Compare The Philippines: Trekking the Terraces and Beyond by Remote Lands vs A Taste of Italy by Sarracini Travel
Compare details and see what other travelers are saying.
| Trip |
5 | Excellent
|
5 | Excellent
|
| Duration | 7 days | 8 days |
| Price From | $ 460 | $ 1,331 |
| Price Per Day | $ 66 | $ 166 |
| Highlights |
|
|
| Trip Style | Private guided tour | Private guided tour |
| Lodging Level | Basic | Premium |
| Physical Level |
|
|
| Travel Themes |
|
|
| Countries Visited | ||
| Cities and Attractions |
|
|
| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Ground transport included |
| Activities |
|
|
| Meals Included | N/A |
Daily Breakfast, 2 Lunches & 2 Dinners |
| Description |
Often overlooked as a global travel hotspot, yet adored by those who are curious and adventurous enough to take the plunge, the Philippines really does stand out among other Asian countries, both in terms of its quantity and quality of unique selling points. Take, for example, the stunning picture-postcard rice fields of Banaue, or the gorgeous stone cobbled streets of the colonial city of Vigan - both important stops included in this seven-day itinerary. This trip also provides an insightful glimpse of the capital, Manila, as well as excursions to the cliffs of Sagada and tropical forests of Baguio. Along the way, it’s easy to become absorbed by the country’s rich 350-year history, with diverse art, architecture, cuisine, and languages all on display to provide constant reminders of the region’s European, American and Asian influences. The famous warm and friendly attitude of the proud Filipinos will inevitably rub off on you, as you're sure to end this trip with a big smile. |
Like a creamy gelato or hot espresso, one taste of Italy can linger for a lifetime. Travelling from eternal Rome and up through the hazy hills of Tuscany, you’ll spend eight days sampling the best of Assisi, Siena, Florence, Bologna, Padova, Venice, and Montepulciano. Catch the spirit of La Vita Bella as you explore elegant Florentine piazzas, rummage through handcrafted artisanal treasures, sip world-class wines, and float down intimate Venetian canals. Extend your visit by 2-3 days to discover the treasures along Italy’s Amalfi coast, from charmingly gritty Naples to sun-bleached Capri! |
Day:1 Manila
After checking into your five-star luxury Shangri-La Makati hotel, you might want want to take a rest a prepare yourself for your full schedule of travel over the coming week. However, if your energy levels are quickly replenished, you’ll be itching to see exactly what this vibrant colonial city has to offer. To make the most of the evening, head to Manila Bay, where you’ll be able to catch the stunning sunset and sample some of the local Philippine cuisine.
Day:2 Banaue
A drive from Manila to Banaue awaits you in the early morning. Although the journey is long, the developing landscape along the way is truly spectacular, and once you reach Banaue, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, you’ll realize it was all worth the effort. This mountain capital of northern Luzon is famed for its amazing, emerald-green, mud-walled rice terraces – some 49,000 acres of them - and you’ll have ample opportunity to explore (with your own personal tour guide) once you’ve arrived.
Day: 3 Sagada
This morning, you’re off to visit a local family of Ifugao villagers - a great opportunity to learn about the local agricultural practises and traditional way of life. After this stop-off, your guide will take you back up above the terraces to reveal some breathtaking views. A short afternoon drive takes you to Sagada, where you’ll have the chance to explore the majestic Bomod-ok and Bokong Waterfalls, with the highest point at over 200 feet!
Day: 4 Sagada
Don’t feel guilty about going for second helpings at your breakfast buffet this morning - today you’re going to need all the energy you can get! Your first stop of the day is the Hanging Coffins of Sagada; famous not only for its beauty, but also its 2,000-year-old ritual of hanging homemade coffins from the limestone cliffs high above the ground (corpses and all). You’ll have the chance to hike up the cliffs for a birds’-eye view. Afternoon activities include an incredible white-water rafting trip on the Upper Chico River.
Day: 5 Baguio
A morning car journey will take you from Sagada the official summer capital of the Philippines - Baguio. After checking in to your luxury hotel, the Manor at Camp John Hay, it’s time to check out the local scenery and lush tropical landscape of the surrounding Kabadjo Forest, all from atop a horse! There is also the famous Baguio Flower Festival and several interesting museums, which are worth a visit in the afternoon.
Day: 6 Vigan
On this penultimate day, focus switches to the beautiful, well-preserved trading city of Vigan. After your private tour through the quaint cobbled streets of this 16th century colonial city, you'll soon realize how
it earned its place on UNESCO’s prestigious list of World Heritage Sites. The many sites you’ll visit reflect the area’s diverse background, with obvious architectural, culinary and linguistic influences stemming from the Filipino, Spanish and Chinese occupations.
Day: 7 Departure
After you’ve enjoyed a leisurely breakfast and checked-out of the charming Sitio Remedios Hotel in Vigan City, you will - perhaps a little reluctantly - start your journey home. A quick 40-minute drive takes you to Laoag International airport. From there, it’s onto another commercial flight back to Manila, you’ll connect to your international flight home or to your next exciting destination. Bon voyage!
Day 1: Rome
Welcome to Rome! After a meet and greet at the airport with your driver, you will be transferred to your hotel. At 8:30 pm reach the meeting point to be ready for the departure of the Rome by Night Tour. The local expert guide will lead you to discover the wonders of the Eternal City, charming by day, absolutely romantic by night. The tour ends in the Colosseum area. Enjoy on your own the rest of the night. Return to the hotel on your own and overnight stay.
Day 2: Rome > Assisi > Siena > Florence
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Early morning departure for Assisi. Visit the Basilica of St. Francis featuring masterpieces by Giotto and Cimabue. Continue to Siena, home of the Palio. End the day in Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance for dinner and overnight.
Day 3: Florence
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
After breakfast, you will spend the day venturing around beautiful Florence, the “Cradle of Renaissance, where, with the help of Michelangelo, Italian art reached its pinnacle. Spend the afternoon strolling the cobblestone streets of Florence on your own or take a short trip to Pisa (optional).
Day 4: Florence > Bologna > Padova > Venice
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Depart for Bologna after breakfast in Florence. Wander through some of the city’s many, elegant arcades (or porticos), for which Bologna is famous. In the afternoon, continue toward Padova, with its original Sant’Antonio Basilica. In the early evening, we will arrive in Venice. Check-in to your hotel, dinner and overnight stay.
Day 5: Venice
Meals: Breakfast
After breakfast, enjoy your private water-taxi transfer to Piazza San Marco, with “Skip the Line” tickets to visit the splendid St. Mark’s Basilica and, after this, check out the most iconic places of the “Floating City”. Spend the afternoon roaming along Venice’s canals at your leisure and then return to the hotel and overnight.
Day 6: Venice > Montepulciano (Tuscany) > Rome
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
After breakfast, depart for Tuscany, known for its romantic churches, castles and beloved wines. Proceed to Val di Chiana with a stop in Montepulciano, a Medieval town rich with history and art. That evening we will arrive in Rome.
Day 7: Rome
Meals: Breakfast
After breakfast depart from the hotel for the included tour of the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and St.Peter’s Basilica with our exclusive “Skip the Line” access. The tour ends in St. Peter’s Square. Afternoon and evening at leisure. Meals: B
Day 8: Rome
Meals: Breakfast
Final breakfast followed by check-out. Arrivederci!
