Explore the Philippines: 12-Day Tour from Istanbul

Overnight flight to Manila

After completing ticket and passport formalities, we fly directly to Manila, the capital of the Philippines, on Turkish Airlines scheduled flight TK84 at 02:15. After a flight of approximately 11 hours, we arrive in Manila at 18:10 local time. We are met at the airport and transferred by private vehicle to our hotel in the city centre. After settling into our rooms, we have free time for dinner and rest. We spend the night at our hotel in Manila.

Our hotel is the 4-star Belmont Hotel Manila or similar.

Tagaytay and Taal Volcano

After breakfast at our hotel, we depart for Tagaytay, a journey of approximately 2 hours. One of the Philippines' destinations for relaxation, the area is known for its natural surroundings, cool climate and volcanic landscape. From viewing terraces, we observe Taal Volcano, one of the world's smallest active volcanoes, located on an island in a lake. After photographing the crater lake views, we have an opportunity to shop at handicraft markets selling local products and at fruit stalls. The area's pineapples, coffee and organic products attract interest. After lunch at a restaurant overlooking Tagaytay, we return to Manila. In this tropical metropolis, the capital of the Philippines, traces of the colonial past sit alongside modern life.

We begin our Manila tour in the historic Intramuros (Old Town) district, built by the Spanish in the 16th century. Here, we visit San Agustin Church and Fort Santiago, which is on the UNESCO World Heritage List. We then take a short walk through Rizal Park, built in memory of Jose Rizal, a hero of Philippine independence.

Continuing our tour, we enjoy panoramic views of Manila Cathedral, the Manila Bay waterfront, Chinatown and the city's modern districts. We have lunch at a local restaurant, sampling Philippine cuisine.

After the tour, we return to our hotel and spend the night there.

Our accommodation will be at the 4-star Belmont Hotel Manila or a similar hotel.

Flight to El Nido

After an early breakfast at our hotel, we travel to Manila Airport in our private vehicle. We fly directly to El Nido with the local airline AirSWIFT at 11:00. After a flight of approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, we arrive in El Nido at 12:30.

On arrival, we transfer to our hotel. After checking in, you have free time for the rest of the day. Guests who wish can relax by the sea or watch the sunset on El Nido's beaches.

We spend the night at our hotel in El Nido.

Our hotel is the 4-star Lagùn Hotel El Nido or similar.

El Nido's lagoons

Today, after breakfast at our hotel, we head to the port for a full-day boat tour to explore El Nido's natural surroundings. During the tour, we stop at El Nido's lagoons and beaches.

At Big Lagoon, we see clear, turquoise waters between large rock formations. We visit Secret Lagoon, hidden among the rocks. At Shimizu Island, we see coral reefs suitable for snorkeling. At the end of the day, we relax on 7 Commando Beach and enjoy the view.

Lunch is served on board during the tour. We take a meal break with fresh seafood and tropical fruit.

In the evening, we return to El Nido and transfer to our hotel. We spend the night at our hotel.

Our accommodation is the 4-star Lagùn Hotel El Nido or a similar hotel.

On to Bohol

After breakfast at our hotel, we transfer to El Nido Airport. At 08:45, we depart on our AirSWIFT flight to Bohol (Tagbilaran). After a connection in Manila, we arrive in Bohol at 14:30.

A private vehicle meets us at the airport and takes us to our hotel. The rest of the day is set aside for rest and free time. Guests who wish can explore the area around the hotel or spend time on the beach.

We spend the night at our hotel on Panglao Island. Our accommodation is at the 4-star Modala Beach Resort or similar hotels.

Tarsiers and Chocolate Hills

After breakfast at our hotel, we begin our full-day Bohol discovery tour. First, we visit the Tarsier Sanctuary. Here, we quietly observe tarsier monkeys, native only to the Philippines and among the world's smallest primates, in their natural habitat and learn about their lives.

We then head to the Chocolate Hills, one of Bohol's well-known landscapes. Named after the chocolate colour the hills take on, the area consists of approximately 1.200 limestone hills and is a candidate for UNESCO World Heritage status. We have an opportunity to photograph the scenery from the viewing platform.

During the tour, we have lunch at a local restaurant. At the end of the day, we return to our hotel. The evening is free time.

We spend the night at Modala Beach Resort or similar 4-star hotels.

Boat tour on the Loboc River

After breakfast at our hotel, we set off for the Loboc River. We take a boat tour along the river in Bohol, observing the tropical vegetation and local life while enjoying music and a buffet lunch. During the tour, we watch traditional music and dance performances from the Philippines.

During lunch, you can enjoy views of the river and the bamboo villages along it. After the boat tour, which includes photo stops and information about local culture, we return to our hotel.

We spend the night at our hotel.

Accommodation is at the 4-star Modala Beach Resort or similar.

Ferry to Cebu

We leave our hotel very early this morning and take the ferry to Cebu Island. After a sea journey of approximately 2 hours, we arrive at Cebu port and begin our city tour in the private vehicle waiting for us.

Our first stop is Basilica Minore del Santo Niño, known as the oldest church in the Philippines. After our visit, we see Magellan's Cross, one of Cebu's landmarks, and the historic Fort San Pedro. The tour also includes visits to the Taoist Temple and Tops Lookout, where we can enjoy panoramic views of the city.

After the city tour, we have dinner at a local restaurant and head to our hotel. We spend the night in Cebu.

We stay at the 4-star Bai Hotel Cebu or similar hotels.

Flight to Boracay

After breakfast at our hotel, we head to Cebu Airport. We depart with Philippine Airlines at 11:05 and arrive at Caticlan Airport at 12:10 after a flight of approximately 1 hour.

From here, we take a short ferry ride to Boracay Island. We then travel to our hotel by private vehicle.

We have dinner at one of Boracay's restaurants with a beach view. For the rest of the day, guests can walk along the island's beaches or explore its nightlife.

We stay at Coast Boracay or similar 4-star hotels.

Boracay's coves

After breakfast at our hotel, we set off on a private boat tour to explore the bays and beaches around Boracay.

During the tour, we stop for swimming and photos at spots such as Crystal Cove, Puka Beach and Crocodile Island. These stops give us the opportunity to observe the sea, coral reefs and underwater life. We have lunch at a local restaurant on the beach.

At the end of the tour, we return to our hotel. There is free time in the evening. Guests who wish can watch the sunset from the cafés lining Boracay's shore.

We stay at the 4-star Coast Boracay or similar hotels.

Heading home

After breakfast at our hotel, we transfer to Boracay (Caticlan) Airport. We depart for Manila at 11:35 with Philippine Airlines. After a flight of approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes, we arrive in Manila at 12:50.

As our connecting flight to Istanbul is at night, we take a short break at the Holiday Inn Express Manila Newport City hotel near the airport to ensure we make our connection. We have lunch here and rest for a while. At the time specified by our guide, we transfer back to the airport. We depart for Istanbul at 21:35 with Turkish Airlines. We spend the night on board.

Journey's end

We arrive at Istanbul Airport at 05:45 in the morning, Türkiye time. Our Philippines tour ends here.