10 Days in Paradise: The Ultimate Philippines Itinerary

A stunning sunset Image, of a Palawan Beach in the Philippines.

Overview – Why This Itinerary Works

Why the Philippines?

Looking for the perfect Philippines 10-day itinerary? This guide takes you across four must-see destinations—Manila, Cebu, Bohol, and Palawan—each offering a unique blend of beaches, culture, and island charm. Whether you’re dreaming of island hopping in the Philippines or planning your first big Philippine vacation, we’ve mapped it out.

Who This Philippines 10-day Itinerary Is For

  • First-time visitors to the Philippines
  • Travelers flying from the U.S. or Europe who need time to recover
  • People who want variety—history, beaches, wildlife, and sunsets all in one

How You’ll Travel

  • Domestic Flights: Manila to Cebu; Bohol to Palawan; Palawan to Manila
  • Ferry: Cebu to Bohol
  • Private Car + Driver: Arranged at each stop for comfort and convenience
  • Total Estimated Trip Cost: $2,200–$2,800 USD (flights, stays, transport, food, activities). I could slightly exceed this price range for more than one visitor since most activities will charge per person.

Day 1 – Welcome to Manila: Late Arrival, Check-in, Sleep

An amazing sunset view of the BGC skyline in Manila. If you take a trip to the Philippines, you will see gorgeous views like this!
The Bonafacio Global City (BGC) Skyline

Most international flights from the U.S. or Europe land in Manila—the capital of the Philippines—at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) between 9 and 11 PM. This is likely your entry point if you plan a trip to the Philippines.

How to Get to Your Hotel

You can take a Grab ride or book a private car from the airport to The Manila Hotel (30–60 minutes, depending on traffic).
Estimated cost: ₱700–₱1,000 ($12–$18).

Where to Stay

The Manila Hotel – Historic, elegant, upscale, and close to Manila’s key landmarks. Be sure to book a room with an included breakfast, you won’t regret it!
Price: $120–$180/night

Check in. Unpack. Pass out.

Day 2 – Rest & Roam: Manila’s Greatest Hits

As you can see in this picture of the San Agustin Church, the should be a part of your personal Philippines itinerary!
San Agustin Church

Please don’t overdo it on your first full day of your Philippines itinerary. Just soak up some historic Manila charm. Start it out with the excellent Manila Hotel breakfast buffet! You’ll find almost anything you can imagine at this buffet, and if you reserved your room with breakfast included, there is no additional cost! Just be prepared, you may spend more time at the buffet than expected!

Light Sightseeing Day

This is a picture of the worn and weathered entrance to Fort Santiago in Intramuros, Manila. I consider this to be a must-see attraction in the Manila area.
Fort Santiago, Intramuros, Manila

Some ideas for what to see:

  • Intramuros (The Walled City): A top spot on any Manila sightseeing guide. A walled city steeped in history. Once the hub of politics and religion during Spanish colonial rule, it is now a striking contrast to Manila’s contemporary hustle and bustle. As an interesting side note, you can see part of Intramuros from the Manila Hotel! 
  • San Agustin Church is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located at the center of Intramuros, the ancient walled city. It stands as a symbol of history and faith. This remarkable architecture is more than just a typical church; it represents a return to the origins of the Philippines’ colonial past.
  • Rizal Park (Luneta): Iconic and peaceful, great for a soft landing in the Philippines. This part is also within walking distance of the Manila Hotel, just a few blocks away!
  • The Manila Cathedral is significant in Philippine religious architecture. Built in 1581, it has been reconstructed multiple times due to earthquakes and war, with the present structure dating to 1958.
  • Manila Bay: Along with its stunning scenery, Manila Bay boasts a rich historical heritage, as it was the site of several key events in Philippine history.
  • Fort Santiago: Located in the ancient district of Intramuros, it is a significant historical site witnessing the unfolding of Philippine history. Positioned at the entrance of the Pasig River, this centuries-old fortress has played a crucial role in defending Manila.
  • Malacañang Palace: Nestled along the banks of the Pasig River in Manila, Philippines, Malacañang Palace is a captivating blend of history, culture, and political significance. As you approach Malacañang Palace, you’ll be greeted by an impressive wrought-iron gate flanked by ornate lamp posts and manicured gardens.

Dinner Suggestion

Try Ilustrado Restaurant in Intramuros for heritage Filipino cuisine. Consider The Manila Hotel’s dinner buffet if you want a more versatile dinner. It’s fabulous and offers a wide variety of food, though it may be a little pricier. It’s a buffet setting, much like breakfast!

