What's the best time of year to start a tour from Manila to explore Luzon Island?

Plan your Manila-based tour between December and February to take advantage of cool dry weather that's perfect for exploring the Banaue Rice Terraces and Sagada's caves. The Heritage Suites Hotel in Manila's Malate area provides a central base for winter tours. "The weather in December was perfect for exploring the mountain provinces with clear skies for amazing views of the rice terraces" notes one TourRadar traveler. While tours operate throughout the year March through May offers pleasant conditions and smaller crowds at key attractions like Intramuros and Fort Santiago.

What should I expect to explore on the first day in Manila before heading to other destinations?

Your journey begins with a morning heritage walk through Intramuros Manila's walled city. Starting points include The Manila Hotel or Casa Manila Museum followed by visits to Fort Santiago San Agustin Church and a bambike ride on historic streets. The afternoon focuses on Rizal Park and the National Museum ending with dinner at local establishments like Barbara's Heritage Restaurant. "The combination of historic sites and local culture on our first day really set the tone for the rest of the tour. Our guide's knowledge of Manila's history was incredible" reports a TourRadar traveler. Evening hours are open for exploring the Baywalk or Makati's contemporary neighborhoods.

What are the most common starting points for tours within Manila?

Tours commonly depart from three key Manila locations: the historic Intramuros district near the Bayleaf Hotel the modern Makati business area featuring City Garden Grand Hotel and the Manila Bay region by the Manila Hotel. Pick-up services run from 7-8 AM for both day trips and extended tours. A TourRadar traveler notes: "Starting from our hotel in Intramuros was perfect - we could explore the historic walls and Fort Santiago before heading north to the provinces." Tour operators suggest arriving one day early to visit Manila's cultural landmarks.

What's the typical travel time from Manila to the next major destinations on Luzon tours?

The journey from Manila to Baguio takes 6-7 hours by private van with accommodations at the Baguio Country Club. Continuing to Sagada requires another 3-4 hours where travelers stay at the Masferre Country Inn. "Though the drives were long our comfortable vehicle and frequent scenic stops made the journey enjoyable. Breaking up the trip with an overnight in Baguio was perfect" shares a TourRadar participant. Vehicles stop every 2-3 hours at facilities offering local food options.

What are the must-visit attractions in Manila during the first days of the tour?

Essential Manila experiences include exploring the Intramuros walled city discovering Binondo Chinatown's food scene and visiting Fort Santiago. Most visitors stay at central spots like Z Hostel in Makati or Abraham Manila Hotel. Tours typically feature guided walks through Quiapo Market and rides on local jeepneys. "The foodie walking tour in Binondo was incredible - we got to taste so many unique Filipino and Chinese fusion dishes while learning about the city's history" according to a TourRadar visitor.

What cultural experiences are available starting in Manila?

Manila's cultural offerings range from Binondo food tours to cooking classes and visits with indigenous groups. Many visitors base themselves at Z Hostel in Makati or Abraham Manila Hotel near cultural sites. Popular activities include visiting the Dumagat Indigenous community at Mount Purro Nature Reserve for authentic cooking lessons and cultural programs. "The cultural immersion starting in Manila was incredible - from learning to cook traditional dishes to connecting with local communities at Mount Purro" shares a TourRadar participant.

Luzon Island Tours from Manila

An adventure starting in Manila is a great way to see Luzon Island. We have 47 tours that range from 3 days up to 17 days. The most popular time for tours from Manila is February, which has the most tour departures.

