Private Half-Day Shore Excursion Old Manila by Calesa

Discover the rich history and cultural heritage of Old Manila with a private half-day shore excursion by calesa. This exclusive tour takes visitors on a journey through iconic landmarks, immersing them in the city’s fascinating past. From the iconic Old City Walls to the captivating Fort Santiago and the grand San Agustin Church, each stop offers a unique glimpse into Manila’s storied legacy. With personalized attention, an English-speaking guide, and the traditional charm of a horse-drawn carriage, this excursion promises an unforgettable experience for those seeking to uncover the charm and allure of Old Manila. But the true highlight may lie in what’s yet to be revealed.

Good To Know

• A private half-day shore excursion in Old Manila that visits significant landmarks like the Old City Walls, Fort Santiago, San Agustin Church, and Casa Manila.
• Includes a calesa ride, a traditional horse-drawn carriage experience, and is led by an English-speaking guide.
• Priced at $175.65 per person, with round-trip transfers from the cruise ship included.
• Offers a personalized and flexible experience with the opportunity to customize the itinerary based on group interests.
• Not wheelchair accessible and not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with mobility issues.

Tour Overview

This private half-day shore excursion in Old Manila offers visitors a chance to explore the historic city center.

Rated 5.0 out of 5 from a single review, the tour takes guests to significant landmarks like the old city walls, Fort Santiago, the UNESCO-listed San Agustin Church, and Casa Manila, which depicts colonial life.

The experience includes a ride on a calesa, a traditional 2-wheeled horse-drawn carriage.

Priced from $175.65 per person, the tour provides round-trip transfers from the cruise ship, an English-speaking guide, and all taxes and fees.

It’s a private tour, ensuring a personalized experience for your group.

Child rates are available when sharing with two paying adults.

Key Landmarks

The private half-day shore excursion in Old Manila takes visitors to some of the city’s most significant historical sites. The tour includes a visit to the iconic Old City Walls, a marvel of Spanish colonial engineering. Travelers will also explore the awe-inspiring Fort Santiago, a 16th-century citadel with a rich military history. Plus, the excursion features a stop at the San Agustin Church, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that showcases the Philippines’ unique blend of Asian and European architectural styles. Finally, guests will step back in time at Casa Manila, a meticulously restored colonial house that offers a glimpse into the lifestyle of the city’s elite during the Spanish era.

Landmark	Description
Old City Walls	Impressive Spanish colonial engineering
Fort Santiago	16th-century citadel with a rich military history
San Agustin Church	UNESCO World Heritage Site, blending Asian and European architecture
Casa Manila	Restored colonial house offering a peek into elite lifestyle
Calesa Ride	Traditional 2-wheeled horse-drawn carriage experience

Inclusions and Exclusions

As part of the private half-day shore excursion in Old Manila, the tour package includes round-trip transfers from the cruise ship, along with the services of a local English-speaking guide.

The tour also includes:

• A calesa ride, a traditional 2-wheeled horse-drawn carriage, offering a unique and immersive experience.
• All applicable taxes, fees, and handling charges.
• Admission to the featured landmarks, such as the old city walls, Fort Santiago, the San Agustin Church (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), and the Casa Manila, which depicts colonial life.

The tour excludes food, beverages, gratuities, and personal expenses, allowing guests to personalize their experience according to their preferences.

Meeting Point and Start Time

Upon leaving the cruise ship, guests meet the tour guide at the entrance/exit gate, where they’ll be holding a sign to identify themselves.

The tour departs promptly at 8:00 am, ensuring a timely start to the half-day excursion.

The private nature of the tour guarantees a personalized experience, as only your’ group will participate. This allows for flexibility and the ability to cater the pacing and focus to the group’s interests.

Guests can expect a rundown of the key landmarks in Old Manila, including the historic city walls, Fort Santiago, and the UNESCO-listed San Agustin Church, among other significant sites.

Private Tour Experience

On this private tour, guests enjoy a personalized experience as only their group participates.

The private nature of the tour ensures that travelers can explore at their own pace, with undivided attention from the knowledgeable local guide.

Some key benefits of the private tour include:

• Flexibility to customize the itinerary based on personal interests and preferences
• Opportunity to ask questions and engage in deeper discussions with the guide
• Avoidance of crowds and a more intimate, exclusive experience of the city’s historic sites

This private half-day shore excursion in Old Manila provides a unique chance to take in the rich cultural heritage of the Philippines’ capital city.

Additional Considerations

While the private tour offers a personalized experience, there are a few additional considerations travelers should keep in mind.

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, so guests with mobility issues may find it challenging. Pregnant women are also not recommended to participate due to the moderate physical activity involved.

Children are welcome but must be accompanied by an adult, and the child rate applies when sharing with two paying adults.

Lastly, the tour is non-refundable, and no refunds are available for cancellations. Travelers should ensure they meet the fitness level required and plan accordingly to make the most of this unique opportunity to explore the historic sights of Old Manila.

Customer Reviews

With only one review recorded for this private shore excursion in Old Manila, the customer feedback provides a glimpse into the tour’s quality.

The sole reviewer, Bryan_L, awarded the tour a perfect 5-star rating, praising the excellent experience and the polite, capable tour guide Jonas Fon.

Some key highlights from the review include:

• Excellent overall tour experience
• Polite and good tour operator in Jonas Fon
• A positive impression of the private, personalized nature of the shore excursion

This single glowing review suggests the tour offers a high-quality, personalized sightseeing experience of Old Manila’s key landmarks, led by a knowledgeable and professional guide.

Booking and Cancellation Policy

Customers receive confirmation of their booking upon completing their reservation.

The tour is non-refundable, and there are no refunds for cancellations. A minimum of two people per booking is required.

Children can participate but must be accompanied by an adult, and the child rate applies when sharing with two paying adults.

The tour isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers or those with limited physical fitness, as a moderate level of mobility is needed.

Accessibility is also limited, as the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, and infants must sit on laps.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the Tour Be Customized to Personal Interests?

The tour details indicate it is a private excursion, which suggests the itinerary can be customized to personal interests. Travelers may be able to request modifications or focus on specific sites during the tour.

Are There Any Options to Extend the Tour Duration?

The tour can be extended for an additional fee. Travelers can inquire about options to customize the duration and explore more of Old Manila at their own pace with the tour guide.

What Is the Average Group Size for the Private Tour?

The overview indicates this is a private tour, so the group size varies based on the number of participants booked. A minimum of 2 people per booking is required, though the exact average group size is not specified.

Are Any Covid-19 Protocols Currently in Place for the Tour?

The tour operator doesn’t mention any current COVID-19 protocols in place for the tour. Travelers should check with the operator or local authorities for the latest health and safety requirements before booking.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Larger Groups or Seniors?

The tour doesn’t explicitly mention any group discounts or senior discounts. However, the price is listed as "from $175.65 per person" which suggests the possibility of discounts for larger groups. You’d need to inquire directly with the tour provider.

Sum Up

This private half-day shore excursion by Calesa offers a unique opportunity to explore the rich history and culture of Old Manila. Travelers can enjoy iconic landmarks, such as the Old City Walls and Fort Santiago, while enjoying a traditional horse-drawn carriage ride. The inclusive package ensures a personalized and hassle-free experience, making it an attractive option for those seeking an authentic glimpse into Manila’s fascinating heritage.