Java, Bali, Flores and Komodo: volcanoes, rituals and dragons!

Meet your guide at Yogyakarta airport and transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day is free.

In the evening, welcome dinner. An opportunity to get to know your accompanying team.

The morning is devoted to visiting Yogyakarta, the cultural capital of Java, and in particular the area around the Sultan's Palace, built in 1756, where life is good.

Our city stroll takes us to Taman Sari, known in the days of the Dutch colonial empire as the "Water Palace", and then to the puppet and batik workshops.

In the late morning, we head for the Ratu Boko temple, perched on the Gunung Kidul hills overlooking the Prambanan plain. We then begin a short hike to the Hindu temple of Prambanan, through forest, traditional villages and rice fields.

We then visit the Prambanan temple complex, in particular Loro Jonggrang, a sumptuous 47-metre-high temple dedicated to the goddess Siva. It is considered the most elegant and breathtaking Hindu temple on the island of Java.

Optional Ramayana performance.

Return to Yogyakarta and overnight in the same hotel.

In the early morning, transfer to the banks of the Kulon Progo river, where we'll enjoy a pleasant countryside start in a small Javanese village, from where we'll discover the surrounding countryside by bicycle (Dutch).

We'll have a gentle introduction to the Javanese countryside, and make a few stops in the surrounding villages, where you'll have the chance to observe local handicrafts.

Mid-afternoon transfer to Borobudur Temple.

Return to the hotel in the early evening.

Morning transfer to Sukuh temple, the last bastion of Hinduism in Central Java in the face of the spread of Islam. This temple features original iconography, such as phallic figures and large turtle-shaped tables, revealing the existence of initiatory and even orgiastic rituals.

We then set off for the village of Tawangmangu, on the slopes of the Lawu volcano. This walk is an opportunity to discover some of the plant species found in this region, as well as to admire superb panoramic views of the surrounding pine forest and high-altitude plantations. We finish our walk by crossing Tawangmangu Park. Our first steps in the park take us to a superb waterfall (Grojogan Sewu) in the middle of a tropical forest inhabited by a large community of monkeys.

4 hours' walk - Total ascent: 400m / Total descent: 300m

In the afternoon, transfer to Tumpang, near Malang, at the western foot of the Bromo-Tengger-Semeru massif.

Overnight in a homestay

Early departure for the Lumajang region, skirting the southern flanks of the majestic Semeru volcano. We then reach the "Tumpak Sewu" waterfall (in Javanese).

As we descend into the gorge (on a slippery, sometimes steep path), we'll feel the force of hundreds of thundering streams as they plunge over 100m. Seen from above, the beauty of this waterfall seems ephemeral, as the fine mist soaks everything in its path. No wonder, then, that a photo of Tumpak Sewu with Mt. Semeru in the background won the award for "Best Aerial Shot" in 2019. And, if you're also taking your camera equipment with you, remember to protect it from humidity.

Return to Tumpang in the late afternoon.

In the early morning, 4x4 vehicles take us to the Tengger region, where the famous Mt Bromo (2329 m) spits out its volutes, and the surrounding caldera forms a gigantic sea of sand. On this route, we pass through the stunning forest of the Tengger-Bromo-Semeru National Park, skirting part of the crest of the Bromo volcano caldera, before descending to the sea of sand to reach the village of Cemorolawang (located on one of the opposite crests). Mt Bromo is the most revered of the Hindu Tengger people who live in the region. Afternoon ascent of the Bromo volcano. The crater looks like a steaming cauldron. It's easy to see why the Javanese once regarded this place as the entrance to purgatory.

We then make our way to the summit of Mount Pananjakan (2,775m) to witness a fabulous spectacle. We watch the world set against a lunar backdrop, with a breathtaking view of Mount Bromo, its sea of sand, and the Semeru volcano, both of which emit thick fumaroles. A truly unique experience!

Return to the hotel in the early evening.

Early morning transfer to the outskirts of Kawah Ijen.

After settling in at the hotel, your guide will take you to some superb rice terraces, from where you'll enjoy a pleasant stroll through traditional villages and other plantations (fruit, spices, etc.).

Return to the hotel in the late afternoon.

In the early morning, we set off again by 4x4 towards the flanks of Kawah Ijen. Early morning walk to the edge of Kawah Ijen (meaning "green crater"), where men extract sulphur from the edge of the world's largest acid lake. These real sulfur forcats carry nearly 100 kg of ore on their backs for around 15 km to the processing plant! We then witness the weighing and the various employment contracts. A very powerful and striking image of our trip.

Late morning transfer to Pemuteran, a small seaside resort on Bali's north-west coast, far from the tourist concentrations.

Free day in Pemuteran (driver and guide available). Possibility of hiring a boat to observe the underwater world around Menjangan Island, where Bali's richest fauna seems to have gathered. A veritable polychrome aquarium awaits you in these coral reefs! It's here that Bali's rare starling has found refuge.

