Solo or Jogjakarta Arrival - Jogjakarta - Borobudur - Candirejo - Prambanan - Sukuh & Cetoh Temples - Surabaya (by train) - Ngadisari/Mt Bromo (by road) - Kalibaru - Ijen - Bali – Pemuteran or Lovina

On this 7-day Indonesia tour you will encounter and experience the many facets of this extraordinary archiapelgo. Beginning in the country’s cultural centre, Jogjakarta, here you will have the opportunity to visit the ancient temples of Borobodur and Pramaban while getting better acquianted with indigenious traditions. Create you own batik, visit local markets and tour the city’s main sites by cyclo.

Continue this Java: Temple to Volcanoes tour with a scenic train ride to eastern Java, a great way to view the volcanic landscapes of the region. Rise early for a sunrise tour of Mt Bromo, traveling by 4WD jeep to a viewing spot that reveals stunning views of the Bromo volcano and surroundings. Follow this with a 20-minute ride on horseback that will take you to a set of stairs which lead to the rim of the still-active Bromo crater. Continue by road to Jember via Probolingo. Explore the coffee and spice plantations of the remote area of Kalibaru, here you will experience authentic rural Indonesian lifestyles.

Cap off this Java tour with an early start for an excursion to magnificent Mt Ijen, a large crater lake surrounded by sulphur mines. On the 3 trek up you will encounter men carrying loads of up to 70kg, a fascinating insight into local lifestyles. Once you reach the top of the volcano, spend some time enjoying the views of the 200 meters deep crater containing about 36 million cubic meters of steaming, acidic water. Witness the agility and strength of the miners as they collect and carry the sulphur blocks up to the crater rim. The perfect way to finish this Indonesia tour is with a relaxed trip to Bali’s famed shores where you can chill out sit back and soak up the sun!

Day 1 - Solo or Jogjakarta Arrival - Jogjakarta (L)

Arrive at the Solo Airport, formerly known as Surakarta, or the Jogjakarta Airport.
(Recommended flights : Singapore to Solo SQ5212 (MI 212) at 0915 or to Jogja MH 857 at 1055)
Your guide and private car will meet you and transfer you to your hotel in Jogjakarta for check-in. (1 hour from Solo and 15mn from Jogjakarta Adisutjipto Airport)
Despite the official spelling of 'Yogyakarta' this town is usually pronounced and often written Jogjakarta or simply Jogja. It is the most popular tourist destination on Java, largely thanks to its proximity to the temples of Borobudur and Prambanan. Jogja is also a center of art and education and the cradle of traditional Javanese culture.
After freshening up, enjoy lunch in a local restaurant before setting off on an afternoon excursion. You'll be introduced to one of Indonesia's most famous crafts with a visit to a traditional batik factory. Not only will you learn about the ancient techniques and observe skilled craftsmen, but you will also have the chance to create your own batik. Start from scratch, making a design, applying wax and mixing your own dye. Your creation will be delivered to your hotel once dry.
Dinner is at your leisure in the hotel.
Overnight at your hotel in Jogjakarta.

Day 2 - Jogjakarta - Borobudur - Candirejo - Jogjakarta (B,L,D)

Today you will have the chance to learn more about Jogjakarta's eventful history and rich cultural traditions with a half-day city tour.
Start with a visit to the Sultan's Palace, also known as 'Kraton'. This building, built between 1756 -1790, is a fine example of traditional Javanese sultanate architecture. As you walk through the various rooms and chambers, you will learn more about this aspect of Javanese heritage and culture.You will also visit the adjacent 'Taman Sari', water palace and garden. This addition to the royal complex was built over 200 years ago by the first Sultan with bathing pools for his harem. A local cyclo, becak, will then transfer you through the streets to the bird market where you'll witness a slice of local Jogja life.
This afternoon drive to Borobudor, 42 kilometers west of Jogjakarta. With your guide, explore this massive Buddhist Temple - the largest in the world- and discover the incredible history behind its construction. Comprised of thousands of volcanic and river stone blocks, the temple was assembled entirely by human labor and took more than 75 years to complete. These days, the UNESCO Heritage site is still visible in its full glory- with magnificent carvings and an unusual, yet surprisingly beautiful bulk structure.
Continue with a visit to nearby Mendut temple, older than Borobudur, this pyramid-shaped temple houses three impressively carved stone statues. Next, you'll get a taste for local life with a horse cart ride through Candirejo village. Known as a dokar, the local horse cart will take you through this peaceful, charming village. You'll travel along small lanes lined with traditional houses, stop to see village activities such as making cassava crackers, playing the gamelan, harvesting and the drying of vanilla and chili.
Following the dokar ride, return to Jogjakarta arriving early this evening.
This evening, you'll be treated to a performance of traditional Ramayana Dances while dining at a local restaurant.
Overnight in Jogjakarta.

Day 3 - Jogjakarta - Prambanan - Sukuh & Cetoh Temples - Solo (B,L)

After breakfast, drive 17 kilometers from Jogjakarta to the ancient Hindu temples at Prambanan. Built in the 9th century, this collection of sharp, jagged temples features three main inner shrines dedicated to the Hindu trinity: Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. UNESCO named Prambanan a Heritage Site in 1991. Your guide will explain the history and symbolism of the temples as you walk around.

Note : The M ay 2006 Jogjakarta earthquake caused significant damage to some parts of Prambanan. The site is open again, but some temples are cordoned off and as of mid-2009 entry into most temples is not allowed.

