Blood Compact Spanish expedition

Blood Compact Spanish expedition

Blood Compact: Navigator Ferdinand Magellan arriving on a Spanish expedition

In 1521, navigator Ferdinand Magellan arriving on a Spanish expedition to the Moluccas became the first person from Europe to reach Asia by sailing west, a voyage of which he would meet an untimely death in the island of the Philippines. Spain sent expeditions to colonize the East Indies in their competition with Portugal to seize control over the spice trade. The Legazpi-Sikatuna Blood Compact or Sandugo (Spanish: Pacto de Sangre) was a blood compact, performed in the island of Bohol in the Philippines

With that being said, I have drafted a 10 days luxury travel itinerary for your reference,  some interesting places that includes this Blood Compact site. This itinerary should start from Manila then to Cebu, Bohol, Palawan and back to Manila. This itinerary can be change that depends on your airport arrival and departure point.

9 nights and 10 days in Philippines

Day 1:  Arrival to Manila – Stay 1 night

Share the history of an icon of sophistication in the Filipino capital. Located in the center of Makati City, The Peninsula Manila has set the benchmark for luxury and sophistication for over four decades. Known affectionately as the “Jewel in the Capital’s Crown” for its legendary presence in the heart of the Philippines’ primary business district, it is a luxurious haven of comfort, quality service and fine cuisine, and is as much a favorite with discerning locals as it is with visitors from overseas. The generous Deluxe Rooms offer a perfect haven for business travelers or couples, with the choice of one king or twin-bed configurations. Large picture windows facilitate excellent city views and make these rooms in tones of blue and gray even more spacious and bright. Subtle mood lighting creates a relaxing contrast to the excitement of the city outside. Lights, temperature, and brand-new high definition smart TVs that can be operated with bedside fingertip control panels, in addition to high-speed wireless Internet access, and a well-appointed executive desk complete a supremely comfortable Deluxe Room stay.

Day 2: Transfer from Manila to Cebu – Stay 3 nights

WHAT WE MEAN WHEN WE SAY AMUMA? Amuma is a Visayan word that has many meanings and associations. It means caring, nurturing, tending, feeding. It is associated with a mother caring for one child, providing the needs of one’s kin or tending to one garden to bloom. You may want to stay here and experience the unwavering smile and a heart full of AMUMA, the feeling of warmth that radiates from the comforts of a timeless Filipino home; the very feeling that stirs inside you whenever you find yourself in ours. Established in July 1989, Bluewater Maribago is one proud member of the Bluewater Resorts group, a wholly Filipino-owned chain of resorts showcasing the best of Filipino culture: creative, warm, friendly, attentive, caring and relaxing.

Mactan Island Tour

You can do this tour when you arrive before or after you settle to your hotel. Mactan Shrine, also known as Liberty Shrine, is a memorial park on the island of Mactan in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu, Philippines. It hosts two monuments, namely the Magellan Monument, which is dedicated to Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan and the Lapu Lapu Monument, a bronze statue which commemorates Lapu Lapu, a native leader who defeated Spanish soldiers led by Magellan in the 1521 Battle of Mactan. Visit to Lapu-Lapu’s Monument & Magellan’s Marker where the battle between Magellan & Chieftain Lapu-Lapu happened. Also visit the Guitar Factories, where you can see how guitars are made. The Virgin De La Regla Parish Church. And to highlight the tour, visit the Mactan Island New Town business complex. The Mactan Newtown is a brand-new township in Lapu-Lapu City, Mactan Island, Cebu, couldn’t have come at a better time. Like its urban counterparts, the 16-hectare has everything that defines a Megaworld township, a prime location, a master-planned setting and interconnected live-work-play components.

Day 3: Island Hopping Tour – 3 Islands

Visit the group of small islands along the Mactan Channel with a motored pumpboat (“banca”). The shallow waters within the sanctuary are excellent for snorkeling adventures. A wide variety of corals (hard and soft), reef fish and invertebrates are easily visible to a snorkeler in 2 to 3 meters of water. Looking for the perfect beach? Pandanon Island is the place to go. White sand and warm turquoise water await the visitor for a day of fun in the sun. The beach at Pandanon Island is perfect for all
kinds of beach activities.

