Philippines for families: City and island escape

Audley Travel Preferred
Has very high quality customer experiences and demonstrated commitment to responsible travel practices. read more
4.9 . Excellent
98%
Travel Style: Array Full on
Physical Level: Walking or physical activity half to most of day - no carrying equipment. Easy
Lodging Level: Mid-range budget with accommodations ranging from comfortable lodges, guesthouses, and homestays to three star hotels. Value (3*)
12 days
From: $ 3,327 $ 277 / day
Checking price

Overview

Short Description

Culturally and geographically removed from the rest of Southeast Asia, this green archipelago is best known for its pristine beaches. But, moving inland, there are many other places to visit on your holiday in the Philippines, as our specialists have discovered from their exploratory trips there.

With more than 7,000 islands, it can be hard to decide what to see in the Philippines. You might take a few days in Manila to explore the capital’s heady mix of Asian, Spanish and Middle Eastern cultures. Continue south and you can visit the rumbling slopes of Taal Volcano or the emerald crater lakes of Luzon, while in the north you can discover the vast and ancient rice terraces of Banaue. And, reserving the end of your trip for the Philippines’ telltale white sands, you can enjoy world-class diving through the World War II wrecks off Coron or the bright corals of Malapascua.

Style Private guided tour
See all the highlights and popular spots on a classic tour.
Itinerary Focus Classic Highlights
Mid-range budget with accommodations ranging from comfortable lodges, guesthouses, and homestays to three star hotels.
Lodging Level Value (3*)
Flight & Transport Inclusions All internal transport included (including local flights)
Start City Manila
End City Cebu

Destinations

Philippines

Attractions & Cities Visited

Manila

N/A
See more

Itinerary

Day 1 : International outbound flight

Today you begin your journey by boarding your international outbound flight to Manila.

Day 2 : Manila

Upon arrival in Manila and clearing immigration formalities you will be greeted by an Audley representative and taken to your hotel.On route your guide will give you a short introduction to the city and detail your arrangements for the coming days.After checking in to your hotel you will have the remainder of the day free to relax or explore at your own leisure.

Day 3 : Manila

Today you will join your local guide for an alternative tour around one of most historical parts of Manila. You will saddle a bamboo bike for a cycling trip around Intramuros, a well preserved fortified area in the heart of the capital. You will learn about the early beginnings of the Philippines and such heroes such as Jose Rizal.At the end of your tour you will be taken back to your hotel where you will have the rest of the day at leisure.

Day 4 : Manila

This morning is free to relax or explore at your own leisure. You may wish to make use of the hotel's large pool area or perhaps take a walk to nearby Rizal Park and the National Museum.This afternoon you will accompany your guide to the Chinatown district, otherwise known as Binondo. This area is famed for its variety of cuisine and many popular local eateries. Your guide will introduce you to many of the staple Filipino dishes as well as a few exotic foods. Having the chance to walk around and dine in the local restaurants is both an informative and authentic experience.If you are still hungry, later on you may wish to try out one of Manila's many top restaurants some of which we can confidently recommend.

Day 5 : Bohol

After breakfast you will be collected from your hotel and taken to the airport in time for your flight to Bohol. Upon arrival on Bohol you will be met by your local guide and taken to your hotel. On route your guide will give you a short introduction to the island and detail your arrangements for the coming days.After checking in to your beachside accommodation you will have the rest of the day free to relax or explore at your own leisure.The day can be spent sunbathing on the beach or enjoying some drinks in the open air bar and restaurant.

Day 6 : Bohol

Today you will spend your time exploring the highlights of Bohol including the beautiful Chocolate Hills, local markets and Tarsier Sanctuary. Time permitting you will have the chance to meet the man behind the Tariser project, Carlito the Tariser man. He will explain the idea behind the sanctuary and guide you on a short trek through the forest the world's smallest primates call home.Lunch today will be had at the bee farm on Panglao Island where fresh organic cuisine is offered. After a refreshing lunch and short tour you will make your last stop at the Chocolate Hills surrounding Carmen for sunset.This evening is free to relax after a long day touring.

Day 7 : Bohol

Enjoy a full day trip to nearby Pamilacan Island where you will have the opportunity to swim, snorkel and enjoy a beach front BBQ. During the boat journey you will have the chance to spot dolphins or even whales during the correct season.This evening is free to relax at your hotel.

Day 8 : Bohol

You will have the full day to relax or explore Panglao Island. This evening it is recommended you dine out at the Tarsier Paprika restaurant, one of the finest in the area.

