North Luzon Explorer - 4 days

North Luzon Explorer - 4 days

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4 Days From

$775

North Luzon Explorer - 4 days

4 Days Starting and ending in Manila, Philippines

Visiting: Manila, Banaue, Sagada

Tour operator:

On The Go Tours

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

2 - 12

Physical rating:

Medium

Age range:

15-

Tour operated in:

English

Trip Styles:

Small Group

Activities:

Sightseeing, Walking

From: $775

NB: Prices correct on 01-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

Tour Overview

Embark on a captivating 4-day journey through North Luzon, Philippines, starting and ending in the vibrant capital, Manila. This small group tour takes you to the heart of Filipino culture and history, beginning with a visit to Bacolor's St. Guillermo Church, partially buried by the 1991 Mt. Pinatubo eruption. Marvel at the UNESCO-listed Banaue Rice Terraces and explore the Bontoc Museum's fascinating tribal artifacts. In Sagada, witness the unique hanging coffins and experience traditional hand-loom weaving. Travel along the scenic Halsema Highway to Baguio, the Philippines' summer capital, where you'll enjoy a guided tour of its bustling markets and iconic landmarks. With comfortable 3-star accommodations, professional guides, and private transportation, this tour offers an unforgettable exploration of Luzon's rich heritage and breathtaking landscapes.

Highlights

  • Manila - Start and end your express Luzon adventure in the Filipino capital

  • Visit St. Guillermo Church in Bacolor, partially buried by lahar flows from the 1991 Mt. Pinatubo eruption

  • Explore the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Banaue Rice Terraces

  • Visit the famous hanging coffins in burial caves in Sagada

  • Experience traditional hand-loom weaving at a local weaving house in Sagada

  • Join a guided tour of Baguio, the Philippines' summer capital, visiting Session Road, Burnham Park, and Mansion House

  • Admire breathtaking views of the Cordillera Mountains along the Halsema Highway

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Manila

Location: Manila

Accommodation Name: hotel

Manila - Bacolor - Banaue. You will be collected in Manila as we depart for Banaue, located 360 km away. Travelling north along the highway, we will make a stop in Bacolor, a town severely affected by the 1991 eruption of Mt. Pinatubo. We will then visit the St. Guillermo Church, which is half-buried in volcanic lahar flows.





Afterward, we will continue our journey through the fertile central plains of Luzon until we begin our ascent to Banaue. We will arrive in the evening and check in to our hotel for the night.













Day 2: Banaue

Location: Banaue

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Banaue - Bontoc - Sagada. This morning there is an optional Banga-An Village tour. Board a traditional Filipino jeepney to discover more of the surrounding scenery and Ifugaos culture. See the iconic UNESCO-listed rice terraces, dating back more than 2,000 years. The skill required to produce this fertile land in such a mountainous area is incredibly impressive.





In the afternoon, we travel to Sagada, making ample stops at vantage points along the highway to admire the breathtaking scenery of the rice terraces. We will visit the Bontoc Museum, founded by Belgian nuns, which houses an intriguing collection of artifacts from the mountain tribes of the region. We will arrive in Sagada in the evening.

Day 3: Sagada

Location: Sagada

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Sagada - Baguio. Today we will visit one of Sagada's burial caves, where we will be able to see the famous hanging coffins. There are multiple reasons that the native Igorot people bury their dead in this way. Practical reasons involve keeping them away from predators, while there are important spiritual reasons too - it makes sense that the higher a coffin is placed, the closer the deceased is to the spirit world and their ancestors. We'll take a short hike along one of the trails to view these famous coffins and visit a weaving house where the local women engage in hand-loom weaving.





We will then travel along the Halsema Highway, crossing the Cordillera Mountains and passing spectacular views of the vegetable terraces until we reach Baguio City, known as the ‘Summer Capital of the Philippines,’ situated at an elevation of 1,540 metres.

Day 4: Manila

Location: Manila

Meals Included: Breakfast

Baguio - Manila. After breakfast, we embark on a guided tour of Baguio, highlighting key attractions such as Session Road, a vibrant thoroughfare lined with shops and cafes, and Burnham Park, a beautiful urban park featuring a boating lake, gardens, and picnic areas. We will also visit the Mansion House, the official summer residence of the President of the Philippines, where we can appreciate the grand architecture and lush gardens.





