Manila Super Saver: Manila Sightseeing plus Tagaytay Tour with Taal Volcano

Experience the Best of Manila and Tagaytay in One Day
This full-day tour offers a well-rounded look at the Philippines’ vibrant capital and its scenic countryside. For $160 per person, you’ll spend about 8 hours exploring Manila’s historic core and the breathtaking views of Taal Volcano from Tagaytay. The tour includes hotel pickup, a guided drive, lunch, and visits to key sites like San Agustin Church, Fort Santiago, and People’s Park in the Sky.

What we particularly like about this trip are the stunning panoramic views of Taal Volcano from Tagaytay—it’s an incredible sight that makes the long drive worthwhile—and the knowledgeable guides who bring history alive in Manila’s colonial sites. Also, the included lunch of Filipino dishes gives you a taste of local flavors with a view, which adds to the experience.

A potential consideration is the long travel time—about an hour each way—and the packed nature of the schedule, which might feel rushed for some. If you’re after a relaxed, slow-paced trip, this may not be the best choice.

This tour suits travelers who want to maximize their day with a blend of nature, history, and culture, especially if they appreciate good guides and scenic viewpoints. If you’re on a short visit to Manila and eager to see both urban highlights and natural beauty, this tour ticks those boxes.

Key Points

• Comprehensive experience: Combines Manila’s historic sites with a scenic trip to Tagaytay and Taal Volcano.
• Knowledgeable guides: Many reviews praise guides like Fernando for their friendliness and depth of knowledge.
• Stunning views: Taal Volcano and Taal Lake provide breathtaking photo opportunities.
• Cultural and historical insights: Visits to Fort Santiago, San Agustin Church, and Rizal Park reveal Manila’s colonial past.
• Includes lunch: Offers local Filipino dishes with spectacular views, adding flavor to your day.
• Long but rewarding day: Over 8 hours with some traffic and travel time; suitable for active travelers.

A Deep Dive into the Manila Super Saver Tour

The Itinerary Breakdown

This tour starts early with hotel pickup, setting the tone for a day packed with diverse sights and stories. The first stop in Tagaytay, perched on a ridge, offers a cooler climate and scenic vistas of Taal Lake and Taal Volcano—one of the Philippines’ most active volcanoes. From the viewpoint at People’s Park in the Sky, a former mansion turned park, you can gaze out over the lake and the island below. Many travelers comment on how the views are unforgettable, with some noting the haziness during visits but still appreciating the overall spectacle.

After soaking in the scenery, you’ll sit down for a lunch at a local restaurant. The included meal typically features traditional Filipino cuisine, and many reviewers say the food is both tasty and well-portioned. A few mention that the lunch venue offers a perfect vantage point for photos, making it a highlight for many.

Post-lunch, the journey back to Manila begins. Once in the city, the tour shifts to Manila’s historic and cultural sites. The Manila American Cemetery and Memorial is a sobering visit, with over 17,000 graves of U.S. military personnel from World War II. Many find it moving and a meaningful reminder of the Philippines’ wartime history.

Next, the tour takes you along Roxas Boulevard, famed for its waterfront views, and through Makati’s financial district—a bustling hub of commerce and modernity. Visitors often comment on the contrast between this modern skyline and the city’s historic core.

The final cultural stops include Rizal Park, San Agustin Church, and Fort Santiago. The UNESCO World Heritage-listed San Agustin Church is particularly praised for its intricate baroque carvings and historical significance. In Fort Santiago, you learn about Jose Rizal, the Philippines’ national hero, who was imprisoned here during Spanish rule—an emotional and educational experience for many.

Transportation and Group Size

Transportation is by air-conditioned vehicle, providing comfortable transit despite Manila’s notorious traffic. The tour keeps to a maximum of 15 travelers, fostering a group atmosphere that’s friendly but not overly crowded. Several reviews emphasize how guides like Fernando or Omar make the experience engaging and personalized, often going out of their way to answer questions or show extra sights.

Value for Money

At $160, this tour offers a full day of sightseeing with hotel pickup, lunch, and entry fees included. Many travelers feel it’s a reasonable price considering the range of sites visited and the convenience of having transportation arranged. Some reviewers, however, note that the included lunch may be fast-food style, and a few felt the day was a bit rushed. Yet, most agree that the guided insights, especially on Manila’s history, add significant value.

What the Reviews Say

Readers’ opinions are quite varied, highlighting both strengths and weaknesses. The majority genuinely appreciate the guides’ friendliness and knowledge—with many mentioning guides like Fernando or Omar as highlights of the trip. They say the views at People’s Park and the lunch venue are spectacular, and the historical sites in Manila are moving and educational.

However, some reviews mention disappointment when the schedule felt rushed or when certain key sites seemed skipped or closed without prior notice. One reviewer said, “they simply drove us around, told us everything was closed,” which underscores the importance of managing expectations and being flexible.

Practical Tips for Travelers

• Wear comfortable walking shoes—there’s a fair amount of walking and some uneven cobblestone streets.
• Bring sunscreen and a hat—despite the early start, Manila and Tagaytay can get hot.
• Prepare for traffic delays—the long drives mean patience is key, especially during peak hours.
• Have your camera ready—the views at Tagaytay and Taal Lake are picture-perfect.
• If you prefer a more relaxed pace, consider splitting this into two separate tours, as some travelers suggested.

Who Should Book This Tour?

This tour is ideal for history buffs and nature lovers alike. If you’re eager to see Manila’s colonial architecture and wartime memorials, you’ll find plenty of insight and storytelling here. Likewise, if the thought of panoramic views of Taal Volcano from a high vantage point excites you, this day trip will not disappoint.

Travelers on a tight schedule or those who prefer a more leisurely pace might find some parts a bit rushed, but overall, the combination of culture and scenic beauty offers good value. It’s particularly suited for first-time visitors wanting a rundown of Manila’s highlights paired with a scenic escape to the countryside.

FAQs

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour includes pickup and drop-off at selected Manila hotels, making it very convenient for travelers staying in the city.

How long is the drive to Tagaytay?
The drive from Manila to Tagaytay takes about an hour, depending on traffic. Expect similar time for the return trip.

What sites are visited in Manila?
You’ll visit the Manila American Cemetery, Rizal Park, San Agustin Church, Fort Santiago, and Makati, among others.

Is lunch included?
Yes, a lunch featuring traditional Filipino dishes at a local restaurant is part of the package.

How many people are in a group?
The maximum group size is around 15 travelers, fostering a friendly, intimate atmosphere.

Is the tour suitable for children or elderly travelers?
Most travelers can participate, but be prepared for some walking and stairs at sites like San Agustin Church and Fort Santiago.

Are entrance fees included?
Most entrance fees are covered, including Fort Santiago and San Agustin Church.

Can I cancel if I change my mind?
Yes, the tour is available for free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start time.

To sum it up, the Manila Super Saver tour offers a good balance of history, scenic views, and cultural insights, all in one day. It’s best suited for travelers who want to see a lot in a limited time, appreciate knowledgeable guides, and enjoy authentic Filipino cuisine amidst beautiful surroundings. While it may be a long day with some traffic, the experiences gained—like the sweeping vistas of Taal Volcano and the stories of Manila’s colonial past—make it a worthwhile adventure for most visitors.