Now You See Me 2 is a 2016 American heist thriller film directed by Jon M. Chu and written by Ed Solomon. The film stars an ensemble cast that includes Jesse Eisenberg, Mark Ruffalo, Woody Harrelson, Dave Franco, Daniel Radcliffe, Lizzy Caplan, Jay Chou, Sanaa Lathan, Michael Caine and Morgan Freeman. It is sequel to the 2013 film Now You See Me and follows the Four Horsemen who resurface and are forcibly recruited by a tech genius to pull off an almost impossible heist.
On July 3, 2013, a sequel to Now You See Me was officially announced to be in development. Filming began in November 2014 and lasted until May 2015. The film was released on June 10, 2016 by Summit Entertainment, and received mixed reviews from critics, grossing over $313 million worldwide.
(SPOILERS) One year after outwitting the FBI and winning the public's adulation with their magic spectacles, the remaining members of the Four Horsemen—J. Daniel Atlas (Jesse Eisenberg), Merritt McKinney (Woody Harrelson) and Jack Wilder (Dave Franco)—are in hiding, awaiting further instructions from The Eye, the secret society of magicians they've been recruited into. Atlas, having grown tired of waiting for a mission, seeks out The Eye himself. His search leads him to an underground tunnel in which he hears a voice that tells him that his wait may be coming to an end. As he goes back to his apartment, he finds illusionist Lula May (Lizzy Caplan) in his apartment. Thwarting his attempts to bind her, she escapes. Atlas then goes to meet the rest of the team at which time their handler, FBI agent Dylan Rhodes (Mark Ruffalo) ultimately assigns them a new mission, exposing corrupt businessman Owen Case (Ben Lamb), whose new software secretly steals data on its users for Case's benefit. Lula is added to the team to replace former member Henley Reeves (Isla Fisher), who has left the Horsemen.
The Horsemen infiltrate Case's company and hijack the launch party for the new software, leading the FBI to their location. The show is unexpectedly interrupted by a mysterious individual who reveals to the world that Wilder, believed to be dead, is actually alive, and that Rhodes is their mole, forcing Dylan to evade his new partner Natalie Austin (Sanaa Lathan). While attempting to escape, the Horsemen are captured by mercenaries led by Merritt's vain twin brother, Chase McKinney (Harrelson), and taken to Macau, where they are brought before Chase's employer, technology prodigy Walter Mabry (Daniel Radcliffe), Case's former business partner who faked his death after Case stole Walter's company.
Mabry conscripts the Horsemen into stealing the data-mining device developed by Case from a secure facility, to prevent Case from using it. The chip allows the user to decrypt and access any electronic device around the world. Atlas agrees to steal the device, despite the others' expressing loyalty to Rhodes, and leads them to a renowned Macau magic shop run by Li (Jay Chou), who makes them the equipment needed to pull off the heist. Atlas contacts The Eye to arrange the device handover once stolen. Meanwhile, Rhodes is branded a fugitive and forced to spring his rival Thaddeus Bradley (Morgan Freeman), whom Rhodes blames for the death of his father, out of jail to help him expose the mastermind behind the conspiracy. Arriving in Macau, they seek Li for information where it is revealed that Rhodes's father was a customer who had commissioned a watch along with the safe used in the stunt that had killed him. As Rhodes thanks Li for the watch, Bradley steps into a trick sarcophagus and escapes Rhodes' custody, revealing that he anticipated Rhodes would free him if exposed.
The Horseman infiltrate the facility and steal the chip, evading the authorities, Atlas waits in a marketplace in order to give the chip to the Eye. He is then confronted by Mabry and his men, Mabry revealing that Atlas had been fooled into thinking that Mabry was The Eye. Mabry had cloned his cellphone in the tunnel providing all the information needed to plot their capture. Rhodes intervenes and pretends to retrieve the device, slipping the device back into Atlas' jacket and fights off Mabry's men, but gets distracted by Chase and is captured by Mabry's forces. He is taken to a nearby yacht where he learns Mabry is acting on behalf of his father, Arthur Tressler (Michael Caine), the businessman whom Rhodes employed the Horsemen to expose in revenge for Tressler's company denying his mother's insurance claims after Shrike died in a stunt gone wrong. Having secured the device, Tressler reveals Bradley as his associate and places Rhodes in a replica of the same safe that his father died in and leaves him to drown, but Rhodes now understands how his father had planned to escape and manages to open the safe door. He's helped to the surface by Atlas as the Horsemen had traced him after Tressler and Mabry had left. After the rescue they find that the chip they had stolen appears to be a fake.
