Java Deluxe Bespoke Holiday Itinerary / Experience Tour

DAY 1 - DEPART THE UK

Depart the UK.

DAY 2 BOROBUDUR

Arrive in Yogyakarta where you will get your first taste of Java. Located in the centre of the island, Yogyakarta is often considered the cultural heart of the island and, by extension, Indonesia. You will be met by your guide and taken to your pool villa that overlooks Borobudur, one of the finest temples in South East Asia, and the surrounding volcanoes and forested plains.

DAYs 3 & 4 BOROBUDUR & yogyakarta

During your stay here you'll spend a day exploring Borobudur and a further day discovering Yogyakarta itself.

Rise early to climb Borobudur, in order to reach the top in time to witness the majestic sun rise over Mount Merapi and the forested plateau to the east. Built in the 8th century and constructed from two million individual bits of stone, the Buddhist temple is made of 6 square terraces with 3 circular terraces and 72 small stupas on top. The temple is covered by delicately sculpted reliefs representing the life of Buddha and the Buddhist belief in karma and reincarnation. After the temple tour you will have the choice of going back to the hotel to recoup or to spend the afternoon visiting a range of smaller temples in the area.

Yogyakarta is 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-storey mansion retreat known as the Water Palace. In the afternoon you will leave the city and visit the magnificent 10th century Hindu temple, Prambanan. While it is not as well restored as Borobudur, it is a magnificent piece of architecture consisting of 8 main and 8 minor temples around a central courtyard, surrounded by 244 small temples in the outer compound. Remain at the temple until the sun sets when, on a clear day, it appears as a silhouette against the backdrop of a sky of bright reds, pale blues and wisps of white clouds.

DAY 5-7 LOSARI

Travel north into the ridge of volcanic mountains that bisect the north and south of the island. En route you will visit a collection of temples 1000m above sea level that enjoy yet another of Java's spectacular vistas.

With panoramic views of the eight surrounding volcanic peaks, Mesastila is a lovely place to stay; it's a working coffee plantation that has been converted into a stylish, traditionally Javanese, wellness retreat. The comfort, style and scenery create an incredibly relaxing and peaceful environment. For those feeling a little more active, there is a wide range of activities and excursions that can be arranged.

DAYS - 8-12 KARIMUNJAWA ISLANDS

Travel to the beautiful archipelago of Karimunjawa, around 80km north of the mainland. A collection of 27 islands, this Robinson Crusoe paradise has many similarities with The Maldives. With a small local fishing population, the islands are part of a marine national park and offer extensive coral reefs and a huge range of snorkelling and dive spots, that will be shared with virtually no one. You will be staying on an idyllic island that is home to a peaceful luxury resort - and nothing else.

DAY 13 - JAKARTA

Due to the flight connections between the Karimanjawa Islands and the UK, you'll spend your last night in a quiet and traditional hotel in Jakarta before heading home.

DAY 14 – FLIGHT HOME

Transfer by vehicle to Jakarta airport for your flight home. Alternatively we can tailor your tour so that you continue on to one of the neighbouring islands.

Your personalised quotation with Experience Travel Group will include:

• International Flights (which can be omitted from your quotation if you prefer)
• Accommodation as described
• Privately guided tours and transfers
• Original Experience Travel Group "Signature" experiences
• Full financial protection (full ABTA and ATOL bonding)
• Meals as described
• 24 hour in-country backup whilst away
• Your own dedicated travel expert in the UK
• For more on our pricing policy read here.