Day 4: Oslob Whale Shark Watching Tour with Kawasan Falls

Whale sharks can be spotted in Tan‑awan which is 10 kilometres (6.2 mi) from the center of the town. It has become a popular tourist attraction. Local fishermen feed the whale sharks by hand which tourists find entertaining. The Kawasan Falls, a three-layered waterfall, is one of the popular tourist destinations in the province. Canyoning tours are offered upstream of the Kawasan Falls, where the Matutinao river flows through a secluded canyon.

Day 5: Transfer from Cebu to Bohol – Stay 2 nights

The new Bohol Beach Club is a perfect place to stay, it has a total of eight-eight (88) rooms made up of eighty (80) Deluxe rooms and eight (8) Beach view Suites. All Deluxe rooms have a commanding view of the swimming pool and the beach while all Suites have their own unique view of the beach and the Bohol sea. Rooms are spacious and bright, designed with modern colors, yet preserve a Filipino touch with the prolific use of wooden furniture and local handicraft. Access to the beach, pool and restaurants from all rooms is very convenient due to the well thought of resort layout.

Bohol Countryside tour

Discover the natural wonders of Bohol with this scenic day tour before or after you check-in to your hotel. Embrace the picturesque of the Chocolate Hills, greet the friendly wide-eyed tarsier monkeys during the tour. Have a sumptuous hearty lunch on-board the Loboc River Cruise crossing the jungle landscapes and delight in the peaceful river fresh atmosphere.

Day 6: Dolphin Watching with Balicasag Swimming

Marine sanctuary on an undeveloped island. The area is frequented by a diverse variety of marine mammals throughout the year, including up to 11 species of frolicking dolphins, as well as many other types of whales including sperm whales, Bryde’s whales, and even blue whales have been reported to have been sighted! The marine sanctuary close to the island is teeming with vibrant, colorful marine life and is an excellent spot to go diving, although you will need to arrange to hire equipment on the mainland if you don’t have your own.

Day 7: Transfer from Bohol to Puerto Princesa – Stay 3 nights

Situated in the heart of the city, Hue Hotel and Resorts Puerto Princesa is  such a great place to stay for discovering what the beautiful island has to offer. Inspired by Palawan’s lush environment, Hue takes pride in it’s design-forward and culturally-rooted architecture. As the key to your Palawan adventure, let Hue plan your escapades for a truly memorable stay! Stylish yet sensible, the Deluxe Room is the practical choice for couples or travelers who wish to go solo. Sufficient space with standard features, guests would be thrilled for something no frills.

Palawan City Tour

The City Tour is a perfect introduction to Puerto Princesa’s highlights and the best way to start your vacation in Palawan Island. Puerto Princesa City, a tropical paradise with a bustling urban center perfect for business with leisure trips. Lush rainforests and white sand beaches are simply hours away from the city proper, where a banking and commercial boom has made life easier for workaholics who can never run away from the office.

Day 8: Underground River Tour

Enjoy a personalized experience with a private guide and private vehicle. Travel from Puerto Princesa City to Sabang village passing through rural countryside and then hop on a canoe and explore the world longest navigable Underground River. Puerto Princesa’s Subterranean River is one of the world’s most impressive cave systems hailed as one of the new 7 wonders of the world and listed as a UNESCO Heritage Site. The park features spectacular limestone karst landscapes, pristine natural beauty, and intact old-growth forests and distinctive wildlife.

