Yogyakarta, Off the Map - Nomadays

Indonesia

Yogyakarta, Off the Map

Yogyakarta is a vibrant province known as Java’s true cultural capital. Its rich history, dynamic economy, and legendary hospitality make it one of the archipelago’s top destinations. This city blends tradition and modernity, shaped by a lively student population and a spirit of innovation.

Our discovery tour reflects Yogyakarta’s unique charm, taking you off the beaten path to explore its cultural treasures and natural wonders—an experience that will awaken all your senses!

Day 1Welcome to Yogyakarta

Day 1Welcome to Yogyakarta

  • Welcome at Yogyakarta airport (or train station) by your English speaking tour-guide and transfer to your hotel. Free time.

Meal and accommodations

Accommodation: Phoenix Hotel

Day 2A Journey Through Royal History

Day 2A Journey Through Royal History

  • Early in the morning , you’ll visit the Sultan's Palace, a living museum showcasing the rich history of the ancient Mataram Kingdom. From there, stroll through charming narrow lanes to Taman Sari ,the former resting and meditation retreat of the first sultans.

  • In the early afternoon, discover the iconic Prambanan Temple, a remarkable complex of 240 Shiva temples built in the 9th century under the Sanjaya dynasty.As the sun sets, head to Candi Ijo, a temple complex perched on the hills above Yogyakarta, offering breathtaking panoramic views.

    To conclude this memorable day, enjoy dinner at Abhyagiri Restaurant, overlooking the vast Prambanan plain. With a bit of luck, you might even catch a glimpse of the distant Merapi Volcano.

Meal and accommodations

Breakfast: Included

Dinner: Included

Accommodation: Phoenix Hotel

45m-22km
Gunung Kidul

Day 3 Organic Discoveries and Seaside Relaxation

Day 3 Organic Discoveries and Seaside Relaxation

  • After breakfast, you’ll head to the hills of Gunung Kidul to visit a unique organic permaculture farm. The owner will warmly share his approach, inspired by Islamic principles of harmony between humans and nature.

    Next, you’ll continue to the stunning beaches south of Yogyakarta, where you’ll have free time to relax, soak up the sun, and enjoy a refreshing swim.

    On your way back to Yogyakarta in the afternoon, you’ll make a final stop at the Chocolate Museum to discover the fascinating history of chocolate and learn about the chocolate-making process.

Meal and accommodations

Breakfast: Included

Accommodation: Phoenix Hotel

35m-80km
Kulon Progo

Day 4Borobudur World Heritage Site

Day 4Borobudur World Heritage Site

  • Early in the morning , transfer to the banks of the Kulon Progo River for a relaxing start in a charming Javanese village. From there, you’ll explore the surrounding countryside by bicycle (Dutch-style), offering a peaceful introduction to rural Java. Along the way, make stops in nearby villages, where you’ll have the opportunity to admire local handicrafts.

  • In the afternoon, visit the stunning Borobudur Temple.

    You’ll finish this amazing day with a delicious meal in Enam Langit, a panoramic restaurant which offers breath-taking views over the valley. Return to the hotel in the early evening

Meal and accommodations

Breakfast: Included

Accommodation: Phoenix Hotel

Day 5 Merapi’s Secrets : Museums and 4x4 Adventures

Day 5 Merapi’s Secrets : Museums and 4x4 Adventures

  • In the mid-morning, you’ll head to the slopes of Mount Merapi to visit the fascinating Ullen Sentalu Museum , a treasure trove of Javanese culture showcasing some of Yogyakarta’s finest works of art.

    Next, in Kalikuning, get ready for an exciting 4x4 tour through the dramatic landscapes shaped by the 2010 eruption.In the afternoon, you’ll return to your hotel with free time to relax at your own pace.

Meal and accommodations

Breakfast: Included

Accommodation: Phoenix Hotel

2h 40m-90km

Day 6Dieng, Between Past and Present

Day 6Dieng, Between Past and Present

  • Morning transfer to the Dieng plateau. Intensely populated and cultivated, the plateau is an archaeological site with eight ruined Hindu temples.

    The day is dedicated to exploring the plateau’s natural and cultural wonders, including the colorful Telaga Warna Lake, ancient temples, and the steaming crater of Mount Sikidang.

Meal and accommodations

Breakfast: Included

Accommodation: Kresna Hotel

2h-70km

Day 7Ambarawa, in the Heart of Java

Day 7Ambarawa, in the Heart of Java

  • After breakfast, transfer to the 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 unique canoe trip across this swampy lake.

Meal and accommodations

Breakfast: Included

Accommodation: Nuwis Hotel

2h 35m-100km

Day 8 Echoes of the Past

Day 8 Echoes of the Past

  • 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.

Meal and accommodations

Breakfast: Included

Accommodation: Jepara Marina Beach Bungalows

2h 30m-87km

Day 9 On the Road to Paradise

Day 9 On the Road to Paradise

  • Early in the 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.

Meal and accommodations

Breakfast: Included

Accommodation: Breve Azurine

Day 10 Lagoon Dreams

Day 10 Lagoon Dreams

  • By mid-morning, you’ll set sail on a traditional private boat (with a crew and an English-speaking guide) to explore the archipelago’s most beautiful islands. Discover vibrant coral reefs, crystal-clear turquoise lagoons, pristine white sandy beaches, and some of the region’s finest dive sites.

    At lunchtime, enjoy a delicious barbecue of freshly grilled fish, cooked over a coconut fire for an exceptional flavor, served with fresh fruit, refreshing drinks, and coffee or tea. Spend the rest of the day discovering the rich underwater flora and fauna of this protected marine national park and soaking in breathtaking panoramic views until sunset.

Meal and accommodations

Breakfast: Included

Lunch: Included

Accommodation: Breve Azurine

Day 11 Relaxation Day

Day 11 Relaxation Day

  • Day 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.

Meal and accommodations

Breakfast: Included

Accommodation: Breve Azurine

2h-87km
2h-80km
Semarang

Day 12 Semarang and its Mystery

Day 12 Semarang and its Mystery

  • Morning at leisure until transfer to the port of Karimunjawa, where you take the speed-ferry to Jepara (2hrs).

    Transfer by private vehicle to Semarang.

Meal and accommodations

Breakfast: Included

Accommodation: Artotel

Semarang
Semarang airport
Departure

Day 13 See you soon in Java

Day 13 See you soon in Java

  • 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.

Meal and accommodations

Breakfast: Included