Stops on this circuit
8 stops
- 1. Hinablon sa Cebu Weaving Site (Cebu Technological University, Argao Campus)
- 2. Jessie's Torta
- 3. Guilang's Tableya
- 4. St. Michael the Archangel Church (Argao Church)
Known as the "Sistine Chapel of Cebu" for its painted arched ceiling.
- 5. Seargao Café
- 6. Mayu's Carcar Lechon
- 7. Chicharon Pasalubong Shop
Located in Carcar; optional side trip.
- 8. Simala Shrine
Optional add-on pilgrimage stop for an additional fee.
The Argao’s Handloom Weaving, Culture, and Culinary Tour is a specialized full-day excursion designed to showcase the artistry, historical landmarks, and authentic flavors of Argao, a heritage town in Southern Cebu. This route is perfect for travelers looking to experience a harmony of local craft, culture, and cuisine.
Here is a breakdown of what the tour entails and its primary destinations:
Tour Itinerary and Highlights
- Morning Pick-up: The tour typically begins at 7:00 AM with a convenient pick-up from hotels or designated locations within the Tri-City area (Cebu City, Mandaue, Lapu-Lapu), the airport, or the seaport.
- Hinablon sa Cebu (Handloom Weaving): The first major stop is the weaving site at the Cebu Technological University (Argao Campus). Here, you can watch artisans work on traditional looms and spinning wheels, preserving Cebu’s only active handloom weaving industry.
- Culinary Heritage (Torta & Tableya): The tour dives into Argao’s local delicacies by visiting Jessie’s Torta (a production house) and Guilang’s Tableya. A major highlight of the trip is enjoying a complimentary snack of the famed Torta de Argao paired with a warm, velvety cup of locally made hot chocolate.
- St. Michael the Archangel Church & Plaza: You will explore the 200-year-old Argao Church, widely referred to as the “Sistine Chapel of Cebu” due to its strikingly elaborate and highly detailed painted arched ceiling. The historic church grounds also feature cannons and a unique hedge wall with engraved figures of the Stations of the Cross.
- Lunch: For lunch, the tour stops at either Seargao Café in Argao or Mayu’s Carcar Lechon (note that the cost of lunch is at the guest’s expense).
- Optional Side Trips: On the way back, guests have the option to drop by a Chicharon Pasalubong Shop in Carcar for souvenirs, or add a pilgrimage stop to the famous Simala Shrine (for an additional fee).
Tour Inclusions The standard package includes private transportation, a driver/local guide, bottled water, the torta and hot chocolate snack, and all entrance fees for the scheduled destinations. The tour generally concludes with a drop-off at your hotel around 7:00 PM.