Day 9: Transfer from Palawan to Manila – Stay 1 night

Share the history of an icon of sophistication in the Filipino capital. Located in the center of Makati City, The Peninsula Manila has set the benchmark for luxury and sophistication for over four decades that you do not want to miss staying here. Known affectionately as the “Jewel in the Capital’s Crown” for its legendary presence in the heart of the Philippines’ primary business district, it is a luxurious haven of comfort, quality service and fine cuisine, and is as much a favorite with discerning locals as it is with visitors from overseas. Our generous Deluxe Rooms offer a perfect haven for business travelers or couples, with the choice of one king or twin-bed configurations. Large picture windows facilitate excellent city views and make these rooms in tones of blue and gray even more spacious and bright. Subtle mood lighting creates a relaxing contrast to the excitement of the city outside. Lights, temperature, and brand new high definition smart TVs that can be operated with bedside fingertip control panels, in addition to high-speed wireless Internet access, and a well-appointed executive desk complete a supremely comfortable Deluxe Room stay.

Day 10: Departure Day

You can travel in Philippines all year round. The first half of the year, from January to May, is the best time to visit the country. November to February is a little bit cool, while March to May is hot and dry. June to October is rainy, with the months between July and September usually encountering typhoons. Average temperature is 78 degrees F/25 degrees C; average humidity is 77%.

Philippines General Information:

LANGUAGE
There are two official languages in the Philippines—Filipino and English. Filipino which is based on Tagalog, is the national language. English is also widely used and is the medium of instruction in higher education.

CURRENCY
The Philippine Peso (sign: ₱; code: PHP) is the official currency in the country. 100 centavos or sentimos make up 1 peso. Foreign currency may be exchanged at your hotel, and in most of the large department stores, banks and authorized money changing shops. Most large stores, restaurants, hotels, and resorts accept major credit cards including American Express, Visas, and MasterCard. Personal checks drawn on foreign banks are generally not accepted. The best currency to take when in the Philippines is the local peso.

TIPPING
The Philippines do not have a tipping rules and it is not expected or obligated to give a tip. However, tipping is more common in touristic locations. Locals sometimes leave a tip, usually a small peso bill, and it will be very much appreciated. Keep plenty of those small amount of bills if you want to leave tips to service providers in the Philippines and you will receive a radiant smile throughout the day.

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This place maybe your favorite hangout, you maybe more expert here. Would you be happy to edit this page? please feel free to leave your comment below. I would be happy to post your itinerary recommendations/suggestions for Italy. You can post your website link here so that our readers can explore your page as well. Either way, we are helping each other to build a more informative online community.

Blood Compact: Navigator Ferdinand Magellan arriving on a Spanish expedition Read More »

10 Days in Italy Itinerary

10 Days in Italy Itinerary

10 Days in Italy to Rome, Pisa, Milan, Brescia, Bassano, Venice, Florence

I have travelled most part of Italy. I would like to share this travel itinerary idea for 10 days starting from the heart of the Ancient Roman Empire through the global fashion capital by visiting the most important places: Rome, Pisa, Milan, Brescia, Bassano Del Grappa, Venice and Florence. I would say that this itinerary is  ideal for solo travelers and families traveling together. Fiumicino airport is always my starting point because it is easy to connect public transportation from there.

Rome Highlights:
Piazza Navona, Trevi Fountain, The Spanish Steps, Pantheon, Vatican City, Colosseum. For Vatican and Colosseum, if you want to go inside, you need to arrive at the area at the earliest time to line up for the ticket.  You can prepare at least 50 to 100 for both entrance ticket.

Important Note:
Shoulders must be covered inside the Cathedral and Baptistry and the group must be quiet inside. Original Passport is need upon entry for both.

Pisa Highlights:
Pisa – A city in Italy’s Tuscany region best known for its iconic Leaning Tower. Already tilting when it was completed in 1372, the 56m white-marble cylinder is the bell tower of the Romanesque, striped-marble cathedral that rises next to it in the Piazza dei Miracoli. Also in the piazza is the Baptistry, whose renowned acoustics are demonstrated by amateur singers daily.

Milan Highlights:
Milan is one of the main art cities of Italy, also known as the entertainment capital city. Take time and explore on your own the important spots like Milan Cathedral / Duomo, San Nazaro in Brolo church, Statale University, Castello Sforzesco, Vittorio Emanuele II Gallery, Theater y Piazza Della Scala, Merchants / Business Square.

