Vigan, in the Philippines, Named One of the World's 7 Urban Wonders...

Vigan, Philippines

Vigan, in the Philippines, has been named as one of the world's 7 urban wonders, beating the likes of other finalist cities such as Istanbul, London, and Seoul, for a place in the top 7!

The New7Wonders project was created by Bernard Weber, and more than 100 million people voted within the competition.  The winners reflect the cities that best represent the achievements and aspirations of our global urban civilisation.

You can read more about Vigan on our website, and choose from a selection of recommended tours that include a stay in the city.

There's an interactive graphic showing Vigan, and the other finalist cities, HERE >>

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Tour of North Luzon, Philippines, including the Rice Terraces and Ilocos...

The lovely town of Vigan, Ilocos Sur, North Luzon

We've introduced a new Private Tour that takes in many of the splendours of North Luzon, Philippines, including the Rice Terraces, Baguio, Vigan, Laoag, & Ilocos. The journey is over 8 Days, but can be extended.

The trip takes us from Manila to Banaue, and the Rice Terraces. Over the next 4 days we'll take a nature trek through the forests of Batad, marvel at the rice terraces here, and then head off to the Tappiyah Waterfalls.

Visiting Sagada, we'll discover Mt. Polis, the Bayyo Rice Terraces, and Bontoc. We'll see caves and hanging coffins, explore villages and small townships, and maybe even pick oranges, if in season.

On day 5 we head off to Baguio - "City of Pines", where we do a tour of the local area. The following day we head north again, to Ilocos, stopping first in the amazing Spanish-style town of Vigan. 

A tour of Vigan takes in the Antay Bell Tower, Loom Weavers, Burgos Museum, St. Paul’s Metropolitan Cathedral, Pagburnayan Pottery, Syquia Mamsion, Hotel Luna, Crisologo Museum, Baluarte, Hidden Garden, and Calle Crisologo.

Moving on to Laoag, Paoay and Batac, on day 7, we see the Laoag Sinking Bell Tower, St William’s Cathedral, Aurora Park, Sta. Monica Church, Museo Diocesano de Laoag, Marcos's Birth Place, Malacanan of the North, Paoay Church, Marcos Mausoleum and Museum, and the coastal Sand Dunes.

On our final day, after Breakfast, we start a Pagudpud day tour. On this tour we visit the Burgos Light House, Kapurpurawan Rock Formation, and Bangui Windmills, stopping at Saud Emohrou for Lunch by the Sea. We then carry on to the Kabigan Falls, with an opportunity for swimming, Patapat Viaduct, Paraiso Ni Anton, and finally, Blue Lagoon, which also presents an opportunity for a bathe.

In the evening on this final day, to save time, we take a short flight back to Manila, where our journey ends. (Or you can opt for an extention to visit some other parts of the Philippines.)

See the Full Tour Outline HERE >>

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Vigan one of 28 Official Finalists in the New7Wonders Cities Campaign...

The old Spanish town of Vigan in Ilocos Sur, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has made it to the finals of the New7Wonders Cities campaign, and it's amongst impressive company.
Joining Vigan in the shortlist are: Athens, Greece; Bangkok, Thailand; Barcelona, Spain; Beirut, Lebanon; Casablanca, Morocco; Chicago, USA; Doha, Qatar; Durban, South Africa; Havana, Cuba; Ho Chi Minh City, VietNam; Istanbul, Turkey; Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; Kyoto, Japan; La Paz, Bolivia; London, United Kingdom; Mendoza, Argentina; Mexico City, Mexico; Mumbai, India; Perth, Australia; Phnom Penh, Cambodia; Prague, the Czech Republic; Quito, Ecuador; Reykjavik, Iceland; St. Petersburg, Russia; Seoul, South Korea; Shenzhen, China; and Vancouver, Canada.
Read the article, in the Philippines TEMPO newspaper, HERE...

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Vigan awarded: "Best Management Practice in World Heritage"...

Vigan in the Philippines has been awarded: "Best Management Practice in World Heritage".

The beautiful Spanish colonial city of Vigan in Northern Luzon Island (Philippines) has been acknowledged  by UNESCO as a model of best practices in World Heritage site management. A proud achievement for the small city, one of Southeast Asia’s most charming historical places...

Read more about this fine achievement HERE... 

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