Philippines: Manila, Clark & Cebu

Spanish-era Manila, Pampanga's heritage around Clark and the island city of Cebu, with private guides.

Your route

1. 1 Manila 2 nights
2. 2 Clark 2 nights
3. 3 Cebu 2 nights

1. Day 1 Manila

   Arrive, free time.

   Welcome to the Philippines. Indian passport holders can visit visa-free for up to 14 days, and all travellers must register online on the eTravel portal before arrival. Our representative meets you at Manila airport for the transfer to your hotel. Check in and rest. In the evening, visit a mall in Makati or Bonifacio Global City, or walk along Manila Bay to watch one of its famous sunsets. Try Filipino dishes such as adobo and halo-halo. Traffic in Manila is heavy at rush hour. Overnight in Manila.

2. Day 2 Manila

   Intramuros and Rizal Park.

   A day of heritage in Manila with a licensed guide. Explore Intramuros, the old Spanish walled city, and Fort Santiago, where national hero José Rizal was held before his execution. Visit San Agustin Church, the oldest stone church in the country and a UNESCO site, and Manila Cathedral. Walk through Rizal Park and see the Cultural Center of the Philippines by the bay. End with a tasting at the Destileria Limtuaco Museum, the country's oldest distillery. Carry water and an umbrella for sun or rain. Overnight in Manila.

3. Day 3 Clark

   Drive north to Clark.

   After breakfast, drive north to Clark, about two hours, in the province of Pampanga, known as the culinary capital of the Philippines. Clark was once a large American air base and is now a busy free port zone with parks, malls and resorts, with Mount Pinatubo in the distance. Check in and relax, then try local Kapampangan food in the evening, such as sisig and tocino. Clark is calmer and greener than Manila, with wide roads and parks, and makes a relaxed base for two nights. Overnight in Clark.

4. Day 4 Clark

   Angeles heritage and Clark Freeport.

   Explore the history and local life of Clark and neighbouring Angeles City. Visit the Pamintuan Mansion, an elegant ancestral house that now holds a museum on Filipino independence, and the Holy Rosary Parish Church, one of the oldest in the area. See the Air Force City Park, with old aircraft on display, and drive around the Clark Freeport Zone. Hot air balloon flights and Pinatubo treks can be added at extra cost. Pampanga is also known for its giant lanterns at Christmas. Overnight in Clark.

5. Day 5 Cebu

   Fly to Cebu.

   Transfer to Clark International Airport for your flight to Cebu, about one and a half hours. Cebu is the oldest city in the Philippines and the gateway to the islands of the Visayas. Our representative meets you and takes you to your hotel. Spend the afternoon at leisure by the pool or the beach on Mactan Island. In the evening, try lechon, the island's famous roast pork, or fresh seafood at a local restaurant. Mactan's beaches and resorts are close to the airport. Overnight in Cebu.

6. Day 6 Cebu

   Magellan's Cross and Cebu sights.

   Explore Cebu City and its twin, Lapu-Lapu on Mactan Island. Visit Magellan's Cross, planted by Ferdinand Magellan's expedition in 1521, and the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño, home to the oldest religious relic in the country. See Fort San Pedro and the Heritage of Cebu Monument, which tells the story of the island's history. Drive up to the hilltop Taoist Temple for views over the city. Island hopping and snorkelling trips from Mactan can be added at extra cost, with clear water and colourful fish. Overnight in Cebu.

7. Day 7 Cebu

   Departure.

   After breakfast, check out of your hotel. Depending on your flight time, relax by the pool or shop for dried mangoes, a famous Cebu snack, and handwoven crafts. Our representative transfers you to Mactan-Cebu International Airport for your flight home. Please reach three hours before departure, and allow for traffic on the bridges to Mactan Island. Pack dried mangoes in checked baggage, and keep your eTravel registration handy for the airport. Your Philippines journey ends here, with memories of Spanish heritage, warm smiles and island sunsets.

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