DTH Travel

UNESCO World Heritage Tour

13-Day Roundtrip Package | Manila, Banaue, Vigan, Laoag, Ilo-Ilo, Puerto Princesa, Philippines

Come on this awesome 13-day trip to the Philippines! Get to explore Old Manila, check out the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Rice Terraces at Banaue, and explore beautiful mountain towns. Plus, you'll get to experience the culture of Vigan! Whether you're a nature lover or a history buff, this adventure is sure to leave you with amazing memories of the Philippines.

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An Overview of Your Adventure

Day 1-2

Explore the rich history of Old Manila in the Walled City of Intramuros and Fort Santiago, which overlooks the Pasig River. Then, head to San Agustin Church in Old Manila, which is part of UNESCO’s World Heritage site and houses an amazing collection of religious relics. Finally, before proceeding to Ayala Museum, pass by the Nielsen Tower– the tower of the first airport in the Philippines. Proceed to said museum after, which is home to an exquisite collection of pre-colonial gold treasures, and other archeological artifacts.

Day 3

Experience the beauty of Banaue on your way to the Central Plains of Luzon! From lush rice fields to the majestic mountain ranges, you’ll take in the stunning views as you make your way to the mountains of Sierra Madre and Caraballo Mountain Ranges via Dalton Pass, which is a 920-meter precipice. At 1300m in elevation, Banaue is the perfect spot for nature lovers.

Day 4

Board a jeepney and explore Banaue’s stunning scenery and rich culture. Get to see the ancient wonder of Banaue’s 2000+-year-old Rice Terraces, which are part of UNESCO’s World Heritage Area and is a world-famous engineering landmark built by ancient tribesmen during the time when level land is almost non-existent. Take a short hike down the Bangaan Terraces and get an authentic village experience. After lunch, wind the day by visiting a local marketplace and a native handicraft store for some interesting souvenirs.

Day 5

Head out on an exciting road trip through the mountains, pausing at stunning viewpoints to take in the stunning views of the terraces. Visit an ethnographic museum in Bontoc. Then, go to the peaceful highland town of Sagada where you’ll find beautiful scenery, a pleasant climate, and great hiking trails through pine trees. Plus, visit the province’s famous caves with hanging coffins.

Day 6

Take a scenic drive through the Cordilleras and make your way to Cervantes, the town connecting Ilocos Sur and Mountain Province. Drive through Bessang Pass, which was once the site of the bloodiest battles during WWII, and see the transformation of the highlands into charming towns. Then, make your way to Santa Maria village, where the UNESCO-listed, baroque-styled, and heavily-buttressed Church of the Assumption resides, and finally to Vigan, where you can see the old Bantay Bell Tower from afar.

Day 7

Head to Mena Crisologo in Vigan and explore its cobblestone streets lined with colonial houses. Ride in a horse-drawn carriage called a ‘calesa’ and take in the city’s rich history. Visit St. Paul’s Cathedral and its bell tower in Plaza Burgos, the Syquia Mansion with its antique furniture and photos, and take a ride on a calesa to see the Pagburnayan jar factory, abel weaving in Camangaan, and all that Vigan has to offer. To end the day, explore some of the traditional crafts of the city like the “Pagburnayan” or the burnay jar making and abel weaving, which is the traditional woven product of the region, and was a major export product of the Philippines during the Spanish Galleon trade.

Day 8

Embark on a journey through the city of Laoag, where you can visit some of the most famous places in the area. Visit the San Agustin Church, which has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1704 and is known for its different architectural styles. Drop by to the 5-hectare property called the Malacañang of the North which is the former residence of the late president Ferdinand Marcos Sr., which overlooks Paoay Lake. After Laoag, you can explore the Museo Iloko, the Abolition of Tobacco Monopoly monument, and the St. Nicholas Cathedral with its sinking bell tower, before heading back to Manila.

Day 9

Start your journey on a flight to IloIlo and explore Tigbauan where you’ll find a beautiful Latin-American church with colorful stone murals and a monument to the first Jesuit school for boys in the Philippines. Then make your way to Guimbal, which is known for its beautiful square and yellow sandstone church. Finally, make your way to Miagao and check out the Miag-ao church, which has an Aztec-style façade, and was a declared national landmark in 1973 and is included in the UNESCO World Heritage list.

Day 10

Take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city by touring in Guimaras, the city famous for its mangoes and cashews, as well as its beautiful beaches and coves. You can visit the Balaan-bukid shrine, a top-of-the-mountain sanctuary where a large cross resides, offering a panoramic view of the city of Iloilo. Visit the Trappist monastery, where Trappist monks run a monastery amid lush mango and tropical fruit plantations. Head for lunch at a local beach resort and have the opportunity to swim after.

Day 11

Experience a fun and exciting getaway and continue with the tour in Puerto Princesa. Tour the State College Museum, the Pineapple Fiber Weavers and the bustling market. Plus, don’t miss out on the unique Prison Colony in Iwahig, also known as the Prison without Walls, where prisoners on good behavior can stay with their family, and help out with the farm work.

Day 12

Take a 2-hour boat ride from the city then hop back on the outrigger boat and make your way to St Paul’s Bay Natural Park. This park is famous for its huge limestone and marble cliffs, and you can explore the underground river and see the cathedral-like caves that stretch up to 8 kilometers under the cliffs. You can hear the bats’ screams as they enter the caves, and you can see the strange stalagmites that rise from the water. End the day by having a picnic lunch at a seaside resort before returning the Puerto Princesa city.

Day 13

Go to the airport and head back to Manila.

Highlights of This Journey

A quick overview to make the most of your stay.

  • Explore the rich history of Manila, offering a glimpse into the Philippines' fascinating past.
  • Immerse yourself in the stunning views of the UNESCO Heritage sites, Banaue Rice Terraces and Sagada.
  • Discover Vigan’s cobblestone streets, colonial buildings, and historical landmarks.

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