After exploring these highlights, we will head to the public market, known for its colourful stalls selling fresh produce, local delicacies and handicrafts, making it one of the most vibrant marketplaces in the country. Following our visit, we will travel back to Manila via the national highway, crossing the fertile central plains of Luzon. Our tour ends on arrival back in Manila in the evening.

What's Included

  • 3 breakfasts

  • 3 nights 2-3star accommodation (basic)

  • All relevant transfers and transportation in private air-conditioned vehicles

  • Escorted by a professional English-speaking tour guide

  • Guided sightseeing in Bacolor, Banaue, Bontoc, Sagada and Baguio

  • Entry to burial caves in Sagada to view hanging coffins

  • Experience local weaving culture with a visit to a weaving house in Sagada

  • Admission to Bontoc Museum

  • Stops along Halsema Highway for breathtaking views of the Cordillera Mountains

  • Note: This tour is operated in conjunction with our trusted partner and you will join travellers from different operators, not solely On The Go

What's Not Included

  • International flights and visa

    International flights and visa are not included in the tour package.

  • Tipping

    Tipping is not included and is an entirely personal gesture.

  • Airport transfers

    Airport transfers are not included in the tour package.

  • Optional tours

    Optional tours are not included and can be arranged separately.

Mode of Transport

Travel in style with all relevant transfers and transportation provided in private air-conditioned vehicles, ensuring a comfortable journey throughout your North Luzon adventure.

Accommodation

Enjoy 3 nights in comfortable 3-star hotels, providing a relaxing retreat after each day's exploration of the stunning landscapes and cultural sites of North Luzon.

Age Policy

Min age 12

Check out our Q&As

  • What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?

    The tour includes 3 nights in 3-star hotels.

  • Is there a tour guide provided during the trip?

    Yes, the tour is escorted by a professional English-speaking tour guide.

  • Are meals included in the tour package?

    The tour includes 3 breakfasts.

  • What kind of transportation is used during the tour?

    All relevant transfers and transportation are provided in private air-conditioned vehicles.

  • Will there be opportunities to learn about local culture during the tour?

    Yes, you will have the chance to experience local weaving culture with a visit to a weaving house in Sagada and explore the Bontoc Museum, which houses artifacts from the mountain tribes.

  • What is the significance of the hanging coffins in Sagada?

    The hanging coffins are a traditional burial practice of the native Igorot people, believed to keep the deceased away from predators and closer to the spirit world and their ancestors.

  • Is the tour suitable for solo travelers?

    Yes, the tour is operated in conjunction with a trusted partner, and you will join travelers from different operators, not solely On The Go, making it suitable for solo travelers.

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    Ensuring our footprint is light and that the benefits of travelling reach the local communities you visit is paramount to us. We’re proud to say that when travelling with us, the large majority of your holiday funds remain within the countries you visit, supporting local economies at a grass roots level.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Since 1998

  • Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?

    With English-speaking tours, it's not a huge surprise that most on our travellers are from English-speaking countries or have English as their second language. Our group tours cater for everyone from 18 years old to 70+

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

Reviews of this operator

Nicola Hodgkinson (Google Reviewer)  

Recently returned from Greece, a...

07-May-2024

Recently returned from Greece, a 5 day tour with OTG. Unfortunately, I had a negative experience on day 2 where I needed local support to get me out of a tricky situation. Thank you to Alexandra Z from Hetco Tours in Athens for helping me continue on with the trip, to the Hotel Zafolia staffing team and to Danielle and team here in the UK for supporting me with the aftermath. Your kindness will not be forgotten and I will pay it forward. I've now booked 3 trips with yourselves and will continue to go back. Thank you all. Honestly, I am SO grateful. Blessings to you all. Nicola

Calvin  

Wonderful experience

05-Jan-2023

Jamal is our tour guide. Right from the start, he created a group chat in whatsapp and if any issues to make sure we contact him. He was on the ball with every issue thrown at him. Luggage being left behind, stragglers wondered off in a different path, hotel room etc. He explains the various site along our route to give us a better understanding of the local cultures. We had a great time, thanks to Jamal.

