MANILA: Metro Manila is composed of fourteen cities and three municipalities including the City of Manila which is thecapital of the Philippines This metropolis has a total area of 636 sq. kms. (246 sq. mi.) And an estimated population of over 10 million people. Metro Manila is also the country’s financial center, with the City of Makati being the central business district. CHARMS OF OLD MANILA (4 hours)Take a step back in time as you discover
the “Charms of Old Manila”. The tour starts with a visit to historic Rizal Park, where the remains of our country’s national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal, lie within the cornerstone of Rizal Monument. Tour heads on to the old walled city of Intramuros built during the Spanish colonial period. The first stop is Fort Santiago which served as headquarters of the military might of the Spanish, American and Japanese colonizers until its destruction in 1945. Tour then proceeds past the San Agustin Church, one of the oldest structures in the country which dates back to 1571. The next stop is Casa Manila, a reconstructed 19th century mansion replete with 16th to 19th century furniture and furnishings. The last stop is a visit to the newly-opened “Bahay Tsinoy”, a museum about the Chinese in the Philippines.
NEW MANILA TOUR (4 hours)Another side to Manila is as a modern metropolis. The first stop is the Cultural Center of the Philippines Complex, a reclaimed land situated along Roxas Boulevard, reminiscent of the glorious years of the Marcoses. The drive through the complex starts with a glance of the fountain-adorned Cultural Center of the Philippines, the country’s seat of cultural awareness. Then move on to the Philippine International Convention Center and Folk Arts Theater which are favorite venues for both local and international events, concerts and performances. Adjacent to the structures are the Coconut Palace, a building made mostly of coconut materials and Hotel Sofitel, a deluxe hotel which gives a magnificent view of the Manila Bay. Tour then proceeds to the financial and commercial center of Makati, passing through the plush residential village of Forbes Park dubbed as “Millionaire’s Row”. The last stop is the American Memorial Cemetery, the largest and most beautiful outside continental U.S.
CORREGIDOR ISLAND TOUR (8 hours) Corregidor, the island-fortress, is a 1-hour ferryboat ride. Located 26 miles west of Manila, “The Rock” as it became known during World War II, was the last Filipino-American bastion to fall to the Japanese. Tour includes a guided visit to the island’s many “silent guns” and historical landmarks. The stirring Light and Sound Show inside the cavernous Malinta Tunnel which served as General Douglas McArthur’s headquarters during the siege should not be missed. Return to Manila after lunch.
ENVIGORATING TAGAYTAY (8 hours) A leisurely 1-hour and 30-minute drive though the countryside passing through
coastal villages, ricefields, fruit orchards and coconut plantations shall take you to the cool clime of Tagaytay. Nestled in a secluded corner of Tagaytay Ridge about 2,250 feet above sea level is Tagaytay Highlands which offers a panoramic view of one of the rarest known sights in the world – the smallest Taal Volcano. Spend the rest of the day enjoying Tagaytay’s natural attractions: its beautiful views, dramatic terrain and cool mountain climate.
VILLA ESCUDERO TOUR (9 hours) A pleasant 2-hour drive through the scenic countryside south of Manila brings you to a colonial coconut plantation dating back to the1800’s. A guided tour of the famous “Escudero Private Museum” takes you through one of the largest collections in the country, unmatched in its diversity. Main feature is its trove of religious art consisting of silver altars, gilded carrozas(carriage), ivory headed santos(icons) and other objects dating back to the Spanish era. From the museum, visitors board a carabao-drawn cart and are ferried to the nearby resort where they are treated for lunch at the foot of the Labasin Waterfalls as a background and cool clear spring water running around their feet. HIDDEN VALLEY TOUR: (8 hours) Hidden Valley is a secluded and private resort naturally landscaped at the crater of an extinct forested volcano in Laguna. A natural botanical garden, it has superb irresistible natural thermal pools scented by exquisite tropical plants and canopied by giant ferns and century old trees. At one end of the valley is a rock wall framing secluded waterfalls. Nature lovers will definitely enjoy a respite in this valley, either by spending time in its soda pools or simply taking a leisurely stroll around to commune with nature. Buffet lunch and snacks are served for the day's visit at the resort. The resort is 72 kilometers from Manila and features cluster cottages for those who wish to stay overnight.
coastal villages, ricefields, fruit orchards and coconut plantations shall take you to the cool clime of Tagaytay. Nestled in a secluded corner of Tagaytay Ridge about 2,250 feet above sea level is Tagaytay Highlands which offers a panoramic view of one of the rarest known sights in the world – the smallest Taal Volcano. Spend the rest of the day enjoying Tagaytay’s natural attractions: its beautiful views, dramatic terrain and cool mountain climate.
to the1800’s. A guided tour of the famous “Escudero Private Museum” takes you through one of the largest collections in the country, unmatched in its diversity. Main feature is its trove of religious art consisting of silver altars, gilded carrozas(carriage), ivory headed santos(icons) and other objects dating back to the Spanish era. From the museum, visitors board a carabao-drawn cart and are ferried to the nearby resort where they are treated for lunch at the foot of the Labasin Waterfalls as a background and cool clear spring water running around their feet.
