Sights and sounds of Philippines

Get to know the city

When visiting the capital of the Philippines it is well worth taking this guided half day sightseeing tour in the bustling metropolis during which you will see so many of the famous places and meet lots of local people. You begin in the financial district of Makati then make stops at imposing Fort Bonifaco and then the American Cemetery.

From here move on to Rizal Park and after a brief picture stop see the historic walled city of Intramuros. Walk along the cobbled streets around St Augustin Church, the country's oldest stone church and see Fort Santiago, the central district Quiapo with its markets and visit the Chinese cemetery. At the end of this fascinating tour you will be dropped back at your hotel.

fr £88pp

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Take a walk to Chinatown

Your tour starts with a visit to Rizal park and after a brief picture stop here you move on to the old walled city of Intramuros stopping at Fort Santiago. From here you walk along the cobbled streets to San Augustin Church, the oldest stone church in the country. Cross the street to Casa Manila, a reproduction 19th century mansion then board a horse drawn carriage, known as a Calesa, and trott off to Chinatown

On the way cross the Pasig river and into an alley that leads you to Binondo Church. Get off here and walk through the bustling alleys and side streets of Chinatown with shops selling everything imaginable. Explore the Sta Cruz Church and the historic buildings of the surrounding area before returning to your hotel. There is no better way to get to know Manila than on this fun walking tour.

fr £107pp

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A ride to the ridge

The city of Tagaytay is located on a ridge 2,250 feet above sea level. It is a leisurely two hour drive south of Manila and on the way you pass through small towns, orchards, and see lots of fruit stalls and coconut plantations. You can get a real feel of the Philippines on this tour and on arrival in Tagatay the vistas are spectacular.

Admire the magnificent views of Taal volcano which has a second volcano located in the crater. There are also majestic views of the Taal lake and volcano from a vantage point along the ridge. After enjoying a native refreshment visit the world famous Bamboo Organ of Las Pinas Church and stop at a Jeepney Factory before returning to your hotel in Manila.

fr £148pp

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Jaunt in a Jeepney

Enjoy an extraordinary experience with a ride in an air conditioned Jeepney through the streets of Manila. First you travel through the financial district of Makati and past the Cultural Centre of the Philippines. Then stop at Rizal Park and go to the Walled City of Intramuros, the heart of the Spanish old town. Then venture into Fort Santiago before continuing on to San Augustin Church.

Next to the church is a small museum and across from here is Casa Manila, a reproduction of a 19th century Philippine house. Crossing the Pasig river you visit the Chinese cemetery with its ostentatious mausoleums then drive to the small side streets of Quezon city with their food stalls and bustling market life. End the tour with a drive by the narrow flower bedecked street of Dimasalang and the highway along Quiapo.

fr £181pp

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Back to nature

Hidden valley spring is located in the small town of Alaminos Laguna around 60 miles south of Manila and is a perfect place to be close to nature while holidaying in the Philippines. The picturesque valley is in fact a huge and deep crater area that was believed to have been formed by volcanic eruption many thousands of years ago.

The vegetation flourishing in the area is fascinating and along the way you see giant hardwood trees, ferns and orchids. The area is interlaced with paths, linking to numerous spring fed pools that lead to a small gorge and waterfall. Swimming or just lazing by the pool is the main activity here and a delicious lunch and afternoon snacks are served at the resort's pavilion.

fr £210pp

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Island of memories

This tadpole shaped island located 40 miles from Manila is a treasure trove for history buffs and you reach it after an hour's ride on a fast ferry from the city. Corregidor is also known as the 'Rock' and was the nerve centre of Manila's naval defence during World War II. It is here that a handful of American and Filipino patriots resisted the Japanese invasion at the beginning of the Pacific war.

A guided tour by bus takes you through the landmarks and features of this island that made it such a formidable defence bastion with its gigantic canons and mile long barracks facility. Visit the Memorial museul with war relics and photos and experience a light and sound multi vision presentation inside a dark tunnel where Douglas McArthur met with the Philippine president and from where they made their dramatic escape.

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Sail into the sunset

This wonderful Manila Bay Sunset Cruise makes a perfect alternative to a traditional tour of the city and will leave you with plenty of lasting memories. You are taken by boat for a journey along Manila Bay which is considered one of the finest natural harbours in South East Asia. A delicious dinner and entertainment are provided on board as you watch the spectacular sunset.

Before setting sail it is worth exploring some of the country's capital either on your own or on one of a number of guided tours which will take you to Rizal Park and the historic walled city of Intramuros. Walk along the cobbled streets around St Augustin Church, the country's oldest stone church and see Fort Santiago, the central district Quiapo with its markets and the Chinese cemetery.

call now 020·7962·9933

Walk or ride up a volcano

Drive through the scenic countryside from Manila to the town of Talisay and on arrival board a motorised outrigger for the 30 minute boat ride to the Taal Volcano. You will be escorted by a local guide for the trek through the landscape of hardened black lava and there is the option to ride by horse instead. You then have a close up view of the caldera from the rim.

Return to the shoreline resort for lunch before leaving Talisay and returning to Manila. Before taking this tour it is worth exploring some of the country's capital either on your own or on one of a number of guided tours which will take you to Rizal Park and the historic walled city of Intramuros, St Augustin Church, the country's oldest stone church, Fort Santiago and the Chinese cemetery.

call now 020·7962·9933