Day 9 : Cebu

This morning you will be collected from your hotel and taken to the ferry terminal in time for your boat journey across to Cebu.From the ferry terminal you will be transferred to Mactan Island, home to your five star resort the Shangri-La.Here you will have a few days to relax and enjoy the many facilities on offer including the resident marine park.

Day 10 : Cebu

Enjoy an unforgettable Cessna flight over Cebu and the surrounding islands before relaxing again at the hotel.

Day 11 : Cebu

Spend your last full day relaxing or exploring at your own leisure.This evening you may want to try out one of our recommended restaurants for a special meal.

Day 12 : International return flight

This morning you will bid farewell to the Philippines and transfer to the airport in time for your onward flight. Your return flight will arrive the same day.

Availability

Checking price
Price From $ 3,327
Price Per Day: $ 277 per day

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Audley Travel.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

3,377 Audley Travel Travel Reviews & Ratings

98%
4.9 out of 5 (100+ reviews)
Excellent 3,172
Great 103
Average 24
Disappointing 24
Terrible 54
Value
4.9
Guide
4.9
Activities
4.9
Lodging
4.9
Transportation
4.9
Meals
4.9

Philippines for families: City and island escape

No reviews yet for this trip. Be the first one to write a review

Company Reviews

We've just booked our honeymoon with…

5.0
Details
Value5.0
Guide5.0
Activities5.0
Lodging5.0
Transportation5.0
Meals5.0
We've just booked our honeymoon with Audley. Emily was brilliant at listening to the kind of trip we would like, answered all our questions by drawing on her in-depth knowledge and personal experience, and has put together the perfect itinerary for us. We're so excited! Also, a shout-out to concierge specialist Sofya Jasmine who took our initial query, helped us hone our options and connected us with Emily.
Read more

Thailand tour organised by Suzi

5.0
Details
Value5.0
Guide5.0
Activities5.0
Lodging5.0
Transportation5.0
Meals5.0
We have just returned from an amazing holiday in Thailand. Suzi,one of the Thailand specialists ,put the holiday together for us and did a fantastic job. After really asking about our expectations and previous holidays , she put together a bespoke holiday full of activities,tours and plenty of time for relaxation too! The holiday itinerary pack was so useful.I cannot recommend this company highly enough.
Read more

Barbados with wonderful Audley Travel

5.0
Details
Value5.0
Guide5.0
Activities5.0
Lodging5.0
Transportation5.0
Meals5.0
We recently visited Barbados through Audley Travel. We have used this company many times visiting South Africa, Mauritius and Borneo to mention a few. We have always felt they are a safe and gentle pair of hands when visiting more exotic destinations. We have never had a problem, all the arrangements and transfers etc were always professionally done and exceptionally smooth. However, through NO FAULT on Audleys behalf, the hotel we had chosen, The Tamarind was awful, filthy with damaged flooring, and not of the standard we have become accustomed to. We had asked for an alternative room, but the one we were offered was inappropriate due to my mobility issues, which they were well aware of. As usual we received an email from Isabelle at Audley, kindly checking that we were happy with our room allocation. I explained the situation and sent her pictures. She was appalled, and this is why we would never, ever contemplate going anywhere without the confidence of have Audley behind us. Amazingly, within 3 hours we were expertly whisked away to our new boutique hotel, the Little Good Harbour (Isabelle's favourite) We had an amazing time, and we are just relieved we took the leap of faith with Isabelle's suggestion. Audley (and Isabelle) are amazing, they not only offer tailor made, bespoke holidays, but have endless patience when arranging travel options, but what is priceless, you have the insurance behind you to know that if anything does go wrong, despite not being their fault, they are like a fairy godmother and will work their magic and place you back in paradise. I cannot thank Isabelle enough, she is an asset to Audley Travel and an amazing representative protecting their reputation as being 'top of the game'. We are looking forward to our next holiday with them to South Africa on safari and then onto Mauritius.
Read more

Sarah was so great and really…

5.0
Details
Value5.0
Guide5.0
Activities5.0
Lodging5.0
Transportation5.0
Meals5.0
Sarah was so great and really understood what was important to us about our trip. She was helpful, upbeat and endlessly patient. What great customer service...felt like I'd made a friend and that nothing was too much trouble.
Thank you Sarah...what a star! You made this process easy from beginning to end :)
Read more

