ESCORTED SMALL GROUP TOUR
Trip Length: 15 days
Trip Dates:
Feb 25 – Mar 10, 2012
13 nights in First Class hotels | 29 meals
Rates: $3395 | $4195 single
Intra-Tour Airfare Approx. $200 (2 flights)
International Airfare is additional
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The Philippines is one of the great treasures of Southeast Asia but is largely overlooked by travelers because of security concerns in isolated regions of the country. It is an off-the-beaten-path destination where the intrepid traveler can escape the hordes that descend on other parts of Asia. Its awesome natural wonders, fascinating indigenous cultures and modern-thinking population make the Philippines a ideal destination for American travelers and, especially, the gay traveler. Manila is often compared to Bangkok for its nightlife and gay culture. We will explore the fantastic landscapes with wonders enough to stagger even the most jaded traveler: the Chocolate Hills of Bohol, Banaue & the Rice Terraces and will descend to sea-level to explore its string of coral-fringed islands strewn across a vast expanse of the western Pacific. Join us on an exploratory trip of the second-largest archipelago in the world and discover its great treasures, including its people, by far the number one reason to visit the Philippines.
Depart the USA on any regularly scheduled flight to Manila.
Day 2 -- Sun, Feb 26 – MANILA
Arrive in Manila where you will be met by Coda Tours' representative outside customs. Transfer to the Manila Hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure to recuperate from the trans-Pacific flight. Overnight at the Manila Hotel.
Hotel: Manila Hotel
Room: Superior Deluxe
Meals: Dinner
Start with a delicious breakfast buffet in the hotel this morning. Meet our guide in the lobby and depart for a tour of Manila.
This half day tour begins with a visit to the Rizal Park where the Philippines' national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal, was executed by Spain in December of 1896. A monument to the hero stands at the park where his remains are also buried. Proceed to the walled city of Intramuros which was built by the Spanish colonizers during the 16th century. The first stop is at the historic Fort Santiago, a fortress built by the conquistador Miguel Lopez de Legazpi and became the seat of military power during the Spanish, American and Japanese colonial periods. The second stop is at the San Agustin Church which was completed in 1607 by the Augustinians. San Agustin has the distinction of being the oldest standing church in the Philippines. There is also a museum which exhibits artifacts from the bygone Spanish era. The tour then crosses the street to the Casa Manila, once a colonial villa during the Spanish period and now a museum that recreates a typical household during the era. The final stop is at Bahay Tsinoy, a museum dedicated to the contributions and influence of the Chinese in Philippine culture.
We will stop for lunch at a local restaurant. The afternoon is free to relax at the pool or with a massage or explore the Filipino way – at the mall. This evening we gather for a Welcome Dinner at the hotel to meet our fellow travelers. Overnight at the Manila Hotel.
Hotel: Manila Hotel
Room: Superior Deluxe
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 4 -- Tue, Feb 28 – MANILA / BANAUE
Enjoy a buffet breakfast at the hotel, before check out. Depart for an 8- to 9-hour drive to Banaue, passing through the verdant countryside of central and northern Luzon. Lunch is en route at a local restaurant. Expect to arrive in Banaue by the late afternoon. Dinner is at the hotel. Overnight at the Banaue Hotel.
Hotel: Banaue Hotel
Room: Standard
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Breakfast at the hotel. Depart this morning using in private jeepneys to the terraces and the Banga-an Village. A 15 to 20 minute walk along a descending trail brings us to the Banga-an Village, nestled amidst breathtaking views of the terraces. The village also offers insights into the traditional Ifuago culture and lifestyle. From the village, continue to the viewpoint over the majestic Rice Terraces which were first built over 2,000 years ago and often acclaimed as the 8th Wonder of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Lunch at a local restaurant and dinner at the hotel today. Overnight at the Banaue Hotel.