As you can see in this picture of the interior of the Ilustradio Restaurant, the atmosphere is great and it is an upscale venue.
Ilustrado Restaurant

Tip: Hire a car + driver for the day if you want to see a little more of Manila (and there is a lot to see).
Rate: ₱3,000–₱3,500 ($55–$65) for 8–10 hours.

Day 3 – Flight to Cebu + Urban Island Charm

Your Philippines itinerary officially starts with a short domestic flight to Cebu, one of the country’s most vibrant islands. Land at Mactan-Cebu International Airport (CEB) in just 1.5 hours from Manila. Book early flights (7–9 AM) via Philippine Airlines or Cebu Pacific to maximize your Cebu itinerary.

This is a picture of the view from the Dusit Thani, at Mactan in Cebu! Views like this are abundant all across the shores of Cebu!
View from Dusit Thani, Mactan Cebu, Philippines

We should note that if you stay at The Manila Hotel, you can arrange transportation to the airport at the front desk. Just do so well in advance. Also, allow at least 2 hours for your commute and check-in at the airport.

Arrange a Car + Driver in Cebu

Your driver meets you at the airport.
Cost: ₱3,000/day or around ₱500 ($9) per hour

Where to Stay in Cebu

Either of the following hotels will provide very nice accommodations at a reasonable price.

  • Mid-range: Seda Ayala Center
  • Luxury: Shangri-La Mactan

Suggestions on What to Visit

This is a picture of the Lapu-Lapu monument on Mactan Island in Cebu. This is only a small portion of the the site which stands for Filipino courage, independence and resistance against colonial oppression. This should be a part of you perfect itinerary!
The Lapu-Lapu Monument
  • Magellan’s Cross: This Christian cross is housed in a small chapel on Magallanes Street in Cebu City, Philippines. It was planted by Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan when he arrived in the Philippines in 1521, symbolizing the birth of Christianity in the archipelago.
  • Fort San Pedro: Fuerte de San Pedro is a military defense structure in Cebu City, Philippines. Built in 1565 by Spanish conquistador Miguel López de Legazpi, it is the Philippines’ oldest and smallest triangular bastion fort. It features three bastions: La Concepción, San Felipe, and San Miguel.
  • The Lapu-Lapu Monument symbolizes Filipino courage, independence, and resistance against colonial oppression. It honors Lapu-Lapu as one of the Philippines’ first heroes who resisted foreign invasion. In 1521, he led his warriors in the Battle of Mactan against Ferdinand Magellan’s Spanish forces. Magellan was killed in this battle, marking the first successful resistance against Spanish colonizers in Philippine history.
  • Try lechon (roast pork) at Rico’s or House of Lechon. If you like pork, you will genuinely love Lechon! According to Anthony Bourdain, “In the hierarchy of pork, Cebu lechon is the gold standard. The skin is thin and perfectly crisp, covering a moist cushion of the most flavorful pig you will ever have in your life.”
  • Take a little time to do some shopping in Cebu City. I would recommend visiting Ayala Mall. No trip to the Philippines is complete without visiting a Mall!
  • Take it easy, though, you’re still warming up!

Day 4 – Kawasan Falls or Osmeña Peak + Local History

This is a picture of the gorgeous Kawasan Falls in Cebu! it should be a part of your Cebu Itinerary!
Kawasan Falls

Arrange a Car + Driver for this second day in Cebu

You can coordinate this with your driver for the previous day if you would like. If not, you can check with your hotel for suggestions. You may also want to ensure you budget enough time to see the sights you wish to. Traffic can be heavy at times in the Cebu area.
Cost: ₱3,000/day or around ₱500 ($9) per hour

Choose Your Adventure

Select the type of adventure you would like to include in your Philippine itinerary.

Option A: Kawasan Falls Canyoneering (3 hours south of Cebu City)
Tour with transport: ₱2,000–₱2,500 ($35–$45)
This is one of the most popular day trips on any Cebu itinerary—cliff-jumping, turquoise pools, and enough adrenaline to cancel your morning coffee.

Option B: Osmeña Peak
Hike and chill with panoramic views of jagged hills. Add nearby beaches if you’re feeling energetic.

Dinner by the Waterfront

Try Lantaw SRP or Scape Skydeck for great seafood and city views. If you use your car and driver to get to dinner, you should also consider providing dinner for the driver.

