Historical Tour of Old Manila

Immersing oneself in Manila’s storied past is an opportunity not to be missed. The Historical Tour of Old Manila promises just that – a captivating journey through the city’s colonial heritage, led by knowledgeable guides. From the iconic Intramuros to the hallowed grounds of Fort Santiago, this private tour offers a customizable experience tailored to individual interests. With private transportation, inclusions like lunch, and accessibility for all, the tour provides an immersive exploration of Manila’s vibrant history and culture. Whether you’re a history buff or simply curious about the city’s past, this tour is sure to leave you with a deeper appreciation for the enduring legacy of Old Manila.

Good To Know

• The tour provides a comprehensive exploration of Intramuros, Manila’s historic Spanish-era walled city, highlighting its colonial architecture and cultural heritage.
• Visitors can experience the iconic Fort Santiago, the original 16th-century fortress structure, and learn about its significance in Philippine history.
• The tour also includes visits to other notable landmarks, such as the Manila American Cemetery and the UNESCO-recognized San Agustin Church.
• The tour is fully customizable to cater to individual interests and offers inclusive features, including wheelchair and stroller accessibility.
• Participants can expect a hassle-free experience with private transportation, knowledgeable guides, and an included lunch, ensuring a memorable exploration of Old Manila’s rich history.

Overview of the Tour

The private guided tour of historic Manila and Chinatown allows visitors to explore Intramuros, Rizal Park, and the Manila American Cemetery and Memorial.

The fully customizable itinerary caters to individual interests, while private transportation ensures a seamless experience.

The tour begins at Fort Santiago in Intramuros and can end at either San Agustin Church or Casa Manila.

Guests can expect a 3-hour tour of Intramuros, with minimal walking involved, and a 2-hour exploration of the historically significant Fort Santiago, which requires an entrance fee of 75 PHP per person.

The tour is wheelchair and stroller accessible, with infant seats available.

Tour Inclusions

The tour package includes several key components to provide a comprehensive and convenient experience for guests.

It features a knowledgeable tour guide who’ll lead the exploration of historic Manila and Chinatown. Private transportation is provided throughout the tour, ensuring a seamless transition between locations.

Lunch is also included, allowing visitors to refuel during the day. On top of that, all necessary fees and taxes are covered, including the admission fee for Fort Santiago and Casa Manila, which costs 75 PHP per person.

With these inclusions, the tour offers a hassle-free way for travelers to explore the rich history and culture of the city.

Exploring Intramuros

One of the key highlights of the historical tour is the exploration of Intramuros, Manila’s colonial heart.

Visitors will experience the area’s Spanish-era structures and get a glimpse into the city’s storied past. The tour covers iconic sites like Fort Santiago, Manila Cathedral, and San Agustin Church.

Despite the minimal walking involved, the 3-hour duration allows ample time to take in Intramuros’ rich history. Guests can admire the architectural marvels and learn about the significance of each landmark from the knowledgeable guide.

The tour of Intramuros offers a captivating window into Manila’s colonial legacy and the chance to uncover the city’s enduring cultural heritage.

Visiting Fort Santiago

Fort Santiago stands as a powerful symbol of heroism in Manila’s history. Once a medieval fortress, it served as the headquarters of the Spanish colonial government and the site of Jose Rizal’s imprisonment before his execution. Visitors can explore the fort’s historical significance, from its precolonial origins to its role in the colonial era.

Feature	Description	Duration
Fortress	Remnants of the original 16th-century fortress structure	1 hour
Dungeons	Explore the infamous dungeons where Rizal was held captive	30 minutes
Memorial	Visit the memorial dedicated to Rizal and other Filipino heroes	45 minutes
Museum	Discover the fort’s history through the on-site museum exhibits	1 hour

Exploring Fort Santiago offers a glimpse into Manila’s storied past, providing a powerful connection to the city’s struggle for independence.

Additional Locations

Nestled within the historic walled city of Intramuros, Rizal Park offers a serene respite from the bustling streets. This sprawling urban greenspace features iconic landmarks like the Rizal Monument, celebrating the national hero’s legacy.

Visitors can stroll through the peaceful gardens and stumble upon inspiring sculptures.

Another standout is the Manila American Cemetery and Memorial, a solemn resting place for over 17,000 US soldiers who perished in World War II.

The tour also includes a visit to San Agustin Church, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that exemplifies baroque Spanish colonial architecture.

With its ornate interiors and rich history, the church provides a fascinating glimpse into Manila’s past.

Accessibility Information

The tour is wheelchair and stroller accessible, catering to visitors of all mobility levels.

Infant seats are available for those traveling with young children. This ensures a comfortable and inclusive experience for everyone.

The tour also offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the scheduled date, providing guests with flexibility in their plans.

With these accessibility features, the historical tour of Old Manila caters to the diverse needs of its participants, making it an enjoyable and accessible experience for all.

Review Highlights

Glowing feedback from prior participants highlights the tour’s ability to meet and exceed expectations. Reviewers have praised the knowledgeable guides, who bring the city’s rich history to life with engaging storytelling.

The tour’s flexibility to customize the itinerary based on individual interests is also a notable strength, allowing visitors to maximize their experience. Plus, the excellent service from the guides and drivers has earned particular commendation, contributing to an overall positive impression of the tour.

• "Our guide was incredibly knowledgeable and brought the sites to life with fascinating details."
• "The ability to tailor the tour to our preferences made it a truly memorable experience."
• "The driver was courteous and navigated the city with ease, ensuring a smooth and comfortable journey."

Tour Booking Details

Booking the Historical Tour of Old Manila is straightforward. The private guided tour starts and ends at key landmarks in Manila, with the meeting point at Fort Santiago in Intramuros.

The fully customizable itinerary covers historic sites like Rizal Park and the Manila American Cemetery. The tour includes a knowledgeable guide, private transportation, lunch, and admission fees for select locations like Fort Santiago and Casa Manila.

Pricing is inclusive of all fees and taxes. The tour is accessible for wheelchair users and families with strollers.

Travelers can enjoy a hassle-free experience with the option to cancel up to 24 hours before the tour.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Maximum Group Size for This Tour?

The tour doesn’t specify a maximum group size. However, it’s a private guided tour, so the group size is likely flexible and can be tailored to the customer’s needs and preferences.

Can I Request a Private Tour Instead of a Group Tour?

Yes, the tour can be requested as a private tour instead of a group tour. The private tour offers a fully customizable itinerary to fit the customer’s interests and is conducted with a private guide and transportation.

Do I Need to Bring Any Special Equipment for the Tour?

No special equipment is needed for the private tour. The tour includes private transportation, so you can relax and enjoy the sights without having to worry about logistics. Just come prepared to explore and learn about Manila’s history.

Are There Opportunities to Try Local Cuisine During the Tour?

Yes, there are opportunities to try local cuisine during the tour. The tour includes lunch, allowing visitors to sample traditional Filipino dishes. The guides can also provide recommendations for nearby restaurants serving authentic Manileño cuisine.

Can I Extend the Tour Duration or Make Additional Stops?

Yes, the tour is fully customizable to accommodate additional stops or extend the duration. Visitors can discuss their interests with the tour guide to tailor the itinerary to their preferences.

Sum Up

The Historical Tour of Old Manila offers an immersive exploration of the city’s colonial heritage. Guided by knowledgeable experts, the tour visits iconic sites like Intramuros and Fort Santiago, providing a customizable experience for all. With private transportation, lunch, and fees included, participants can explore Manila’s rich history and culture in an accessible and convenient manner.