Philippines Cities, Mountains & Beaches Tour: Manila, Cebu & Boracay -10 Days

Highlights

• Cycle across Manila's historic district and learn how to cook from a local
• Hike to the summits of Mount Pinatubo and Osmeña Peak
• Cruise to Nalusuan Island to swim and snorkel in the crystal-clear water
• Discover Boracay from the water on an island-hopping tour

Brief Itinerary

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Manila, the Capital of the Philippines

Day 2: Market Tour & Cooking Class, Bamboo Bike Tour of Intramuros

Save your appetite because this morning, you'll cook up some traditional Filipino dishes with a local. Visit a market with your friendly host to pick up some ingredients, then head to their house to start cooking. Learn about some of the herbs and spices you'll use, such as lemongrass, then choose between a hands-on lesson or a cooking demonstration of Filipino recipes that have been passed down through generations. When you're done cooking, sit down to enjoy the delicious meal you helped prepare. Finish with a sweet treat of pie made with calamansi, a type of citrus grown in the Philippines. 

In the afternoon, explore Intramuros, the old walled city of Manila, on bamboo bikes handmade by the Gawad Kalinga villagers. This makes navigating the narrow streets much easier, so you can discover hidden corners that are often missed on foot or by car. As you pedal across the cobblestone streets, keep an eye out for historic churches, charming plazas, and ancient fortifications. Your guide will stop at notable sites, like Fort Santiago and San Agustin Church, to teach you about their rich history and give you time to explore. After the four-hour tour, rest your feet at one of the many restaurants in the area for dinner. 

Day 3: Hike to the Summit of Mount Pinatubo

Leave the city behind this morning as you transfer three hours north to Mount Pinatubo, an active stratovolcano that reshaped the landscape and created a crater lake with its cataclysmic eruption in 1991. Here you'll hop in a Jeep to traverse the lunar-like landscape of Crow Valley and reach the starting point of your hike. Follow your guide to start the ascent to the summit, passing sandy cliffs and ash-covered landscapes. After a moderate, two-hour climb, you'll be greeted with a view of the turquoise crater lake at the summit. When you're ready, trek back down the volcano and return to Manila for the night. 

Day 4: Fly to Cebu City, Half-Day Heritage Tour

Leave Manila behind today as you catch a 1.5-hour flight to Cebu City on the tropical island of Cebu this morning. Settle into your new hotel, then venture out for a half-day heritage tour of the city. Start at the Lapu-Lapu Monument in Plaza Independencia, which is dedicated to the Indigenous chieftain who defeated the Spanish explorer Magellan in 1521. Continue on to the controversial Magellan's Cross. Although it was planted by Magellan, it holds a special place in many Filipinos' hearts as it also marks the arrival of Christianity, which is still the predominant religion here. 

Next, visit the neighboring Santo Niño Church, the oldest Catholic Church in the country, before heading to another religious building, the Chinese Taoist Temple. Ascend the grand staircase and admire the intricate architecture adorned with traditional Chinese motifs. Wrap up this educational tour at Fort San Pedro, a former military fort dating back to the Spanish colonial period in the 16th century. Walk through the stone walls, explore the inner courtyards, and see the defense mechanisms that were built to fight pirates. Once your feet have had enough, return to your hotel for a well-earned rest.

Day 5: Swim, Snorkel & Relax on Nalusuan Island 

One of the best ways to see Cebu is from the water, so hop on a boat this morning and cruise to Nalusuan Island, nestled in the clear waters of the Cebu Strait. After a one-hour cruise, drop anchor near the island and put on your snorkel gear to discover the colorful marine life below the water's surface. Keep an eye out for starfish, barracuda, and sea turtles swimming among the coral. When you're done snorkeling, swim to the beach to relax on the white sands. 

