Today you fly overnight to Asia – look forward to an exciting time in a tropical paradise.

After landing you are warmly welcomed at the airport and taken to your first accommodation. You can spend the rest of the day as you like – perhaps cooling off in the pool or getting to know your fellow travellers. 4 nights in Ubud. (Distance: approx. 40 km; driving time: approx. 1.5 hrs)

4 nights · Double room · With breakfast The Kamandalu Resort & Spa is designed like a traditional Balinese village and lies peacefully outside Ubud amid rice terraces and rainforest on the Petanu River; Ubud is a few minutes’ drive away. A special highlight is the infinity pool overlooking the jungle valley; there are also more pools, an extensive spa, several restaurants and a bar, and Wi-Fi is free. The spacious rooms combine Balinese architecture with modern comfort, many with a terrace and views of the garden, valley or rice fields.

Today is all about Ubud, the cultural heart of Bali. After breakfast you visit the local market with your tour guide – perhaps you’ll get chatting with a trader or two; your tour guide is happy to help with language barriers. In a cooking class together you learn how traditional Balinese dishes are prepared and enjoy the lunch you have cooked yourself. You then head to the famous Monkey Forest. Monkeys are considered sacred in Bali, and it’s fun to watch these nimble animals – but beware: sunglasses on your head or bananas in your hand are quickly snatched. To finish, you visit the Royal Palace, still home to the royal family, and learn more about its history and significance on an outside visit. (B/L) (Distance: approx. 15 km; driving time: approx. 1 hr)

Today you drive to the Jatiluwih rice terraces (UNESCO World Heritage) on the slopes of Mount Batukaru. On a short walk through the fields your tour guide explains the traditional subak irrigation system. “Jatiluwih” means something like “truly beautiful” – you will see why. You then stroll through the lively market of Bedugul, where you can find souvenirs or simply watch the traders. To finish, you visit the Ulun Danu temple, picturesquely set on Lake Bratan and surrounded by mountains. The tiered pagoda roofs and ornate decorations reflect Bali’s rich cultural heritage, and the gardens invite you to linger. (B) (Distance: approx. 100 km; driving time: approx. 3.5 hrs)

Today you visit the village of Kenderan and experience everyday Balinese life on a short walk – depending on the season, the villagers are busy in the rice fields in different ways. You make a photo stop at the famous Tegallalang rice terraces. From the viewpoint in Kintamani you have a breathtaking view of the active Mount Batur volcano and Lake Batur. Nearby you enjoy a traditional lunch. In the afternoon you visit the Tirta Empul temple, famous for its holy springs used by the Balinese for ritual purification; its pavilions, shrines and courtyards showcase Balinese architecture. You then have time to rest and freshen up at the hotel before a special culinary highlight awaits: dinner overlooking the jungle with first-class service. (B/L/D) (Distance: approx. 80 km; driving time: approx. 2.5 hrs)

Today you head towards the coast, with plenty of stops along the way. A short hike leads you to the hidden Tibumana waterfall, which plunges from green cliffs into a pool. The Goa Rang Reng waterfall lies in the jungle and is reached via some steep steps; here you can cool off in the grotto. At one of the waterfalls you settle down for a cool drink – if you like, dip your feet in the water. For lunch you are the guest of a family in the village of Medahan, taste authentic Balinese cuisine and can ask anything about village life. You then continue to Amed and end the evening as you wish. 2 nights in Amed. (B/L) (Distance: approx. 90 km; driving time: approx. 2.5 hrs)

2 nights · Double room · With breakfast The Mathis Lodge sits on green hills above the coast of Amed in eastern Bali, with impressive sea views; the coast is known for clear water ideal for snorkelling and diving. There is an outdoor pool, a spa with Balinese treatments and the Asmat restaurant serving international and Italian cuisine. The 65 m² lodges are decorated with antique wooden elements and crafts from all over Indonesia and have a king-size or two single beds, air conditioning, minibar, safe, free Wi-Fi and a semi-open bathroom of natural stone and wood.

In the morning you set off on a jeep tour at the foot of Mount Agung, as the first rays of sunshine sweep across the rice terraces. Winding roads lead through picturesque villages, with stops at fine viewpoints. At the foot of Agung you enjoy a picnic of local delicacies against an impressive backdrop. In the afternoon you explore Tenganan, a walled village of the Bali Aga, who are regarded as descendants of Bali’s original inhabitants and live by their own traditions and rules (“adat”). You see their crafts, such as the rare double ikat weaving technique, and your tour guide answers your questions about this special culture. (B/P) (Distance: approx. 45 km; driving time: approx. 1.5 hrs)

In the morning you visit Tirtagangga and its water palace, a royal estate with gardens, pavilions and ponds, and watch the villagers going about their day. Taman Sukasada Ujung is another beautifully laid-out water palace whose architecture shows European influences from the colonial era – ideal for a stroll and a chat about your impressions. At the Goa Lawah bat temple between Kusamba and Padang Bai, countless bats hang upside down from the cave ceiling – if you keep quiet you can watch them well. You then drive to Jimbaran, a fishing village on Bali’s south-west coast, and explore your beach hotel at leisure. 3 nights in Jimbaran. (B) (Distance: approx. 110 km; driving time: approx. 3 hrs)

3 nights · Double room · With breakfast The Jimbaran Puri, A Belmond Hotel lies right on one of the most beautiful and quietest stretches of beach on Jimbaran Bay, set in tropical gardens. There is a large outdoor pool, several restaurants and bars – the Nelayan restaurant with fresh fish right on the beach is especially lovely – and a spa by the sea; Wi-Fi is free. The detached cottages offer plenty of privacy and have a bathroom with bathtub and outdoor shower, terrace, air conditioning, minibar, safe and a living area with sofa and TV.

No programme is planned today: put your feet up, relax on the beach and look back on the past days. Alternatively you can take a trip to Tanah Lot temple, majestically perched on a rock on the coast (optional, bookable locally), or discover street food stalls and traditional warungs on a food tour (optional, bookable locally). (B)

Today is yours again: relax at the hotel, pick up last souvenirs or hire snorkelling gear (for a fee) and explore the underwater world. If you like, you can take a catamaran trip to one of the nearby islands (optional, bookable locally) and enjoy the sunset over the sea. (B)

In due course you are taken to the airport for your return flight. (B) (Distance: approx. 20 km; driving time: approx. 45 mins)

With lots of memories in your luggage you arrive back home today.