Philippines: Adventure and Relaxation in Batanes and El Nido (13 days)

Fly into the lively capital of Manila. Upon arrival, you will be met by your friendly guide and transferred to Tagaytay. Enjoy the scenic drive, as you pass bright green rice plantations and colorful fruit plantations. Once you reach Taal Ridge, pause and catch a breathtaking view of the looming Taal Volcano. The volcano is inside another volcano and also contains a lake within a lake. Spend the night in Tagaytay.

Get an early start on the day as you are transferred to the Taal lakeside and step aboard the local outrigger boat - a “banca.” Your banca takes you to the crater island. Hike for an hour to reach the crater. Next, return to town, where you will have lunch at a local restaurant before visiting the sustainable Taal Heritage Town for a full tour.

The natural town of Pagsanjan in the Laguna Province is on the menu for today. Along the way, you visit the eerie Underground Cemetery of Nagcarlan, a burial ground that serviced Spanish friars and society’s elite Once you reach the riverbank resort, dugout canoes will take you to the cascading falls. Expert boatmen will teach you to “shoot the rapids” and travel between the turbulent waters in a friendly competition. Spend the night in the quaint town.

Take an early morning flight to Basco, Batanes. Upon arrival in Batanes, transfer to your comfortable guesthouse in the scenic province as you are greeted by the friendly locals. Next, enjoy a Batan Northern Part Tour, stopping at the Tukon Radar Station, the Valugan Boulder Beach, Naidi Hills and the Vayang Ranch.

Begin the day with an early morning drive to San Vicente port to reach your next destination, Sabtang Island, by way of a quick 45-minute boat ride. The area has beautiful Savidug Vernacular houses, which are lined with green plants coming out of every crevasse. The Savidug Ruins is a great place to see the damage done by tropical storms. Next, visit the tranquil community of Chavayan before making your way to Nakabuang Beach for a relaxing afternoon. Overnight on Batan Island.

Today it’s time for a tour of Batan’s southern region. Enjoy a scenic, winding drive along the coastal road, stopping at the Chawa View Deck for a stunning photo opportunity. Visit the Mahatao town proper to explore the historical old church, the Spanish Lighthouse and Breateria. Continue along to the House of Dakay, a beautiful 18th-century building and now a UNESCO Heritage Site. Stop by the unique Honesty Coffee Shop for a caffeine boost before visiting your last few remaining stops of the day. Stops include the Ruins of Song Song and “Marlboro Country.” Return to your hotel this evening.

The day is entirely yours to explore the lush natural surroundings. Immerse yourself in the island’s rich culture as you roam the area. It’s the perfect spot for biking and you can cover much more ground this way.

After breakfast, transfer to the airport to fly back to Manila. From Manila, you will transfer to the hangar to fly to El Nido - an island named for its’ edible nests. A showcase of Palawan’s unique geology, the limestone cliffs jut into the bright blue sky out of crystal clear water. Check in to your resort and relax in your exquisite surroundings.

You are able to choose your activities today, or you can simply lounge on the soft, white sand beaches. The island’s corals are full of tropical fish, much to a snorkeler's delight. The dense forest is home to over 100 different species if you care for a scenic hike.

Enjoy the day at your leisure or engage in one of the many activities available in the area. You can choose from island-hopping, cave investigation, lagoon exploration, snorkeling or even try your hand at diving! There’s plenty to do on the sunny island - or it’s a fantastic environment if you prefer to simply relax and live on island time.

Today is another day to enjoy at your leisure. Keep your eyes peeled to spot endangered sea turtles crawling across the plush sand. If you haven’t tried “nido,” the island’s famous soup, today is the perfect day to try the exotic local favorite. The soup's’ main ingredient is the famous edible nest.

Swim, sun, read or explore on your final full day in the tropical paradise. Snorkel through the animated corals or hike through the lively forest in search of rare animal sightings. Enjoy a last indulgent sunset dinner at your resort.

After breakfast at the resort, take one last look at the sparkling sea. You are transferred to the small airport to begin making your way home. From here, you will fly to Manila where you can connect to the international airport for your journey homewards.