\nSmall group of up to 22 people<\/span><\/h1>\n
<\/p>\n More Info! <\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n Depart for Indonesia<\/p>\n Arrive in Jakarta, Indonesia’s sprawling and energetic capital city; transfer to the hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure to rest, relax and acclimate to your new time zone in this vast cultural melting pot that reflects the many faces of modern Indonesia Overnight:<\/strong> Jakarta<\/p>\n Meet your Tour Manager and fellow travelers at this morning’s briefing on the extraordinary journey that lies ahead in Indonesia. Your taste of Jakarta’s ancient roots begins at the National Museum, the pride of the country, one of the best archaeological museums in Southeast Asia. At Merdeka Square, view the National Monument which houses the original tattered red-and-white flag flown on August 17th 1945, day of independence. Continue to Kota Tua Jakarta, the Old Town area of the city, tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the modern capital. This quaint part of the city has an old world charm and a distinguished history, named Batavia by the Dutch settlers. Enjoy lunch at a local antique caf\u00e9 – it’s time to savor your first cup of real Java coffee! The rest of the day is yours to explore. Perhaps linger in the Old City and visit the Jakarta History Museum, the Fine Art and Ceramic Museum or the Wayang Museum which showcases the traditional art of shadow puppetry Overnight:<\/strong> Jakarta Meals:<\/strong> Breakfast, Lunch<\/p>\n Depart Jakarta by flight to Surakarta, traditional capital of the old Javanese Kingdom, a city steeped in history, and proud of its heritage and culture. Upon arrival, visit Triwindu antique market before having lunch at a local restaurant. After enjoying a typical Javanese lunch, visit Danar Hadi, one of the world’s finest batik museums, housed in a stunning whitewashed colonial building, with an impressive collection of antique and royal textiles from Java, China and beyond. Then drive to Lawean Village where you will practice making Batik, cloth made using a technique of wax resist dyeing. Tonight, discover that food is a major part of life in this city with an endless selection of eateries open 24 hours a day. No matter what the time, you\u2019ll never go hungry in Surakarta! Overnight:<\/strong> Surakarta Meals:<\/strong> Breakfast, Lunch<\/p>\n Today, visit the isolated 15th century Sukuh Temple, (Candi Sukuh) on the slopes of Mount Lawu, one of Java’s most enigmatic and striking temples, constructed of rough-hewn stone in the shape of an ancient pyramid, accented by dramatic reliefs and statues. Several explicit carvings have dubbed Sukuh the “erotic” temple; it is thought that a fertility cult once dwelled here. At the nearby Javanese-Hindu Ceto Temple, a series of terraces climb the side of the hill and ascend to an altar. Afterwards, travel to the beautiful Parang Ljo Waterfalls, surrounded by colorful flowers and ferns. Here, people bathe under the falls or indulge in reflexology massages from one of the many stalls. Traveling on through the steep and winding mountain roads with breathtaking views, arrive at the Kemuning Tea Plantation, where green hills of tea trees spread as far as the eye can see. View the art of picking tea leaves and savor some of the excellent varieties of teas at the Ndoro Donker Tea House in an old plantation building with Dutch colonial architecture. After lunch, return to Surakarta to enjoy exploring on your own Overnight:<\/strong> Surakarta Meals:<\/strong> Breakfast, Lunch<\/p>\n Start your day with the ornate Mangkunegaran Palace, set within lush gardens and sparkling fountains, which was founded by a dissident prince who, in the 18th century, was awarded a portion of the Sunan’s (King’s) fiefdom to ensure he remained loyal. Continue to the well-known Triwindu antique market, a favorite for lovers and collectors of antiques. Wandering across the many aisles, see displays of splendid craftsmanship made of gold, silver, wood and ceramics. Lunch at a local restaurant before a pony-drawn