Discover the Visayas - Natural treasures of the Philippines

Your journey to the Visayas begins with you getting picked up at the international airport. You will received a warm welcome from your tour guide after baggage claim before being transported to your hotel. Manila is one of the most contrasting metropolises in the world, with world-famous historical sites and monumental buildings on one side and post-modern, futuristic architecture on the other.

After your arrival at the hotel, you can spend the day as you wish, free to explore your surroundings.

2 nights at The Henry Hotel***(*) with breakfast in a Classic Room, Manila, Philippines.

Today you will start with an exciting sightseeing tour of Manila. You will be picked up at the hotel after a hearty breakfast and begin your sightseeing at Rizal Park. The extensive park was named after freedom fighter and national hero Dr. José Rizal, who was shot here by the Spanish in 1886. Fountains, spacious green areas, playgrounds and live music in the early evening hours make the park a popular destination for families as well. A leisurely stroll will take you to the time-honored city wall in the Intramuros district, where you will make a brief stop for photos. Continue to San Augustin Church, the oldest church in the country, built as early as 1571. Across the street from the church is the historic Casa Manila mansion, where you will be transported back to the life of the Spanish nobility in the early 19th century. Fort Santiago holds great historical significance and was the stage of many important battles in Manila's turbulent history. From there, you'll head to the central Quiapo district, the heart of Manila, where you'll find the bustling market, sanctuary and typical jeepney terminals. Afterwards, you will visit the Chinese cemetery, built in 1850 and known for its richly decorated mausoleums.

Today you will leave the bubbling metropolis of Manila and fly to Bohol. Once here, you will first be transferred to your hotel and have time to enjoy the resort and the beach.

In the afternoon, you will be transported from the lobby to a short sightseeing tour in the city of Tagbilaran. The central market mainly sells agricultural and marine products from all over the province, while the Torralba market offers local handicrafts. You will also visit St. Joseph Cathedral, built in 1767. Just a short walk away is the Bohol Museum, which showcases historical artifacts of the region.

4 nights at the Bohol Beach Club*** with breakfast in a standard room, Panglao, Philippines.

After breakfast at the resort, today you will enjoy a full-day tour of the landscapes of Bohol. Another fascinating sight is the centuries-old Baclayon Church. Admire its white facade against the backdrop of the sea. Bilar Forest, planted entirely by man against heavy deforestation, is about thirty minutes away by car. Red and white mahogany trees line the roadside of the winding route up Chocolate Hill. Several hundred uniformly shaped limestone mounds look like oversized chocolate drops from a distance when the grass on them turns brown in summer. Be sure to have your camera ready, because this sight is truly unique.

Also, don't miss a stop at a blacksmith workshop for an exciting behind-the-scenes look at the craft.

The rest of the journey takes you to Lombok, where you will already be expected at the harbor to get to know the landscape from a new perspective on a boat on the Loay River. Sit back, enjoy the light breeze and discover small river villages, original mangrove forests and nipa palm groves.

After all the action of the past few days, spend today as you wish, be it in the city or in the hotel facilities. Or how about an exciting optional excursion where you can learn even more about local culture and traditions?

You will start the day with a hearty breakfast before being transferred to the city port, where you will board another ship. This time you will travel along the river to Cebu, where you will disembark in the afternoon.

The city is a contrasting mix of up-and-coming business metropolis and tropical paradise, which makes it so interesting to visit. You will visit the Monument of the Philippine Prince on Lapu-Lapu, the offshore island. The Shrine of Lapu-Lapu is a 20-meter-high statue erected in honor of Lapu-Lapu, the leader of the same name. In the town's basilica there is a 400-year-old image of baby Jesus, which you should not miss. The Fuerza de San Pedro is an old Spanish military fortress that is still very well preserved today; it is considered one of the oldest colonial buildings in the Philippines. Next to the Magellan's Cross, pay a visit to the Casa Gorordo. It was fully restored in the 17th century and now serves as a museum that reflects and illustrates the history of the region.

Your tour must also include the Taoist temple, which provides insight into the religion and ways of life of the country. Finally, you will visit the Carbon Market, the oldest and largest farmers' market in Cebu - a day full of exciting impressions about the life, culture and traditions of the Asian people.

Afterwards, you will have the afternoon at your leisure. Use the time to stroll through the market and experience all the exotic smells and tastes or to get to know the city on your own.

All good things must come to an end. Depending on your departure time, you will spend the day as you wish, relaxing on the beach or buying some last souvenirs.

You will fly back to Manila, where you will be transferred to the international airport to begin your journey home.

Would you like to stay a little longer and explore the country more? Feel free to contact us, we will plan an extension tailored to your wishes.

itravel - for that moment

The Henry Hotel***(*), Manila, Philippines (2 nights)

Welcoming you to Manila, The Henry Hotel Manila offers stylish and elegant rooms with free Wi-Fi. You can enjoy a tranquil atmosphere surrounded by greenery here and take the free shuttle service to SM Mall of Asia and Glorietta Mall. The hotel is just 1.4 km from the World Trade Center Manila, making it a great starting point from which to explore the city. The air-conditioned rooms and suites feature tiled floors, a closet, a safe, a minibar and a flat-screen TV with cable and satellite channels and a DVD player. The private bathroom is equipped with a shower, as well as a hairdryer and free toiletries. You can try a delicious selection of local and Western dishes at the hotel's restaurant. Meals can also be served in the comfort of your room.

Bohol Beach Club***, Panglao, Philippines (4 nights)

Along with an outdoor pool and a lush green garden, Bohol Beach Club offers quiet and comfortable rooms with free Wi-Fi in every area. Look forward to the hotel’s very own beach, where you can go canoeing and windsurfing, among other activities. The hotel is located just one kilometer from the famous Alona Beach and three kilometers from Danao Beach. The air-conditioned rooms offer a balcony with sea views, a closet, an electronic safe, a seating area and a flat-screen TV with cable and satellite channels. A private bathroom with a shower, a hairdryer and free toiletries completes the facilities. The in-house restaurant tempts guests with a delicious selection of local and international dishes.

Duration of the trip: 7 days/ 6 nights

Included

• 6 nights in the advertised accommodations
• 6x breakfast
• Transfers and ferry rides as mentioned in the program
• Private guide
• Excursions and entrance fees, as mentioned in the program
• Domestic flights Manila - Tagbilaran - Manila

Not included

• International flights
• Insurances
• Personal expenses
• Meals and drinks not mentioned in the program