After a nourishing lunch, stroll around the small island to see the lighthouse, pier, and overwater bungalows for those staying overnight. If you're feeling adventurous, you can participate in water activities, like kayaking, paddleboarding, or jet skiing. Those who want to stay on land can play a leisurely game of beach volleyball on the sand. After a full day soaking up the sun, cruise back to Cebu and transfer to your hotel.

Day 6: Trek to Osmeña Peak, Swim in Kawasan Falls

Wake up early for a 2.5-hour drive to southern Cebu for a trek to Osmeña Peak, the highest point on the island, standing at around 3,280 feet (1,000 m) above sea level. Although it's an uphill trek, it's not steep, and it only takes 15 minutes, so beginner hikers don't have to worry. Start the ascent, walking among lush greenery and taking in the fresh mountain air. When you arrive at the top, you'll be rewarded with a birds-eye view of Cebu, its coastline, and the surrounding islands.

After appreciating the natural beauty of the region, head back down the mountain to continue your journey to Kawasan Falls. Follow the trail until the sounds of flowing water greet you. Jump in the turquoise pool under the falls for a refreshing swim in the middle of the jungle. You've likely worked up an appetite by now, so enjoy a delicious picnic lunch on the waterfall's banks. Once you've refueled, trek back to the car to return to Cebu City. 

Day 7: Fly to Boracay, Discover the Island by Bicycle

Bid farewell to Cebu—today, you're off to the island of Boracay, renowned for its white-sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant nightlife. Catch a one-hour flight to Caticalan Airport, then transfer to the pier for a 15-minute ferry ride. Check into your hotel on the island, then venture out to explore on your own by bicycle. Pedal to one of the many beaches, such as Puka Beach or Bulabog Beach, for a relaxing afternoon in the sun. Lay on the white sand, swim in the turquoise waters, or participate in watersports like kayaking or paddleboarding. 

If you're looking for a more adventurous activity, cycle to Lugutan Mangrove Park. Leave your bike at the front so you can stroll down the park's boardwalks and surround yourself with a labyrinth of mangrove trees. Try to spot the crabs and other marine life that call this ecosystem home. When you're done exploring the park, stroll to a beachfront restaurant for dinner and a view of the sunset. As darkness falls, parties may start popping up on the beach, so grab a drink and head down to dance the night away. 

Day 8: Boracay Island-Hopping Excursion: Islands, Beaches & Caves

Today you'll board a motorized wooden canoe called a bangka to explore the turquoise waters and pristine islands around Boracay. Your adventure starts with a cruise to the Coral Garden, a marine sanctuary teeming with vibrant coral and tropical fish. Pack some bread to feed to the fish so you can see them from the boat before continuing to the nearby Crocodile Island, named for its crocodile-like shape when viewed from afar. Jump in the water with your snorkel gear to get up close and personal with the marine life here. Keep your eyes open for exotic creatures like eels, sea slugs, and sea snakes. 

After discovering the underwater world, head to Crystal Cove, a private island full of impressive caves, and head underground to marvel at the shimmering crystals, limestone rock formations, and dramatic stalactites and stalagmites. Afterward, you'll cruise back to Boracay for a buffet lunch on Tambisan Beach. Enjoy barbecued meats, grilled seafood, fresh salads, tropical fruits, and rice before proceeding to Puka Beach, named after the abundance of puka shells found in its sand. Spend some time sunbathing, looking for shells, or swimming, then return to your hotel for the night. 

Day 9: Explore the Tropical Paradise of Boracay at Your Own Pace

The day is yours to spend however you like. Revisit one of the white-sand beaches to swim, relax on the sand, or engage in some thrilling watersports. If you're tired of the beach and want a little adventure, hike to Mount Luho, the highest peak on the island at 370 feet (110 m) above sea level. Walk 15 minutes up the well-maintained trails for a panoramic view of the island and its surrounding waters. If you visit in the late afternoon, stay at the top for a spectacular sunset. Head back down to the center to spend your last night in the Philippines on a pub crawl, enjoying a drink at different bars across the island.

Day 10: Fly to Manila, Depart