Hotel: Banaue Hotel
Room: Standard
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After an early breakfast, we depart to the rustic town of Sagada known for its burial caves and hanging coffins of mummified tribesmen. Visit the Bontoc Museum to see the artifacts and photos of the tribes from the highlands. After a lunch, we witness a tribal show of songs and dances of the Bontoc tribesmen. We return to Banaue where dinner is served at the hotel. Overnight at the Banaue Hotel
Hotel: Banaue Hotel
Room: Standard
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Breakfast at the hotel before we depart for over mountain roads to Baguio City. Lunch is en route at a local restaurant. Arrive in Baguio in the afternoon. Dinner will be at a local restaurant. Overnight at the John Hay Manor.
Hotel: John Hay Manor
Room: Studio Unit
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8 -- Sat, Mar 3 – BAGUIO CITY
Breakfast at the hotel . Known as the "Summer Capital of the Philippines," Baguio's cool climes draw both locals and foreigners to its refreshing surroundings. Before proceeding to the city, we take a short drive around Camp John Hay which used to be the primary recreation facility for the American military forces in the Philippines. A drive into the heart of the city takes us to places of interest such as the Mines View Park, a promontory that offers a panoramic view of the city. Shops also abound here with native handicrafts for your shopping pleasure. There is also a visit to the Mansion House, the summer residence of the President of the Philippines. Another stop is at the Easter Weaving School where centuries-old weaving techniques are preserved and fabrics indigenous to the Igorot tribes are made. Also drive by other areas of interest such as Wright Park, Burnham Park and the Session Road. Return to the hotel in the afternoon. Lunch and dinner are at local restaurants. Overnight at the John Hay Manor.
Hotel: John Hay Manor
Room: Studio Unit
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Breakfast is at the hotel. Depart for Manila with lunch en route on personal account. Arrive Manila and check-in at the Manila Hotel. Remainder of day and evening are at leisure. This evening we may go out to a local gay bar or club. Overnight at the Manila Hotel.
Hotel: Manila Hotel
Room: Superior Deluxe
Meals: Breakfast
Breakfast at the hotel and then transfer to the domestic airport for our flight to Tagbilaran City on the island province of Bohol. Upon arrival in Tagbilaran go to the Amarela Resort for check-in. The remainder of the day is at leisure. Dinner at The Bee Farm for a smorgasbord of organic delights. Overnight at the Amarela Resort.
Hotel: Amarela Resort
Room: Deluxe
Meals:
Breakfast, Dinner
After breakfast, depart on a tour of the Bohol countryside to the renowned Chocolate Hills. En route visit historical and cultural landmarks like the Blood Compact Shrine and Baclayon Church. The Chocolate Hills consist of some 1268 hills. They are very uniform in shape and mostly between 30 and 50 meters high. They are covered with grass, which, at the end of the dry season, turns chocolate brown. From this color, the hills derive their name. Climb the platform for a panoramic view. On the return, we take a short cruise on enchanting Loboc river and stop to meet the cute tarsiers, one of the world's smallest primates. Overnight at Amarela Resort.
Hotel: Amarela Resort
Room: Deluxe
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Breakfast at the hotel and then transfer to Tagbilaran pier. We take a ferry to Cebu via SuperCat. Arrive in Cebu and transfer to the Radisson Blu. The remainder of the day is at leisure. Overnight at the Radisson Blu.
Hotel: Radisson Blu
Room: Deluxe
Meals: Breakfast
Breakfast at the hotel. Discover Cebu City, the queen city of the south, and the oldest city in the Philippines. The province of Cebu was visited by the explorer Magellan and we see the cross planted by the Portuguese explorer in 1521. Then, experience Cebu's past colonial lifestyle though the splendor of Casa Gorordo Museum , once the residence of the first Filipino Bishop of Cebu. Lunch at a local restaurant. Rest of the afternoon is free. Overnight at the Radisson Blu.
