Liberation Trails

February 14-20, 2027

Trace the routes of the 6th Army divisions in its campaign to liberate Luzon and its capital, Manila.

The 1945 Liberation
of Luzon and Manila

About Liberation Trails

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.

A Japanese Type 91 105mm Howitzer is displayed at Dalton Pass, behind the Chinese Overseas Wartime Hsuehkan Militia Memorial.

Tour Dates

February 14-20, 2027 (7 days)

Package Rates

To be announced.

Please contact us to secure your slot with a US$100 deposit.

PDF Brochure with Detailed Itinerary

To follow

Inclusions

  • Touring with expert WWII historian and battlefield expert

  • Dedicated Tour Manager throughout the trip

  • Private air-conditioned motor coach

  • Roundtrip Airport transfers

  • 6-night hotel accommodations

  • 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

Itinerary Summary

Day 2 - Lingayen Landings

Day 7 - Departures

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 - Arrivals

Manila Metropolitan Theater

Day 3 - The Battle of Villa Verde Trail

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

MacArthur landing in Lingayen

Lingayen Capitol in ruins in WWII

Day 4 - Yamashita’s Surrender

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

The Sherman Tank at Malico

Day 5 - The Great Raid

Day 6 - The Battle of Manila

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

Kiangan Shrine

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

Filipino guerrillas assisted American troops in rescuing American POWs, farmers selflessly lent their carabaos (water buffalos) and carts

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

Transfer to the Ninoy Aquino International Airport for your flight home, or continue to our Leyte post-tour extension.

B

Battlefield Expert

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 Manager

Des Benipayo is an award winning author and the founder of the Philippine World War II Memorial Foundation, and has been leading WWII tours in the Philippines with her extensive local and historical knowledge. She acts as Tour Manager for this trip, ensuring a smooth and comfortable trip for all PhilWar Tours guests.

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!