Delightful Philippines

Upon arrival in Manila, you will be greeted and taken to your hotel by our agent.
Overnight in a Manila hotel.

Begin the journey at Makati's business sector, which includes Fort Bonifacio and the
American Cemetery, then continue to the capital city of Manila. Arrive to Rizal Park,
named for Dr. Jose Rizal, the country's national hero. Proceed to the old Walled City
of Intramuros after a quick photo break. Explore the cobblestone walkways of San
Agustin Church, the country's oldest stone church, and examine its extensive
collection of ecclesiastical icons, vestments, and other religious items. Across from it
is Casa Manila, a replica of a nineteenth-century house furnished with Oriental and
European furnishings, as well as Philippine antiques. Proceed to Fort Santiago,
Manila's primary line of defence against seaborne attackers. The stone fort protects
the city's entry from Manila Bay and has witnessed several sad events throughout
Philippine history. Drive from the Fort to Quiapo, Manila's core neighbourhood, which
is sometimes referred to as the city's heart due to its market, Black Nazarene
pilgrimage church, jeepney stations, and bazaars. Then make your way to the
Chinese Cemetery, where mausoleums are as large and intricate as mansions and
where fusions of Buddhist and Christian religions are abundant. Take some time to
browse before returning to the hotel. Overnight in a Manila hotel. (L, B)

Today, you will be taken from your accommodation to the Domestic Airport in Manila
in preparation for your trip to Bohol. Take a shared transfer to the beach resort upon
arrival in Bohol. The remainder of the day is at your pleasure. Overnight in a Bohol
hotel. (B)

This morning, depart on a day excursion to discover the beauties of Bohol. The first
visit is the Philippine Tarsier Foundation in Corella, which serves as a haven for the
world's tiniest primate, the tarsier. Observe these unique, nocturnal creatures in their
native environment and be impressed at their agility as they move around, hopping
from tree to tree and swivelling their heads nearly 360 degrees. Then travel to
Baclayon, stopping briefly at the ancient Blood Compact site, where Spain's Miguel
Lopez de Legazpi and Datu Sikatuna, an indigenous chieftain, cemented their
partnership with a symbolic drink. Having recently lost only its bell tower and portico
to a powerful earthquake, the church retains a museum with a great collection of
religious art, clerical costumes, and Latin-inscribed church music librettos on animal
skins. Continue the excursion by travelling through Bilar man-made forest, a dense
thicket of tall mahogany trees growing on the outskirts of the roadway leading to the
country's geological marvel, the Chocolate Hills. Stop at the drop-off spot to take in
the vista of the changing colours of the hills. The hill grasses turn a rich brown in the
summer, like chocolate candy drops, therefore the name 'Chocolate Hills'. By late
afternoon, return to the hotel. Overnight in a Bohol hotel. (B,L)

Day 5: Depart for Manila from Bohol