Culture of Taiwan & Explore the Philippines

Depart from Los Angeles airport in the evening. AV Travel Tour Leader will fly with the group.

Across the Pacific Ocean

Arrive the capital Taipei. Begin our journey by heading towards Taichung to visit the famous Sun Moon Lake – the lake and its surrounding countryside have been designated one of thirteen National scenic areas in Taiwan. Wen Wu Temple was built after rising water levels from building a dam forced several smaller temples to be removed. We shall enjoy a boat ride on the lake. (L/D)

Return to Taipei. Begin city tour with a visit to Liberty Square, located in the heart of Taipei City and it is the attraction most visited by foreign tourists. Stop for photo-stop of Taipei 101, second tallest building in the world. Visit the National Palace Museum – originally established as the Palace Museum in Beijing’s Forbidden City on 10 October 1925, shortly after the expulsion last emperor of Qing Dynasty. The articles in the museum consisted of the valuables of the former Imperial family. Enjoy your free time at night market, Shilin Night market with your own dinner. (B/L)

Once you have finished your breakfast. Starting to visit Yehliu, a cape in Wanli, famous for its hoodoo stones, thin spires of rock formed by sedimentary stone. Many rock formations have creative names, including the most well-known “The Queen’s Head.”
Continue to visit Jiufen Town, is a small village on the mountains. It has been made famous largely due to its similarity to the village in Spirited Away, arguably Hayao Miyazaki’s most popular movie. Shifen Waterfall, is the most renowned cascading waterfall in Taiwan. Although not nearly the tallest the island has to offer, it’s is certainly the widest at an impressive 40 meters. Because of its horseshoe shape and powerful flow, it is nicknamed the Little Niagara of Taiwan. A photo-stop of Taipei 101, second tallest building in the world. Enjoy the taste of the farewell dinner at Din Tai Fung Restaurant. (B/L/D)

In the morning fly to Manila, capital of the Philippines. After lunch, stroll the Binondo district, one of the oldest Chinatowns in the world. Binondo is the best place in Manila to realize the city’s diversity, as, for 300 years, Chinese immigration and influence have merged with Filipino heritage to create a unique culture. You can walk through the vibrant markets and visit the iconic Binondo Cathedral and traditional Chinese temples. The district is perhaps best known for its food. (B/L/D)

Kickstart your day with a lovely breakfast. Begin your journey with a photo stop at Rizal Park, which was then the site of a native community called Bagumbayan that lived outside the Spanish walls of Intramuros. We then proceed to the heart of the old Spanish city, Intramuros, where the history of Manila as a capital city began. We first visit Fort Santiago, the country’s foremost cultural relic where key moments in Philippine history have occurred. Also within the walls of Intramuros is the country’s oldest structure dating back to the 16th century – the San Agustin Church and Monastery. Take a break at Mall of Asia, one of the largest mall in the Philippines. We continue our tour with a drive along Roxas Boulevard, a 6-mile-long promenade reclaimed from Manila Bay and afforded a ringside view of Manila’s blazing sunsets. (B/D)

Transfer to the airport for your flight to Caticlan. Upon arrival, take a joint transfer to your resort. Boracay is a butterfly-shaped island at the tip of Panay’s north-eastern coast in the Visayas. Acclaimed as one the most beautiful beaches in the world, Boracay is an alluring island paradise that promises a tranquil vacation amidst a tropical atmosphere of sun, sea, and sand.
This 4KM long strip of powder white sand is Boracay’s most popular beach. White Beach is also the best place to witness Boracay’s fabled sunset. The entire stretch is divided into three sections: Station 1, 2, and 3. Our resort is in the Station 2. With its central location, most places on the island are within walking distance. Expect a bustling nightlife and a plethora of restaurants. Some areas may be very crowded, especially D’Mall. (B/D)

After concluding your gourmet breakfast, get ready to explore the famous Boracay Island. Hop on our boats and tour the white beaches of Boracay. Boracay Island is home to numerous beautiful beaches made of soft, powdery white sands, washed in bluish, crystal water, and serving as a habitat to a remarkable diversity of aquatic species and coral reefs. Witness the immense society of multi-colored fishes and delight in swimming and snorkeling. Let the longing of your eyes be swept away by the wonders offered by Boracay’s adjacent islets. (B/L)

Transfer to the airport for your flight to Cebu, the “Queen City of the South,” is a captivating province in the Philippines known for its pristine beaches, rich history, and vibrant urban environment. With stunning coastlines, cultural landmarks, and warm hospitality, Cebu offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and cultural charm. (B/D)

Cebu City’s reputation as one of the country’s top tourist destinations is due to its all-year-round warm climate and accessibility. Named the country’s second international gateway, Cebu is rich in history and the Philippines’ oldest city (1565).
During our city tour, we trace the history through the landmarks in Cebu and Mactan- the most historical islands in the Philippines. Visit Magellan’s Cross, Fort San Pedro, Basilica Minore del Sto. Nino, Cebu Heritage Monument, Casa Gorordo Museum, and on the way back, visit Lapu-lapu Monument and Mactan Shrine in Mactan. Along the way, appreciate the creative mix of foreign influence and local traditions, including a visit to a guitar factory. (B/L/D)

Morng take a ferry to Bohol for a day trip that will introduce you to the wonders of Bohol. The first stop is the Philippine Tarsier Foundation in the town of Corella, which serves as a refuge for the smallest primate in the world, the tarsier. Then proceed to Baclayon, and make a short stop at the historical Blood Compact site, where Spain’s Miguel Lopez de Legazpi and Datu Sikatuna, a native chieftain, sealed their friendship with a symbolic drink. In Baclayon, visit a centuries-old stone church that houses a museum containing a collection of religious art, ecclesiastical vestments, as well as librettos of church music inscribed in Latin on animal skins. Proceed with the tour, passing by Bilar man-made forest, a thick undergrowth of towering mahogany trees grown on the fringes of the highway leading to the Chocolate Hills, the country’s geological wonder. Hike up to the viewpoint for a bird’s eye view of the surrounding area before moving on to Loboc River, where a cruise downstream on a floating restaurant is made more enjoyable with a delectable lunch served on board. (B/L/D)

Flight to Los Angeles or pay extra as an option for ticket to Vietnam. (B)