Hotel: Radisson Blu
Room: Deluxe
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch
Day 14 -- Fri, Mar 9 – CEBU / MANILA
Breakfast at the hotel. Check-out and transfer to the Mactan International Airport. Depart for Manila. Arrive in Manila and transfer to hotel. This evening we enjoy a Farewell Dinner at the hotel. Overnight at the Manila Hotel.
Hotel: Manila
Room:
Superior deluxe
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 15 – Sat, Mar 10 – Manila / USA
Breakfast at the hotel. Check-out and transfer to international airport according to your flight schedule.
Meals: Breakfast
Hotel: Radisson Blu
Room: Deluxe
Hotels in the Philippines—other than some island resorts—are not especially exciting, apart from the history of the Manila Hotel. This is due to the lack of international tourism coming from North America. We have selected the best hotels available. They offer good hospitality and are convenient for our sightseeing. |
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A 149 room hotel opened in 1912 and designed by architect Daniel Hudson Burnham, the Manila Hotel stands firmly in the hall of fame of the world's greatest hotels. The history of the hotel is a directory of the rich and famous and movers and shakers of the 20th century. General Douglas McArthur made it home with his wife and son for 6 years from 1935-1941. The world's personages such as Ernest Hemingway, Muhammad Ali, The Beatles and Bob Hope, just to name a few, will always be part of the hotel's rich reservoir of stories. Even at the turn of the century, Manila Hotel's story and tradition of unparalleled service goes on, hand in hand with genuine Philippine hospitality. It continues to stand proud, meeting the challenges of today's discriminating guests and showcasing only the best the Philippines has to offer. |
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This four-storey structure, designed to blend neatly with towering pine trees, provides a magnificent view of the Cordillera mountain range. Here, one can literally open windows to cool, fresh air. Each room offers a breathtaking view of the mountain range and pine forests. Rooms are equipped with a refrigerator, hot and cold shower, in-room safe, and a phone. |
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Amarela is a homey yet elegant boutique resort resting atop a gentle slope that commands a stunning panoramic view of Bohol Sea and neighboring islands. Its natural sandstone pathway runs through a delightful garden and leads to the longest stretch of white beach in Panglao Island. |
2012 |
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DOUBLE |
$3395 |
$200 |
$3595 |
SINGLE |
$4195 |
$200 |
$4395 |
- 4 nights at the Manila Hotel in Manila.
- 3 nights at the Banaue Hotel in Banaue.
- 2 nights at the John Hay Manor in Baguio City.
- 2 nights at the Amarela Resort in Bohol.
- 2 nights at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Cebu City.
- 13 breakfasts, 8 lunches, 8 dinners.
- Comprehensive sightseeing program as described in the itinerary.
- Entrance fees to all sites included on the sightseeing tours.
- Qualified, full time Filipino tour manager throughout the program.
- Coda Tour Manager on minimum participation.
- Pre-departure assistance and information.
PROGRAM DOES NOT INCLUDE:
International airfare; Domestic airfare Manila/Tagbilaran…Mactan/Manila (quoted separately); Trip Cancellation & Interruption insurance (highly recommended); Meals not specifically indicated in the itinerary; Drinks with meals; Gratuities to guides & drivers
U.S. citizens may enter the Philippines without a visa for tourism purposes upon presentation of their U.S. passport, valid for at least six months after the date of entry into the Philippines, and a return ticket to the United States or an onward ticket to another country. Upon arrival, immigration authorities will annotate the traveler’s passport with an entry visa valid for 21 days.
The Philippines is in a malaria belt and anti-malarial prophylaxis is recommended. Please check with your personal physician before traveling. For further information, visit the Center for Disease Control website. No vaccinations are required for entry into the country.
Delta, Philippines Airlines, Ana, Cathay Pacific, Japan Airlines are among airlines that can be used for this trip. We recommend booking at least 7 months in advance if you want to try to use Frequent Flyer Miles for free tickets or upgrades or the American Express Platinum card 2-4-1 program.
The trip is guaranteed on a minimum of 6 participants. A Coda Tour Manager accompanies the tour on a minimum of 6 participants.
