Intramuros: History of Old Manila | Manila Walking Tours With Transportation

Intramuros, the historic heart of Manila, offers a comprehensive walking tour that traces the city’s remarkable evolution. From its origins as a Malay settlement to its transformation into a Spanish colonial outpost, Japanese-occupied territory, and independent Filipino capital, this intimate group experience provides unparalleled insights into the diverse architectural styles and ethnic influences that have shaped this iconic district over the past four centuries. With a knowledgeable guide at the helm, visitors can explore the UNESCO-listed San Agustin Church and the impressive Fort Santiago, uncovering the captivating stories that lie within these historic walls.

This experience made our list of the 12 Best Historical Tours In Manila.

Key Points

• Intramuros, the historic walled city of Manila, offers a guided walking tour showcasing its 400-year history, from Malay settlement to Spanish colonial outpost.
• The tour includes visits to iconic landmarks like the UNESCO-listed San Agustin Church and the 16th-century Fort Santiago, providing insights into Intramuros’ architectural and cultural heritage.
• Transportation and entrance fees are included, ensuring a hassle-free and comprehensive experience for groups of up to 12 people.
• The intimate group setting allows for personalized commentary from knowledgeable guides, fostering meaningful dialogue and a deeper understanding of Manila’s past.
• The tour is conveniently located near public transportation, with flexible cancellation policies and options for larger group discounts.

Tour Overview

This 1-day comprehensive tour of Manila typically covers the history of the city over the past 400 years, tracing its evolution from a Malay settlement to a Spanish colonial outpost, a Japanese-occupied territory, and finally an independent Filipino capital.

The tour is available for small groups of 12 people or fewer, allowing for an intimate and engaging experience.

Highlights include visits to key historical sites within Intramuros, the walled city, accompanied by a knowledgeable guide who provides commentary on Manila’s rich and varied past.

Transportation is provided in an air-conditioned vehicle, and museum entrance fees, a horse-drawn carriage ride (for groups over 4), and bottled water are all included in the tour package.

What’s Included

The tour package includes an air-conditioned vehicle for transportation, along with entrance fees to museums.

Groups over 4 people can enjoy a horse-drawn carriage ride, and bottled water is provided throughout the experience.

Gratuities for the guides and drivers are also included, ensuring a hassle-free experience.

The tour covers key historical sites in Intramuros, with a knowledgeable guide providing engaging commentary on Manila’s rich history spanning over 400 years.

The intimate group setting of 12 people or fewer allows for a more personalized and immersive experience.

Pickup Details

Pickup from Manila City hotels is scheduled between 8:15-8:30 AM, while pickup from outside Manila City hotels occurs between 7:45-8:30 AM.

Confirmation of the pickup location is provided up to 24 hours before the experience. This ensures participants can plan their day efficiently and be ready for the tour on time.

The tour offers several conveniences:

1. An air-conditioned vehicle transports guests comfortably throughout the day.
2. Entrance fees to museums are included, eliminating the need to purchase tickets separately.
3. Bottled water is provided to keep guests hydrated during the tour.

With these details taken care of, participants can focus on seeing the rich history of Manila’s Intramuros district.

Tour Highlights

Key historical sites in Intramuros anchor the guided tour, as participants trace Manila’s rich history spanning over 400 years.

They’ll visit iconic landmarks like the San Agustin Church, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the Manila Cathedral, the seat of the Catholic Archdiocese.

The tour also takes visitors through the historic walls of Intramuros, the historic fortified city built by the Spanish.

Along the way, the knowledgeable guide provides engaging commentary, bringing Manila’s past to life.

The intimate group setting allows for a personalized experience, with ample opportunities to ask questions and interact with the guide.

This comprehensive tour offers a deep dive into the captivating history of Old Manila.

Practical Information

Though the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, it’s conveniently located near public transportation. Infants must sit on laps during the experience, which has a maximum of 24 travelers per group.

Operated by ‘Don’t Skip Manila’, the price of the tour varies depending on group size, and free cancellation is available up to 24 hours prior.

The tour offers several practical considerations:

1. The group size is limited to 12 people or fewer, ensuring an intimate and engaging experience.
2. Bottled water is provided, and gratuities are included in the tour price.
3. Pickup locations are flexible, with options available both within and outside Manila City hotels.

Historical Sites in Intramuros

The tour takes visitors on a journey through Intramuros, the historic walled city of Manila that stands as a testament to the Philippines’ rich cultural heritage.

Visitors will explore the iconic San Agustin Church, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the oldest stone church in the country. They’ll also discover the impressive Fort Santiago, a 16th-century fortress that played a pivotal role in Manila’s history.

The tour delves into the origins of Intramuros, tracing its transformation from a Malay settlement to a Spanish colonial city. Guests will gain insights into the architectural styles that define Intramuros and learn about the various ethnic influences that have shaped its character over the centuries.

Engaging Group Experience

The intimate group setting allows visitors to engage more deeply with the rich history of Manila, as the guide provides engaging commentary on the city’s cultural heritage. With a maximum of 24 travelers per tour, the small group size fosters a more personalized experience. This creates an environment conducive to asking questions and having discussions, ensuring an engaging and immersive learning experience.

Some key benefits of the intimate group setting include:

1. Increased interaction with the guide, who can tailor the commentary to the group’s interests and questions.

2. Flexibility to adapt the pace and focus of the tour based on the group’s needs and curiosity.

3. Opportunities for meaningful dialogue and knowledge-sharing among participants.

Pricing and Cancellation Policy

Prices for the Intramuros tour vary depending on the size of the group, with discounts available for larger parties. Plus, Don’t Skip Manila offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the scheduled experience.

Group Size	Price Per Person
1-4	$60
5-8	$50
9-12	$40

This flexibility allows travelers to book with confidence, knowing they can adjust their plans if necessary. The tour’s intimate group setting and comprehensive coverage of Manila’s rich history make it an engaging and informative experience for visitors of all group sizes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Tour Guide Fluent in English?

The tour guide is fluent in English, providing engaging commentary on Manila’s rich history throughout the tour. Guests can expect an informative and immersive experience exploring key historical sites with the knowledgeable guide.

Can We Take Photographs During the Tour?

Yes, participants can take photographs during the tour. The tour allows ample opportunities for guests to capture the historical sites and scenery as they explore the city.

What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?

The tour has a casual dress code. Comfortable walking shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are recommended. There are no specific requirements, as the focus is on exploring Manila’s history in a relaxed, informative setting.

Are There Any Restroom Breaks During the Tour?

The tour includes planned restroom breaks during the day. Guests can use the restrooms at the museum sites and other locations visited throughout the 1-day tour of Manila’s historical highlights.

Can We Bring Our Own Snacks on the Tour?

Yes, participants are welcome to bring their own snacks on the tour. The tour itinerary doesn’t include scheduled snack breaks, so bringing personal snacks can help fuel the group during the 1-day comprehensive exploration of Manila’s history and landmarks.

Recap

Intramuros’ 1-day walking tour offers a comprehensive exploration of Manila’s storied past.

Visitors can discover the historic district’s iconic landmarks, from the UNESCO-listed San Agustin Church to the impressive Fort Santiago.

With personalized guidance and a flexible itinerary, the tour provides an engaging and immersive experience, showcasing the diverse architectural styles and ethnic influences that have shaped Intramuros over the centuries.