Rhodes and the Horsemen reunite with Li, who's revealed to be a true representative of The Eye society and determine that Mabry's and Tressler's principal fears are exposure which they should exploit. They broadcast that they will be performing live in London at midnight on New Years' Eve and expose their activities, and as Mabry and Tressler think that they have the computer chip, they make haste to London, where the Horsemen are performing a series of tricks live on the streets. Mabry, Tressler and Chase notice a pattern in their appearances, discover that Rhodes is still alive, and locate the location of their finale, capturing the five and bringing them aboard their private plane. Mabry takes the chip card from them and Rhodes along with the other Horsemen are thrown out of the plane in flight. However, Tressler finds "The Fool" card attached underneath the label of the expensive bottle of champagne opened to celebrate his victory. Immediately thereafter, he finds the Horsemen waving from outside the plane window. After opening the door, Tressler finds that the plane has never taken off, and instead was tricked into boarding a plane on a barge in the middle of the River Thames, their criminal activities being broadcast live to the world by the Horsemen in the process.
Mabry, Tressler and Chase are arrested by the FBI, and Rhodes entrusts the information they've gathered on the real criminals' activities to Austin, who allows him a head start to escape. Rhodes and the Horsemen are then taken by Li to a secret library in Greenwich observatory where they are reunited with Bradley, who reveals himself to be senior in the Eye's leadership and Lionel Shrike's partner, having masqueraded as his rival as part of their mutual act. Bradley compliments Rhodes on the magician he's become and explains that the Horsemen have completed their training. Before Bradley leaves he asks Rhodes to be his successor in the Eye. He points out a curtain and tells them to ignore whatever is behind it (as in the Wizard of Oz). Rhodes and the Horsemen find a door behind the curtain and enter a spiral staircase. As the movie ends, the camera pans out and the staircase is revealed to form the shape of the Society's eye symbol.
As the name implies, the nation of Ecuador straddles the equator itself, bringing together the Northern and Southern hemispheres. Ecuador is a vibrant, fascinating country in South America, and it makes for an incredible destination. If you’re planning an upcoming trip to Ecuador, be prepared for everything from volcanoes to colonial cities to lush jungle terrain. While you could spend a month exploring everything, 2 weeks in Ecuador should be enough to see the country’s highlights.
Quito (3 nights)
Many Ecuador itineraries start in Quito, the nation’s capital. Quito is unique for a number of reasons, but most travelers will appreciate that is has such an amazingly preserved historic center. The Old Town is packed with architecture dating from the 16th to the 19th century, and just a few of the world-class museums include the enormous art collection at the Museo del Banco Central and the Museo de la Ciudad, where scenes from Ecuador’s history are reenacted live on an hourly basis. Quito is the second highest capital city in the world, and to truly appreciate that fact you’ll want to head outdoors with a stroll through the Parque La Carolina or a ride on the Teleferico cable car.
Otavalo (day trip from Quito)
While you’re staying in Quito, set aside a full day to explore Otavalo, a city just 80 km (50 miles) north of Quito. Otavalo is home to an indigenous population known as the Otavalos, a group recognizable thanks to the long hair of both men and women. You can spot the Otavalos in their customary dress, which is a dark poncho for men and colorful, embroidered waistband over a skirt for women. Shop for handicrafts at the weekly Mercado Artesanal, one of the most famous outdoor markets in the Andes, and then learn more about the local culture by visiting the Museo del Pueblo Kichwa or one of the local villages, where guided tours are offered. Embrace the incredible scenery with a short detour to the Peguche Waterfall just two miles outside of the city.
Tena (3 nights)
Tena is a relatively small jungle town that is also known as the cinnamon capital of Ecuador, but it more importantly serves as the gateway to the Ecuadorian Amazon. If you want to explore the natural side of the country on your trip, then spending time in Tena is ideal. While in the region, you can go caving through the underground labyrinth called Cuevas de Jumandy, try out a rafting expedition, go on a canoe tour through the Amazon to get to the trading junction of Misahuallí or hire a guided to trek to the summit of the Sumaco Volcano.