Trustpilot
Norma Sullivan  

Land of the Northern Lights 5 day tour of Iceland

10-Sep-2021

The Land of Northern Lights tour was a triumph! My tour of Southern Iceland was absolutely wonderful. The venues chosen, the timing allotted at each venue and the variety of things to experience was nearly perfect. Our guide, "Thor", was smart, amusing, full of history and anecdotal stories as well as being incredibly hospitable and helpful. This small group experience was my first, but not my last thanks to On the Go.

Trawls (Google Reviewer)  

On The Go Tours Sri...

05-Feb-2024

On The Go Tours Sri Lanka was an incredible experience that was made even better by our tour guide Akthar. He was incredibly knowledgeable about his country and he loved sharing it with us. The tour covers a wide range of activities so you can truly experience what Sri Lanka is all about. The beautiful 4-5 star hotels at the end of every day was an absolute bonus. Thanks for a great trip OTGT I’m sure this won’t be my last

Xtreme Floor Care (Google Reviewer)  

Traveled through Egypt with On...

30-Nov-2023

Traveled through Egypt with On the Go Tours, professional service, very informative and helpful tour guides. The choice of hotels was excellent... Definitely recommend this company

Gavin Harrigan  

King Tutankhamun 10 day tour of Egypt

16-Sep-2021

I have just returned from my tour with On The Go and it was an amazing trip! From arriving at the airport and meeting the OTG representative, everything was well organised and hassle free.  Our tour guide was Amir. He is awesome!! From the beginning he was so friendly and enthusiastic about showing us around Egypt, giving us loads of information at each place and time to explore ourselves. Learnt so much from him about this fascinating place, and he was always happy to answer more questions.   The trip itself was amazing. There's lots of travelling on this trip, but it's really not too bad, and the sights you see when you get to where you are going are worth it. I'm not a big fan of boats, but the Felluca ride across the Nile was pretty fun too.  On the first day I also did the optional tour of Cairo with Ahmed Helal - another excellent guide from OTG. It's worth doing this add on as you don't spend much time in Cairo, and you go to three very different places.  I'm so glad that I decided to do this trip. It was just ace.  If you're thinking about it too, you should probably just book it. And hopefully you get Amir as your guide.

Paul Kelly (Google Reviewer)  

TOTALLY MOROCCO We booked a 9...

26-Feb-2023

TOTALLY MOROCCO We booked a 9 day tour of Morocco visiting many main cities and places of interest. The coach was very comfortable and we felt safe with the driver Suliman. The guide was Hicham Touraouine and he was fantastic. He spoke perfect English as well as French, Arabic and Berber. He was so kind and considerate and made a good tour great. We particularly enjoyed ‘glamming in the Sahara Desert. So much to see and do and great food and company. We would definitely use On The Go Tours again, especially if Hicham was the guide. Paul & Penny

Joyce Heitler (Google Reviewer)  

I would give this tour...

09-May-2024

I would give this tour group no stars if possible. The tour was not guaranteed but they did not inform me when I booked and they did not have enough people. Way after I booked they said I needed a doctors letter because I was over 70. Also way after booking I was informed I needed travel insurance. They knew my age when I booked. They would not refund my tour even though it was 4 months away.

Sarah Paterson (Google Reviewer)  

Terrible tour of India. For...

27-Dec-2023

Terrible tour of India. For some reason On the Go hadn't realised that my room mate had booked her own room for the first night of tour. So the hotel in Delhi had tried to put me in her room after midnight, by wheeling in an extra bed. She went Crazy!! I then had to sit in hotel reception for hours. While the tour guide said he couldn't find me a room. Throughout the tour the guide consistently ask me and my room mate for money for my room, causing more friction between us. Don't book with this company had the worst experience ever. Go with Intrepid or G Adventure

brandy hoffman (Google Reviewer)  

I had used them once...

09-Aug-2023

I had used them once before and loved them. I decided to try them again for a Baltic tour not knowing that they put me on another Tour group- Baltic vision. Loved that tour but was not impressed they marked up the cost for me over 100%. I understand taking some for yourself because of paperwork, but over double the cost everyone else paid on the tour. Just double check before you book with them that you’re not over paying.

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Prices last published on 31-Oct-2024

Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    On The Go Tours requires a minimum deposit of 600 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of on the go tours charges.

    Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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