Best of North Luzon and Boracay from Manila

Spend this morning on a guided Intramuros Bambike Eco Tour, exploring Manila's historic walled city on a handcrafted bamboo bike by Gawad Kalinga villagers. Glide along cobblestone streets, admire colonial heritages like UNESCO-inscribed San Agustin Church, and contribute directly to local communities. you'll be able to cover more ground and delve deep into Philippine history in an active, enjoyable manner.

This morning, make a brief flight up to northern Luzon, landing in Cauayan. A three-hour drive afterward will bring you into the mountains to the Ifugao town of Banaue. This region boasts an impressive collection of over five World Heritage Sites, showcasing breathtaking rice terraces with a history dating back over 2,000 years. Tonight, settle into your basic but comfortable local lodge.

An exciting day unfolds as you hop aboard a local Jeepney to the town market, about one hour away. From there, start your trek amongst the UNESCO-protected Batad Rice Terraces, sculpted by the Ifugaos with their bare hands to cultivate rice. Steep inclines and narrow rocky pathways make for challenging loop trails, unlike those of other terraces like Hapao in the region. Your efforts will be rewarded with more sweeping views.

Lunch at a local restaurant overlooking the terraces before trekking back to the Jeepney for a 20-minute ride onward to the quaint village of Banga-an. Continue with a soft trek along well-maintained trails through terraced rice fields to encounter locals and discover traditional wooden houses. Finally, return to your hotel for a well-earned rest.

Continue your journey by car to the quaint town of Sagada, a few hours away. En route, stop by the Bontoc Museum which showcases a compelling collection of ancient Igorot tribal artifacts. Upon reaching Sagada, venture to Echo Valley to witness various coffins hanging from limestone rock faces and stacked in the hundreds within a local cave. If time allows, explore other remarkable sites like Bomod-ok, Bokong Falls, Danom Lake, or local weaving shops. As the tour concludes, check into a welcoming guest house for the night.

Depart Sagada for Vigan on a 5-hour scenic drive to Vigan, soaking in the breathtaking mountain scenery along the way. This former Spanish colonial city, inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1999, retained its old charms with cobbled streets and well-preserved stone houses (Bahay na Bato).

After breakfast, your private transfer (about 2 hours) from Vigan to Laoag Airport will be spiced up with visits to two Roman Catholic churches, the UNESCO-protect San Agustin Church (commonly known as Paoay Church) and St. William's Cathedral (also called Laoag Cathedral).

As you fly back to Manila, transfer to your hotel and spend the remainder of today at leisure. You may like to roam the Manila Baywalk, explore the trendy Poblacion neighborhood, enjoy some luxury shopping, or indulge in a spa treatment.

You have another day free to do as much or as little as you like. The adventure-inclined can venture into the crystal waters to discover beautiful corals and marine life. For relaxation, immerse in Boracay's natural spectacle along Boracay's sandy shores on an optional sunset cruise.

Enjoy more precious beach time on Boracay before you head back to Caticlan Airport for your flight to Manila and connection onward.