Best of Java and Bali

Begin your holiday in style with included airport lounge access before your overnight flight to Java, arriving on day two.

Upon arrival at Yogyakarta airport, you'll be met for a private transfer to your hotel in Borobudur. Enjoy the rest of your day at your leisure, relaxing at the hotel or heading out and about to explore at your own pace.

Stay: Plataran Borobudur

Spend an unforgettable day exploring the temples of Borobudur whose stunning wall carvings depict Siddhartha's life. Receiving UNESCO World Heritage status in 1991, the monument consists of six square terraces topped by three circular ones. Two million stone blocks were required to build the temple and with at least 2,500 relief panels and more than 500 Buddha statues. It's an incredible sight. Later, visit Candirejo village where you'll enjoy a ride in a traditional horse drawn cart or, if you prefer, ride your own bicycle through the picturesque farms and plantations, giving you the chance to encounter some of the welcoming local residents. Afterwards you'll enjoy lunch and a lesson in Gamelan music at a local house. In the afternoon you'll head to Yogyakarta where you'll check into your hotel before spending a relaxing afternoon exploring the city at your own pace.

Stay: The Phoenix Yogya  

Spend today exploring Yogyakarta, heading first to the ornate Sultan's Palace, one of the city's most impressive buidings and still used by the Sultan of Jogja to this day. Discover a number of important Javanese relics at the museum of Hamengkubuwono IX, Yogyakarta's Sultan (1912-1988), before visiting Taman Sari, also known as the Water Castle, which was used as a place of leisure and relaxation by the Sultan. Continue to Kota Gede, the town formerly used as the capital of Yogyakarta and now famous for its silver trade and handicrafts and for its fine examples of traditional Javanese architecture. In the afternoon, visit Candi Prambanan temple, a 9^th century complex renowned for being the finest example of historical Hindu culture in Indonesia.

Stay: The Phoenix Yogya 

Head east to the beautifully ornate, 15^th century Sukuh Temple, located on the slopes of Mt Lawu, 910 metres above sea level. The temple's pyramidal shape is similar in style to the Mayan temples of Central America and is renowned for its ornate Hindu carvings. Continue to Solo, the centre of Javanese culture and tradition and the least westernised city on the island, stopping along the way at Cetho, a large temple complex on the southern face of Gunung Lawu. Once in Solo City, you'll have the opportunity to visit Mangkunegaran Palace, with its central pavilion and interesting architectural styles, dating back to 1757, and its treasure trove or artifacts including classical masks, clothing, shadow puppets, religious statues and antiques.

Stay: Royal Surakarta Heritage 

Begin today with a scenic train ride through the beautiful landscapes of eastern Java as you travel from Yogyakarta to Kertasono. On arrival you'll head to the town of Kediri for lunch at a local restaurant, before continuing to Malang, around three hours drive away.

Stay: Tugu Malang

This morning's tour sees you visit the 'rainbow village' of Kampung Warna Warni, a one-time slum whose residents were relocated before the local artists moved in to breathe new life into the decaying buildings. Upon arrival at the village, you'll be welcomed by the “Rukun Warga”, the head of the village, who'll provide you with deeper insights about this unusual transformation while you enjoy a drink and snacks in one of the local cafes. In the afternoon head by road to the spectacular Bromo region, home to one of Indonesia's most iconic volcanoes. Settle into your hotel, just a short hop from the Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park entrance, and take in the views across the terraced slopes of the surrounding countryside.

Stay: Plataran Bromo

Early this morning, you'll drive by jeep to Mt Penanjakan to admire the spectacular views of Bromo at sunrise, a truly magical experience. After sunrise you'll make your way to Tengger Temple before riding on horseback to the crater of Bromo itself. In the afternoon you'll transfer to Surabaya Airport for your flight to Bali. On arrival at Bali's Denpasar Airport you'll be met and transferred to your hotel for the next few nights, The Pavilion Sanur.

Stay: The Pavilion Sanur 

Spend six relaxing days soaking up the sunshine in Bali. You might decide to take it easy and enjoy the comfort of your luxury villa, which comes complete with its very own private pool or, alternatively, head to the local beach, just a 15-minute stroll from the hotel. Other options during your stay include a trip to the beautiful village of Ubud in the island's lush interior, famed for its furniture making and surrounded by dizzyingly steep rice terraces. Otherwise, you might enjoy a fine-dining experience in 25,000-year-old cave, head to Seminyak for a boutique shopping spree or join a spiritual trek and Balinese healing session conducted by a local therapist. Speak to our specialists for more details.

Stay: The Pavilion Sanur 

After breakfast, spend some time at leisure before transferring to Denpasar International Airport in time for your onward flight, arriving on day 16.