Welcome to Yogyakarta, a special province that has made a name for itself in the past as the true cultural capital of Java. Its economic dynamism and the legendary hospitality of its people make it one of the archipelago's most popular tourist destinations. Yogyakarta is not only a historic city, it's also a modern one, shaped by the young students who attend the many local universities and colleges; it's an innovative city where travellers can explore the thousand and one secrets it abounds in....
Welcome at Yogyakarta airport (or train station) and transfer to your hotel. Free time.
In the early morning, you'll head for the Sultan's Palace, a veritable museum of the history of the ancient kingdom of Mataram. Afterwards, you'll walk through pleasant little lanes to the Taman Sari, the ancient resting and meditation place of the first Sultans. In the early afternoon, visit the famous Hindu temple of Prambanan, a group of 240 Shiva temples built in the 9th century under the Sanjaya dynasty of the first Mataram kingdom. As sunset approaches, you'll head for Candi Ijo, a temple complex that includes a main sanctuary and 3 secondary temples. Ideally situated on the heights of Yogyakarta, the panorama is breathtaking. And that's not all, as you end the day at the Abhyagiri restaurant, overlooking the entire Prambanan plain. If you're lucky, you may even catch a glimpse of the Merapi volcano in the distance.
After breakfast, you'll head for the hills of Gunung Kidul and visit a unique organic permaculture farm, where the owner will be delighted to explain his approach to the Islamic precepts of harmony between man and nature. You then continue on to the superb beaches south of Yogyakarta, where you have free time to relax and enjoy a swim. Returning to Yogyakarta in the afternoon, you make a final stop at the Chocolate Museum, where you can learn more about the history of chocolate and the chocolate-making process.
In the early morning, you'll be transferred to the Kulon Progo district, where you'll be invited to discover the authentic Javanese countryside and people on a pleasant and easy ride… on old Dutch bicycles! After lunch, you'll head to the famous Borobudur sanctuary, built in the 8th and 9th centuries during the Sailendra dynasty. End the day at the recently-opened Enam Langit panoramic restaurant, offering breathtaking views of the entire region. Return to Yogyakarta in the evening.
Bicycle Ride : 2-3hrs
Mid-morning, you head for the flanks of the Merapi volcano, where you first visit the superb Ullen Sentalu Museum, a passionate preserver of Javanese culture and home to some of Yogyakarta's finest works of art. Later, in Kalikuning, enjoy a fun-filled 4x4 tour of the area devastated by the 2010 eruption. Return to the hotel in the afternoon and free time.
4WD Drive : 1hr
Morning transfer to the Dieng plateau. Intensely populated and cultivated, the plateau is an archaeological site with eight ruined Hindu temples. The day is devoted to discovering the various tourist attractions (Telaga Warna lake, temples, smoking crater of the Sikidang volcano, etc.).
Walk : 1-2hrs
After breakfast, transfer to the Ambarawa region, in the heart of Java, where you first visit the temples of Gedong Songo, a Hindu complex located on the slopes of the Ungaran volcano, 1,293 meters above sea level. After a pleasant lunch on the shores of Lake Rawapening, you'll take a superb canoe trip across this swampy lake.
Walk : 1-2hrs
In the morning, visit the Ambarawa Railway Museum, home to an important collection of steam locomotives. Take a step back in time with a tour of Fort Willem, a 19th-century Dutch fortress that served as an internment camp during the Japanese occupation of Java between 1942 and 1945. Afternoon transfer to Jepara.
In the early morning, transfer to the harbor and board a speed-ferry that will take you to the paradise that is the Karimunjawa archipelago (2-hour trip). The rest of the day is free.
Mid-morning, a traditional private boat (with crew and English- speaking guide) takes you to discover the archipelago's most beautiful islands. Multicolored coral reefs, turquoise lagoons, white sand beaches and the most beautiful dive sites are all yours to discover! At lunchtime, a barbecue of fresh fish grilled over a coconut fire gives the fish an exceptional taste (the meal is accompanied by fruit, fresh drinks and coffee/tea). This is your chance to discover the underwater flora and fauna of this protected marine national park, and to admire exceptional panoramic views until sunset. Please note that the program is flexible and can be adapted at short notice according to your wishes. The tour can also be taken by speed-boat, if required.
Day free at leisure. You can take advantage of the hotel's facilities, relax by the sea, explore the island on a scooter, or even go diving in the surrounding area.
Morning at leisure until transfer to the port of Karimunjawa, where you take the speed-ferry to Jepara (2h). Transfer by private vehicle to Semarang.
You’ll spend the morning visiting the well-restored old town and the Lawang Sewu ("1,000 doors" in Javanese) museum, an old colonial building whose cellars were used as torture chambers during the Japanese occupation. Early afternoon transfer to Semarang airport. End of services.