Echoes of Luzon

Fly down and arrive at Ninoy Aquino International Airport, where you will meet your guide and driver. They will drive you to your hotel. If your room is ready, you will be able to check in. If your room is not ready, you can leave your luggage in the reception and explore the vicinity, and relax around the hotel. You will have the rest of the day to yourself to do as you wish in the capital city of Manila.

Enjoy your breakfast before being picked up by your guide for a full-day private tour of the city. You will first be driven to the Santiago Fort, where you will start your journey through Intramuros, the heart of Manila. Your first stop will be the Rizal Museum, dedicated to José Rizal, the Philippines’ national hero, offering insights into his life and legacy. Next, we’ll visit Casa Manila, a charming replica of a late 19th-century Spanish colonial mansion filled with period furnishings that reflect Filipino, Chinese, and European influences. Continue to the iconic San Agustin Church, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and explore its fascinating museum. Afterward, we head to Binondo, recognized as the world’s oldest Chinatown, where you will take a short walking tour through its vibrant streets. Our final stop is the Chinese Cemetery, a unique “city of the dead” known for its elaborate mausoleums and rich history. After this in-depth, enriching day, your guide and driver will return you to your hotel in Manila.

Rise early to grab some breakfast before checking out at 06.30 to catch your flight at the airport from Manila to Cauayan. You will land approximately at mid-morning. You will be met by a guide and a driver at the airport, who will drive you to Banaue, which will take around four hours. Along the way, stop to sightsee at the Mayoyao. The area where the Japanese Army made their last stand in World War Two, overlooking majestic rice terraces. You will be dropped off at your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at your own pace.

After breakfast will meet you at your hotel for a scenic journey to Batad, a remote village renowned for its breathtaking rice terraces and rich cultural heritage. From the drop-off point, embark on a twenty-minute trek down to the village, where you’ll be surrounded by the iconic amphitheater-shaped rice terraces, an engineering marvel crafted by the Ifugao people over two thousand years ago. These terraces, nourished by an ancient irrigation system from the surrounding rainforests, are a UNESCO World Heritage site and stand as a testament to the sustainable agricultural practices of the Ifugao.
Once in the village, immerse yourself in the local community’s way of life. You’ll learn the traditional art of rice pounding, an essential practice in Ifugao culture. This hands-on activity offers a deeper connection to the daily life and heritage of the people here. Trek onwards to a nearby waterfall, where you can relax and enjoy the serene natural surroundings, and the refreshing waters provide the perfect opportunity to unwind before returning to the village to board a jeepney to head back to your hotel. In the evening, you’ll have the unique opportunity to witness a cultural performance by the Ifugao people. This captivating show will allow you to experience traditional dances, music, and rituals, offering a deeper insight into the community’s customs and heritage.

Have your breakfast before checking out at 09.00am, before being picked up by your private van to Sagada. Along the way, you will get to stop at the local museum in Bontoc, which exhibits powerful black-and-white photographs and artifacts depicting the history and heritage of the indigenous peoples of the Cordillera region. You will arrive in Sagada in the early afternoon and be dropped off at your hotel. Once checked in and settled, you can take the opportunity to explore the small and tranquil town of Sagada, which has managed to resist the Spanish Conquest, protect its people, and retain its culture.

Enjoy your breakfast before going on a walking tour with your guide through Echo Valley, where Sagada’s centuries-old hanging coffins rest high on limestone cliffs. This traditional burial method, still practiced today, is reserved for specific members of the community who meet certain qualifications, such as being married and having grandchildren.
At the "lookout" point, you can shout into the valley and hear your voice echo back, giving Echo Valley its distinctive name. From here, we’ll take a scenic walk through a local coffee plantation, where you can see how the Arabica coffee beans are cultivated in Sagada’s highlands. The cool mountain climate and fertile soil make this area ideal for coffee-growing, and you’ll get a closer look at the coffee plants along with insights into local farming techniques that produce Sagada’s renowned coffee. Next, we’ll head to Sugong to view additional hanging coffins suspended from a cliff face, further illustrating the unique burial customs of the region. From there, we’ll visit Lumiang Burial Cave, where hundreds of coffins are stacked at the entrance, with the oldest believed to be about five hundred years old. Be sure to look for the intricate carvings of lizards on the coffins, symbols associated with long life and fertility. After this incredible cultural immersive walk, head back to your hotel to unwind and relax.

This morning at 09.00am, you will leave for Vigan, departing from your hotel with a van after you have had your breakfast and checked out. The drive will take over five hours, offering scenic views and glimpses of Philippine history along the way. Pass through this historic Bessang Pass National Park, where one of the most challenging battles of World War Two in the Philippines was fought against General Tomoyuki Yamashita’s forces. Arrive in Vigan around late afternoon and check into your accommodation.

Have your breakfast before being picked up by your guide, who will take you to explore the sights of Vigan, a UNESCO World Heritage city. Begin with a visit to the iconic Vigan Cathedral, a historic landmark showcasing Spanish colonial architecture. Discover the rich heritage of the region at the Padre Burgos Museum and step back in time at the Syquia Mansion, once the residence of President Elpidio Quirino.
Stop by the Crisologo Museum, which offers a glimpse into the lives of one of Vigan’s most prominent families. Admire the lush landscapes at the Hidden Garden, known for its tranquil ambiance and unique plant varieties. Experience traditional craftsmanship at the Camangaan Loom Weaving center, where skilled artisans demonstrate the age-old art of weaving. You’ll also have the chance to see the Bantay Bell Tower, a historic landmark that stands proudly over the surrounding area. Finally, take a stroll down Calle Crisologo, famed for its cobblestone streets and well-preserved Spanish colonial-era houses. After your journey through history and culture, your guide will return you to your hotel.

This morning, after your breakfast and checking out, you will be picked up to be transferred to the Laoag Airport (flight midday). On the way, you can stop by one of the UNESCO World Heritage sites, visit the historic home of the famous Filipino painter Juan Luna, and stop by the iconic structure, the Sinking Bell Tower, known for its slow descent into the ground over the centuries. Then, arrive at the airport for your flight back to Manila. Once arriving at the Airport, an escort will be prepared for you to take you to your hotel. You will have the rest of the day to yourself.

Free time at leisure to relax or explore before departure. Meet your driver at the hotel for your transfer to the airport.

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