09/06/2015
Manila, Philippines
Explore Manila the most authentic and vibrant districts of this city and visit historical places:
The Fort Santiago is the oldest fortification in Manila. The fort was built on 1571 at the site that was occupied by Raja Soliman. The fort was first a wood structure then was replaced with a stone fort built in 1592 by Dasmarinas. It was the headquarters of the British during their occupation of Manila (1762-1764) then it became the headquarters of the US army during the American time. Many people were imprisoned and killed there during the World War II and during the Japanese occupation. The restoration of the Fort started in 1951 and it's now one of the highlights of any tour to Intramuros.
The Intramuros walls, four and a half kilometers of walls surround Intramuros. Several parks and monuments, both inside and outside Intramuros, offer great views over Manila city. There are amazing ruins that are hidden which is why most tourists miss them. Our tour will make sure that these places commonly skipped by tourist buses will be showed to you - a great opportunity for photo shoots.
Manila's chinatown is believed to be the oldest chinatown in the world (outside of China of course.) Churches, shops, restaurants, fountains, plazas, arches are all good reasons to pay a visit to this unique place. Your eyes and stomach will thank you for it.
The sunset on manila bay is often described as the most beautiful on earth.. Come and check it out yourself. We usually end our Manila tours by the bay so you can enjoy the magnificent golden glow of the sunset with the Bataan peninsula as a backdrop. And what other way to end you walking tour but to sit back, relax and have a cold drink in one of the many restaurants and bars along the bay while you admire Mount Mariveles as the sun kisses the sea.
The Manila Cathedral was built in 1581, the original cathedral was made of wood. A fire destroyed it two years later. This was replaced but was subsequently destroyed by an earthquake in 1600. This rebuilding and reconstruction continued three more times until the World War II destroyed the fifth version of the cathedral. The sixth and present building was built on 1958. The Vatican elevated it as minor basilica in 1981. Around the Cathedral your Manila tour guide will aslo show you the former city hall (Ayuntamiento), the Palacio del Gobernor and the Plaza Roma.
The Quiapo Church and Market, also known as the Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene, Quiapo church is one of the most important Catholic church in Manila city. Located inside the churhc is the statue of the Black Nazarene which is venerated by many people in the Philippines, especially on January 9th when millions of devotees gather and march the streets of Manila city. The first church was built in 1586 by the Franciscans. Our Manila city tour will show you the church as well as the market around. The heart of Manila is there! Great shopping deals as well.
The Rizal Park, while visiting Manila, it's nice to spend some time wandering one of the most beautiful park of Manila city. Also called Luneta, this park showcases some of the great Filipino heroes with their busts and monuments scattered all over the place. It's also a good place to meet the friendly Manilenos.
San Agustin church is the oldest church in the Philippines. It was built in 1571 but the actual structure was finished in 1607 by the Augustinians. It's probably the oldest building still standing in the country. San Agustin is a Unesco World Heritage site. Our Manila tour package will also give you the opportunity to visit this amazing church as well as the amazing museum built in the adjacent monastery.
The Casa Manila is part of the Plaza San Luis Complex. It's a colonial lifestyle museum that shows you how Ilustrados (or rich Filipinos) lived during the time of the Spanish. From the living room to the bedrooms, the kitchen or even the bathroom, old furnitures and objects have a story to tell!
The Baluarte San Diego visit the oldest stone fort of Manila designed by a Jesuit priest, Antonio Sedeno in 1586. This place has also one of the best view over Manila's skyline.
Having an Intramuros tour is the perfect opportunity to see some amazing colonial houses. Scattered all around the Spanish district these old houses have each their own style.
