10 Days in the Philippines - 6 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Itinerary #1: Philippines Cities, Mountains & Beaches Tour: Manila, Cebu & Boracay

Perfect for first-time visitors to the Philippines seeking a well-rounded itinerary, this classic highlights tour features stays in Manila, Cebu City, and Boracay. You'll be introduced to local life during a cooking class, get your heart pumping while trekking to the summit of both Mount Pinatubo and Osmeña Peak, and discover the country's colorful underwater world while snorkeling off the coast of Nalusuan and Crocodile islands. In between, enjoy rejuvenating days exploring independently and beach hopping. 

Welcome to the Philippines! Your trip kicks off in Manila, where you'll settle in while strolling Roxas Boulevard and dining at one of the Poblacion district's many restaurants. Refreshed and ready to dive into the activities, your following days feature a traditional cooking class, a bamboo bike tour, and a Jeep and hiking excursion to Mount Pinatubo. Next, catch a flight to Cebu Island and get to know your new surroundings during a heritage tour. While based in Cebu City, you'll also embark on a day trip to Nalusuan Island for a restorative day of snorkeling and relaxing on white-sand beaches.

Next on your itinerary is a trek to Osmeña Peak, which offers pastoral views, and a refreshing stop at Kawasan Falls for a swim and picnic. Afterward, enjoy a final night in Cebu City and prepare for a transfer by flight and ferry to the island of Boracay, which will be your home for the last three nights of your trip. While here, tick off numerous leisurely activities, including a meander through Lugutan Mangrove Park and a full-day cruise with stops at Coral Garden, Crocodile Island, and the cave-filled Crystal Cove. Lastly, savor a free day to beach hop before catching a flight back to Manila. Learn more

Itinerary #2: Philippines Nature & Culture Adventure: Rice Terraces to Coral Reefs

Hike alongside lush rice terraces, watch the sunrise from atop Mount Kupapey, ponder the hanging coffins of Echo Valley, and discover Anilao's underwater world on this culture-infused adventure of the Philippines. Ideal for active travelers looking for a fast-paced tour, you'll make a loop from Manila up to Maligcong before transferring to the coastal Batangas province. Other highlights include a Filipino cooking class, a half-day tour of Baguio, and time to explore Manila independently.

Upon arriving in Manila, your trip begins with a Filipino cooking class taught by a local chef and an insightful bike tour through the city's must-see sites. The next day, transfer through quaint towns and rolling hills to Banaue, a village nestled among the iconic rice terraces of the Cordillera mountain range. Hike these very terraces the following morning before continuing to Maligcong, where a leisurely evening ensures you're ready for an early-morning sunrise trek up Mount Kupapey. Keeping on the move, you'll then transfer to Sagada for an insightful walk to see the iconic hanging coffins of Echo Valley.

Halfway through your adventure, your next destination is the quaint city of Baguio, hailed as the Philippines' "Summer Capital." Here, enjoy the cooler climate as you wander through Burnham Park and soak in the panoramic views from Mount Mary. Following this, make a brief stop in Manila for an evening of shopping en route to the beach village of Anilao in Batangas province. This region is celebrated for its exceptional diving conditions, and you'll have two days to explore underwater before returning to Manila to board your onward flight. Learn more

Itinerary #3: Island Highlights of the Philippines: Manila, Palawan & Coron

Focus on idyllic islands and colorful underwater worlds on this alternate highlights itinerary in the Philippines featuring Palawan and Coron. Crafted for visitors seeking a blend of relaxation and adventure, your itinerary is split between scenic cruises, snorkeling excursions, and time to explore independently or laze on white sand beaches. Additionally, you'll bookend your journey with nights in Manila and travel via private transfers and ferry rides, ensuring your trip is as stress-free as it is picturesque.

Begin your trip in Manila, shaking off travel fatigue while exploring Fort Santiago and Casa Manila at your leisure. Then, it's back to the airport to catch a flight to Puerto Princesa, and upon arrival, you'll visit the Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm to learn about a new take on rehabilitation. The following day is dedicated to exploring the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River by boat, but with more Palawan to explore, you'll soon continue to El Nido. Famous for its towering limestone formations and pristine beaches, you'll quickly feel immersed in paradise as you savor a full-day island-hopping experience.

While in El Nido, you'll also venture to the nearby secluded island of Darocotan and take the opportunity to swim out to its offshore shipwreck. On Day 7, board a ferry bound for Coron Island, the third largest of the Calamian Islands, and rejuvenate during a visit to the Maquinit Hot Springs. Coron's underwater world is also well worth exploring, especially as it's home to Japanese shipwrecks from World War II, and you'll snorkel around two of these wrecks before returning to Manila. Finally, squeeze in some last-minute souvenir shopping at the Mall of Asia until it's time to catch your onward flight. Learn more

Itinerary #4: Philippines Island Hopping: Manila, Siquijor, Bohol & Moalboal

Experience the lush landscapes and pristine waters on this island-hopping tour in the Philippines that introduces Siquijor, Bohol, and Moalboal. Perfect for thrill-seekers, this itinerary features cliff jumping in Siquijor, a canyoning expedition to Kawasan Falls, and a chance to swim with sea turtles in Moalboal. In between, rejuvenate with scenic ferry and boat rides, a dolphin watching excursion, and free time to hit the beach and lively bars and restaurants.

