Manila Old and New: Sightseeing Tour Including Intramuros and Fort Santiago

Manila’s rich history and modern vibrancy are on full display in the Manila Old and New: Sightseeing Tour. Delving into the city’s past, visitors explore the UNESCO-listed walled district of Intramuros, home to the iconic San Agustin Church and Fort Santiago. But the tour doesn’t stop there – it also ventures into the financial heart of Makati, showcasing the stark contrast between Manila’s colonial legacy and its contemporary development. With insights into the city’s cultural heritage and future aspirations, this immersive experience promises to captivate travelers seeking to uncover the multifaceted nature of the Philippine capital.

Key Points

• This sightseeing tour of Manila covers a mix of modern and historic landmarks, including the Makati financial center, Intramuros, and Fort Santiago.
• Highlights include visits to the UNESCO-listed San Agustin Church and the American Cemetery, providing insights into Manila’s colonial and revolutionary history.
• The tour includes hotel pickup/drop-off, air-conditioned transportation, and an English-speaking guide to facilitate a comfortable and informative experience.
• Travelers can explore the exclusive Forbes Park area and learn about Makati’s affluent neighborhoods during the tour.
• The tour allows visitors to spend approximately 15 minutes at San Agustin Church and 20 minutes at Fort Santiago to fully appreciate these historic sites.

Tour Overview

The guided sightseeing tour of Manila offers visitors a comprehensive look into the city’s past and present, spanning a duration of 4 hours.

Highlights of the tour include the financial center of Makati, the exclusive Forbes Park neighborhood, the American Cemetery, the historic Intramuros district, the UNESCO-listed San Agustin Church, and the imposing Fort Santiago.

The tour is inclusive of hotel pickup and drop-off, air-conditioned transportation, and an English-speaking local guide.

Guests can expect to spend approximately 10 minutes at Rizal Park, 15 minutes each at San Agustin Church and the American Cemetery, 30 minutes in Intramuros, and 20 minutes at Fort Santiago.

The tour provides a well-rounded introduction to Manila’s fascinating blend of Spanish colonial heritage and modern development.

Included and Not Included

In the Manila Old and New: Sightseeing Tour Including Intramuros and Fort Santiago, the tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, air-conditioned transportation, and an English-speaking local guide, but food, drinks, and gratuities aren’t included. This allows travelers to focus on exploring the city’s historic and cultural highlights without worrying about the logistics.

The tour covers popular attractions like Rizal Park, San Agustin Church, Manila American Cemetery, Intramuros, and Fort Santiago.

Comfortable walking shoes are recommended as there’s some light walking involved.

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, but children are welcome as long as they’re accompanied by an adult.

The maximum group size is 30 travelers.

Highlights of the Tour

Manila Old and New: Sightseeing Tour Including Intramuros and Fort Santiago

Highlights of the Tour:

Visitors on this guided sightseeing tour of Manila can expect to explore the financial center of Makati, stroll through the historic Intramuros district, and see UNESCO World Heritage sites like the San Agustin Church.

The tour also includes a stop at the Manila American Cemetery and Memorial, which honors the thousands of American and Filipino soldiers who died during World War II.

At Fort Santiago, guests will learn about the site’s Spanish colonial history and its role as a prison during the Philippine Revolution.

Throughout the 4-hour experience, the local English-speaking guide will provide insight into Manila’s past and present.

Exploring Makati and Old Manila

Manila Old and New: Sightseeing Tour Including Intramuros and Fort Santiago

Exploring Makati and Old Manila

The tour begins by showcasing the modern skyline and affluent neighborhoods of Makati, followed by a journey back in time through the walled city of Intramuros, the oldest district in Manila.

The bustling streets of Makati, the commercial heart of the city.

Forbes Park, an exclusive residential area known for its grand mansions.

The beautifully preserved San Agustin Church, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

The impressive Fort Santiago, a historic landmark that played a significant role in the Philippine revolution.

