Exploring the vibrant city of Manila has never been easier with the captivating "Old & New 4-Hour City Tour." Delving into the city’s rich history and modern marvels, this comprehensive tour offers a unique opportunity to uncover the heart and soul of the Philippines’ bustling capital. From the financial district of Makati to the historic wonders of Intramuros, the guided journey promises to enchant visitors with a seamless blend of iconic landmarks, cultural insights, and immersive experiences. Whether you’re a first-time traveler or a seasoned explorer, this tour promises to leave you with a newfound appreciation for the dynamic and ever-evolving city of Manila.
Key Points
- Comprehensive 4-hour tour of historic and modern Manila, covering key landmarks like Nielsen’s Tower, Forbes Park, American Cemetery, and Intramuros.
- Includes round-trip hotel transfers from Makati City and Bay Area, with an experienced English-speaking guide.
- Features scenic views, affluent neighborhoods, and immersive exploration of Manila’s cultural heritage, including San Agustin Church and Fort Santiago.
- Comfortable attire and shoes recommended, with restrictions on wheelchairs, large bags, and smoking.
- Overall rating of 4.4/5 from over 300 reviews, highlighting positive experiences and knowledgeable tour guides.
Tour Overview
The "Manila: Old & New 4-Hour City Tour" offers a comprehensive exploration of Manila’s rich history and vibrant present. Priced at $45.69 per person, the tour duration is 4 hours, with a live English-speaking guide.
Pickup is included from hotels in Makati City and Bay Area. Highlights include visiting Nielsen’s Tower, Forbes Park, the American Cemetery, Luneta Park, Intramuros, San Agustin Church, and Fort Santiago.
The tour provides an air-conditioned van, all entrance fees, and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. However, it’s not suitable for wheelchair users, and smoking and large bags are prohibited.
With an overall rating of 4.4/5 from over 300 reviews, the tour delivers an engaging experience despite occasional traffic challenges.
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Itinerary Highlights
Beginning with the Makati financial district, the tour explores Manila’s past and present, visiting key landmarks that reveal the city’s evolution.
It heads to Nielsen’s Tower, a historic structure offering scenic city views, then drives through the affluent Forbes Park neighborhood.
The journey continues to the American Cemetery and Memorial, the largest American memorial outside the U.S.
Traversing Roxas Boulevard, the tour reaches Luneta Park before delving into the Walled City of Intramuros.
Here, visitors discover the San Agustin Church, the oldest stone church in the country, and Fort Santiago, where national hero Dr. Jose Rizal spent his final days.
Inclusions and Exclusions
The tour includes return hotel transfers from Makati and Bay Area, all entrance fees, a licensed tour guide, and transportation in an air-conditioned van.
However, food, beverages, and gratuities aren’t included in the tour price. Plus, the tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users, and smoking or carrying large bags isn’t allowed.
Participants are advised to wear comfortable shoes.
Confirmation details, including pickup time and location, will be provided by email, so customers should check their spam folder if they don’t receive it.
The tour operator requires contact details to confirm hotel pickup.
Important Information
Comfortable shoes are recommended for participants to wear on this tour.
Confirmation details will be sent via email, so be sure to check any spam folders if the pickup time and location aren’t received.
Contact information for the local partner is required to confirm hotel pickup arrangements.
The tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users, and large bags or luggage aren’t allowed.
Plus, smoking is prohibited during the tour.
- What to bring: Comfortable shoes
- Confirmation: Email with pickup details
- Contact info: Required for hotel pickup
- Restrictions: No wheelchairs, no large bags, no smoking
Customer Feedback
Reviewers have collectively rated this Manila city tour 4.4 out of 5 stars based on 306 reviews.
The tour guide received a strong 4.5/5 rating, with customers highlighting the guide’s knowledgeability and engaging presentation.
Transportation, facilitated via air-conditioned vans, was also praised with a 4.6/5 rating.
Overall service and organization of the tour earned 4.3/5 scores, though some noted traffic congestion as a common issue during the 4-hour experience.
Despite this, the majority of reviews reflect a positive and memorable tour of Manila’s historic sites and modern landmarks.
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Exploring Makati and Environs
Departing from the financial district of Makati, the city tour explores the dichotomy of Manila’s past and present.
The journey begins with a visit to Nielsen’s Tower, a landmark that once served as an observation post during World War II.
Next, the tour winds through the affluent Forbes Park, showcasing the opulent homes and luxurious lifestyles of the city’s elite.
Crossing into the American Cemetery and Memorial, visitors pay their respects at the largest American military cemetery outside the United States.
The scenic drive along Roxas Boulevard offers glimpses of Luneta Park, a historic public space where Filipinos have gathered for centuries.
Discovering Historic Intramuros
The pulsing heart of Manila’s storied past lies within the Walled City of Intramuros, a remarkable remnant of the Spanish colonial era.
Visitors can explore ancient stone walls, ruins, and the iconic San Agustin Church, the oldest stone church in the country.
Fort Santiago, where national hero Dr. Jose Rizal spent his final days, is a moving site that offers a glimpse into the country’s complex history.
The guided tour provides an immersive experience, allowing travelers to step back in time and uncover the layers of Intramuros’ rich cultural heritage.
This historic district is a testament to Manila’s resilience and enduring spirit.
Travel Details and Policies
Convenience and flexibility define the travel details and policies for this Manila city tour. The tour includes complimentary hotel pickup from Makati City and the Bay Area, ensuring a seamless start to the experience.
With a duration of 4 hours and English-speaking live guides, visitors can expect an engaging and informative exploration of the city’s highlights. The tour also offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, providing peace of mind for travelers.
Additionally:
- Comfortable attire, including supportive shoes, is recommended.
- Confirmation details will be sent via email, so checking the spam folder is advised.
- Contact information is required to coordinate the hotel pickup.
- Smoking and large bags aren’t permitted during the tour.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Customize the Tour Itinerary to My Preferences?
The tour operator typically offers a fixed itinerary, but they may be able to accommodate some customization requests if you contact them in advance. You’ll need to discuss your preferences with the operator to see what’s possible.
How Accessible Is the Tour for People With Disabilities?
The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users, as the itinerary includes locations with limited accessibility. Guests with mobility challenges may find navigating the historic sites and transportation challenging. Specialized accommodations are not provided.
Are There Any Dietary Options or Accommodations Available?
The tour doesn’t offer any specific dietary options or accommodations. However, the provider can likely accommodate requests with advance notice. Participants should contact the local partner to discuss any special needs prior to booking.
Can I Take Photographs During the Tour?
Yes, participants are generally allowed to take photographs during the tour. The tour operator encourages visitors to capture the historical sights and scenery, though they may advise against flash photography in certain areas out of respect for the surroundings.
Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?
Yes, there is typically an option to extend the tour duration. Customers can speak with the tour operator or guide to inquire about adding more time to explore Manila’s sights in greater depth. However, additional fees may apply for extending the tour.
Recap
The "Old & New 4-Hour City Tour" of Manila offers a captivating exploration of the city’s rich history and dynamic present. From the financial heart of Makati to the iconic sites of Intramuros, this tour provides an immersive experience, guided by knowledgeable English-speaking professionals. Comfortable footwear is recommended to fully appreciate the journey through Manila’s vibrant tapestry of old and new.
You can check if your dates are available here:More City Tours in Manila
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