Baños (2 nights)
Under the shadow of the incredible Tungurahua Volcano in the Ecuadorian Andes highlands is the city of Baños. Named for the city’s hydrothermal springs, Baños is a scenic getaway spot that is loaded with the potential for adventure. It can feel a little touristy, but it can’t be beat if you’re in search of some adrenaline. Spend your time rappelling down the side of a waterfall, riding a cable car directly over the stunning Manto de la Novia Waterfalls, cycling along the thrilling downhill Pailón del Diablo path or rafting in the Pastaza River. After a day of thrills, you can relax and unwind by soaking in one of the thermal baths, some of which offer waterfall views while you recline in the warm water.
Alausi (1 night)
Alausi is a very small town found in the Andes highlands in Ecuador, but it is often busy thanks to tourists who want to ride the famed Devil’s Nose Train. Beside the thrilling train ride, Alausi boasts a number of charming eateries where you can fill up on the local cuisine. Try dishes like Choclo, a dried corn snacks available from street vendors, or Librillo, a tripe entree popularly served with rice in the Ecuadorian mountains. Alausi is also home to several farms, many of which offer guided tours and even accommodation for those who want a realistic look at rural life in Ecuador.
Ride the Devil’s Nose Train (en route)
You won’t want to leave Alausi without riding the Devil’s Nose Train, known in Ecuador as La Nariz del Diablo. The Devil’s Nose is a breathtaking sheer rock face that looks completely impossible to navigate, but a cleverly designed train route takes you right up its steep face. In under two hours, you will pass between mountains and sidle up to waterfalls, making this both an amazing chance to experience an engineering feat and one of the most densely-packed scenic tours in the country of Ecuador.
Cuenca (2 nights)
Cuenca is located in Southern Ecuador, and is known for its mild climate that persists year-round. Cuenca boasts an array of beautiful colonial buildings and a few ruins dating to the ancient Inca Empire, making it a must-see spot for historical buffs. In Cuenca, you can tour the historic monuments, explore the impressive collection at the Museo del Banco Central and Pumapungo or spot animals in the Amaru Zoo. You’ll want to spend some time in the Parque Calderon, the city’s main plaza, and admire the beautiful 19th century cathedral called El Sagrario. For an unforgettable evening, head to the Barranco, a riverwalk destination with paved trails, bars, cafes and shops available to pedestrians.
Guayaquil (2 nights)
Although Quito is the capital of Ecudaor, Guayaquil is its largest city. Guayaquil is a port city known for incredible seafood and a diverse culture. While you’re there, you might want to explore the Parque Histórico, a lush green park that serves as the home to several historic buildings, the gardens and butterfly farm at the Jardín Botánico, the Mercado Artesanal for souvenir shopping and the popular Salinas beach, which offers everything from seasonal whale watching to seafood feasts right on the sand. If your schedule allows, take the time to hike in the Santa Ana & El Carmen Hills in order to soak in stunning views over the city and the sea below.
Although technically known as the Republic of the Union of Myanmar, you might know the country as Burma. Evolved from the ancient Burmese Empire, modern Myanmar is a result of countless cultures settling, invading and contributing to the nation’s development. Until just a few years ago, getting a visa to visit Myanmar was virtually impossible, but today travelers can easily peek into this mysterious and beautiful nation. Along with major cities, like Yangon, you’ll encounter historic towns, natural wonders and a unique culture during your 2 weeks in Myanmar.
Yangon (2 nights)
Yangon, which was once known as Rangoon, served as the capital of Myanmar until 2005. Although it no longer holds that official title, Yangon is still the major hub for business and travel in the country. After landing at the Yangon International Airport, the main entry point for foreign travelers, it is time to see the Shwedagon Paya, a religious pagoda considered to be the most important landmark in all of Myanmar. Spend some time sightseeing, and enjoy landmarks like the octagonal Sule Pagoda, Saint Mary’s Cathedral, the Musmeah Yeshua Synagogue, the National Museum and the Martyr’s Mausoleum. There is an abundance of colonial architecture throughout the city, making it a great spot for history or architecture enthusiasts.
