• Day 1 and 2 (May 24th and 25th) - Arrive in Yogyakarta Airport, where we'll meet our guide, and then have some rest to get ourselves ready for our adventure. While in Yogya, we'll visit the amazing Borobudur, the world's largest Buddhist monument, and then travel by either horse drawn buggies or ride bicycles through the countryside to a small Javanese traditional village, Candirejo, surrounded by beautiful rice terraces. We'll also have time to enjoy a traditional Gamelan musical experience and sample local cuisine. On both days, we'll have loads of free time to explore on our own as well, including visiting the Sultan's Palace (Kraton), shop for local Javanese Batiks, and visit local markets. 

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• Day 3 - In the morning, prior to leaving Yogya, we'll visit the 9th century Prambanan, a magnificent Hindu temple complex, and visit a traditional maker of Indonesian traditional daggers (Kris), see the Affandi Museum with it's famous architecture and paintings, before heading to Surakarta!​

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• Day 4 - We continue our journey in the fantastic city of Surakarta (also known as Solo). We'll visit Pasar Triwindu, which is the center of the antique market in the city. Next, we'll go to Kampung Kauman and immerse ourselves in a class in the intricate art of Batik, recognized as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. From there, we'll visit Mangkunegaran Palace, a fantastic 18th century palace housing an impressive collection of masks, shadow puppets, antiques and other historic treasures. 

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• Day 5 and 6 - Getting up early, we'll board a train bound for Mount Bromo, which will be a treat in itself as we wind our way through the Javanese countryside, famous for it's volcanic landscapes and dramatic vents. 
  
  Once at Mount Bromo, we'll have some leisure time to walk through this volcanically active area. In the morning we have the option to get up early and take jeeps up to the summit of Mount Bromo and witness the breathtaking views of Mount Tengger, and Mount Semeru, seeing a spectacular, volcanic ash enhanced sunrise!. After this, we'll drive down to the Tengger Caldera and then cross the Lautan Pasir (Sea of Sand) to a verdant savannah where we'll have an al fresco breakfast with an option to visit the Pura Luhur Poten Hindu temple and climb steps to the caldera's rim before returning to our hotel.
  
  In the afternoon, we'll visit a sacred Hindu temple of the Tengger People at the foot of Mount Bromo and witness traditional offerings being made to their gods. 

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• Day 7 - After a morning at leisure, we'll drive from Bromo to Surabaya, where we'll take a flight to Bali! Upon arrival in Bali, at Denpasar Airport, we'll transfer to Ubud, the cultural capital, and have the rest of the day at leisure. 
  
  
  
   

• Day 8 - Early this morning, we'll drive out to a rural village in the center of the island where we'll visit a local market and select ingredients for a cooking class! Here we'll be guided through the techniques and flavors of Balinese Cuisine. After making our food, we'll sit down and enjoy the sumptuous feast, surrounded by beautiful rice fields. We'll then go to a local family's rural home, where we'll have the opportunity to learn and participate in the making of the traditional
  offerings known as Canang, and engage in a traditional “Melukat” water blessing ceremony. After this, we visit Pura Kehan, an 11th century temple complex near the town of Bangli that is considered by many to be one of the most beautiful on the island. After exploring this, we return to Ubud, and visit the Neka Art Museum before taking the rest of the evening to ourselves.
   

• Day 9 - We begin this day by visiting Gunung Kawi Temple in Ubud, an ancient Hindu temple and sacred spring surrounded by lush vegetation. After this, we go to Mas Village, a center of traditional Balinese crafts and art. From there, we'll head to Arma Museum, where we'll see classical Kamasan painting on tree bark, among other delights. 

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• Day 10 - Today, we drive into Central Bali to Mengwi village, long associated with the
  Balinese Royal Family. Mengwi is home to the superb temple complex at Taman Ayun. Translating as ‘beautiful garden’. From there, we drive north to Bedugul Regency, renowned for its stunning beauty and three caldera lakes (Beratan, Buyan and Tamblingan). Our irst stop is the market at Candi Kuning, famous for fresh fruits and exotic spices and flowers. The iconic Ulun Danu Temple is the next destination. This important Hindu Shivarati water temple is located on a small jut of land within the calm waters of Lake Beratan. After a break for lunch, we'll return south, stopping to view the rice terraces at Jatiluwih, getting an opportunity to walk among them. 

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• Day 11 - This morning, we will be picked up for our transfer back to the Airport to catch our morning flight to Labuan Bajo on Komodo Island! Upon  arrival, we'll be met by our guide and transfer to our hotel, enjoying the remaining day at leisure.
   

• Day 12 - Today’s journey starts with an early pickup and transfer to the harbor, where we'll board a cruise vessel to Komodo National Park. We'll have a stop at Padar Island, where we'll get to see one of the best places to spot Komodo Dragons, the world's largest reptiles! From there, we go to Komodo Island, where we'll head ashore to Pink Beach, also known as Pantai Merah, and head to Manta Point for snorkeling. As the name implies, Manta Point is where manta rays are often spotted while feeding, not to mention the breathtaking coral reefs, turtles, sharks, eagle rays, giant trevallies, huge clams, colorful sponges, and cuttlefish, among many other beautiful tropical sea life! 

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• Day 13 - This morning, we transfer to Labuan Bajo Airport to catch our flight back to Bali. Upon arrival at Denpasar Airport, we go to our hotel in the Sanur area, where we'll have some time to freshen up and get ready for a Gala Dinner.
  
  We'll travel to a historic palace, showcasing the grandeur of Balinese architecture from the 16th century. Upon arrival at the palace, both women and men will be provided with a sarong and sash to respect local customs. While men will be given a Udeng (headpiece) and are advised to wear a white shirt to complement the traditional attire.
  
  We'll sit down to a sumptuous Rajalaya-style round-table feast. As the evening unfolds, we witness a mesmerizing night-dance performance by a local community collective of dancers, showcasing Balinese vibrant culture and artistic heritage.
   

• Day 14 (June 6th)- Departures, or continue on to the post-extension tour.
  
  HOTELS

• 24-26 May 2025 (2 Nights)                          The Phoenix Hotel Yogyakarta

• ​26-28 May 2025 (2 Nights)                          The Royal Heritage Surakarta

• 28-30 May 2025 (2 Nights)                          Plataran Bromo

• 30 May – 03 June 2025 (4 Nights)             Komaneka at Rasa Sayang Ubud

• 03-05 June 2025 (2 Nights)                          Sudamala Resort Komodo, Labuan Bajo

• 05-06 June 2025 (1 Night)                           Maya Sanur Resort & Spa

• Day 14 (Extension) - This morning we drive to Pemuteran (3.5 - 4 hours) and check into our hotel. In the afternoon, we have time for snorkeling, diving, swimming, and other water activities as well as a visiting a beautiful nearby forest and rice terraces.
   

• Day 15 - Today, we cruise to the famous Menjangan Island to enjoy a snorkeling program in the crystal-clear water, witnessing one of the best-preserved coral reefs in the world with a huge variety of sea-life including corals, tropical fish, sharks, sea horses, and others.
   

• Day 16 - In the morning, we'll have more time to do anything we haven't gotten to yet at this fantastic location. In the afternoon, we return to Sanur.
   

• Day 17 (June 9th) - Departures.