So much more than a travel agent

5.0
Details
Value5.0
Guide5.0
Activities5.0
Lodging5.0
Transportation5.0
Meals5.0
Where do I start. Twice we have booked with Audley and twice we have reason to thank our lucky stars that we did. The first was a safari trip that had to be cancelled because of Covid. We were offered or money back with no quibbles.
The second and more recent time was on a trip to Vietnam organised by their Indochina expert Ross Cleary.
We were on the final day of a 19 day trip to Vietnam and Cambodia which given the quality the hotels and excursions arranged by Ross was shaping up to be the best holiday we had ever taken.
Unfortunately my wife developed breathing difficulties and I had to take her to hospital. The hospital decided to admit her and we were left very frightened and wondering what to do about our flights which were due to leave in 4 hours time. There is a 7 hour time difference between U.K. and Vietnam so it was the middle of the night in the U.K. However, one phone call to the Audley duty manager had me connected to him via "whatsapp" so that he could update me real time on the situation without the £7 per minute phone charges. The flights were postponed, I was put up in the closest hotel to the hospital and Audley took care of all the minutiae so that I could concentrate on my wife who was diagnosed with pneumonia.
Upon being discharged my wife was told she could not travel immediately. We spent a total of 8 days in a hotel arranged by Audleys local partners Vidotours. A fantastic hotel at a very reasonable price. The hotel bill was covered until I got home and the flights were re-instated for a tiny admin fee.
We don't always use a travel company to book our holidays, but visiting out of the way places where local knowledge and support can be invaluable I would thoroughly recommend Audley.
These guys are so much more than a travel agent.
No prizes for guessing that I will be using them on my next big excursion. Thank you. Pete
Read more

We were quoted an extortionate price…

1.0
Details
Value1.0
Guide1.0
Activities1.0
Lodging1.0
Transportation1.0
Meals1.0
We were quoted an extortionate price for a holiday to Ecuador and the Galapagos, which we ended up booking ourselves like for like (if not for better rooms etc.) spending about £10k less than quoted by Audley. When challenged about the initial quote, the agent came up with all the “added value” they claimed to provide, when it had come across clearly to us that the agent knew less about the country than us after having read the Lonely Planet the week end before. In fact it felt like we were giving the agent information about the country/ option rather than the agent advising us. i.e. we were shown a cruise advertised as being suitable for retirees, when in fact we said we were a young couple on their honeymoon.

It might be different for other countries, as we have friends who have been happy with Audley’s service to the US, but we found it completely overpriced but more importantly unjustifiably so as we couldn’t see any added value.
Read more

Details

Flight & Transport Inclusions

All internal transport included (including local flights)

Group Size

Intimate Group - 12 max

Trip ID#:

audley-travel-39952

×
Great Choice!

You can access members-only savings of up to $700 on over 6,000 Travelstride Select trips.

Sign in to see trip eligibility

or
or
Provide email and password

With your FREE membership you get to:

  • Save up to $700 per person!*
  • Access private deals and offers
  • See personalized trip recommendations
  • Save favorite trips
*See Member Savings Program details
Already a member?

We respect your privacy and take great care to protect your information. By joining you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.

×

You could save $ 600 per person on this trip!

TripSaver
Flexible travel vouchers redeemable on thousands of trips like this one!
×
×
×
Sign in to Save Trips
Welcome back! We're so happy to see you. ? Forgot Password?
Don't have an account? Join
  • Bookmark trips you like
  • Share with your travel companions
  • Track price changes
  • Access private discounts on trips you save
×
Sign in to see your results

TripFinder is a member-only feature. Don’t worry, it’s free!

With a membership you:

  • Save up to $700 per person!*
  • Access private deals and offers
  • See personalized trip recommendations
  • Save favorite trips
*See Member Savings Program details
×
Activate your free Travelstride membership

Just use the email address and password provided in the email we sent.

? Forgot Password?

With your free membership you:

  • Save up to $700 per person!*
  • Access private deals and offers
  • See personalized trip recommendations
  • Save favorite trips
*See Member Savings Program details
×
To Follow, sign in or sign up (it's free) ? Forgot Password?
Don't have an account? Join
member benefits

By signing in, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use

First name is required!
Last name is required!
First name is not valid!
Last name is not valid!
This is not an email address!
Email address is required!
This email is already registered!
Please enter valid email address
Password is required!
Enter a valid password!
Please enter 6 or more characters!
Please enter 32 or less characters!
Passwords are not the same!
Terms and Conditions are required!
Email or Password is wrong!
Please select the captcha checkbox!
Please select the valid captcha!
Something went wrong! Try again later!

"The World is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page."
Saint Augustine
x
x
Download your brochure

Enter your email to get the "" brochure.

x
Brochure successfully sent!

We've sent the "" brochure to "". Check your inbox!