A Journey Into the Heart of Java, Indonesia (6 days)

Arrive in Yogyakarta - a pulsing cultural Mecca that was the capital of Indonesia during the Indonesian National Revolution. Settle in at your hotel and spend the rest of the day exploring the city. For convenience, we recommend the Tentrem Hotel or Phoenix Hotel.

Start the morning by visit the sprawling 17th-century Sultan’s Palace, also known as Kraton. Marvel at the posts covered in gold leaf and elaborate carvings. Continue onto the Taman Sari Water Castle, the site of the lush royal garden that was built in the mid-18th-century. Spend the afternoon in the quaint blacksmiths’ village of Kotagede. Visit a traditional and immensely colorful Batik home. If you’re feeling daring, pick up a Javanese-style floral shirt and sport it yourself. Finish the day by visiting the impressive Prambanan temple complex. Learn about classic Hindu temple architecture and enjoy a special showing of the light-hearted Javanese traditional dance. Indulge in a delicious and authentic Javanese dinner.

Immerse yourself in the local Javanese lifestyle as you spend the day in Candirejo village. Learn the traditional farming methods, the plantation resources and ceremonies. You’ll feel like one of the Javanese, as the locals invite you to join in their customs. That afternoon, we will travel to the Magelang area near Borobudur and stay the night. We recommend staying at either Amanjiwo or Plataran Borobudur.

Rise early to watch the sun rise above the beautiful Borobudur Temple. That afternoon, discover the volcano Merapi from the perfect viewpoint in Kaliadem. This is the most active volcano in all of Indonesia! Walk down to the Elo River and climb aboard a raft for a fun ride you won’t forget - not to worry, the Elo River offers Grade II-III rafting, while it won’t be boring, it’s perfectly safe.

Enjoy the view of acres of rice paddies and small villages as we drive to Dieng, a steep volcanic plateau that rises 6,561 feet into the sky. This plateau was sacred to the Javanese Hindus for its closeness to the heavens. Centuries ago, hundreds of temples could be found in the area but only eight survive today. Visit the holy sites that are built in classic Javanese architectural style before journeying back through active volcanoes, sulfur springs, hot geysers and mineral lakes. Smell the contrastingly-sweet odors of tea leafs followed by tobacco leafs as we cross through their respective plantations. Savor a delicious meal at the best restaurant in the area.

Spend your final morning relaxing at your hotel before checking out, and departing to check in for your return flight home.