Philippines City & Beach Tour: Manila & Boracay - 5 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Manila, Afternoon Street Food Tour

Welcome to the Philippines! After landing at Manila Ninoy Aquino International Airport, your private driver will be waiting to take you to your hotel in the heart of the country's capital, Manila. Situated on the island of Luzon, this densely-populated metropolis is renowned for its fun mix of old and new, with modern skyscrapers alongside centuries-old Spanish colonial buildings.

It'll take about 30 to 60 minutes to reach your hotel, at which point you can check in and drop off your bags before beginning a guided street food tour in the afternoon. This three-hour, small-group tour will take you around various local eateries, giving you the chance to sample street food bites along the way, such as steamed dumplings, grilled meat, and flavorful stews combined with glasses of beer or fruit juice. The boldest travelers may even like to try balut (an embryo inside an egg) as part of the tour.

Day 2: Full-Day Intramuros & Makati District Tour

Day two takes you on a deep dive into Manila's history. You'll be led by an expert guide eager to share the secrets and stories of the city. Begin in Manila's famed Intramuros area, well-known for its old defensive walls built by Spanish settlers. Here you'll see lots of the city's most historic and beautiful buildings, like the 17th-century Casa Manila or the UNESCO-listed San Agustin Church, the only building still standing after the US bombed the area during World War II. You'll then get to ride a traditional horse-drawn carriage, or calesa, to your next destination: Manila Cathedral, where the city's Archbishop resides.

Continuing on, you'll be taken to historic Fort Santiago, once used as the seat of the Spanish government, as well as the Rizal Shrine, forged in honor of the country's national hero, Jose Rizal, who helped the Philippines push for independence. The Chinese Cemetery is another stop on your tour, with a mixture of burial markings and tombs of various religions. Then, you'll continue to Quiapo, Manila's oldest district and the home of some of its liveliest markets. Binondo, Manila's answer to Chinatown, finishes the first leg of your trip before a brief break back at your hotel.

After freshening up, you'll be taken on the second half of your tour to the Makati district to see the more modern side of Manila. This area is known for its glitzy restaurants, glamorous boutiques, and towering financial buildings. Your guide will show you around and provide plenty of opportunities to explore key areas, like the Bonifacio Global City. Formerly a military fort, this place is now a hustling, bustling hub of commercial buildings, like shops and eateries.

Day 3: Fly to Boracay, Self-Guided Discovery

After a thorough exploration of the big city, you'll now see a completely different side of the Philippines with a trip to the small resort island of Boracay. Begin with a private transfer to the airport and a 90-minute flight over to the island. Once you arrive, a local representative will be waiting to meet you for a private boat trip to your hotel. 

After checking in, the rest of the day is yours to spend as you like. Explore the island at your own pace, visiting one or more of the many charming beaches here, like White Beach, which seems to stretch on and on with its soft sands and swaying palm trees, or Puka Shell Beach, which is a super spot or watersports like kayaking and paddleboarding.

Or, if you prefer to explore the island's wilder side, consider a hike to the viewing platform at Mount Luho, the island's tallest peak. From there, you can enjoy some beautiful views across the landscape. Other optional activities include snorkeling, scuba diving, kiteboarding, and parasailing.

Day 4: Island Hopping in Boracay

Day four is all about exploring the Boracay area. Your guide will meet you at the resort and help you aboard your banca (a small outrigger-style boat) before sailing around to the island's west coast. There, you'll discover the Coral Garden, one of Boracay's most pristine snorkeling spots. As the name implies, it's a coral paradise, with stunning underwater areas to explore and lots of tropical fish to meet, like damsel fish, parrot fish, sergeant majors, and butterfly fish. Continue to Crocodile Island, named for its distinctive crocodile-like shape.

Moving on, you'll visit Crystal Cove, a private island where visitors can explore two fascinating caves. The first has smooth rock interiors and a gentle pool that leads to the sea, while the second has a narrow tunnel and lovely views over the nearby coral shores. After exploring this island, you'll head back toward the south coast and Boracay, stopping off at Tambisan Beach for a delicious barbecue along the way. 

Day 5: Fly to Manila, Depart

For the final day of your trip, spend the time you have left soaking up a last bit of sunshine on the beaches of Boracay before catching a 90-minute flight back to Manila. From there, you'll make the connection to your next flight and head home. Safe travels!