Liberation Trails Tour
February 23 - March 1, 2025 (7D/6N)
Metro Manila, Central Luzon, and Northern Luzon
About the Liberation Trails Tour
Stand on mountain passes where World War II History was made. Experience the Northern Luzon liberation trail as we take you up to the Caraballo and Cordillera Mountain Ranges through some of the most scenic mountain roads of Luzon. From February to September 1945, American Forces and Filipino Guerrillas trudged up steep mountain passes, through muck and mire, to force its way through these rugged mountains. A complex network of Japanese defenses using natural caves and man-made tunnels with artillery and machine guns that dotted the mountains and ridges, which took months to capture - a war of attrition fought in difficult, formidable terrain. This tour will also take you further north to Kiangan in the Cordilleras where General Yamashita – the Tiger of Malaya – was finally captured along with what remained of his forces on September 2, 1945. The Imperial Japanese Army, once proud and mighty, was now but a shadow of its former self.
Featured Historian
James W. Zobel
MACARTHUR MEMORIAL
James Zobel is the Chief Archivist and Director of the MacArthur Memorial Library and Museum, and has been working there for more than 30 years. He authored the book “MacArthur: The Supreme Commander at War in The Pacific”.
Battlefield Expert
Anthony S. Feredo
PHILWAR ADVISORY BOARD MEMBER
Anthony “Tony” Feredo is among the top experts in Philippine Military History, especially on artillery, aviation, and fortifications. He is a member of the Coast Defense Study Group, a member of the Pacific Air War History Associates, and an Advisory Board member for the Philippine World War II Memorial Foundation.
Tour Director
Desiree C. Benipayo
PHILWAR FOUNDATION
Desiree Benipayo, an award-winning author and accomplished film producer, serves as the Director of Philwar Tours with her extensive knowledge of travel and WWII history in the Philippines.
Pricing per Person
Double Occupancy: $2,095
$1,995*
Single Occupancy: $2,395
$2,295*
*Special pricing is applicable if you book with us before November 30, 2024
PDF Brochure with Detailed Itinerary
Summarized itinerary can be found below the Tour Map posted on this page
Tour Inclusions
Touring with expert WWII historian and battlefield expert
Dedicated Tour Director throughout the trip
Private air-conditioned motor coach
Roundtrip Airport transfers
6-night hotel accommodations
Included meals: 5 Breakfasts, 5 Lunches, 3 Dinners, 2 Dinner Receptions, and 1 Cocktail Dinner
Welcome and Farewell Dinners
Daily cold drinks in the bus
3 nightly lectures from our featured WWII historian
Personalized Travel Journal with maps, articles, and features about the trip
Personal listening audio devices
Personalized baggage tags
Entrance fees to all sites
Tips and Gratuities
Tour Map
Itinerary Summary
Arrivals
Arrivals into Manila. Transfer to Manila Hotel. Depending on your time of arrival, you have the option to watch the gala premiere of "Children of the War," a documentary on the Battle of Manila, to be held at the pre-war Metropoliatn Theater, just recently restored to its former glory.
Accomodations: Manila Hotel
Day 1
FEB 23
SUN
Manila Metropolitan Theater
Lingayen Landings
Tour kicks off with a visit to Clark Air Field to see American-era structures. Then, a tour of the Bamban WWII Museum and tunnels, and a short stop at the Kamikaze Memorial. A touching visit to Capas National Shrine (Camp O’Donnell). Finally, the Lingayen landing beaches.
B, L, Welcome Dinner with Lecture
Accomodations: Monarch Hotel
Day 2
FEB 24
MON
MacArthur landing in Lingayen
Lingayen Capitol in ruins in WWII
The Battle of Villa Verde Trail
A scenic drive up the lush Villa Verde Trail in the Caraballo Mountains. Stops along the way: Red Arrow Monument, the Sherman Tank in Malico, and the Japanese Memorials in Salacsac and Aritao.
B, L, D w/ Lecture
Accomodations: Casa Española
Day 3
FEB 25
TUE
The Sherman Tank at Malico
Yamashita’s Surrender
Journey up to Kiangan, in the Mountain Province of Ifugao, where Yamashita surrendered on September 2, 1945. Visit the shrine and the Ifugao Museum. Then, drive to Nueva Vizcaya with a short stop at the capital, Solano, and Dupax for Spanish-era provincial architecture.
B, L, D w/ Lecture
Accomodations: Casa Española
Day 4
FEB 26
WED
Kiangan Shrine
The Great Raid
See historic Dalton Pass and its famously unforgiving terrain. Then, a solemn visit to the Cabanatuan Memorial, a former Japanese camp for American POWs, which was liberated by 6th Army Rangers, Alamo Scouts, and Filipino guerrillas. Drive back to Manila.
B, L, D
Accomodations: Manila Hotel
Day 5
FEB 27
THU
Filipino guerrillas assisted American troops in rescuing American POWs, farmers selflessly lent their carabaos (water buffaloes) and carts
The Battle of Manila
A visit to the University of Santo Tomas, which the Japanese converted into an internment camp to house 4,000 Allied civilians. A tour of Intramuros, the ancient Spanish citadel in the heart of Manila, with a stop at Fort Santiago. Then, to the Manila American Cemetery where 56,000 soldiers are memorialized.
B, L, D
Accomodations: Manila Hotel
Day 6
FEB 28
FRI
Departures
Transfer to the Ninoy Aquino International Airport for your flight home, or continue to our Leyte post-tour extension.
B
Day 7
MAR 1
SAT
Ready to book a tour?
Kindly fill in this form with the subject title “Liberation Trails Tour 2025”!
You can also call us internationally at (+63) 920 921 6118, or send us an e-mail at philwarfoundation@gmail.com directly. Any inquiries are welcome!