Kinpun (1 night)
Many of Myanmar’s top attractions are religious or spiritual in nature, and the Golden Rock is no exception. Also known as Kyaiktiyo, the Golden Rock is a pagoda that was, according to legend, built around a relic of the Buddha. The pagoda stands on a precariously-perched boulder that is covered in gold leaf, and the rock stands at the top of a cliff. To see the Golden Rock, you’ll need to travel to Kinpun, a small mountaintop village that provides easy access to the attraction. If you want to get to Golden Rock like a religious pilgrim, there is a trail that leads to the site, but it takes approximately four hours on foot.
Mandalay (3 nights)
In Central Myanmar you’ll find Mandalay, the former capital of the Konbaung Dynasty. After Yangon, Mandalay is the largest city in all of Myanmar. By many standards, Mandalay is actually a new city, as it was only founded towards the end of the 19th century. Arguably the most important landmark in Mandalay is the Royal Palace, a walled city around which the rest of the city was built. Foreigners are allowed to enter the Royal Palace, but only through the East Gate. Other don’t-miss activities in Mandalay include visiting the holy pilgrimage site of Maha Myat Muni Paya, hiking up Mandalay Hill to spot the many monasteries and temples along the way and tasting the sweet Burmese dessert known as Htou moun.
Bagan (3 nights)
To gain some perspective on the incredible heritage and history of Myanmar, make your way to the city of Bagan. This destination is home to an amazing concentration of 11th and 12th century temples, many of which are now in ruin. Located on the banks of the Ayeyarwady River, Bagan’s top religious structures include the 11th century Ananda Temple, the Sunset Temple, or Shwesandaw Temple, and the Shwe Zigon Temple. You’ll find perfectly intact pagodas, enormous complexes in ruin and countless archeological sites worth exploring. Each evening, monks of all ages parade through the streets of Bagan to collect uncooked rice.
Mt. Popa (stopover)
Before your next destination on this Myanmar itinerary, take a slight detour and head to Mt. Popa. This peak may be small, but it is topped with gold stupas that combine to form the Popa Taungkalat shrine. At the shrine are statues representing spirit entities that were once so important to Myanmar’s culture that kings would consult with them before making major political or military decisions. You can climb all 777 steps to get to the top of Mt. Popa, but be prepared for lots of monkeys along the way. Although the shrine is spectacular, don’t forget to look outwards and admire the views and the lush vegetation all around the mountain.
Kalaw (2 nights)
Kalaw is a small hill station in Myanmar and one of the top destinations for travelers in the country thanks to a spectacular landscape and miles of trekking paths. Climb the Stairway to Heaven, which leads to Tein Taung, or Cloud Hill, for a breathtaking vantage point. You can also hike to the Shweoomin Pagoda, the Bamboo Strip Pagoda, the Myoma Monastery or the caves at Myin Ma Thi village. In addition to trekking, you can rent a bicycle to get around Kalaw and see everything from farms to elephants.
Inle Lake (2 nights)
Inle is an enormous but shallow lake, and more than 70,000 inhabitants live on the shores or have built floating homes right on the water. Visiting Inle Lake is an opportunity to experience life among the local tribes, particularly the indigenous Intha people. You’ll want to get out on the water with a guided boat tour, which allows you to see the floating homes, watch local fisherman pulling in their catch and even shop from floating stores selling souvenirs. Surrounding the lake itself, you’ll find a charming winery, miles of hiking paths and the spectacular Htat Eian Caves.
Yangon (1 night)
Since most travelers depart from Yangon, head back to the city for your final night in Myanmar. If you’ve already covered most of the major historical attractions during the first part of the vacation, then use this time to see something different. Stroll through the People’s Park in the morning and join in a spiritual exercise class, ride the Circular Train to view the changing scenery of the city or snag tickets to one of the popular singing, dancing and culture dinner shows. For souvenirs, try shopping at the Bogyoke Aung San Market or at the smaller stalls in Chinatown.
If two weeks in France is good, then 3 weeks in France is even better! It gives you more time to explore this fascinating country that is world famous for its culture, including food, fashion, bygone royalty and historic sites. You can use the extra week to tour the French Riviera and make your way back to Paris where your memorable holiday started. Since the return route is different, you’ll be able to experience additional regions of France.
