1 Week in the Philippines - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Itinerary #1: Historical Tour of the Philippines: Manila & Cebu City

Perfect for travelers looking to discover the Philippines' culture, history, and natural landscapes, this weeklong itinerary features the best of Manila, Cebu City, and their nearby wonders. While in Manila, you'll tour a 16th-century Spanish citadel, roam the historic Intramuros district, and spend a day exploring the otherworldly landscapes of Mount Pinatubo. Then, fly south to Cebu City for a heritage tour, visit the Simala Shrine, and embark on a day trip to Oslob. 

Welcome to the Philippines! Your adventure begins with an easy transfer from the airport to your accommodation in the colorful city of Manila. Spend your first evening settling in, perhaps by checking out the Intramuros district's beautiful architecture or savoring flavorful street food. Next, delve into the history and mysteries of the city during a guided heritage tour, complete with stops at Fort Santiago and the Rizal Museum. The following day, leave the city behind for a trip to Mount Pinatubo, where you'll hop in a Jeep and 4WD across the moon-like Crow Valley and trek to an otherworldly crater lake.

Nearing the midway point of your trip and with plenty more to see, it's time to catch a flight to Cebu Island. Your destination is Cebu City, and straight after refreshing at your hotel here, you'll head out on a city tour to admire the Cebu Heritage Monument, Carbon Market, and more. Then, wake early the following morning on Day 5 for an excursion to Oslob, where you'll be treated to a thrilling whale shark swimming experience and a hike to Aguinid Waterfalls. While in Cebu City, you'll also visit Simala Shrine, a famous pilgrimage church, before catching your onward flight. Learn more

Itinerary #2: Philippines Highlights Tour: From Manila to Siargao

Split your time between Manila and Siargao Island on this alternate Philippines highlights tour, specifically crafted for travelers seeking a mix of city, nature, and water excursions. Throughout, you'll sample sizzling street food, delve into the history of Manila's Old Town, witness a volcano within a volcano, and put your surfing skills to the test. Then, wrap up the adventure with a memorable island-hopping tour featuring hidden coves and a tiny sandbar. 

Upon arriving in Manila and refreshing at your hotel, your adventure kicks off with a mouthwatering street food tour in which you'll sample Filipino classics and daring delicacies—perhaps balut (steamed fertilized duck egg). More guided city exploration is on the agenda the following day, this time through the Intramuros and Makati districts, with stops at Casa Manila, Manila Cathedral, and The Drawing Room. Then, take a break from the city on Day 3 during an excursion to the resort town of Tagaytay. Here, you'll admire the Taal stratovolcano, a volcano within a volcano, and tour the historic town of Taal and its ancient residences. 

After a relaxing night back in Manila, you'll pack your bags and fly to Siargao Island. Known for its superb surfing, white sand beaches, and lush interior, your three days here will be filled with numerous exciting activities. Start with a free afternoon to test your surfing skills or relax on Alegria Beach, then enlist the help of a local guide for a day tour of the Magpupungko Rock Pools, the Instagram-famous Coconut Mountain View, and the eerie Danjug Cave. Lastly, round off your adventure with a memorable day hopping between Guyam, Daku, Naked, and Corregidor islands before departing. Learn more

Itinerary #3: Diving & Snorkeling in the Philippines: Moalboal & Oslob

Dive into a captivating Philippines adventure, focusing on the underwater marvels of Moalboal and Oslob. Ideal for diving and snorkeling enthusiasts, this itinerary promises up-close encounters with vibrant marine life, a favorite being the memorable whale sharks. Other highlights include exploring the reefs of Pescador Island, witnessing a sardine run in Moalboal, and the option to spend a day discovering the sealife surrounding Sumilon Island.

After meeting your driver at the Cebu City airport, your trip begins with an easy transfer to the seaside town of Moalboal. Spend your first afternoon lazing on Lambug Beach, swimming under Kawasan Falls, or getting your first glimpse of the underwater world while snorkeling House Reef. Next, dedicate an entire day to scuba diving or snorkeling near Pescador Island, known for its colorful corals, slow-moving turtles, and vibrant fish. Then, on your final day based in Moalboal, head to Panagsama Beach for another epic day underwater, this time with the promise of seeing the natural phenomena of a "sardine run." 