Brescia Highlights:
Discover the province of Brescia, through the unspoilt woods and the Alpine mountains valleys, lakes with its own character, Mediterranean Garda, Nordic Idro and calm, romantic Iseo. The city of Brescia itself is rich with its architectural and artistic history. Make sure to capture photgraphs the Tempio Capitolino e Piazza del Foro, Duomo di Brescia, Basilica Romana di Brescia, Piazza della Loggia, Piazza della Vittoria

Bassano Del Grappa Highlights:
Two periods which give the area a characteristic aspect are the Middle Ages and Renaissance. Bassano has always been a highly active mercantile centre. From the manufacture of textiles to the making of paper and ceramics, the town continues undaunted in its traditions, preserving the same care and attention at to its magnificent monuments. Bassano plants its feet firmly straddling all the various passes of its history.

Venice Highlights:
Church of Saint Zaccaria, Campo Santa Maria Formosa, Basilica of Santa Maria Formosa, Biblioteca Querini Stampalia, Palazzo Grimani and courtyard, Campo San Giovanni e Paolo and Basilica, House of Marco Polo, Rialto Bridge, Saint Mark’s Square.

Bologna Highlights: 
The City is called “The Learned” for its old University, and “The Fat” for its tradition of food, this city is also known as “UNESCO creative City of Music” and has one of the largest and most well-preserved medieval historical centers, with many shops, restaurants, taverns and theatres. It is also the home of many famous artists like Giorgio Morandi, Guido Reni, the Carraccis, Guercino, Aspertini, charmed notable people, the winner of the Nobel Prize in Physics like Mozart, Carducci, Dante, Rossini and Guglielmo Marconi.

Florence Highlights:
Piazza Duomo (exterior of Cathedral, Baptistery, Bell Tower and Gates of Paradise), Piazza della Signoria & Uffizi Courtyard, Ponte Vecchio, Leonardo’s Leather Shop and Demonstration.

Assisi Highlights:
With its medieval art masterpieces like the Basilica of San Francesco and frescoes by Giotto, Cimabue, Simone Martini and Pietro Lorenzetti, Assisi has become a fundamental reference point for the development of Italian and European art and architecture.

10 days daily itinerary in Italy

Day 1:   From Rome–Fiumicino International Airport “Leonardo da Vinci”. During my travel I stayed 1 night at B&B Hotel Roma Fiumicino Aeroporto Fiera 1, it is just 1 stop if you take the train from the airport, the hotel is only 10m walk. when you get off the train, do not go away instead look around and you can see the hotel right away. The big shopping mall is just within the area which is the main reason why I stayed here. I would recommend to have your arrival time before 12 noon so that you will have enough time to do the walking tour in the City of Rome. I am sure you do not want to miss the most interesting spot like the Piazza Navona, The Trevi Fountain, Pantheon and Spanish Steps . Transportation is not a problem, just follow the sign going to the train station when you arrive.

9 Days in Italy
9 Days in Italy

Day 2:  Head to Pisa after breakfast. It will take 4 hours drive normally if without traffic. Pisa Cathedral and Baptistery are very important spots in Pisa. This place is more than just a Leaning Tower, this historic city offers many things from bustling bars to Renaissance piazzas. An overnight stay at Grand Hotel Duomo would be worth it, takes only 2 minutes walk from Duomo Square and the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Roof terrace with panoramic city views  was a big plus.

Day 3:  Head to Milan after breakfast. It will take 4 hours drive normally if without traffic. Milan city center was on top of my list to explore, the majestic Duomo Cathedral, the outstanding opera La Scala, the medieval Sforza Castle, and the dazzling Vittorio Emanuele II shopping arcade.  For me, Milan is expensive. You may choose to stay at the budget hostel for a night or stay at Unique Duomo Luxury Property. This hotel has the perfect location with overlooking views of plaza and Duomo from the hotel room balcony.

