Leisurely Manila

OVERVIEW

Settle in for a panoramic drive around Manila with stops along the way for photos and a relaxing afternoon tea. Many of the destinations along the way have great historical and memorial value, including the Manila American Cemetery that contains the graves of nearly 17,000 soldiers that lost their lives in New Guinea and the Philippines during World War II. Dr. Jose Rizal was known for his heroic deeds while fighting against colonialism in the late 19th century and his namesake park recognizes those contributions. You will also see the Cultural Center of the Philippines and the bizarre Coconut Palace, which former First Lady Imelda Marcos ordered built mostly of coconuts for Pope John Paul II’s 1978 papal visit. In time, you will take tea at the Manila Hotel, which opened in 1912. General Douglas MacArthur famously used the hotel as his command post during much of World War II.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Drive past Manila’s key landmarks on a panoramic tour that includes stops along the way.
• See a park that honors a national hero and the largest overseas American military cemetery.
• Behold the modern Cultural Center of the Philippines and the unusual Coconut Palace.
• Enjoy tea at the hotel that General MacArthur used as a command post in World War II.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.