five hours along the scenic coastal towns of Ilocos
Sur. On the drive to Laoag we see many beautiful old Spanish
churches. One of the most impressive among the churches is
St. Maria Church built in 1769. It resembles a medieval fortress
having massive, heavily buttressed walls and served as a fortress
during the revolution in the Philippines in 1896. It is a National
Landmark and recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.
We proceed to Vigan town and have lunch in a local restaurant
after which we take a walking tour of the Heritage Village
of Vigan. In Vigan we visit the old houses and museums that
relate the history of the town. A must see is the Pagburnayan,
where the age-old jar making industry in Vigan can be observed.
Late afternoon we depart for Laoag.
Overnight: Fort Ilocandia Resort, Laoag (1 night) (B, L)
Day 08: Laoag / Manila (Flight)
Morning we tour Laoag City with visits to Paoay Church also
a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We visit other important sites
in the environs of Laoag such as Sarat where one can also see
the Marcos Museum dedicated to the late President of the Philippines
Ferdinand Marcos. In Sarrat it is also worth seeing the Sta.
Monica Church one of the oldest in the place founded in 1779.
After lunch we are transferred to the airport for our flight
to Manila.
Overnight: Dusit Hotel, Manila (1 night) (B, L)
Day 09: Manila / Cebu / Bohol (Flight / Ferry)
Morning transfer for flight to Cebu. Meet & transfer to
City Wharf to take a fast ferry to Bohol. At Bohol we tour
Tagbilaran City and the Chocolate Hills with lunch and river
cruise at Loay River. Return to Cebu in the afternoon once
again by ferry. Afternoon tour of Cebu includes Magellan Cross,
Basilica of Santo Nino and Fort San Pedro.
Overnight: Bohol Beach Club, Bohol (1 night) (B, L)
Day 10: Bohol / Cebu (Ferry)
Morning return to Cebu. Afternoon tour of Cebu.
Overnight: Maribago Bluewater Hotel, Cebu (1 night) (B, L)
Day 11: Cebu / Puerto Princesa (Flight)
Before proceeding to the airport, we make a short stop to visit
the Lapu-Lapu Monument and the battle site of Magellan in Mactan.
Our afternoon tour of Puerto Princesa includes visits to the
Puerto Princesa Ethnological Museum, Butterfly Farm, Crocodile
farm, the Public Market, the Port and the coastal communities.
Later in the afternoon we visit the countryside that leads
to the country’s oldest “prison without bars” -
Iwahig Penal Colony.
Overnight: Legend Hotel, Puerto Princesa (2 nights) (B, L)
Day 12: Puerto Princesa
After an early breakfast we take off for a full day tour of
St. Paul Subterranean National Park. Depart to Sabang town
for two hours crossing the marble cliffs landscape of Cabayugan.
In Sabang, take outrigger-motorized boat to St. Paul National
Park, about 20 minutes. St. Paul is a 3,900-hectare area of
limestone and marble cliff mountain. The base of Mount Saint
Paul has white sand beach and a lagoon that leads to the mouth
of the underground river. By the lagoon we take a paddleboat
to navigate the inner cave of the river. Huge stalactites of
different formations are all over the cave and on the walls
are the nests of birds and bats. Within the park trek to the
monkey trail that leads to the inner part of the forest inhabited
by monkeys, large monitor lizards, squirrels and exotic birds
and butterflies. Enjoy a picnic lunch at the park then later
in the afternoon return to Puerto Princesa. (B, L)
Day 13: Puerto Princesa / Manila (Flight)
Morning, we are transferred to the airport for our flight back
to Manila. The rest of the day is free at our leisure.
Overnight: Dusit Hotel, Manila (1 night) (B)
Day 14: Depart Manila
Mabuhay (Farewell), after an experience of the Filipinos and
of the country of Paradise Islands, we are transferred to the
airport for our departure flights. (B) |
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B
= Breakfast
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L
= Lunch
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D
= Dinner
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Departure Dates |
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2008
Jan 21, Feb 11, Mar 24, Apr 14, May 19, Jun 16, Jul
14, Aug 18, Sep 08, Oct 20, Nov 10, Dec 15
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| Prices |
| Departure |
Tour
Price US$ / CA$ |
Single
Sup US$ / CA$ |
2008 |
3420 |
820 |
| Tour
Price Includes |
Tour
Price Does Not Include: |
- Accommodation
as mentioned or similar, including hotel taxes
- Meals
as mentioned (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch)
- All
sightseeing and transfers by private transportation
- Services
of local English speaking guide
- Entrance
fees to museums and sites included in the itinerary
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- International
Airfares
- Departure/Airport
taxes
- Travel
Insurance
- Visa fees
- Beverages & Tips
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| Estimated
International Airfare(not
included in tour price) |
| East
Coast |
US $ / CA $
1600 |
| West
Coast |
US $ / CA $
1400 |
| Please
note:
This tour operates with a minimum of 2
and a maximum of 15
participants. |
| Other
Dates / Customized Itinerary / Languages |
In addition to our set programs we are also pleased
to offer customized tours.
Please do not hesitate to contact us to discuss your
individual needs.
Customized tours can be conducted in English, French,
German, Spanish or Italian. Each departure is conducted
in the designated language only. |
| Contact
Information |
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|
Fax:
+1-604-264-7774
|
| 206–8678
Greenall Ave |
Phone:
+1-604-264-7378 |
| Burnaby
B.C., Canada |
Toll
Free (US & Canada): 1-800-663-0844 |
| V5J
3M6 |
Email:
bestway@bestway.com |
|
30
years in small group journeys
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Site
updated April 04, 2008
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