Day 4:  Head to Brescia after breakfast. It will take 2 hours drive normally if without traffic. It would be good to travel early and go directly to the center of Brescia for you to begin embracing the unspoilt woods and the Alpine mountains valleys, lakes with its own character, Mediterranean Garda, Nordic Idro and calm, romantic Iseo. The city of Brescia itself is rich with its architectural and artistic history. If you are looking for a place to stay at the center, you can check this hotel Hotel Vittoria.

10 Days in Italy

Day 5:  Headed to Bassano Del Grappa after breakfast. It will take 2 hours drive normally if without traffic. We will go directly to the center of Bassano that plants its feet firmly straddling all the various passes of its history. Bonotto Hotel Belvedere is a good place to stay, 450m from the center. This hotel was originally a 15th century building and it is located right at the beginning of Brenta Valley. This is where you can feel the romantic atmosphere of the past.

Day 6:  Head to Venice after breakfast. It will take 2 hours drive normally if without traffic. The Central of Venice will be waiting for you :). Venice is the only city of its type in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site representing a cultural and natural asset of exceptional value, demanding its preservation and transmission to future generations. Not altering the natural and artistic environment, and not obstructing the development of other social and economic activities in harmony with the daily life of residents that is necessary to preserve the extraordinary beauty and uniqueness of Venice to sustain the tourism.

Venice is surrounded with bed band breakfast, but even staying at the hostel still breaks my pocket.  Hotel Bonvecchiati is a good place to stay. It has its own water landing for gondolas and water taxis, and is just 2 minutes walk from Saint Mark’s Square and the Rialto Bridge.

Day 7: Head to Florence after breakfast. Took 4 hours drive, If you intend to visit here, you can go directly to the City center. Florence is often named as the birthplace of the Renaissance. As a center for the European wool trade, the political power of the city rested primarily in the hands of the wealthy merchants  who dominated the industry. These merchants built enormous gilded mansions in the city, villas in the country, and contributed to the construction of grand cathedrals, spawning the physical rebirth of the city. A spirit of competition developed between the rich merchants, who often competed with each other to see who could commission the grandest buildings and the finest works of art. Competition augmented the fervor with which the city entered into the Renaissance. Staying at Hotel Davanzati is highly recommended, ideally located at the heart of Florence.

Day 8: Head to the town of Assisi after breakfast before going back to Rome. A visit to Assisi is clearly intertwined with its Franciscan heritage. The sacred nature of the place has influenced the planning and architecture of the town, where the celebration of Franciscan ideology has contributed to the creation of monuments that are of outstanding architectural and artistic interest. This is unusual characteristics phenomenon that suggests a way to better understand Assisi itself.  With its medieval art masterpieces like the Basilica of San Francesco and frescoes by Giotto, Cimabue, Simone Martini and Pietro Lorenzetti, Assisi has become a fundamental reference point for the development of Italian and European art and architecture. A short day visit here can be done but would be nice stop for a night. You can find a place to stay at Alter Ego b&b Assisi to relax more and enjoy the scenery of Assisi. This is place is very affordable with excellent location.

Day 9: Finally, you have come to your most awaited highlights, the Vatican City and Colosseum: After breakfast, you can walk going to the Vatican City state if your hotel is just within the city. Vatican is the smallest enclave state in the world for size and population.  Then you can head to Colosseum in the afternoon. It is Rome’s greatest tourist attraction. When you come to Italy, your trip will never be complete if you cannot visit this place. There are many nice hotels to stay in the city center like the Six Senses Rome hotel, the price per night here is a wow :).

9 Days in Italy
9 Days in Italy

Day 10: After breakfast, you can head back to your home sweet home and bring your lifetime memories. The best time to visit Italy is from March to May, that is the  season of spring,  and autumn from September to November. You can enjoy the colorful countryside scenery with wildflowers in early April with the rising temperatures until the end of June.

Edit this page

This place maybe your favorite hangout, you maybe more expert here. Would you be happy to edit this page? please feel free to leave your comment below. I would be happy to post your itinerary recommendations/suggestions for Italy. You can post your website link here so that our readers can explore your page as well. Either way, we are helping each other to build a more informative online community.

Middle Ages and Renaissance: Two periods which give the area a characteristic aspect Read More »

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