The Emerald Terraces of the Cordillera

The Emerald Terraces of the Cordillera

Duration
15 days
Group Size
16 people
Price
From £4495
Region
Asia & Pacific
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Overview

Comprising more than 7,000 islands scattered gracefully along the westernmost rim of the Pacific Ocean, the Philippines is a country known for its boundless hospitality and the friendly smiles of its people. A wealth of possibilities of discovery and adventure await visitors to these islands with their blend of picture postcard beaches, historic sites, natural attractions and the most important asset of all, the Filipino people. Among the many attractions, we will embrace the big city excitement of Manila; the breath-taking rice terraces of Banaue; and the atmospheric cobbled streets of Vigan. Added to this, we will sample life on the island of Palawan, with the opportunity to marvel at the stunning Underground River, and enjoy the crystal-clear waters and beaches of the beautiful neighbouring islands.

Highlights

Included/Excluded

Arrival and departure transfers
Overland transport throughout with professional driver
Domestic flight
All accommodation
Services of English-speaking guide / tour leader
Meals as listed, B – Breakfast, L – Lunch, D – Dinner
Entrance fees for sites listed as part of the itinerary
International flights (, contact , us, for expert advice and a quote)
Any airport taxes (except when included with domestic airfares)
Travel Insurance
Visa – when required
Drinks
Items of personal nature
Tips (Discretionary)

Tour Ratings

Fitness: 4/5
Unexplored: 4/5
Culture: 4/5
History: 3/5
Wildlife: 2/5
Tour-pace: 4/5
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Map and Tour Itinerary

The “Emerald Terraces of the Cordillera” is a 14-day small group tour of the Philippines, beginning in Manila with a cultural exploration of Intramuros. Travellers journey north to Banaue and Batad to witness the UNESCO-listed rice terraces and visit Sagada’s hanging coffins. A stop in colonial-era Vigan offers cobbled streets, heritage homes, and a glimpse into the country’s Spanish past.

The tour continues to Palawan, where highlights include the Puerto Princesa Underground River and island-hopping around El Nido’s limestone cliffs and turquoise waters. A mix of city hotels and local guesthouses ensures a comfortable and authentic stay throughout.

Itinerary Highlights
Banaue and Batad Rice Terraces

Marvel at the ancient, UNESCO-listed rice terraces carved into the Cordillera mountains—an engineering feat of the Ifugao people.

Hanging Coffins of Sagada

Visit Sagada’s eerie cliffside burial site, where wooden coffins hang from limestone cliffs in a centuries-old tradition.

Colonial Charm of Vigan

Explore Vigan’s cobbled streets and Spanish-era architecture by horse-drawn carriage in one of Asia’s best-preserved colonial towns.

Puerto Princesa Underground River

Cruise through a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature, with dramatic limestone cave formations.

Island-Hopping in El Nido

Experience crystal-clear lagoons, hidden beaches, and towering limestone karsts in one of the Philippines' most beautiful island destinations.

Dates and Prices

Tours & Dates
Destination Tour Code Start End Trip Status Pricing
Per person
Philippines – Terraces of the Cordillera

PHL/030526 May 03, 2026

Sunday
May 17, 2026

Sunday
Guaranteed £4,495.00

Single Room Supplement: £575.00
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Feedback from our Travellers

Essential Info

Foreign Office Travel Warnings

Before booking your tour, please familiarise yourself with the country specific information provided by the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) – www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice. This includes important information such as latest immigration requirements, and details of any travel advisories.

We constantly monitor the advice posted by the FCDO. In particular we will always advise clients of any travel warnings. At present there are no warnings against travel to the parts of The Philippines that we visit on this tour. Please feel free to contact us should you have any specific concerns or would like to know in detail what measures are being taken to ensure visits remain trouble free and without incident.

It should be noted that this information applies to British citizens. Other nationals are asked to check the current position of their respective government.

Visa Information

At the time of writing British, US and Australian nationals do not require a visa for a tourist visit to The Philippines. For further details please visit the applicable website shown below.

British Nationals – www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice 

US Nationals – travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel.html 

Australian Nationals – www.smartraveller.gov.au

Other nationals should check the latest requirements with the authorities in their home country, or with the destination’s nearest embassy or consulate.

Should you require any documentation to support a visa application, such as a letter of invitation, upon request this will be provided by Undiscovered Destinations after receipt of your balance payment.

As it is the travellers’ responsibility to ensure that they meet all entry requirements it is essential that you check the rules and any other conditions at the time of booking and again when making your balance payment. In addition, we would strongly advise that you make a final check around two weeks before your arrival. This is important as requirements can change at short notice. Undiscovered Destinations, when possible, will provide guidance about entry rules, but in the first instance please contact the relevant authorities, including the applicable embassy or consulate for assistance.

Passports

It is your responsibility to ensure that you are in possession of a full passport, valid for at least six months after the date of return to your country.

We strongly advise that your passport contains a minimum of two blank pages, as this may be a requirement of the local immigration authorities. In addition, certain countries will stipulate that the two blank pages are opposite each other. If you are unable to meet these requirements, you may be refused boarding by your airline or denied entry by the immigration authorities.

For specific information about the requirements for your destination please check with the country’s embassy or consulate. Alternatively, UK citizens can visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice.

Vaccinations & Protection

As with travel to most parts of Asia, we strongly recommend that you contact your doctor’s surgery or a specialist travel clinic for up-to-date information, advice, and the necessary vaccinations. For a visit of less than one month, almost certainly you will be advised to have immunisations against the following: Diphtheria and Tetanus, Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Meningitis. The use of a DEET-containing insect repellent is highly recommended.

The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or purchased in your home country can be different in other countries. If you are travelling with prescription or over-the-counter medicine, travellers from the UK can refer to the guidance provided by the National Travel Health Network & Centre and published on the Travel Health Pro website. For further information on the legal status of a specific medicine, you will need to contact the embassy, high commission or consulate of the country or territory that you are travelling to.

Travel Insurance

It is a condition of booking with Undiscovered Destinations that you have adequate valid travel insurance. It is your responsibility to arrange appropriate travel insurance and ensure you have read and understood the full terms and conditions of your travel insurance policy to ensure that you are covered for all activities you intend to undertake whilst on the tour, including all optional activities. Your Insurance Policy must fully cover you for medical expenses (including cover for Covid-19 conditions) and emergency repatriation to your home country and be valid for the entire duration of your holiday.

Local Conditions

When travelling to our destinations, many of which are underdeveloped and untouristed by mainstream tourism, a good deal of patience and a sense of humour is an important attribute. This will help you to cope with problems such as ageing or poor infrastructure and when maintenance may not be as high as we would always like.

The choice of appropriate accommodation in some towns and cities (particularly the smaller places) can be limited, and standards of both service and maintenance can be less than polished. Guides and other service providers in some of our destinations do not always have the decades of collective practice and experience that their counterparts in more developed countries can draw upon. Although we will always try and resolve any issues as quickly as possible, on occasions there may be some shortcomings which no matter how hard we try will be unavoidable.

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