10 best Luzon Island tours from Manila

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Explorer
The Philippines: Mountains & Islands
5.0 (1 traveler review)
"Fantastic combination of hiking in the rice terraces and mountains, unique experiences like camping in an active volcano."
LauraGeissendoerfer, traveled in January
Duration
17 days
Destinations
Manila, Mount Pinatubo, Banaue, Bontoc, Sagada, Baguio,Puerto Princesa,El Nido+2 more
Age Range
Ages 15+
Islands
Luzon Island
Operated in
English
Operator
Intrepid Travel
10% Off
From $5,890
US$5,301per person
Price based on Shared Room
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Explorer
Northern Philippines Highlights (6 destinations)
Duration
10 days
Destinations
Manila, Mount Pinatubo, Banaue, Bontoc, Sagada
Age Range
Ages 15+
Islands
Luzon Island
Operated in
English
Operator
Intrepid Travel
20% Off
From $3,095
US$2,476per person
Price based on Shared Room
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Explorer
North Luzon Explorer - 4 days
Duration
4 days
Destinations
Manila, Banaue, Bontoc, Sagada, Baguio
Age Range
Ages 12+
Islands
Luzon Island
Operated in
English
Operator
On The Go Tours
20% Off
From
US$835per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Explorer
7-Day Philippines Highlights
Duration
7 days
Destinations
Manila, El Nido
Age Range
Ages 18+
Islands
Luzon IslandPalawan Island+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Intertrips
20% Off
From
US$1,299per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Explorer
9-Day Philippines Highlights Plus
Duration
9 days
Destinations
Manila, Puerto Princesa, El Nido
Age Range
Ages 18+
Islands
Luzon IslandPalawan Island+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Intertrips
20% Off
From
US$1,499per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Hiking & Trekking
Ifugao Villages Trek
4.7 (5 traveler reviews)
"The amazing scenery of the Banaue rice fields and learning about the local cultures and lifestyle."
Denise, traveled in December
Duration
4 days
Destinations
Manila, Banaue
Age Range
Ages 18+
Islands
Luzon Island
Operated in
English
Operator
Uncharted Philippines
20% Off
From
US$270per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Explorer
Perfect Palawan & Coron - 14 days
Duration
14 days
Destinations
Manila, Puerto Princesa, Port Barton, El Nido, Coron,Pass Island,Busuanga+2 more
Age Range
Ages 18-45
Islands
Luzon IslandPalawan Island+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
On The Go Tours
10% Off
From $2,530
US$2,277per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Explorer
Perfect Palawan - 10 days
Duration
10 days
Destinations
Manila, Palawan, Puerto Princesa, Port Barton, El Nido
Age Range
Ages 18-45
Islands
Luzon IslandPalawan Island+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
On The Go Tours
10% Off
From $2,060
US$1,854per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Explorer
10 Days of Palawan’s Finest
Duration
10 days
Destinations
Manila, Puerto Princesa, El Nido, Coron
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Islands
Luzon IslandPalawan Island+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
H AND H HOLIDAYS TRAVEL AND TOURS
10% Off
From
US$1,800per person
+$16 upfront costs
Price based on Private Double Room
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Explorer
Private North Luzon Explorer - 4 days
Duration
4 days
Destinations
Manila, Banaue, Bontoc, Sagada, Baguio
Age Range
Ages 12+
Islands
Luzon Island
Operated in
English
Operator
On The Go Tours
10% Off
From
US$1,520per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Explorer
West Philippines Classic 10 Day - One Life Adventures
4.9 (3,416 traveler reviews) award winner
"I literally had the most amazing incredible experience where I met so many fun like-minded people."
Tom, traveled in February
Duration
10 days
Destinations
Manila, Puerto Princesa, Port Barton, Palawan, El Nido
Age Range
Ages 18-59
Islands
Luzon IslandPalawan Island+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
One Life Adventures
10% Off
From $1,675
US$1,508per person
Price based on Shared Room
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Our most booked and loved tours
Best Seller
Handpicked adventures loved by our team
TourRadar Curated
Active
West Philippines Classic 14 Day - One Life Adventures
4.9 (312 traveler reviews)
"A heady mix of natural beauty and fun, we visited several stunning spots to swim, snorkel, and chill, making heaps of wonderful memories and photos along the way."
Deveshe, traveled in November
Duration
14 days
Destinations
Manila, Puerto Princesa, Port Barton, El Nido, Coron
Age Range
Ages 18-59
Islands
Luzon IslandPalawan Island+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
One Life Adventures
20% Off
From $2,145
US$1,716per person
Price based on Shared Room
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Explorer
A Week In Palawan, Philippines
4.1 (30 traveler reviews)
"All the places I stayed I was happy with, the tours and transport excellent, everyone was always on time."
Silvia, traveled in March
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Manila, Puerto Princesa, El Nido, Coron,Clark International Airport+1 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Islands
Luzon IslandPalawan Island+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
CTPH TOUR
20% Off
From
US$1,328per person
+$14 local payments
Price based on Private Double Room
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Handpicked adventures loved by our team
TourRadar Curated
Active
Philippines West
4.8 (936 traveler reviews)
"The trip was amazing, and everyone felt really welcome."
Lisa, traveled in November
Duration
10 days
Destinations
Manila, Palawan, Port Barton, El Nido, Coron, Culion
Age Range
Ages 18-39
Islands
Luzon IslandPalawan Island+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
TruTravels
10% Off
From $1,550
US$1,395per person
Price based on Shared Room
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Explorer
Philippines Palawan Island Getaway
4.4 (15 traveler reviews)
"The selection of activities and accomawas excellent. I think the underwater river was my favourite."
Cathryn, traveled in December
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Manila, Puerto Princesa, San Rafael, El Nido
Age Range
Ages 15+
Islands
Luzon Island
Operated in
English
Operator
Intrepid Travel
20% Off
From $2,675
US$2,140per person
Price based on Shared Room
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