Day 5 – Ferry to Bohol + Panglao Sunset

This is a picture of children dancing a traditional dance (known as Tinikling), aboard the Loboc Floating Restaurant, on the Loboc river. This is a very unique river cruise!
Children dancing traditional dance (Tinikling), Loboc Floating Restaurant, Loboc, Philippines

Welcome to Bohol, your second stop on this Philippines island hopping itinerary. Unwind on Alona Beach, one of the most popular tourist spots in the Bohol travel guide, with a cocktail and your toes in the sand.

Travel Details

  • Ferry: Take an OceanJet ferry from Cebu Pier 1 to Tagbilaran. You must hire a car or take a Taxi from your hotel to the Pier.
  • Travel Time: 2 hours
  • Cost: ₱800–₱1,000 ($14–$18) per  person

Private Transfer to Panglao from Tagbilaran

Arrange a van with the driver at the port. Travel time will be 45 to 60 minutes.
Cost: ₱1,200 ($22) one-way + tip

Where to Stay in Panglao

  • Mid-range: Bohol South Beach Hotel
  • Luxury: Amorita Resort

Day 6 – Chocolate Hills, Tarsiers & River Cruise

This is a picture of some of The Chocolate Hills in Bohol. This is actually a pretty amazing site!
The Chocolate Hills in Bohol

Hire a Car + Driver

Full-day private tour: ₱3,000–₱3,500 ($55–$65)

Top Stops

  • Tarsier Sanctuary: Here dwell the tarsiers, nature’s wide-eyed wonder children. No larger than a human fist, these ancient souls possess eyes that seem to hold the universe within—enormous amber orbs that gaze into your essence.
  • Chocolate Hills: Over a thousand perfectly cone-shaped mounds stretch across the landscape, covered in emerald grass that transforms to rich cocoa-brown during the dry season—hence their deliciously evocative name. While there, ride an ATV if you’re feeling wild!
  • Loboc River Cruise: Time this visit for lunch as the tour comes with a buffet lunch and live music

Optional: Add a quick stop at Baclayon Church—a historic highlight in many Philippines travel guides—or take a scenic drive through the Bilar Planted Forest, a photogenic detour popular with anyone crafting a Bohol itinerary.

Day 7 – Island-Hopping in Panglao

This is a picture of the amazing Balicasag Island in Bohol. Notice how the white sand beaches ring the island! It is a wonderful stop on your Island Hopping Tour.
Balicasag island, Bohol

This is a must-do island-hopping experience in the Philippines.

  • Balicasag Island: A perfect spot for snorkeling with sea turtles and coral reef lovers.
  • Virgin Island Sandbar: A surreal photo op and one of the best-kept secrets in your Bohol travel guide.

Tour Price: ₱1,500–₱2,500/person ($25–$45)
Includes boat, gear, lunch, and guide

Day 8 – Travel to Palawan (Bohol to El Nido)

Getting from Bohol to Palawan is one of the longer transfers in this Philippines itinerary, but it’s worth it. Fly from Panglao Airport to Puerto Princesa, then take a van to El Nido—a top destination for island hopping in Palawan and a favorite in every Philippines travel guide.

Route Details

  • Flight: Panglao to Puerto Princesa (~1 hr 15 min)
  • Van Transfer: Puerto Princesa to El Nido (4–5 hours). You can arrange for a van ahead of time (recommended) or upon arrival (may be more expensive).
  • Van cost: ₱600–₱900 ($10–$16)
This is a beautiful picture of the shoreline at El Nido. This is a truly spectacular part  of the Philippines!
El Nido Lagen

Where to Stay in El Nido

Either of these accommodations should meet your expectations.

  • Mid-range: Huni Lio
  • Luxury: El Nido Resorts
  • Because of the lengthy travel time, plan to have dinner and rest in the local area!

Day 9 – El Nido Island Hopping: Big Lagoon & Friends

The Big Lagoon is kayaking heaven. Calm, emerald water surrounded by towering limestone cliffs—easily one of the most photographed places in Palawan and a gem in any El Nido itinerary.

Tour A – The Classic

Here’s a list of the Stops on this tour:

  • Big Lagoon
  • Small Lagoon
  • Shimizu Island
  • Secret Beach

Tour Cost: ₱1,400–₱2,000 ($25–$35)
This includes a boat, a guide, and a buffet lunch. Other activities (e.g., Kayak rental) can be arranged at an additional cost.

