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 Adiwana Svarga Loka is idyllically set amid greenery by the Campuhan River, not far from the centre of Ubud; the palace is a few minutes away and the Monkey Forest about a 10-minute drive. There is a pool and a wellness area (for a fee). The air-conditioned rooms have a private bathroom, seating area and terrace.

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. Then it’s back to Ubud – your tour guide will surely have a tip for a nice place for dinner. (B/L) (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 Tulamben and end the evening as you wish. 2 nights in Tulamben. (B/L) (Distance: approx. 90 km; driving time: approx. 2.5 hrs)

2 nights · Double room · With breakfast The Kajane Tulamben lies right on the black volcanic sand beach in the quiet coastal region of Karangasem, known for its dive spots; Amed is within easy reach. The resort combines Balinese style with modern facilities; the restaurant serves local cuisine and seafood, and there is an outdoor pool. The air-conditioned rooms have a four-poster bed, flat-screen TV, minibar and free Wi-Fi.

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 Benoa near Nusa Dua and end the evening at leisure. 3 nights in Benoa. (B) (Distance: approx. 110 km; driving time: approx. 3 hrs)

3 nights · Double room · With breakfast The Sadara Resort lies right on the beach at Tanjung Benoa (swimming conditions depend on the tides). An outdoor pool with pool bar, sun terrace, garden, lounge, restaurant with international cuisine, bar and fitness centre make for relaxing days; Wi-Fi is free. The spacious rooms with balcony overlooking the garden or sea have a private bathroom, air conditioning, safe, sofa, satellite TV, tea and coffee making facilities and minibar.

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.