Nice (3 nights)
Nice is nice, no doubt about that. Located on the French Riviera known for its glitz and glamour, Nice is a blend of the old and the modern as it sits alongside the Mediterranean Sea. Enjoy a walk on the Promenade des Anglais that borders the sea blue water. Explore the colorful Old Town with is small market Rest weary feet at the Place Massena, the city’s main square; there’s lots of nice squares surrounding it where you can shop for souvenirs. If you’re into art, Nice has several art museums of note, including those devoted to Matisse and Marc Chagall.
Monaco & Èze (day trip from Nice)
Comfortable walking shoes are a must for today’s day trip to Eze Village and Monaco. Pace yourself as you climb the steep cobblestone paths of Eze, a medieval fortress/castle that sits more than 430 meters (1,400 feet) above sea level. The climb is worth it: an unexpected cactus garden and stunning views of the Mediterranean at the top. If it’s glamour you’re craving, you’ll find it in Monaco, a tiny sovereign state that is encircled by France and the Mediterranean. This is the principality where fairy tales come true, such as when its ruler made American actress Grace Kelly his princess. Monaco also is famous for its casinos, its upscale stores, fast cars and a harbor filled with fancy yachts.
Annecy (2 nights)
The journey to Annecy takes you from the Mediterranean to the Alps where the city is located just 35 km (22 miles) south of Geneva, Switzerland. Annecy is a pretty city located on the upper end of Lake Annecy, and has been described as the “Pearl of the French Alps.” It’s also been called the “Venice of the Alps” because of its two canals and river. Top sights include the Palais de l’Ile along the Thiru River, which is now a historical museum, and the requisite castle, the Chateau d’Annecy. A picture-postcard Old Town, cathedral and lovely gardens also await you.
Chamonix (2 nights)
If skiing is your passion, then Chamonix is the place to go. Its slopes are famous the world over. Situated in the shadow of Mont Blanc, Chamonix hosted the first Winter Olympics in 1924. But you don’t have to be a skier to enjoy this resort. In summer, it’s popular with mountain climbers, hikers and golfers. The less athletic might want to take a cable car up Aiguille du Midi; the cable car is the highest vertical ascent cable car in the world. Chamonix also is famous for its Unlimited Festival, a mountain top music festival, in April and the Cosmo Jazz Festival in July.
Lyon (1 night)
France’s third largest city, Lyon, Is known for several things: weaving fine silk fabrics, banking, its counterrevolutionary role in the French Revolution, its street art and, of course, its food. Lyon has been called the “gastronomic capital of the world.” You’ll definitely want to eat at a bouchon, a traditional Lyonnaise restaurant that serves sausages and duck pâté. Take time to explore the Old Town, with its medieval buildings filled with historic atmosphere. If you’re there on December 8, be sure to take in the light festival that gave Lyon its nickname, “capital of light.”
Paris (1 night)
Your three-week tour of France ends back where it started: the fabulous city of Paris. This is a good time to catch a couple of the sights you didn’t have time for before. You might want to stroll through the Luxembourg Gardens, with its palace where the French senate meets and more than 100 sculptures and fountains, including the model for the Statue of Liberty, a gift from France to the United States. And don’t go home without trying some of the food Paris is famous for: fine pastries, chocolate, baguettes, duck comfit and steak frites.
This 2-week itinerary combines a trip to Northern Thailand with neighboring country Laos. It’s a bit more adventurous than most of our other itineraries and you’ll be sleeping in a train, boat and mountain lodge. Both countries boast an incredible heritage as well as breathtaking architecture. Laos and Thailand also both offer a combination of charming villages and natural scenery. Get to know the people, the history and the culture of Southeast Asia through this itinerary from Thailand to Laos and back.
Bangkok (1 night)
The ideal starting point for your itinerary is in Bangkok, the largest city in Thailand as well as its capital. If you’re coming from outside of Southeast Asia, you’ll almost certainly arrive at the Suvarnabhumi Airport. If you’re dealing with jet lag when you arrive, then it might be the perfect time to explore the nightlife in Bangkok. Khao San Road is a fun place to sip a beer and mix with locals and expats alike, while Patpong is the more infamous nightlife center of the city.
