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Manila . Nueva Ecija . Corregidor . Cebu . Bohol
Special Feature
"The Malacanang Palace"
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15 Day Journey for only US$2,999.00
July 03 - 17, 2008
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Made up of 7,107 islands, the Philippines is filled to the brim with nature's bounty. Over a hundred ethnic groups, a mixture of foreign influences and a fusion of culture and arts have enhanced the uniqueness of the Filipino race.
RTA cordially invites you to experience and enjoy the Warmth, Wealth and Wonders of the magical islands of the Philippines!
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Itinerary:
Day 1 & 2 – (USA/Manila)
Our journey begins. We’ll cross international date line. Meals on board.
Day 3 – (Manila)
Welcome “MABUHAY’ to the heart and soul of the Philippines. Manila, the capital of the Philippines sets the archipelago’s rhythm and is a pulsating hub that blends the oriental with the Occidental, the quaint with the modern, the mundane with the extraordinary. Meeting, assistance and transfer to our hotel. Remainder of the afternoon is at leisure – relax and enjoy the amenities of our deluxe hotel, or maybe a good time to meet with relatives and friends, or maybe the best time to justify the existence of Manila as the uncontested shopper’s paradise.
Day 4 – (Manila/Nueva Ecija/Manila)
Today we’ll experience a bit of Philippine rural life and ‘Pinoy Hospitality’. A warm and festive welcome awaits us to ‘Fiesta sa Libis ng Nayon’. Orchestrated by Monsignor Octavio Ramos.
Highlight: Holy Mass at the Shrine of Our Lady Divina Pastora
The devotion to the Devine Shepherdess started in Callios, Penaranda when an image of Our Lady was said to have appeared on a callios tree. When it was brought by the Spanish missionaries to the church to promote the devotion to the Blessed Mother and develop the sheep industry, the image would sometimes be found on the callios tree. Such miraculous incidents convinced the people that Our Lady would like to bless the poor shepherds of Nueva Ecija and since then they have called her La Divina Pastora. Fiesta celebration will top the day, native delicacies and scrumptious dishes will be served (lechon, sea-foods, fruits, sweets and kakanins) simultaneously with music and folklore dancing entertainment.
Buffet Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Day 5 & 6 – (Manila/Cebu)
Short flight to Cebu – ‘the Queen City of the South’ the country’s 2nd largest metropolis and was the original landing site of Magellan’s expedition. Our tour hightlights: Fort San Pedro, a small tribastion fort that originally served as the hub of the first Spanish settlement in the Philippines. Magellan’s Cross, one of Cebu’s most visited and photographed sites planted in April 14, 1521 by Ferdinand Magellan, the Portuguese explorer who discovered the Philippines for the Spanish crown. Housed in octagonal shrine is a roof painting that depicts Magellan’s visit. Basilica Minore del Santo Nino, shrine of the image of the Holy Child which historians claim was given by Magellan to local chieftain Rajah Humabon’s wife Juana. The Taoist Temple in Beverly Hills, an upscale subdivision in the hills surrounding Cebu City. Ninety nine steps lead up to the flamboyantly attractive place of worship looking out towards a panoramic view of the city and Mactan Island. Buffet Dinner at Buko Bar with cultural show on the first night and Cebuano’s specialty on the second night.
Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Day 7 & 8 – (Cebu/Bohol)
Ferry to Bohol, an idyllic island rich in history and natural attractions. Bohol occupies a distinct place in Philippine history when more than 400 years ago Spanish explorer Miguel Lopez de Legaspi and chief Sikatuna made the famous blood compact. Our tour hightlights: ‘The Chocolate Hills’, a geological wonder consisting of hundreds of dome shaped limestone hills covered with grass which turns brown under the sun. Folks estimate that there are 1,260 hills in the entire system with an average height of 35 meters. Baclayon Church which contains a collection of colonial ecclesiastical art such as a three gold leafed retablo (wood relief), wood paintings, hardwood doors, ivory crucifixes, gold embroidered vestments, sacred vessels, and a huge music book said to made of carabao skin. Loboc, where we will have lunch on board a thatched roofed bamboo raft while cruising the palm fringed tropical river of Loboc. Nearby is the sanctuary of the Tarsier, the world smallest mammal, an interesting creature that you can hold on the palm of your hand. Panglao Island, ‘Little Paradise of Pure Hearts’. The beauty of Panglao Island Nature Resort (our home to be in Bohol) is an ideal vacation spot from the mess of the Metropolitan environment. Starting with the white sand beach, built around the natural curve with high ceiling, thatched roof huts. The area has been the center of seashell trade. Enjoy a 30-minute Mit-Hi Spa massage sampler courtesy of the Resort.
Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Day 9 – (Tagbilaran/Manila)
Short flight back to Manila. Meeting and transfer to our hotel. Evening at leisure, a perfect time to enjoy the glimpse of ‘Manila by night – Filipino style’.
Breakfast
Day 10, 11 & 12 - Special Participation
AMBASSADORS/CONSULS GENERAL and TOURISM DIRECTORS TOUR TO THE PHILIPPINES
Day 10 – (Manila/Makati)
Check in at Hotel Sofitel Philippine Plaza. Afternoon tour of the Twin City – Manila and Makati. A thousand and one sensations peculiar only in Manila make this city worth visiting again and again. Manila took its name from a white-flowered mangrove plant called ‘nilad’. By the 16th century, the Spaniards invaded Manila, build a wall around it and claimed it as their own. Spain ruled the Philippines for about 300 years. Thereafter, it was the Americans turn to conquer the island. In spite of all this Manila thrived and survived. Tour Highlights: Rizal Park, a sprawling national park dedicated to Dr. Jose Rizal, the country’s national hero; Walled City of Intramuros constructed during the Spanish colonial era; Fort Santiago served as headquarters of the military Spanish, American and Japanese colonizers until its construction in 1945; Manila Cathedral a tour de force with its complex stone carvings, stained glass mosaic and rose windows; San Agustin Church the oldest edifice in the Philippines built in 1571. Panoramic view of Makati’s financial and business center, the famous Shrine of Our Lady of Edsa. Drive along the millionaire’s residence, cemetery of the unknown soldiers and the cultural center. Back to the hotel and get ready for our Welcome Dinner.
Breakfast/Dinner
Day 11 – (Corregidor)
Called “The Rock” – Corregidor Island was the last bastion of the Allied Forces in the Pacific during World War II. Corregidor’s ruined barracks and artilleries attest to the fierce fighting between the Fil-Am forces and the Japanese. Today ‘the Rock’ is a memorial to Peace, Valor and International understanding.
Breakfast/Lunch
HIGHLIGHT: Day 12 – (Malacanang Palace)
In the government’s effort to highlight the Philippines as a safe and ideal tourist destination, the Philippine Foreign Post in the United States and Canada once again bring you to the 4th Annual Ambassadors/Consul Generals and Tourism Director Tour. Lunch and visit to the MALACANANG PALACE and a meeting with Her Excellency GLORIA MACAPAGAL ARROYO
Elegant/Ritzy Farewell Dinner at the Grand Ball Room of Sofitel Philippine Plaza
Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Day 13 & 14 (Manila)
Check out and transfer to our Deluxe hotel in Makati City for a 2-night stay. Day at leisure for your personal intentions and/or absolutely a perfect time to pamper ‘My Dear Me’ to a luxurious health and wellness treatments or simply enjoy the amenities of your deluxe hotel and for the delight of the shopoholics there is no other place and time to do it but ‘only in the Philippines’.
Breakfast
Day 15 – (Manila/USA)
Check out then transfer to the airport for your flight back home.
Breakfast
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Tour Cost plus: US$399.00
US departure & security fees, fuel surcharges, and taxes per person. Subject to change.
Your 15 Day Tour Includes:
- Air Fare: International & Domestic
- Deluxe Hotel accomodations
- Touring and sightseeing as per itinerary
- English speaking professional guide
- Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner as per itinerary
- Baggage Handling & Porterage(one piece per person)
- RTA Travel bag & document holder
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Reservation & Payments:
A reservation is confirmed only upon receipt of a US$500.00 (per person) deposit.
Full payment is due 90 days prior to departure date.
Cancellations:
All cancellations must be in writing. Deposits are refundable up to 100 days prior to departure with US$50.00 cancellation charge. Cancellations made after final payment date are non-refundable. No shows and usused portions are non-refundable as well.
Insurance:
Trip cancellation insurance and medical coverage is available. We strongly recommend it.
Not Included:
Cost of passport, visas, health documents, laundry, insurance, optional sightseeing & items of personal nature such as foor & beverage not on the regular d'hote menu.
Please be guided accordingly
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RTA Travel of NJ, Inc.
2713 Kennedy Boulevard, Jersey City, NJ 07306 US
(201) 434-8282 | Fax: (201) 434-0880
39-85 65th Place, Woodside, NY 11377 US
(718) 507-2500 | Fax: (718) 478-8683
© Copyright 2008 RTA Travel of New Jersey, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
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