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 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
Single Occupancy: $2,895
Double Occupancy: $2,695
Prices subject to change
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
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
Personalized baggage tags
Entrance fees to all sites
Tips and Gratuities
Itinerary Summary
Day 1 - Arrivals
Arrivals into Manila. Transfer to Manila Hotel.
Accomodations: Manila Hotel
Day 2 - Lingayen Landings
Travel 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 3 - 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 4 - 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 5 - 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 6 - 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 7 - Departures
Transfer to the Ninoy Aquino International Airport for your flight home, or continue to our Leyte post-tour extension.
B
Manila Metropolitan Theater
MacArthur landing in Lingayen
Lingayen Capitol in ruins in WWII
The Sherman Tank at Malico
Kiangan Shrine
Filipino guerrillas assisted American troops in rescuing American POWs, farmers selflessly lent their carabaos (water buffalos) and carts
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.
Contact Us
Get in touch with us through this form to secure a spot on the tour, and please use the subject title “Liberation Trails Tour 2027”. Inquiries about the tour and our other projects are also welcome!
You can also contact us directly through the following channels:
The Philippine World War II Memorial Foundation
+63 920 921 6118 (Telephone/WhatsApp/Viber)