A wonderful and affordable way to get from Thailand to Laos is by taking a sleeper train from Bangkok to Vientiane. The express #69 train leaves daily from Bangkok at about 8:30 each night, and it arrives the next morning at the border station of Nong Khai, on the banks of the Mekong River. You’ll go through immigration there, and then another train ride will take you to Laos via the Friendship Bridge. You can book a sleeper for the train to get a great night’s sleep while traveling all the way to Laos, and food and drinks are readily available from vendors on the train as well.
Vientiane (1 night)
As the capital of Laos, Vientiane is a remarkable city that definitely needs to be on your itinerary. The most popular tourist attraction in this city, also known as “the city of sandalwood,” is a Buddhist stupa, Pha That Luang, which dates back to 1586. Definitely make time to stroll through Buddha Park, just outside Vientiane which is home to countless concrete sculptures of Hindu gods and Buddhas, and check out the Lao National Museum to learn more about the country’s history and its people.
Vang Vieng (2 nights)
The destination of Vang Vieng is just three hours away from the Lao capital, but it can feel like a whole different world. Long associated with nightlife and backpackers, Vang Vieng has earned a solid reputation for outdoor adventure. Just some of the things you can do in the region include tubing along the river, kayaking, riding rented dirt bikes on twisting trails, rock climbing or even exploring caves. A top spot to visit is Blue Lagoon, or Tham Poukham, which is a spring-fed pool at the bottom of a cave accessible by a bamboo ladder. For breathtaking scenery and plenty of adrenaline, this is an amazing place to be in Laos.
Luang Prabang (3 nights)
Luang Prabang was once the capital of Laos, but today it is a city packed with historic attractions and colonial architecture. There is so much to do in Luang Prabang that it is absolutely worth three nights of your trip. Against a backdrop of verdant mountains, you can tour the former palace and national museum of Haw Kham, tour the old monastery called Vat Xieng Toung or tour the golden Vipassana Temple. You can also participate in or just spectate the daily alms ceremony, where local monks collect rice from locals as well as visitors from right on the streets at sunrise.
To travel back from Luang Prabang to Thailand try out the slow boat along the Mekong River. These boats take about 2 days, creating the perfect opportunity for you to admire the beautiful scenery and take stunning photographs. The journey begins in Luang Prabang and takes you to the border town of Huay Xai. Along the way, many slow boats stop for the night in the town of Pakbeng, where guesthouses are affordable and the food is phenomenal. On the slow boat, food and drinks are available, and seating can range from wooden benches to cushioned seats for maximum comfort.
After your slow boat journey, you’ll cross the border to Chiang Khong in Thailand. Since the destination is a popular stopover for travelers, it offers plenty of accommodation and restaurants. Chiang Khong is also home to a number of beautiful temples and interesting attractions. Some of the top temples to check out during your stay will include the Wat Sri Don Chai, Wat Hat Krai, Wat Prakeaw and the Wat Tung Duk, which is run exclusively by women.
Chiang Mai (3 nights)
Next, venture over to Chiang Mai, a major hub in the heart of Northern Thailand. Known as the Rose of the North, Chiang Mai is an excellent blend of ancient history, when it served as the Lanna capital, and outdoor beauty. The main attraction for history enthusiasts will be the Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep, an incredible and iconic 14th century temple. Additional popular pastimes in Chiang Mai include bargain hunting at the Night Bazaar, seeing elephants in their natural habitats, watching Muay Thai boxing and visiting with the local hilltribes on a guided tour.
Bangkok (1 night)
Round out your trip back in Bangkok, the Thai capital. If you didn’t yet have the chance to visit the big attractions in the city, then aim to visit places like the Grand Palace, Wat Pho and Wat Arun. You could also explore the Dusit Palace or explore museums like the National Museum, the Museum of Siam and the King Prajadhipok Museum. To get to know the locals and get a true feel for culture, take a stroll through Lumphini Park, and then follow it up with a boat ride along the Chao Phraya River.
Whether you know it as the Pearl of the Orient or the Gem of the East, there is no question that the Philippines is an underrated and exciting destination. The country itself is an archipelago, and it boasts more than 7,000 islands. Start your 2 weeks in the Philippines on the main island of Luzon, exploring the capital city of Manila and the surrounding attractions, but don’t forget to head out to some of the lesser-known islands as well. From beautiful beaches to bustling cities, the Philippines has it all in one amazing package.
