VISITA INTRAMUROS, a tour program of The Manila Hotel, was unveiled on Wednesday, June 12, in time for the celebration of the country's 121st Independence Day. 

Visita Intramuros opens with a presscon hosted by Manila Hotel president Atty. Joey Lina, together with Intramuros Administrator Atty. Guiller Asido and DOT Asst. Sec. Roberto Alabado. After the media conference, a nostalgic tour of the iconic Manila Hotel follows.

In partnership with the Intramuros Administration, the tour program is designed to enable the hotel guests to experience the rich history of the Great Walls of Intramuros and the Grand Dame, The Manila Hotel.

This is in line with the direction of the Department of Tourism to strengthen cultural tourism by expanding the tourism products and engaging a specific market to increase revenue. Partnerships such as this is a testimony that the successful partnership of the private and public sectors is imperative to preserve and promote our heritage.

This is an exclusive tour that features the following attractions starting from The Manila Hotel:

The Manila Hotel Heritage Museum - A newly curated museum that houses the collections of the Manila Hotel that reflects the rich history of the Grand Dame.

The MacArthur Suite - The two-bedroom MacArthur suite, decorated with rare paintings, photographs, Asian antiques and Filipino crafts, was the residence of Gen. Douglas MacArthur while living in the country. The suite is located at the 5th floor of the original structure.

Champagne Room - Long favored by the fashionable set, it is well-know for its impeccable service and lavish decor. A favorite venue for elegant gatherings, it best embodies the Grand Dame's decades of tradition and devotion in providing guests with only the finest dining experience.

Museo de Intramuros - The newly-opened museum that houses the collections of the Intramuros Administration. Museo de Intramuros is located in two important reconstructions inside the walled city: the San Ignacio Church and the Mission House of the Society of Jesus. The museum was designed to house the period art collections of IA that includes ecclesiastical art, furniture, vestments, and textiles and other artifacts.

Fort Santiago - One of the oldest fortifications in Manila built in 1571 on the site of the native settlement of Rajah Soliman. It is notable for being the headquarters of the armies of several foreign powers in Philippine history, including the Spanish, British, Americans and the Japanese.

Baluarte de San Diego - Standing the test of time as a bulwark that defended not only its land but also the stories of the past. This historical concrete structure withstood cannon fires, earthquakes, and the battle of Manila.

Destileria Limtuaco Museum - The museum of the oldest distillery in the country features the actual process of making rum and whisky, from fermentation to bottling.

For over 160 years, Destileria Limtuaco's excellent brand portfolio consists of distilled spirits, whiskies, brandies, gins, rums, vodkas, tequilas, cocktails, herbal and sweet wines, and the original medicinal wines. These products are produced strictly following special manufacturing processes and well-guarded formula developed by the master blenders, creating exceptional products of superior taste and quality that satisfies the impeccable taste of Filipinos and connoisseurs the world over.

Bahay Tsinoy - A museum that showcases the tangible imprints and lasting influence of the Chinese whose presence in the Philippines dates back long before the Europeans sought alternate routes to the Moluccas.

Casa Manila - A colonial lifestyle museum which features the domestic life of the upper class in the 19th Century Philippines. The three-story building is a replica of the house of Binondo merchant Don Severino Mendoza.

This tour package may be booked with the Concierge department of The Manila Hotel. It is best experienced on a siklesa — a motor drawn kalesa. Tour prices start from PHP2,250, with three options to choose from: vehicle with driver, vehicle, driver and guide and vehicle, driver, guide and all in pass, In-house guests will enjoy a 15% discount off the tour prices, and also of the Filipino High Tea at the hotel's lobby.

For more information, The Manila Hotel can be contacted at 527- 0011.