On arrival in Ninoy Aquino International Airport, you will be met by an English-speaking representative and transfer to your hotel. Please note: Early check in is not included. If your flight arrives in the morning and you wish to arrange this, please speak to your reservations consultant. An informal Welcome Dinner will be held on Day 1. If you miss this due to your arrival time, all information will be provided to you at breakfast the following morning. Additional night's before and after your tour can be arranged.

This morning, enjoy a tour of Intramuros, the historic centre of Manila. The old walled city has been the base of many of the occupying empires who have held the Philippines in recent centuries, from the colonial Spanish period through the British Empire to the Japanese occupation of WWII, which commenced just a few hours after the attack on Pearl Harbour. Much of the city was destroyed during the Battle of Manila in WWII, which was some of the fiercest ground fighting that US troops saw in the Pacific Theatre. Today, it is a much-loved heritage site with many stories to tell. Later, head north to the hills of Pampanga, where you can get to grips with Filipino flavours at a cooking class. Check in at your hotel before dinner.

Early this morning, drive to the base of Mount Pinatubo to hike to the crater lake at its summit. You will travel to Capas Tourism Office (1 hour from the hotel), where the group will typically be required to take a blood pressure test before ascending. A first aider will usually join your group. Transfer to 4WDs and drive to the trail's starting point. Please note the trail's starting point is entirely dependent on recent weather conditions and can vary daily. It will generally be between 3-6 km (2-4 miles) from the summit; the drier the recent weather, the closer the 4WD can approach. The hike itself takes approximately three hours uphill and two to three hours back down, after which the 4WDs will transfer you back to the bus. Good shoes and a hat are required, and hikers typically take their own snacks. You may have to cross multiple streams, the flow of which depends on recent weather conditions. The gradient varies from steep to gentle. You will spend around 45 minutes at the crater, depending on the pace of the group. The ascent must begin by 8am latest, and the descent must begin by noon latest - these are local safety rules. On the descent from the crater, pass through Tarukan Village, a settlement of the Aetas of Capas, who are among the 12 million indigenous peoples in the Philippines. The guide will go at the pace of the group. However, if you prefer to stay in town and not join the hike, please let the guide know before the group's departure time from the hotel.

Today you will be on the road, transferring to the northern highlands (cordilleras) and gateway to the rice terraces of Banaue. En route, visit San Guillermo Church in the town of Bacolor. Despite being half-buried by volcanic flow in 1991, this Baroque church still serves as a local place of worship. Arrive in Banaue. This highland region is the centre of Ifugao culture and home to dramatic rice terraces. The region features ancient mud-walled and stone-walled rice terraces, surrounded by incredible mountain scenery.

This morning, board an 18-passenger jeepney and drive further up into the highlands. Enjoy a trek through the Hapao rice terraces. At the top of the terraces, arrive at a hot spring, where (if time permits) you can bathe in the stream before lunch. The guide will select the exact hike based on the ability of the group. Trails may be slippery if wet, and you must go at your own pace.

Sagada is located a two-hour drive from Banaue via beautiful mountain passes. In this region, you will find the famous burial caves, as well as the hanging coffins suspended on rock faces. Enjoy a full-day tour before returning to the hotel in Banaue.

Check out of your hotel after breakfast and travel to the pleasant city of Baguio, which has several places of interest including a presidential mansion, market area, weaving workshops and the gardens of Burnham Park. This interesting city began life as an American hill station in the 1900s, built on the site of an indigenous town called Kafagway. The influence of American city planner Daniel Burnham remains obvious throughout the town, even a century on.

Head to the coast today and arrive at the colonial settlement of Vigan - a charming UNESCO World Heritage town facing the South China Sea. Wander the cobblestone streets, lined with colonial houses, museums and workshops. This is one of the best-preserved Spanish colonial towns in the Philippines. Vigan has been a key location in many battles. It was a trading port long before the arrival of the Spanish in the 16th century. It was recaptured by locals late in the 19th century, shortly prior to the American occupation. In WWII, it was one of the first places in the Philippines to be invaded by Japan (December 10, 1941) and not liberated until 1945.

Continue north to the city of Laoag for some light sightseeing and admire its coastal sand dunes. This afternoon, you will fly from Laoag to Manila, with one night in Manila before tomorrow morning’s. The local flight schedule has recently improved. Where possible, Wendy Wu Tours will instead book a same-day onward connection to Bohol, increasing your time in Manila to 3N instead of the scheduled 2N. If this is the case, please note that you will be required to collect your luggage and check in for the second flight again in Manila.

Fly to Bohol and explore the charms of Panglao island (connected to Bohol's main island by road bridge). See the stalactite-studded Hinagdanan Cave and the lovely Bohol Bee Farm, where you might like to try an organic ice cream while admiring the glittering ocean views. Any time before dinner is at leisure.

Venture out on a tour of the countryside. Admire the iconic Chocolate Hills, a rolling geological landscape of dome-shaped hills, before joining a lunchtime river cruise. Later, continue to the Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary in Corella to learn about conservation efforts to protect the world's second smallest primate.

Take the ferry to Cebu and enjoy a short city tour. Stop for a photo opportunity at the Roof of Cebu, the highest point on the island, where you can enjoy a refreshing beer as you take in the incredible views. Check into your hotel before this evening's farewell dinner.

Any time before your flight is at leisure and breakfast will be included. You will be transferred from your hotel to Mactan-Cebu International Airport, according to the departure time of your international flight. Late check-out is not included. Additional night's before and after your tour can be arranged.