PHILIPPINES: ISLAND OF PARADISE
A cultural tour of Philippines

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.

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)

Departure Dates

2008 English Speaking Departures Jan 21, Feb 11, Mar 24, Apr 14, May 19, Jun 16, Jul 14, Aug 18, Sep 08, Oct 20, Nov 10, Dec 15

Inclusions

Tour Price Includes Tour Price Does Not Include • Hotels as mentioned (or similar) • Meals as mentioned (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch) • Domestic airfares mentioned • All sightseeing and transfers by private transportation • Services of local English speaking guides • Entrance fees • International airfares • Any departure taxes • Any visa fees • Drink/beverages with meals • Tips/gratuities

Tour Price

We accept payment in US $ (US Dollars), CA $ (Canadian Dollars) or equivalent EURO (for clients outside North America). Bestway Tours & Safaris offers conversion rate protection. Once full payment has been received, and no modification has been made to the tour itinerary, we will honour that rate. For complete payment procedures, please download Bestway_Payment_Info.pdf Note: to read this file you must have Adobe Acrobat.

Departure Double Occupancy Single Room Supplement 2008 US $ 3420 • CA $ 3420 US $ 820 • CA $ 820

Estimated International Airfare - International airfare is NOT included in this tour

Canada - West Coast CA $ 1300 USA - West Coast US $ 1200 Canada - East Coast CA $ 1500 USA - East Coast US $ 1400

Participants

This tour operates on a minimum of 02 and a maximum of 15 participants.

Notes

Customised Itinerary If you would like to have a tour on dates other than the above ones or with a customised itinerary, please contact us and we will be happy to work out an exclusive program for you. Foreign Language Departures Please contact us for information on French, German, Italian and Spanish speaking departures. You may e-mail us at bestway@bestway.com or call us at 604.264.7378. Residents of U.S.A./Canada may call us toll free at 1.800.663.0844.