carriage takes you to the twin Temples of Plaosan with their remarkable detailed decorations combining both Hindu and Buddhist religious symbols and carvings. Two giant statues welcome you in the front of each main temple and intricately carved dragon heads adorn the many windows. On your scenic journey to Yogyakarta the cultural heart of Java, (called Yogya by the locals), glimpse emerald mountains, tropical rainforests, terraced rice fields and rows of rural villages. Situated at the base of the Merapi volcano, Yogyakarta was the seat of the mighty Javanese empire of Mataram in the 16th and 17th centuries. Continue to the spectacular 9th century Prambanan Temple complex, a lavish example of ancient architecture, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Tonight, meet for dinner together Overnight:<\/strong> Yogyakarta Meals:<\/strong> Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner<\/p>\n Your day begins with a visit to the awe-inspiring Borobudur Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This 8th century artistic and architectural marvel takes the shape of a sacred mandala when seen from above; admire some of its over 2,600 bas relief panels and more than 500 Buddha statues. After, tour the Pawon Temple built with volcanic stones, a blend of Javanese, Hindu and Indian art, and the exquisite Mendut Temple and Monastery. All of the temples you see today were built in one straight line, in order for the devout to ease their pilgrimage during the full moon. Later, visit the village of Jumoyo to view the Merapi volcano, known as the “mountain of fire,” active since the 16th century – villagers believe that the volcano houses a palace that is home to rulers of the spirit kingdom. Tonight at dinner, recall your interesting day Overnight:<\/strong> Yogyakarta Meals:<\/strong> Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner<\/p>\n On to the impressive Kraton, an 18th century palace built by the Sultans of Yogya, a gilded splendor of Javanese royalty with time to stroll the grounds of the Taman Sari Water Castle, the Sultan’s pleasure garden. Then, explore Yogya’s Bird Market with song birds, pigeons and occasionally ravens, owls and birds of prey. Later, shop for magnificent handmade batik! Conclude the tour today with lunch at a local caf\u00e9. The rest of the day is free to explore at your leisure Overnight:<\/strong> Yogyakarta Meals:<\/strong> Breakfast, Lunch<\/p>\n A morning flight takes you to Denpasar, capital of the exotic island province of Bali, known for its pristine beaches, aura of spirituality and long tradition of the arts. Arrive in Ubud, the island’s cultural center that has inspired painters, sculptors and writers from around the world. View terraced rice paddies, Hindu temples and bubbling rivers on your picturesque drive to the Monkey Forest Sanctuary, a sacred area inhabited by hundreds of long-tailed macaques who have a symbolic place among Balinese Hindu culture. This evening, dinner at the hotel in Ubud Overnight:<\/strong> Ubud Meals:<\/strong> Breakfast, Dinner<\/p>\n Your day begins with a visit to a local school; meet the children and teachers. Then, to the astonishing Jatiluwih rice fields, named a UNESCO Cultural Landscape. This spectacular site of terraced, green paddies is stepped along an entire mountain, from its peak to where it meets the sea. The rice fields that make up this area use a cultivation method preserved for centuries and passed down from generation to generation. It’s indeed an amazing sight to behold! Walk through the fields with a local farmer and learn more about life in this magical green paradise. Later, head into the mountains to the 17th century Ulun Danu Temple Complex, founded by the King of Mengwi and dedicated to the gods of the lakes. This evening, an exclusive invitation to join a Balinese family for home hospitality and dinner along with an interesting conversation about life in Bali Overnight:<\/strong> Ubud Meals:<\/strong> Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner<\/p>\n A stroll through the bustling local market this morning