Continue with a drive to Solo. Formerly known as Surakarta, this charming city is referred to as the 'twin' sister of Jogjakarta.
Upon arrival, visit Mangkunegaran Palace, a classical repository of classical Javanese art. Built as a palace for a 'junior' line of the royal family in the 18th century, the splendid building has an extensive collection of 14th century jewelry, majestic silverworks, traditional Javanese weapons and classical dancing body ornaments.
For lunch today, you'll be treated to a traditional Javanese restaurant, Pecel Solo. The fresh, tasty food is served in a charming old home filled with locals and often accompanied by live gamelan music.
This afternoon continue driving east. You'll ascend a scenic mountain road to reach the isolated 15th century Sukuh temple. The temple is located 910m above sea level on the slopes of Mt Lawu and is surrounded by spectacular scenery. You'll stop to explore this unique temple with stone carvings of Hindu phallic symbols. Its pyramidal shape is similar in style to the Mayan temples of Central America.
Continue the drive, passing through beautiful tea plantations to another Hindu temple. Located even higher on the mountain, Ceto Temple is rarely visited yet is one of the most beautiful temples in the region. Its carvings are similar to Sukuh temple but the multi-tiered temple differs in architectural layout.
Return to Solo late this afternoon. Dinner is at your leisure in the hotel or at one of the many restaurants in the area.
Overnight in Solo.

Day 4 - Solo - Surabaya (by train) - Ngadisari/Mt Bromo (by road) (B,L,D)

Today begins with a scenic train ride to eastern Java. After breakfast, you will transfer to Solo Balapan Railway station to board the train to Surabaya. Your guide will accompany on the journey. (Note: Planned route is aboard KA Sancaka, KA90 Departing 0812, Arriving 1238; Schedule subject to change without notice)
Travelling by train in Java is a wonderful opportunity to meet local people and is also the best way to enjoy the volcanic landscapes of central and East Java. Upon arrival in Surabaya Gubeng Railway station, your local driver will be there to greet you.Before continuing onwards, stop in Surabaya for lunch in a local restaurant.The final leg of today's journey is a 3.5-4 hour drive to the village of Ngadisari on the edge of Tengger Caldera. This spectacular village is one of the gateways to Mt Bromo.
Check-in to your hotel and freshen up before dinner at the lodge.
Overnight in Ngadisari / Bromo

Day 5 - Mt Bromo - Kalibaru (B,L,D)

Awake early this morning for a sunrise tour of Mt Bromo. You'll travel by 4WD jeep to a viewing spot with stunning views of the Bromo volcano and surroundings. Watch the sun rise up from behind the volcano in Penanjakan.
Continue by jeep down to the volcano caldera, often still covered by mist in the early morning. The mist, combined with the grey ashen-covered ground form to create an unusual atmosphere, often compared to the surface of the moon.
A 20-minute ride on horseback will take you to a set of stairs which lead to the rim of the still-active Bromo crater. Return by horse and jeep to your hotel in Ngadisari for breakfast. Check out and continue by road to Jember via Probolingo.
This is a full day of driving (7 to 8 hours) but through some very scenic areas. A lunch stop will be made en route as well as breaks and photo stops along the way. The final stretch of the journey takes you through beautiful forests with mountains forming a dramatic backdrop. You'll reach Kalibaru, a remote area known for its coffee and spice plantations, early this evening and check into your hotel.
After freshening up, dinner will be served this evening at the hotel.
Overnight in Kalibaru.

Day 6 - Kalibaru - Ijen (B,L,D)

Spend the morning with a tour of Kalibaru. Visit plantations growing local products such as cacao, coffee, pepper and rubber. Learn about the growing and harvesting processes, using techniques that have been handed down from generation to generation in the area. Finish the morning's tour with a coffee tasting session.
This afternoon, proceed to Ijen (around 4h drive). Upon arrival, check in to your hotel. Nestled amid the vibrant rice fields, surrounded by jungle and woodlands with Mt Ijen looming in the distance, the location is unbeatable. Relax poolside or on the balcony of your room.
Enjoy dinner at Ijen Resort this evening.
Overnight in Ijen.

Day 7 - Ijen - Bali - Pemuteran or Lovina - Departure (B,L)

Awake early this morning for an excursion to Mt Ijen and its surroundings. Breakfast is served at the hotel before setting off by 4WD jeep.
After a 1.5 hour drive, reach the Paltuding base camp (1850m). The trek to the top is 3 kilometers and follows a wide, packed dirt pathway. At the top of Mt Ijen is a large crater lake surrounded by sulphur mines and during your walk, you will probably encounter men carrying loads of up to 70 kg, often barefooted, down the mountainside.
Upon reaching the top (2385m) there is time to enjoy the views of the crater lake which is 200 meters deep and contains about 36 million cubic meters of steaming, acidic water. Witness the agility and strength of the miners as they collect and carry the sulphur blocks up to the crater rim.
Return via the same route to base camp and continue by road to Ketapang. Before boarding the ferry to Bali, stop for lunch in a local restaurant in Ketapang. Then, cross the Bali Strait by local ferry for the scenic journey to Gilimanuk on Bali's western shores.
Upon reaching Bali, you will continue by road to either Pemuteran or Lovina Beach.
Drop off at your selected hotel in Pemuteran or Lovina Beach (Accommodation not included)