Manila (3 nights)
The heart of the Philippines, and the best place to start your trip, is in the capital of Manila. As one of the most densely populated cities in the world, visiting Manila is an incredible experience where you’ll constantly be surrounded by new sights, sounds and smells. If this is your first time in Manila, you’ll want to check out the major landmarks, which might include the Bonifacio Shrine, the old walled Spanish settlement called Intramuros, the neoclassical architecture of the early 20th century Manila Central Post Office or the historic University of Santo Tomás.
Taal Volcano (day trip from Manila)
Although there is no end to the number of things you can do, see and explore within Manila, you might want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city for a more rural, relaxing day trip. Taal volcano is just two hours away from Manila, making it a convenient day trip. The active volcano is a popular place for outdoor recreation, and most of the trails and vantage points are only accessible via a 30-minute boat ride across the beautiful but sulfuric Taal Lake. Once you’ve arrived, you can ride on horseback or set off on a hike to explore the trails and the unforgettable views.
Baguio (1 night)
The city of Baguio is known to locals as the summer capital of the Philippines, which has to do with its slightly cooler climate and mountainous location. It looks and feels quite different to much of the Philippines, and large pine trees provide shade and lush greenery. You’ll definitely want to check out Camp John Hay, which served as a retreat for American military personnel in World War II and is now a country club, golf course and resort. Baguio also offers the chance to pick strawberries from local farms, stroll around the scenic Burnham Park or relax completely in one of the many spas found throughout the city.
Sagada (2 nights)
Another mountain town worth visiting during your 2 weeks in the Philippines is Sagada. Outdoor activities are the primary reason to visit, and caving in particular is a major draw. If you’re feeling adventurous, join a guided tour to the Sumaguing Cave or the Burial Cave. In these caves, you’ll come across what is known as the hanging coffins. Like the name suggests, this tradition is one where coffins are hung horizontally from the face of cliffs, creating an unusual sight you’ll have to see to believe. In Sagada, you can also check out the beautiful Big Falls, try rock climbing in Echo Valley or set off on a guided white-water rafting adventure.
Banaue (1 night)
In the Philippines, Banaue is sometimes called the Eighth Wonder of the World. The town is located in the Cordillera Mountain, and its main attractions include the amazing rice terraces. The Ifugao people, a mountain tribe from the area, are responsible for the creation of these incredible stepped terraces where rice has been grown for more than 2,000 years. If you’re visiting Banaue, join a guided tour to learn as much as possible about the rice terraces and their history, and then check out other attractions like the Museum of Cordilleran Sculpture and the Banaue Market, where local vendors sell everything from wooden sculptures to fresh fruit.
Batad (1 night)
Just a few miles from Banaue but only accessible by foot is the village of Batad. Visiting Batad gives you another vantage point to admire incredible rice terraces, as the village is actually at the bottom of the valley itself. Walk through the rice terrace trails, which are wide enough for a single person, or hike to the Saddle for amazing views and a top picture-taking spot. Batad is also home to the Tappiyah Waterfalls, which stand at more than 70 feet high and are a popular swimming spot for locals and visitors alike. If you want to take home a souvenir from Batad, consider a bottle of local rice wine or a Ifugao weaving that is made by hand right in the village.
Manila (1 night)
Make your way back to Manila for another night, and dive deeper into the city’s attractions. If you’re a history buff, be sure to check out the National Museum of the Philippines, the Metropolitan Museum of Manila or the interactive Museo Pambata. You might also want to spot animals at the Manila Zoo or take a stroll through the scenic Rizal Park. Manila is an exciting culinary destination, so foodies should make time for the Pamatid Gutom, or street food. There are also plenty of gigantic malls and bustling markets to go shopping.
Boracay (4 nights)
After the thrill and rush of Manila, nothing could be better than a quick plane ride to Boracay. Home to some of the best beaches on the planet, Boracay is a popular vacation spot for travelers from around the world. This tropical island boasts several incredible beaches, the best of which include White Beach, Puka Beach and Baling Hai Beach. If you enjoy being active in the great outdoors, you’ll have the chance to swim, scuba dive, kiteboard, fish or even go horseback riding. Of course, you also have the option of kicking back, soaking up the sun, indulging in a private massage right on the sand or staying up until dawn thanks to the late-night bars, lounges and clubs on the island.
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