North Philippines Explorer
Overview
Highlights
- Discover ancient rice terraces and meet indigenous people on Philippines biggest island
- Climb Mount Pinatubo and trek to the volcano's crater
- Explore the modern city of Manila and the Colonial old quarter of Vigan
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Details
Travel Themes
Attractions
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Itinerary
Once known as the 'Pearl of the Orient', Manila was occupied by the Spanish in the 16th century as part of their growing empire. The city went on to witness Chinese insurrections, a British occupation, a war against the Spanish and the Americans, and some of the bitte...
This morning we take a tour of the city by walking to Rizal Park and the historic walled city of Intramuros, where we find San Agustin, the oldest church in the Philippines and a UNESCO World Heritage site. We sample a public jeepney ride to Binondo, one of the first ...
After a substantial breakfast, later in the morning, we take a short flight to Laoag. On arrival, we will have a late lunch in a local restaurant serving authentic llocano dishes. In the afternoon we will go on an excursion to the Malacañang of the North, the erstw...
After an early breakfast, we drive northeast along the coast to a small village from where we'll start our short and gentle walk to reach Kabigan Falls. A local villager will lead us through the flora and fauna of the forest following trails passing through rice paddi...
We spend the morning driving south to the charming town of Vigan. One of the few Hispanic towns left in the Philippines. Vigan's historic heart was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list in 1999. The best-preserved example of a Spanish colonial town in Asia, it i...
This morning we discover Vigan by kalesa (horse-drawn carriage). We see well-preserved Vigan houses that are truly reflective of their roots - built from the wood, stone, shells (kapis), and terra cotta derived from its surroundings such as the Syquia Mansion, a forme...
After an early breakfast, we drive to Sagada, arriving in the early afternoon. We visit nearby Echo Valley to see the mysterious hanging coffins and Lumiang cave, a burial cave. The indigenous population have been burying their dead in coffins perched high on cliff fa...
We leave Sagada in the morning and drive to the municipality of Bontoc. From here we will start our two-hour walk along lesser-known Maligcong rice terraces and on mostly flat terrain. We then go on an easy climb on steps to reach Favarey village where the "dead lives...
We make our way this morning to Bontoc, a bustling market town and former capital of the Cordillera region. We will visit its small museum that has several interesting exhibits about the region's indigenous communities. Carved into the mountains of Ifugao province, th...
This morning, we take a local jeepney to Bangaan, a village surrounded by rice terraces. We meet Ifugao, the indigenous people of the province and examine closely the unique characteristics of a bale - a traditional house with an architecture that fits the needs of th...
Today sees an early start for a full-day drive to Mabalacat, our base for climbing Mount Pinatubo tomorrow morning. Located in the mountains that separate the central plains from the west coast of Luzon Island, Mount Pinatubo volcano was the scene of the second larges...
This morning we leave quite early for the drive to Santa Juliana station, where we take 4x4 jeepneys to drive to the foot of the trailhead, from where we trek to the volcano's crater - a relatively easy walk of usually around two hours each way. From March to May ther...
The trip ends after breakfast at our hotel in Manila. There are no activities planned today, so you are free to depart from Manila at any time. If your flight is departing later in the day luggage storage facilities are available at our hotel. If you would like to ...
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Dates & Availability
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The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.
Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.
Explore! Reviews & Ratings
Sharon
May 2024
North Philippines Explorer
A great experience made all the more enjoyable by our excellent local guide who couldn’t have been any more informative and supportive throughout. The UNESCO rice pa...
John
Feb 2024
North Philippines Explorer
Absolutely brilliant tour leader, Rey, who helped us to see the best that the Philippines has to offer beyond its sandy beaches. The best tour if you want to see the...
Melvyn
Feb 2024
North Philippines Explorer
Good and varied itinerary. Good helpful, friendly and humorous Tour leader "Ronnie" who supported the group well. Thank you Ronnie. Rice terracing walks, Volcano wal...
Trusted Customer
Feb 2024
North Philippines Explorer
Highlights include day in Vigan, travelling by horse and carriage; visit...
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Jordan
May 2024
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Accommodations were fantastic, all had useable amenities and staff was very quick to help with any issues. A nice variety of stay as well without sacrificing comfort...
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About Explore
We've been taking small groups on adventure vacations for over 41 years. Our authentic adventure travel experiences explore the sights and culture of a country, with hand-picked accommodation that balances comfort and location. Our average group tour size is just 11; perfect for meeting new people and getting to the heart of our destinations. Explore is one of the world's most trusted adventure travel companies with over 350 trips to more than 100 countries. We are passionate about travel and have developed a wide range of unique activities and adventures which give our customers an unforgettable experience with a team of award-winning Explore leaders. With Explore, you'll get to see your destination from a whole new perspective that takes you away from the typical well-trodden tourist track. You'll have the chance to meet, dine and stay with local people, rest in authentic accommodation with other like-minded explorers and travel to must-see destinations with a unique Explore twist. From family holidays to trips for solo travelers; cycling tours to wildlife safaris; trekking on mountains or exploring miles of scenic coastline, there is something for every kind of traveler with Explore. We will provide our expert knowledge, exciting itineraries and outstanding service as part of our sustainable travel experiences which take you under the skin of the country you're visiting for the adventure of a lifetime.
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- Lunch : 1
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