reveals stalls brimmed with colorful fabrics, wooden idols, paintings, handmade batik and other beautiful Balinese creations. Afterwards, it’s time to refine your culinary skills at a cooking class that introduces you to the fine techniques of Balinese cuisine, demonstrated by a local Chef. The dishes prepared by you can be enjoyed for lunch! On your return to the hotel, meet with a Balinese teacher who enlightens you about local customs and festivals. The rest of the day is yours to explore on your own. Just outside of Ubud, choose to visit the Bali Zoo, the Bird Park or the Elephant Park to get a taste of the Southeast Asian wildlife. You might even see the rare Komodo Dragon! In the evening, be adventurous and visit the Night Market for some typical local cuisine Overnight:<\/strong> Ubud Meals:<\/strong> Breakfast<\/p>\n Start the day at a rollicking performance of Barong, a well known Balinese traditional dance that acts out stories and myths of the conflicts of good and evil. Then travel to the rugged highland area of Kintamani, with its dramatic views of the spectacular volcanic caldera of Mt. Batur with its deep crater lake and bubbling hot springs. Enjoy the wonderful mountain air and dizzying views in all directions, as well as several important temples and ancient villages. After a delightful lunch, drive to Sanur an old fishing village that has blossomed into an exquisite seaside community. Leisure time to enjoy the new surroundings and gorgeous beaches. Tonight, a special Balinese-style dinner by the sea Overnight:<\/strong> Sanur Meals:<\/strong> Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner<\/p>\n A morning at leisure for personal pursuits before traveling to Denpasar. Here, visit the towering Bajra Sandhi Monument, said to symbolize the soul and spirit of the Balinese people, the Bali Museum and the Werdhi Budaya Arts Center. At Taman Ayun, view the striking royal temple dating back to the Mengwi Empire, set amidst a peaceful pond and gardens. Astonishing views await you at Tanah Lot, a temple perched atop a seaside rock shaped by hundreds of years of ocean tides. Meander the lanes of the Kuta Market, where artisans sell Bali’s famous handicrafts. Enjoy dinner at Tanah Lot before returning to Sanur Overnight:<\/strong> Sanur Meals:<\/strong> Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner<\/p>\n Today is yours to discover on your own. Relax at the pool, indulge in spa treatments or just treasure your last day in this paradise on the sea. Your final evening in Indonesia is spent together at a festive Farewell Dinner. Reflect on a memorable journey highlighted by tonight’s magnificent Balinese sunset Overnight:<\/strong> Sanur Meals:<\/strong> Breakfast, Dinner<\/p>\n![\"15](\"https:\/\/www.grandescapades.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/bali-1870796_1920.jpg\" "\\"Click")
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Trip Highlights<\/h2>\n
Package Includes<\/h5>\n
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Special Features<\/h2>\n
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\nDetailed Itinerary<\/h2>\n
DAY 1 – Depart for Indonesia<\/h5>\n
DAY 2 – Arrive in Jakarta<\/h5>\n
DAY 3 – Old and New Jakarta<\/h5>\n
DAY 4 – Surakarta, Danar Hadi Batik Museum<\/h5>\n
DAY 5 – Sukuh and Ceto Temples, Parang Ljo Waterfalls, Kemuning Tea Plantation<\/h5>\n
DAY 6 – Mangkunegaran Palace, Temples of Plaosan, Yogyakarta Prambanan Temple<\/h5>\n
DAY 7 – Borobudur Temple, Pawon Temple & Mendut Monastery, Village of Jumoyo<\/h5>\n
DAY 8 – Sultan of Yogya Palace, Taman Sari Water Castle, Bird Market<\/h5>\n
DAY 9 – Denpasar, Ubud, Monkey Forest Sanctuary<\/h5>\n
DAY 10 – School Visit, Jatiluwih Rice Fields, Ulun Danu Temple, Home Hosted Dinner<\/h5>\n
DAY 11 – Local Market, Balinese Cooking Class, Lecture on Festivals and Customs<\/h5>\n
DAY 12 – Barong Dance Performance, Highlands of Kintamani, Seaside Sanur<\/h5>\n
DAY 13 – Denpasar’s Museums, Taman Ayun, Tanah Lot, Kuta Market<\/h5>\n
DAY 14 – Full Day in Sanur, Farewell Evening<\/h5>\n
DAY 15 – Depart Indonesia<\/h5>\n