The Iloilo Half Day Southern Countryside Private Tour offers a comprehensive exploration of the region’s rich heritage and natural wonders. Spanning four hours, this tour immerses visitors in the historical significance of iconic landmarks like the UNESCO-listed Miag-ao Church and the 1865 Balay na Bato. Complemented by comfortable transportation and a knowledgeable DOT-accredited guide, the tour also incorporates a relaxing visit to the serene Garin Farm resort. Whether you’re a history buff or simply seeking a well-rounded cultural experience, this private tour promises to unveil the captivating essence of Iloilo’s southern countryside.
Key Points
- This 4-hour private tour explores the southern countryside of Iloilo, visiting historical sites like the Balay na Bato heritage house and UNESCO-listed Miag-ao Church.
- The tour includes air-conditioned transportation, a DOT-accredited guide, and entrance fees, providing a comfortable and informative experience.
- Highlights include the Churrigueresque-style Tigbauan Church, the yellow sandstone Guimbal Church, and the Garin Farm resort for leisure and spiritual reflection.
- Comfortable shoes are recommended, and the tour is not suitable for individuals with mobility impairments.
- The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, and booking options include reserve now and pay later.
Tour Overview
The Iloilo Half Day Southern Countryside Private Tour offers a comprehensive exploration of the area’s historic landmarks.
Lasting 4 hours, the tour takes guests on a private, guided journey through the southern countryside of Iloilo. Priced at $102.64 per person, the tour includes air-conditioned transportation, a DOT-accredited guide, and all entrance fees.
Guests are picked up between 7:30-8:00 AM from the city town proper, and the tour is conducted in English. With a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance, this private group experience allows visitors to discover the region’s architectural gems, such as the Balay na Bato, Tigbauan Church, and the UNESCO-listed Miag-ao Church, as well as the picturesque Garin Farm.
Itinerary Highlights
Explore the South countryside of Iloilo, visiting historic landmarks that showcase the region’s rich cultural heritage. Begin at the Balay na Bato, a heritage house built in 1865. Next, marvel at the Latin-American Churrigueresque style of the Tigbauan Church and the yellow sandstone construction of the Guimbal Church. Discover the San Joaquin Church, which depicts the Spanish victory in the Battle of Tetuan. Then, visit the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Miag-ao Church. Finally, relax at the 14-hectare Garin Farm, an inland resort for leisure, pilgrimage, and agriculture.
| Landmark | Architectural Style |
|---|---|
| Balay na Bato | Heritage house |
| Tigbauan Church | Latin-American Churrigueresque |
| Guimbal Church | Yellow sandstone |
| San Joaquin Church | Depicts Spanish victory |
| Miag-ao Church | UNESCO World Heritage |
Included Offerings
This tour includes several key offerings to enhance the experience.
The air-conditioned van transportation provided ensures a comfortable journey through the southern countryside. A DOT accredited guide accompanies the group, offering expert knowledge and insights into the historic landmarks visited. Entrance fees to all sites are included, granting seamless access to the highlights of the tour.
Plus, the tour package includes:
- Exploration of the South countryside of Iloilo
- Visit to the heritage house Balay na Bato, built in 1865
- Stops at the Tigbauan, Guimbal, and San Joaquin Churches
- Relaxation time at the 14-hectare Garin Farm resort.
Important Considerations
A few important considerations should be kept in mind for this tour.
Participants should wear comfortable shoes as the tour involves exploring historical sites and walking around farms. The tour may not be suitable for those with mobility impairments.
Visitors are advised not to bring alcohol or drugs, as these are prohibited items.
The tour is a private group experience, allowing for a more personalized and flexible itinerary.
Lastly, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance, providing flexibility for participants’ schedules.
Booking Requirements
To book this Iloilo Half Day Southern Countryside Tour, customers can check the tour’s availability and select their preferred date and number of participants.
The booking process offers the following options:
- Reserve now and pay later.
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
- Private group experience with a DOT accredited guide.
- Availability and starting times can be verified on the tour’s booking page.
The tour includes air-conditioned van transportation, entrance fees to the sites, and isn’t suitable for people with mobility impairments.
Prohibited items include alcohol and drugs.
Transportation and Guide
The tour includes air-conditioned van transportation provided by the tour operator.
The vans will pick up participants from the City Town proper between 7:30 AM and 8:00 AM.
A DOT accredited guide accompanies the group throughout the tour, providing information about the historical landmarks and sites visited.
The guide ensures a smooth and informative experience for the private group.
Participants are advised to wear comfortable shoes, as the tour may involve some walking.
Alcohol and drugs are prohibited items during the tour.
Historic Landmarks Visited
During the Iloilo Half Day Southern Countryside Tour, participants visit several historic landmarks that showcase the region’s rich cultural heritage.
The tour includes stops at:
- Balay na Bato, a heritage house built in 1865.
- Tigbauan Church, a stunning example of Latin-American Churrigueresque architectural style.
- Guimbal Church, a yellow sandstone construction.
- San Joaquin Church, which depicts the Spanish victory in the Battle of Tetuan.
Lastly, the tour culminates at the Miag-ao Church, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its intricate stone carvings and Filipino-Hispanic architectural blend.
Leisure and Pilgrimage Site
After exploring the historic landmarks, the Iloilo Half Day Southern Countryside Tour takes visitors to Garin Farm, a 14-hectare inland resort that offers a peaceful sanctuary for leisure, pilgrimage, and agricultural experiences. The farm features a variety of amenities that cater to different interests:
| Amenity | Description |
|---|---|
| Leisure | Tranquil gardens, hiking trails, and a swimming pool for relaxation. |
| Pilgrimage | Shrines and religious structures for spiritual reflection. |
| Agriculture | Organic vegetable gardens and livestock for educational tours. |
Guests can enjoy the serene countryside setting and learn about the region’s agricultural practices during this stop on the tour.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?
No, bringing your own food and drinks is not permitted on the tour. The tour includes transportation and entrance fees, but outside food and beverages are prohibited. Guests should plan to purchase any desired refreshments during the tour.
Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?
Yes, customers can extend the tour duration for an additional fee. The tour operator offers flexible scheduling and itinerary customization to meet individual needs and preferences.
Can I Request to Visit Additional Sites Not Listed in the Itinerary?
Yes, travelers can request to visit additional sites not listed in the itinerary. The tour operator may accommodate such requests, subject to availability, time constraints, and any additional fees that may apply.
Do I Need to Have Travel Insurance for This Tour?
Travel insurance is not a requirement for this tour. However, it’s generally recommended to have travel insurance in case of unforeseen circumstances, such as trip cancellations or medical emergencies, to protect one’s investment and provide peace of mind during the trip.
Can I Request a Specific Language for the Tour Guide?
Yes, you can request a specific language for the tour guide. The tour operator allows you to request an English-speaking guide, as the tour is provided in English according to the tour overview.
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Recap
The Iloilo Half Day Southern Countryside Private Tour offers an immersive experience exploring the region’s rich heritage. Visitors can discover iconic landmarks, including the UNESCO-listed Miag-ao Church, while enjoying comfortable transportation and a knowledgeable guide. The tour’s blend of educational and leisure activities, such as the Garin Farm resort, makes it an ideal choice for those seeking to uncover Iloilo’s cultural treasures.