Luzon Trail

Our Luzon Trail begins in the balmy, bustling capital, Manila, before commencing an incredible journey through the Philippines most diverse island. The route takes in volcanoes, Mestizo culture and architecture, spectacular rice terraces, hanging coffins, headhunting villages, beautiful islets and beaches, and of course, a few hiking trails ...

Day 1 – Manila

Today people will be arriving throughout the day. In the evening we'll meet for an introductory briefing and a first taste of Pinoy cuisine.

Days 2-3 – Tagaytay

This morning we'll walk around Manila's enchanting old Spanish quarter, before heading south to beautiful Lake Taal. The following day we'll set off early to take a boat ride out to the tiny but deadly Taal Volcano. Once on the island it's a short but steep climb up to the crater rim. In the evening we'll dine on local fare looking out over the lake.

Days 4-5 – Vigan

Today it's a short drive to the airport for the short flight up to Laoag, from where we transfer to the enchanting town of Vigan, lost in time and home to the Philippines best-preserved Spanish architecture. The following day we'll explore the Mestizo district city on foot, and dine on traditional Ilocos cuisine.

Day 6-7 Sagada

Today it's a long but beautiful drive on an incredible road which forges its way through a vast, yet hidden canyon. Journey's end is Sagada, home to the Igorot people, whose ancestors can be seen in hanging coffins and burial caves throughout the region. The next day we'll take a hike through the craggy limestone hills of this remote part of Luzon, clambering into caves and past waterfalls along the way.

Days 8-9 – Banaue

Famed for its spectacular rice terraces, Banaue is also the heart of the Ifugao region. On our way up to Banaue, we'll stop in Bontoc, which has a fabulous museum documenting the history and daily life of the hardy people who inhabit this wild territory. The following day we'll take a bumpy jeepney ride out to the terraces, which are just as incredible whether vibrant green, burnt yellow, or flooded with water which reflects the surrounding scenery. As well as hiking amongst the terraces, we'll also be guided by a local through tribal villages where life has changed very little in the past thousand years.

Days 10-11 - 100 Islands

From Banaue we'll head south, and then west down to the warmth of the coastal belt. Our penultimate stop in the Hundred Islands offers a spot of relaxation and the chance to reflect on the trip, as well as adding one last experience, a boat ride through the limestone outcrops that dot this bewitching bay.

Day 12 – Manila

Today we return to the bustling capital for one last Filipino meal to celebrate our varied journey through Luzon.

Day 14 - Tour Ends

The tour ends after breakfast.