Morning at leisure, then early afternoon drive to the heights of Bali. On the way, visit the Pulaki temple, located at the foot of a cliff and inhabited by a large community of monkeys. The road that branches off into the mountains is magnificent. Your destination, the small village of Belimbing, is surrounded by some of the island's most breathtaking rice terraces.

The afternoon is then devoted to an extraordinary nature walk.

This morning you'll head for the southern slopes of Mt Batukaru (2270m). Visit the Luhur Batukaru temple, emerging from lush greenery and featuring several multi-roofed "meru", some dating back to the 17th century, dedicated to the ancestors of the Tabanan dynasty and local protective deities.

Transfer to Jatiluwih, a small village in the middle of Bali's most beautiful rice fields, in the central-western part of the island. In the early afternoon, we embark on a superb hike through the ocean of rice terraces that surround us.

Back on the road to Bedugul to visit the famous Hindu-Buddhist temple Pura Ulun Danau. This temple, which appears to float on the waters of the lake, is one of Bali's most famous. A sacred place surrounded by verdant gardens dedicated to the Goddess Dewi Danau. Next, a short stop at the local market.

Finally, you're off to Ubud, the cultural capital of the Island of the Gods, and settle into your hotel.

A day to discover Ubud and the surrounding area. In Ubud, elegant temples and palaces with carved facades line the streets. During our stroll through the city, we'll discover Puri Saren and the detail of its wooden doors, Pura Saraswati and the finesse of its ornamentation, Pura Puseh and its splendid sculptures, as well as many other museums and galleries.

Another of Ubud's tourist attractions, slightly set back from the town center, is the "Monkey Forest" temple. Walks and hikes outside Ubud, meanwhile, take you to places where the views of the surrounding countryside are breathtaking, so unspoilt are the rural landscapes.

A family of Balinese artists welcomes us into their traditional home and offers us a meal, no less typical Ubud, Ubud, accompanied by Balinese dancing.

Return to the hotel in the late afternoon.

Free day to explore Ubud and its surroundings.

Transfer to the airport and flight to Maumere.

Welcome at Maumere airport by your English-speaking guide and transfer to the village of Moni, at the foot of the majestic Kelimutu massif.

Very early in the morning, you drive to the summit of Kelimutu to admire a breathtaking, almost unreal spectacle: the sunrise over the 3 crater lakes of 3 different colors.

You then continue on to the small town of Ende, stopping en route at the Nduaria fruit market.

After lunch, you continue on to Penggajawa, a stunning blue pebble beach, then arrive at your destination for the day: Bajawa, in the highlands.

Early departure for Watumese (approx. 30 min drive), located at the foot of the magnificent Inerie volcano (inactive). A path through bamboo forest leads to the village of Pays Ngada. Discover traditional houses with very high roofs. Continue your hike and visit two more villages. Return to the vehicle via another trail (total of around 3h30 of easy walking). Picnic by a hot-water river in Nage. Swimming, relaxation and return to the hotel in Bajawa.

Drive to Aimere where you visit the traditional palm wine (Arak) distillery. Lunch in Borong and on to Lake Ranamese. Short walk along the lake.

Drive to Ruteng at the foot of the Ranakah volcano, which erupts several times a year. Just before arriving in Ruteng, visit the incredible Mano rice terraces. Picnic lunch or restaurant en route.

Check-in at hotel and dinner at restaurant.

In the morning, you'll head for the village of Cara to admire the fantastic spider-web-shaped rice fields, then take the road to Labuan Bajo.

On arrival, you go directly to the port and board your private boat for a sublime cruise on the crystal-clear waters of Komodo National Park. You'll be accompanied by your guide, your cook and the boat's crew.

You start your cruise and sail towards the island of Kelor to discover its seabed with sublime corals and an astonishing diversity of fish.

You'll then set sail for Kalong Island, largely covered in mangroves, where thousands of bats take refuge during the day.

As night falls, you can watch this veritable "black cloud" set off towards the large island of Flores, to the east, to feed mainly on fruit.

Dinner and overnight at anchor

After breakfast, you continue your journey to the island of Rinca. Here, the Bajo people live in stilt houses, relying exclusively on seafood. You'll go for a walk to track the famous Komodo "dragons" and other deer, monkeys, buffalo and wild horses, all set against a backdrop where the green of the savannah blends with the blue of the creeks and bays.

On your return to the boat, you set course for Pink Beach.

Dinner and overnight at anchor.

Early in the morning, we take advantage of the relative coolness to take a walk around Komodo Island, from where we can see the boat at anchor in the turquoise waters of the bay. Then we head for the famous "Manta Point", where manta rays like to be "cleaned".

We then set course for the famous "Manta Point", where the manta rays love to be "cleaned", and where we can swim close by (keeping a safe distance, however) and watch the majestic dance of these impressive marine animals.

Finally, we return to the port of Labuan Bajo.

On arrival at the port, transfer to the airport for your return flight to Denpasar.

Transfer to your beachfront hotel.

Morning at leisure until transfer to the airport.