Visiting UNESCO World Heritage Sites

The tour includes visits to two UNESCO World Heritage sites, showcasing Manila’s rich cultural heritage. First, the group explores the iconic San Agustin Church, a stunning example of Baroque architecture dating back to the 16th century. Visitors can marvel at the intricate carvings, vibrant murals, and impressive façade of this well-preserved landmark. Next, the tour continues to Fort Santiago, a military fortress with a storied past that has played a crucial role in the nation’s history. Guests can wander through the historic site, learning about its strategic importance and the captivating stories it holds.

UNESCO Site	Description	Duration
San Agustin Church	16th century Baroque architecture, intricate carvings, vibrant murals	15 minutes
Fort Santiago	Historic military fortress, strategic importance, captivating stories	20 minutes

Learning About Spanish Colonial History

As the tour ventures into the historic Intramuros district, visitors explore the captivating legacy of Spanish colonial rule in the Philippines. This walled city, once the seat of Spanish power, offers a window into the profound influence of Spain’s presence that shaped the nation’s culture and identity.

Visitors learn about the influential figures and events that unfolded within Intramuros, such as the rise of national hero Jose Rizal and the country’s struggle for independence.

The tour highlights the impressive architecture of the San Agustin Church, a UNESCO World Heritage site that showcases the blending of Spanish and local design elements.

Exploring the austere corridors of Fort Santiago, guests gain a deeper understanding of the military and administrative power wielded by the Spanish colonial government.

Throughout the journey, the tour guide weaves together the threads of history, allowing travelers to appreciate the enduring legacy of Spain’s colonial rule in the Philippines.

Important Tour Details

This 4-hour sightseeing tour of Manila provides a rundown of the city’s past and present, covering its financial center, historic districts, and renowned landmarks.

Travelers will be picked up from their hotels and transported in air-conditioned comfort by an English-speaking local guide.

The tour includes visits to key sites like the Rizal Park, San Agustin Church, the Manila American Cemetery, the walled city of Intramuros, and the historic Fort Santiago.

Along the way, visitors will learn about Manila’s Spanish colonial history and the legacies of national heroes.

Comfortable walking shoes are recommended, and children must be accompanied by an adult.

With a maximum group size of 30 travelers, this tour offers an intimate and informative sightseeing experience.

Tour Group Size and Accessibility

With a maximum group size of 30 travelers, this tour offers an intimate sightseeing experience.

The tour is not wheelchair accessible, so guests with mobility issues should take that into consideration.

The tour is suitable for children, with infants required to sit on laps during transportation. However, the minimum age is 2 years old.

The tour is conveniently located near public transportation, making it easily accessible for those not staying at the included hotel pickup and drop-off locations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are There Restroom Breaks During the Tour?

The tour includes restroom breaks at key locations, allowing participants to refresh themselves during the 4-hour sightseeing experience. However, the availability and duration of these breaks are not explicitly stated in the tour details provided.

Can We Stop for a Local Lunch or Snacks?

The tour doesn’t include any scheduled stops for local lunch or snacks. However, the guide can provide recommendations for restaurants or cafes in the area if guests wish to explore local cuisine on their own during free time.

Is Photography Allowed at All Tour Stops?

Photography is generally allowed at all tour stops, though visitors should be mindful of any restrictions or rules at specific sites. Guests are encouraged to capture memories of their sightseeing experience, but should respect any guidelines provided by the tour guide.

Can We Customize the Tour Itinerary?

The tour generally follows a set itinerary, but travelers can ask about customizing the tour to focus on specific interests or sites. Flexibility may be limited, so it’s best to discuss any changes with the tour operator in advance.

What Is the Cancellation and Refund Policy?

The tour has a flexible cancellation policy. Customers can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations within 24 hours are subject to a fee. Refunds are processed within 7-10 business days.

Recap

The Manila Old and New: Sightseeing Tour offers a comprehensive exploration of the city’s historical and modern highlights.

Visitors will discover the Spanish colonial architecture of Intramuros, the military fortress of Fort Santiago, and gain insights into Manila’s rich cultural heritage.

With a focus on both past and present, this tour provides travelers with an immersive experience to fully understand the dynamic nature of the Philippine capital.