Your next destination is Oslob, located on the southern tip of Cebu Island. Once here, split the afternoon between a trip to Tumalog Falls and an evening out at a local restaurant. Then, it's time to meet the famous residents of Oslob—whale sharks—during an exciting diving and snorkeling trip. While it's hard to top that experience, the following day comes close with a privately guided adventure to Sumilon Island, famous for its mangrove-lined lagoon that you can kayak. Afterward, spend your final morning touring Oslob's heritage sites before catching your outgoing flight. Learn more

Itinerary #4: Countryside Adventures in the Philippines: Cebu City, Moalboal & Bohol Island

Adding a third destination to the mix, this faster-paced countryside tour introduces you to Cebu City, Moalboal, and Bohol Island. Starting in Cebu City, you'll visit the AFOS Foundation headquarters and embark on a guided heritage tour. Then, transfer to Moalboal for beach time and to dive among Pescador Island's tropical fish-filled coral reefs. Lastly, continue to Bohol Island to explore its famous inland highlights.

Your Filipino adventure starts in Cebu City, a bustling metropolis renowned for its blend of history, delicious cuisine, and access to Cebu Island's renowned beaches and dive sites. Two days here promises ample time to check out Magellan's Cross and Basilica del Santo Nino church independently, visit AFOS Foundation to learn about the FISH Visayas Project and its important initiative, and embark on a guided heritage tour. Then, on Day 3, continue southwest to the coastal community of Moalboal. Here, you'll settle into your stay with a free afternoon to relax on a nearby beach or at your accommodation.

Moalboal is also known for its access to pristine dive sites, and that's exactly what's on the agenda the next day. Early in the morning, you'll boat to Pescador Island and spend the afternoon diving and snorkeling alongside colorful coral reefs and exotic marine species. Then, with two days left on your adventure, you'll transfer east to Bohol Island. Your time here features a full-day guided excursion, including stops at the Philippine Tarsier and Wildlife Sanctuary, the famous Chocolate Hills, and a cruise along the Loboc River before returning to Cebu City to catch your flight. Learn more

Itinerary #5: Philippines Island Adventure: Manila & El Nido

This island adventure has you dividing your time between urban excursions in Manila and blissful beach days island hopping around El Nido. Notable highlights include a guided heritage tour in Manila, a canoe excursion to the mighty Pagsanjan Falls, and three days of island-hopping while based in El Nido. Throughout, you'll also have time to snorkel, delight in a beach barbecue, and dine on local cuisine, ensuring you leave with a well-rounded introduction to the Philippines' culture and natural wonders.

Before delving into the Philippines' pristine islands and idyllic beaches, your journey begins with three days based in the bustling capital city of Manila. Spend the first afternoon settling into your hotel and touring the historic Intramuros district independently, then wake up refreshed and ready to jump into the city's culture and history. To do this, you'll enlist the help of an expert who'll guide you to Fort Santiago, the Rizal Museum, and other notable sites. Next, embark on a day trip to Pagsanjan, where you'll board a canoe for an up-close view of the mighty Pagsanjan Falls. 

Midway through your trip, it's time to discover the praised beaches and untouched islands of the Philippines. Your base will be El Nido, reachable by a 90-minute flight, and upon arrival, you'll head straight out on a sailing excursion to the island of Darocotan. It's back to island hopping on Day 5, and your destination is Bacuit Bay, home to numerous scenic islets that are best explored by boat. Then, spend your final full day once more boating between more of the region's hidden gems, stopping as you like to swim in blue lagoons, sunbathe, and explore before packing your bags in preparation for the next day's departure. Learn more

More Great Philippines Itineraries

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to the Philippines? Check out these other Philippines itineraries, with outdoor adventures, cultural trips, and best-of tours to hit the highlights.