A Magical Discovery of Asia

DAY 1

Depart London Heathrow for Yogyakarta, Java flying via Singapore.

DAY 2 – BOROBUDUR

Arrive at Yogyakarta Airport to be met by your guide. Transfer to your hotel amongst the stunning setting around Borobudur temple.

DAY 3 – BOROBUDUR

Up before the sun today and off to climb Borobudur in time to witness the majestic sunrise over Mount Merapi and the forested plateau to the east. Built in the 8th century and constructed from two million individual bits of stone, Borobudur is extraordinary. After the early visit, you will have the choice of going back the hotel to recoup or to spend the afternoon visiting a range of smaller temples in the area.

DAY 4 – YOGYAKARTA

After breakfast, you will head into Yogyakarta, part of the only sultanate remaining in Indonesia. You will visit the Kraton, the traditional home of the sultan and the royal court, and the elaborate two-story mansion retreat known as the Water Palace. In the afternoon you will leave the city and visit the magnificent tenth-century Hindu temple, Prambanan. Stay at the temple until the sun sets when on a clear day the temple will appear as a silhouette against the backdrop of a sky of bright reds, pale blues and wisps of white clouds.

DAYS 5  BROMO

Take the early morning Sancaka Express train to East Java, a great way to take in the scenery of this genuinely unique island, before being picked up and driven to Bromo-Tengger-Semeru National Park. This remote and highly volcanic region is an area of truly spectacular and at times unworldly beauty. Your hotel, Java Banana, is located 2,000 metres above sea level in the lush lower elevations of the park, with incredible views of Mount Bromo and the various other peaks in the vicinity.

DAYS 6  BROMO

Wake early this morning to climb Penanjakan Mountain in time to see the breathtaking spectacle of the sun rising over Mount Bromo. After a short horse ride across the dusty crater, you will climb the 240 steps to the peak of Mount Bromo itself to enjoy the magnificent views of its crater lake and the surrounding mountains. 

Day 7: INDONESIA to Bangkok

This afternoon you will depart Indonesia with a direct flight from Surabaya to Bangkok. Upon arrival, you’ll be met at the airport and transferred to Ariyasom Villa, a peaceful haven in this bustling metropolis.

Day 8 BANGKOK

Today we include a personal guide to show you the highlights of Bangkok at your pace, the ideal way to explore with the comfort and knowledge of a local. Your guide will tailor the day to your interests, whether you would like to see the temples of Bangkok as a contrast to Borobudur and Angkor Wat or shop for some bargains.

Day 9: Bangkok

Today is free to relax. Spend time around the pool or do some more sightseeing or shopping at your own pace.

DAY 10: BANGKOK-LUANG PRABANG

Today you have a short morning flight on to  Luang Prabang a wonderful UNESCO protected town in the heart of beautiful and mountainous Laos. Surrounded by thickly forested mountains at the confluence of the Khan and Mekong Rivers, Luang Prabang is a perfect place to stroll down ancient lanes and absorb the magic and timelessness of this beautiful and relatively undiscovered part of the world. 

DAY 11: LUANG PRABANG

There is the option to rise early this morning to watch the colourful procession of Buddhist monks passing through the sleepy streets of Luang Prabang to receive their morning alms. Worth the early start as this is one of the highlights of a holiday in Laos.

After breakfast back at your hotel, you'll visit the quaint Royal Palace Museum, which gives a brief overview of local history via a guided audio tour. You then begin your walking tour, taking in some of Luang Prabang's hidden secrets via quiet back lanes with their mix of  French Colonial buildings, and traditional old Lao houses. You’ll pass by the Fine Arts School, where there is artwork on display before visiting the magnificent Wat Xiengthong, with its sweeping roof. 

DAY 12: LUANG PRABANG

After breakfast you visit the Phosi Market - this is the place where all the local's shop and your guide will show and explain the diverse offerings on display. Later you drive out to the Kuang Sii waterfall where you can swim in the pool or walk along the forest trails. 

Day 13: LUANG PRABANG TO SIEM REAP

There is free time this morning before your lunchtime flight to Siem Reap in Cambodia. Upon arrival in Cambodia you will be met by your guide and driver and taken to your hotel, the rest of the day is at your leisure. Your guide can recommend some restaurants for this evening; we recommend trying a traditional Amok curry.

DAy 14 and 15: SIEM REAP

You'll have two days with a guide and driver to explore the spectacular temples of Angkor. You'll visit the most famous temple Angkor Wat as well as Angkor Thom, Bayon and also Ta Prohm.  You will also have time to explore some of the more remote temples and visit the floating villages on the Tonle Sap.  Angkor gets busy with tourists at times, so our guides follow a different route to beat the crowds.

DAY 16: SIEM REAP-HOME

Your adventure ends today with a flight home via Singapore. However please speak to us if you would like to add a beach stay to the end of your tour.

Your bespoke proposal with Experience Travel Group will include:

• International Flights (we can omit if you prefer)
• Accommodation as described
• Privately guided tours and transfers
• Tips for guides and drivers
• Original Experience Travel Group "signature" experiences 
• Full financial protection (ABTA and ATOL bonding.) 
• 24-hour in-country backup while away
• Your dedicated travel expert in the UK