Pacific Holidays Offers ‘Islands Of The Philippines’ 9-Night Vacation Package Starting At $2,480 Per Person

Due to its rich and complex history, the Philippines is a melting pot of cultures much like the U.S., and the third largest English speaking nation in the world. An early trading history with China and Japan, as well as Spanish colonization and American influence, has created a cross-breeding of cultures and resulted in a unique and alluring tropical vacation destination.

For U.S. visitors interested in experiencing the Philippines first-hand, New York-based Pacific Holidays, a tour operator specializing in travel to Asia, is offering a nine-night Islands Of The Philippines vacation package, inclusive of airfare, first-class accommodations, meals and sightseeing starting at $2,480* per person.

Upon arrival in Manila, the capital of the Philippines, an introductory tour of the city including Rizal Park and the historic walled Spanish colonial city of Intramuros will provide visitors with a first glimpse into the country’s rich historical background. An excursion into the countryside takes vacationers to the small town of Pagsanjan, famous for its waterfalls. An exhilarating river boat ride through a tropical gorge will be a definite highlight.

A visit to Banaue reveals breathtaking views of the 2,000-year-old Banaue rice terraces, sculpted from steep mountain slopes, and referred to by many as the “Eighth Wonder of the World.”

Vacationers will also experience the town of Baguio. Planned and built by Americans in the early 20th century, Baguio is a popular favorite vacation spot among Filipinos because of its cool climate and its vibrant flowers, vegetables, and strawberries.

Of course, a visit to the Philippines would not be complete without a visit to Cebu, the country’s oldest city, known for its mangos and beach resorts. A city tour includes Magellan’s Cross, Fort San Pedro, the Basilica del Santo Nino, the public market, and the Casa Gorordo Museum.

Finally, vacationers will enjoy a trip to the island of Bohol, home to the famous Chocolate Hills, a dense grouping of more than 1,268 hills which dry to a “chocolate” brown during summer months, resembling miles of oversized Hershey’s Kisses. Bohol is also the home of the Tarsier, the world’s smallest monkey, said to be no bigger than the palm of one’s hand. Sightseeing in Bohol also includes a cruise along the palm-fringed Loboc River with lunch onboard a floating restaurant.

“The Philippines has much to offer, especially for visitors from the U.S.,” said Emma Ruth Yulo, Director of the Philippine Department of Tourism in New York. “Vacation packages from tour operators such as Pacific Holiday save time and ensure smoother transfers. It is a hassle-free way to benefit from the full Philippines experience.”

The Islands Of The Philippines vacation starts at $2,480* per person now through March 27, 2008, and varies by departure date. To book, contact Pacific Holidays at 800-355-8025.

* Pricing is based on air transportation from LAX and SFO. Other major gateways throughout the U.S. are available upon request. Please call Pacific Holidays at 800-355-8025 for more information.

Philippine Department of Tourism

The Philippine Department of Tourism (PDOT) is one of the Executive Departments of the Government of the Republic of the Philippines responsible for the promotion of travel to the Philippines, tourism investments, and enhancement and preservation of tourism products in the country. Field offices in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago and San Francisco provide the following services free of charge on a selective basis: dissemination of tourism information, maps, brochures and posters; lending out of videos, CDs and other tourism-related materials; recommendations on places to visit; endorsement of relevant entities; and assistance to those traveling to the Philippines. These offices also engage in a number of promotional activities: presentations to travel organizations, travel trade shows, media inserts and joint marketing arrangements.

The Philippine Department of Tourism is headquartered in Manila, Philippines, with offices in New York, Chicago, San Francisco and Los Angeles. For more information, visit www.experiencephilippines.ph or www.wowphilippines.com.ph

Kahn Travel Communications (KTC) is the appointed publicist for the Philippine Department of Tourism, covering North America. Media may contact KTC at (516) 594-4100, or via e-mail at j.kahn@ktcpr.com