Day 1 in Manila

Welcome to Manila! Upon arrival at the airport, you will go through customs and immigration. Should you opt to purchase a transfer to your hotel; a representative will be waiting for you as you exit immigration. Arrive at your hotel, check in and do not give in to jet lag! There is so much for you to see and do!

We recommend you get acquainted with the city, take a `kalesa` (horse-drawn carriage) ride around the ancient walled city of Intramuros. Immerse yourself in the ancient heart of colonial Spanish Manila with attractions like the National Historic Landmark of Fort Santiago and the UNESCO World Heritage site of the San Agustin Church. The ancient walls and fortifications found within Intramuros date back to the 16th century and are filled with Spanish colonial era influences. Enjoy a traditional Filipino lunch at any one of the traditional cafes or restaurants that are located here.

Continue your explorations of the 165 acres of Intramuros, visit the Spanish Churches, historical buildings, forts, and museums. We suggest visiting the Manila Metropolitan Cathedral-Basilica founded in 1571 featuring a stunning façade decorated with spectacularly stained glass windows and Roman travertine stone. Step inside this grand masterpiece and see the stunning vaulted ceilings, marble floors, and intricate carvings.

Also be sure to visit Casa Manila, set in the heart of Intramuros this working museum is set in a beautiful Spanish colonial mansion surrounded by a courtyard and fountains. The interior boasts richly decorated rooms filled with ancient artifacts and antique furnishings. Stop by the café on site for a refreshment and a snack.

As evening time approaches, make your way to the oldest Chinatown in the world, `Binondo`. The neighborhood dates back to 1594 and the authentic ancient streets are filled with Filipino-Chinese restaurants, bustling street markets, shops and historical buildings such as the Binondo Church and Buddhist temples. Immerse yourself in the culture of this area and dine on delicious dim-sum. Wander the streets after dinner and pick up some souvenirs.

Day 2 in Manila

Start your day with a good breakfast and coffee before taking a walk around the historical Rizal Park. Situated in the heart of Manila, the park is the site where the country`s national hero Jose Rizal was executed and where independence was officially declared in 1946.

Visit one of the city`s most famous landmarks found in the park, the Rizal Monument, a 100-foot tall bronze statue of Rizal with a plaque that reads `To the memory of Jose Rizal, patriot and martyr, executed on Bagumbayan Field December Thirtieth, 1896. The monument is dedicated by the people of the Philippine Islands`. Wander around the vast area of the park and see the manmade lake that replicates the Philippines archipelago, the Japanese gardens, and the planetarium.

Next stop is The National Museum in Manila filled with historical artworks by famous Filipino artists such as Juan Luna, Fernando Zobel, and Felix Hidalgo. The galleries contain the spectacular Spoliarium, an oil canvas painting by Juan Luna that won gold at the Exposición Nacional de Bellas Artes in 1884 in Madrid. Another section of the museum is dedicated to the shipwreck of the San Diego, a Spanish galleon which sank off the coast in 1600.

As afternoon approaches, make your way into Intramuros and enjoy lunch at one of the open-air cafes while soaking up the sights and surroundings of the area. Then take a scenic ferry ride along the Pasig River, enjoying the scenery along the way. Pass by some of the riverside attractions including the spectacular Malacanang Palace that sits on the river banks.

Head in the Makati, the capital of Metro Manila and the city`s central business district filled with arts and entertainment on every street. Visit the fantastic Ayala Museum situated on the central thoroughfare of Ayala Avenue. The museum covers the history and culture of the Philippines. The Gold of the Ancestors exhibit is definitely worth a visit, displaying precious gold pieces that date back to the Spanish era. The Filipinos Heritage Library can also be found onsite. Visit the café and bistro located on the ground floor complete with a Zen garden.

Take a stroll through the Ayala Triangle Gardens decorated with beautiful verdant trees, blossoming flowers, and walkways amongst scenic surroundings. Enjoy dinner either around the park in the Triangle area where a few restaurants are located or head back to Ayala Ave where there are a wide array of dining options to choose from.

After dinner check out the nightlife that Makati has to offer. The area is filled with vibrant night markets, happening clubs, upscale lounges, rooftop bars and salsa dancing until dawn.

Day 3 in Manila

Start your day early with a visit to one of the city`s bustling street markets. The Quiapo Market has infinite shopping options with street stalls that sell almost everything. Grab some delicious fruit or `Champorado` a chocolate flavored rice porridge for breakfast and haggle on some souvenirs. On Fridays, the market is buzzing with a carnival-like feel, with fortune tellers, saint candles, incense and tarot card readings.

If you are visiting Manila on a Saturday, be sure to check out the Saturday Market of Salcedo Village. This vibrant market offers some of the finest local fruits and veggies along with plenty of street food from 7 am until 2 pm every Saturday.

Visit the Quiapo Church, which is the famous home of the Black Nazarene, a dark statue of Christ said to be miraculous. The life-sized statue is carved out of ebony and stands at the altar, the church still conducts mass in Latin.

As afternoon approaches, make your way to the Mall of Asia, the largest mall in Asia and one of the 10th largest in the world. This monument shopping and entertainment complex has plenty of activities to keep you busy for hours. Do some retail therapy at the hundreds of shops, see a movie at the IMAX theatre, go skating at the Olympic sized skate rink, dine at the first-class restaurants or take a ride on the Ferris wheel.

As evening time approaches, take a walk down Baywalk, a mile long stretch of walking along the seaside promenade. This is the perfect location in Manila to capture a breathtaking sunset over Manila Bay. The strip is filled with restaurants and bars, a great nightlife offering dinner, drinks and dancing along the waterfront.

Additional Days in Manila

Should you be able to spend additional days in Manila take a day trip to Corregidor Island via a ferry ride. This historically fortified island was built to defend the entrance to Manila Bay from enemy ships. Check out the Filipino Heroes Monument, the Pacific War Memorial, the Goddess of Mercy statue and the Japanese Gardens of Peace.

Visit Manila Ocean Park, a world-class marine park featuring an 82-foot underwater tunnel surrounded by sea life. The park houses over 250 different species including sharks, rays, and seahorses. See the South American Sea Lion show staring Isabel and Sandra, learn how to swim like a mermaid, and check out the Antarctica and jelly exhibits. Shopping, dining and a hotel can all be found on site.

Your Last Day in Manila

Depart from your hotel to the airport for your return flight home. We recommend that you purchase a private transfer to the airport if so the representative will meet you at your hotel with plenty of time to get you to the airport for your flight out.