Your trip begins with a day in Manila to explore independently. Next, transfer by flight and ferry south to Siquijor, known locally as the "Mystical Island," and delight in a fun evening of live music at Monkey Business, a restaurant near your hotel. You'll then dedicate an entire day to island exploration, including visiting a local faith healer, cliff jumping at Salagdoong Beach, and swinging across waterfalls at Cambugahay Falls. On Day 4, boat a little ways north to the island of Bohol and spend your first full day cruising along the Loboc River and pondering the intriguing Chocolate Hills. 

Before leaving Bohol Island, you'll also join a dolphin watching journey and meet brave market vendors who sell food on the Virgin Island's tiny sandbar. Afterward, it's time to make your way to your final destination—Moalboal on Cebu Island. Enjoy a relaxing evening upon arrival as the following days are packed with adventures, including a thrilling afternoon of canyoning, trekking, and cliff jumping, and a sailing and snorkeling tour. Then, on your final day, wake early for some last-minute beach time and transfer to Cebu City to catch your onward flight. Learn more

Itinerary #5: Nature & Adventure in the Philippines: Cebu City, Moalboal & Bohol

Swapping out Siquijor for Cebu City, this active itinerary takes you hiking, canyoning, snorkeling, and wildlife watching. Starting in Cebu City, you'll shake off jet lag while exploring heritage sites with a guide, then journey across the island to Moalboal, where an opportunity to swim with whale sharks awaits. This adventure then concludes with three days on Bohol Island, exploring the iconic Chocolate Hills and cruising between picturesque nearby islands.

Your activity-filled trip begins in Cebu City, where you'll treat plane legs to a fun visit to Cebu Safari and Adventure Park. Delve into the city's history and culture the following day during visits to the AFOS Foundation, the Cebu Heritage Monument, the Yap Sandiego House, and other sites before sampling street food at Carbon Night Market. Next, it's time to venture to the coastal town of Moalboal, located on the opposite side of Cebu Island. With four days here, you'll find plenty of time to boat to Pescador Island for a snorkel and dive excursion and embark on a thrilling canyoning adventure at Kawasan Falls. 

While based in Moalboal, you'll also visit Oslob for an incredible whale shark swimming experience before catching a ferry to the island of Bohol. Here, your final destination is Panglao, a small island connected to Bohol by a bridge. Upon arrival, spend the afternoon sunbathing on Alona Beach, then enlist the help of a local guide to hop between the island's highlights, including the Chocolate Hills and the Sipatan Hanging Bridge. Even on your last full day, the adventure doesn't end, and you'll squeeze in a cruise to Balicasag Island prior to your return to Cebu City for your flight home. Learn more

Itinerary #6: City Break to Island Escape in the Philippines: Manila & Palawan

Experience the vibrant city life and idyllic islands of the Philippines on this 10-day escape featuring the islands of Luzon and Palawan. Crafted for travelers eager for a well-rounded adventure while minimizing travel time, you'll spend three nights each in Manila, Puerto Princesa, and El Nido. Throughout, you'll embark on city tours, cruise along an underground river and between idyllic islands, and find plenty of time to shop, dine, and explore independently.

Your adventure begins with two days in Manila, where you'll delve into the city's must-see sites independently and alongside a guide. Highlights include the Avenue Night Market, the Manila Cathedral, and Fort Santiago. Then, on the morning of Day 3, return to the airport for a quick flight to Puerto Princesa on the island of Palawan, and spend your first afternoon here touring famous city landmarks. Over the following days, discover the wonders just outside the city, first during a trip to San Rafael to visit with Batak people and secondly for an unusual cruise along the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River.

Next, transfer to El Nido, a coastal town famous for its white-sand beaches and pristine waters, and upon arrival, relax on Nacpan Beach or Las Cabanas Beach. The following day features a memorable cruise around Bacuit Bay, with swimming and snorkeling stops at Secret Lagoon, Shimizu Island, and Big Lagoon. While in El Nido, you'll also dedicate a second day to island hopping, this time between the islands of Dilumaclad, Tapiutan, and Matinloc. Then, on your final full day, return to Manila for some last-minute shopping at the Mall of Asia or Divisoria Market before catching your onward flight. Learn more

More Great 10-Day Philippines Itineraries

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to the Philippines? Check out these other 10-day Philippines itineraries, with outdoor adventures, cultural trips, and best-of tours to hit the highlights.