Day 10 – Rest, Shop, Fly Home

This is a picture of Limestone island in Bacuit Bay, El Nido, Palawan. It is very representative of the type of landscapes you will experience in El Nido!
Limestone island in Bacuit Bay, El Nido, Palawan, Philippines

Wrap up your 10-day Philippines itinerary with a massage (₱600–₱1,000), a mango shake by the beach, and some locally made souvenirs from El Nido to take home a piece of the Philippine islands. We suggest arranging an afternoon or evening flight ahead of time.

Flight

  • AirSwift from El Nido to Manila or Cebu
  • Flight Time: ~1.5 hours

Final Thoughts – A True Island Sampler

This Philippines 10-day itinerary gave you the ultimate tour: Manila’s history, Cebu’s culture, Bohol’s tropical charm, and Palawan’s island-hopping magic. If you’re planning your first trip to the Philippines, you’ve just sampled the best of what this country has to offer!

FAQs

Q1: Can I book all transport and drivers in advance?
Yes. Use hotel concierge services, Klook, or travel agencies like Guide to the Philippines.

Q2: Is this senior-friendly?
Very much so. Just skip canyoneering and opt for light walking tours.

Q3: Are car and driver rentals worth it?
Yes! It saves stress, avoids scams, and provides more comfort in the heat. Trust me when I say, you don’t want to try to drive in the Philippines!

Q4: Should I extend to 14 days if I can?
Absolutely. Add Siargao, Coron, or even Davao.

Q5: Is it okay to reverse the route?
Yes, match your flights accordingly.

You may also find the following articles interesting.

Suggestions For Lodging and Travel

Lodging is widely available throughout the Philippines. However, you may want to get some assistance booking tours to some of the Philippines’ attractions. I have provided a few local agencies that we’ve found very good for setting up tours. For transparency: We may earn a commission when you click on certain links in this article, but this doesn’t influence our editorial standards. We only recommend services that we genuinely believe will enhance your travel experiences. This will not cost you anything, and I can continue to support this site through these links.

Tour and Philippine Travel Assistance

If you are genuinely interested in taking this trip, here are a few suggestions for making the necessary arrangements:

  1. Book your international flights and as many hotels as possible through Expedia.com (it will help me out, and their rates are pretty standard—in fact, I book my trips through Expedia).
  2. Check out the Guide to the Philippines for each of the destinations. I think you will find that they have the best prices and services.
  3. Once you know what you want (hotels, if necessary, and tours/tour guides) from Guide to the Philippines, contact them directly via email or phone. Their contact info is available on their website. When contacting them, tell them precisely what you want and ask if they can do a custom booking. I think you’ll find them very willing to help! Remember, you can book the Philippines domestic flights through them and any hotels and specific tours. Just be certain of the time requirements.
  4. Put all the details together on a trip calendar to ensure you address everything. Also, make sure you allow sufficient travel and preparation time.
  5. Last but not least, mention this blog to them. I don’t have an affiliate agreement with them, but I would like to!

Local Lodging Assistance

  • Guide to the Philippines: This site specializes in tours throughout the Philippines. They seem to have some flexibility in scheduling, and pricing is very competitive. I highly recommend them for booking the local arrangements for a trip like this one! You can handle the Flights and hotels through the Expedia link I’ve provided below.
  • Hotel Accommodations: I highly recommend The Manila Hotel when staying in Manila. I stay here every time I travel to the Philippines! It is centrally located, and many attractions can be reached from there. Rizal Park is easily within walking distance. I have provided a search box below for you to use to search for hotels (click on “Stays” at the top) or flights (click on “Flights” at the top). This tool will provide me with an affiliate commission (at no cost to you).
  • Kapwa Travel is a travel company focused on the Philippines. It specializes in customizing trips to meet customers’ needs.
  • Tourismo Filipino is a well-established company that has operated for over 40 years. It focuses on tailoring tours to meet customers’ needs.
  • Tropical Experience Travel Services – Tours of the Philippines: This company offers several tour packages, enabling you to customize trips.

Lastly, we recommend booking international travel flights through established organizations rather than a local travel agent in the Philippines. I recommend Expedia.com (see the box below), the site I use to book my international travel. I have provided a search box below for you to use to search for flights (click on “Flights” at the top) or Hotels (click on “Stays” at the top). This tool will provide me with an affiliate commission (at no cost to you).