Gems of Indonesia: From Bali to Java

Paradise Found

Welcome to Ubud in the hills of beautiful Bali! Hotel check-in is available mid-afternoon.

A Royal Welcome

Today, join one of the Royal family members on a tour of Puri Sukawati, a palace significant to the Balinese regal legacy. Tonight, join your Tour Director for a welcome dinner at your hotel. (B/L/D)

LOCAL FAVOURITE - CULTURE & TRADITION: Learn about Bali's rich cultural history at Puri and enjoy a performance of traditional Balinese dance. A professional chef from the Royal family will show you the arts of Balinese cuisine during your cooking class for a sumptuous lunch.

Spirited Dances & Dramatic Shrines

Start your day with a fascinating performance of Barong dance. Then, stop at the village of Mas, known for its wood carvings, and the village of Celuk, a centre for Balinese silver. Visit Bunung Kawi, a Hindu temple complex comprised of 10 rock-cut shrines (candi) carved into the cliff face. Continue to the village of Kintamani for views of Mount Batur. Last stop is Goa Gajah, often referred to as the Elephant Cave. (B/L)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT - NATURAL WONDERS: Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant overlooking Mount Batur, an active volcano that sits alongside Lake Batur.

Balinese Art & Ancestry

Tour the town of Ubud. Then, drive to Candidasa, a seaside town on the eastern coast of Bali. (B)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT - TIMELESS TRADITIONS: Your tour of Ubud starts with Neka Art Museum, displaying a collection of art inspired by the beauty and culture of Bali. Then, visit the Threads of Life Indonesian Textile Arts centre, followed by Ubud Art Market. Finish your tour of Ubud at the Royal Palace where the local royal family still reside.

Rice Paddies, Palaces & Palms

See the sights of Candidasa by vintage Volkswagen. Enjoy the evening at leisure. (B/L)

LOCAL FAVOURITE - CULTURAL GEMS: Enjoy scenic views of rice paddies and Mt Agung from the back of your vintage VW before arriving Puri Agung, the Palace of Amlapura. Continue to Lontar Museum and try your hand at the ancient skill of inscribing a palm leaf manuscript (lontar). Then, visit the Tirta Gangga Water Palace, and its sister site Taman Ujung Water Palace, where you'll enjoy lunch in the waterside pavilion.

On the Move

This morning, transfer to Denpasar for your flight to Yogyakarta. Transfer to your hotel in Borobudur. (B)

Temples & Tasty Traditions

Today, visit the impressive Borobudur Temple Complex, then head to Candirejo, a peaceful village surrounded by plantations and lush scenery. Before lunch at a local restaurant, enjoy a demonstration of Indonesian Gamelan music. (B/L)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT - EPIC SIGHTS: With more than 500 Buddha statues, the temple complex at Borobudur is the largest single Buddhist monument in the world and UNESCO World Heritage site. Two million stone blocks were used in its construction.

Swords, Sultans & Dance Steps

This morning, learn the art of kris making, then visit Kraton, the Sultan Palace of Yogyakarta. Continue to Prambanan Temple, the largest Hindu temple in the country and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Enjoy a performance of the Ramayana ballet in the temple. (B/L/D)

LOCAL FAVOURITE - LEGENDARY ARTISTRY: The kris is an asymmetrical dagger with distinctive blade patterning that has been produced in Indonesia for centuries. It is used for display, weapons, ceremonial dress, or symbol of social status or heroism. Meet with a kris maker who shows you all about forging the weapon as well as the rituals associated with it.

Scenic Sojourn

Journey by train through volcano-dotted terrain to Mojokerto. From here, travel by coach through classic Javanese scenery to Bromo. (B)

Magical Mount Bromo

Start early with a morning visit to Mount Bromo. From here, you can take in unobstructed views over the active crater and the Tengger massif. Enjoy a late al fresco breakfast in the magical landscape of Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park. Later, transfer to Surabaya for your flight to Denpasar. Upon arrival back in Bali, transfer to your hotel in Nusa Dua. (B)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT - NATURAL WONDERS: Reigning over the magical landscapes of East Java, Indonesia, Mount Bromo looms large as one of the world's the most famous and active volcanoes. Part of the Tengger Massif, this complex of several volcanoes creates stunningly surreal and breathtaking landscapes.

Dinner Dances

The morning is yours to enjoy this beachside town and your resort. This afternoon, travel to the southernmost tip of Bali to visit Uluwatu Temple. Here, enjoy dinner as you witness a traditional display of Kecak dance. (B/D)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT - LEGENDS & LORE: One of seven sea temples that form a "chain" around the island, Uluwatu Temple stands some 230 feet atop a dramatic clifftop as a revered and ancient site for its protection of Hindu islanders from evil spirits since 900 AD.

Safe travels until we meet again!

Your tour ends with breakfast this morning. (B)