Indulge in the Magic of Bali

Om Swastiastu! Welcome to Ubud – Bali’s cultural heart and its largest Hindu town. Your journey begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm, where you’ll meet your local leader and fellow travellers.
Arriving early? Take time to explore the bustling market stalls in the town centre, relax in a cosy café or ease into island life with a rejuvenating yoga session at one of Ubud’s peaceful studios. After the meeting, why not head out together for a delicious dinner and your first taste of Balinese cuisine?

If you’ve pre-booked an airport arrival transfer, please proceed to the Golden Bird Lounge after clearing immigration. Once you exit customs, walk about 50 metres to the right—you’ll find the lounge just before the main driver waiting area.

Attending the welcome meeting is essential, as we’ll collect your insurance details and next-of-kin information. If you expect to be late, please inform your travel agent or hotel reception in advance. You can also check with reception or look for a notice in the lobby for details on the meeting location.

Start your day with a guided walking tour of Ubud alongside your local leader. Wander through lush rice fields, pass an alang-alang valley—home to the wild grass used for traditional roofing—and visit a Balinese home for coffee while learning about daily rituals and offerings.
The walk finishes in central Ubud, giving you free time to explore its cafés, galleries and boutique shops at your own pace. In the evening, experience the magic of a traditional Kecak dance performance—an unforgettable spectacle powered not by instruments, but by rhythmic human chanting, and a true highlight for many travellers.

Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours.
If you would like to visit the statue of Veiled Christ, please plan it for today early afternoon.

The small town of modern Pompeii has a wonderful Old Town square – the perfect place to spend some time with the locals, drink an authentic Italian coffee and watch the world go by. Today’s highlight is a guided tour of the ruins of ancient Pompeii. Until 79 AD, Pompeii was a thriving Roman trading centre, but it was frozen in time when Mount Vesuvius erupted, burying 2000 people and their homes under a layer of ash. The city was never rebuilt and largely disappeared from people’s minds until the ruins were rediscovered in the 18th century. Immaculately preserved ruins include villas, temples, theatres and bustling markets, providing insights into how Romans lived, worked and interacted 2000 years ago. The remainder of the day is yours to relax, or if you like, you can visit the nearby Herculaneum, renowned for its fossilised archaeological treasures.

Experience Bali from a new perspective today—on two wheels. Cycle through quiet backstreets, traditional villages and emerald rice fields on an easy, mostly downhill route, with plenty of stops for photos and short breaks. Along the way, visit small, intricately carved temples before finishing your ride back in Ubud.
After lunch, travel into the hills to the serene village of Undisan. With the majestic Mt Agung rising in the background, this peaceful corner of Sidemen reveals a more untouched, authentic side of Bali, far from the crowds.

Your travel time will be approximately 2 hours. Your cycling time will be approximately 2.5 hours.

Bicycle helmets are included on your ride, and there is a support vehicle if the going gets too tough.
Keep in mind, it's a little cooler up here, thanks to the elevation. You may need to pack some warmer clothes.

You have a free day to explore the cliffside town of Sorrento today. Maybe stroll along the marina or cool off in the waters of the small beaches. Visiting Capri is another option, accessible by a hydrofoil. Natural grottoes dot Capri’s rugged coastline, while inland, narrow roads wind through fragrant citrus groves and past villages of flat-roofed white houses. In Capri, you can take a boat trip to the Blue Grotto (La Grotta Azzurra), where the water shines with an extraordinary blue translucence – a result of the refraction of the sunlight outside. End the day the Italian way with a demonstration of Gelato making with your group.

• Your travel time will be approximately 2 hours.

This morning, set out on a guided walk through an ancient salak plantation, where you’ll have the chance to connect with the local community. Discover unique cultural heritage plants, including the remains of a white mango tree first planted in the 16th century and the Jaka Moding palm. Along the way, enjoy a traditional lunch of Tipat Blayag—rice wrapped in young coconut leaves—served with chicken and vegetable side dishes.
After exploring the village, continue by road into the mountains, following the scenic crater rim to a fishing village on the shores of Lake Batur. Here, the dramatic silhouette of Mt Batur (1,717 m) rises from a vast caldera, creating one of Bali’s most striking landscapes. The lake sustains the local fishing community, while many residents also work as guides for the volcano trek. Your accommodation tonight is perfectly positioned for an early start on tomorrow’s sunrise hike.

Your travel time will be approximately 2 hours.

There are often mosquitos and bugs around Lake Batur, so be sure to pack your insect repellent. Long pants and sleeves will also be useful to protect from insects.

Rise early—around 3 am—for the unforgettable trek to the summit of Mt Batur, aiming to reach the top just in time for sunrise. It’s an early start, but the reward is truly spectacular. On clear mornings, you may even spot the distant peaks of Lombok’s Mt Rinjani across the Lombok Strait, while the sunrise over Bali’s valleys creates a moment you won’t soon forget. Do keep in mind that mountain weather can be unpredictable, and views may sometimes be veiled by clouds.
After descending, you’ll have the option to unwind in natural hot springs overlooking the lake and caldera—a perfect way to relax after the climb. Later, travel down to the laid-back coastal town of Lovina, known for its resident dolphins. It’s also an ideal place to indulge in great food, traditional massages and a bit of yoga—just what you need after today’s adventure.

Today involves approximately 3 hours of travel and around 2 hours of walking.

The trail to the summit begins gently, but becomes steeper as you approach the crater, with switchbacks over volcanic rock and loose gravel. A good level of fitness is required. Conditions can be slippery—especially after rain—so sturdy footwear is essential. Be sure to bring a headtorch for the early start and a warm layer for the cooler temperatures at the top. Please note that the climb may be cancelled in the event of heavy rain or unsafe conditions.

Start the day exploring a traditional local market, soaking up the colours, flavours and everyday rhythms of Balinese life. Then set off for a snorkelling adventure at Menjangan Island, where vibrant coral reefs await within the protected waters of Bali Barat National Park.
On the return journey, unwind with a relaxing soak at the Banjar Hot Springs—a peaceful spot loved by locals. In the afternoon, pause for coffee at Global Kafe, a meaningful stop where proceeds support the Global Village Foundation, helping provide mobility aids and medical assistance to those in need.
This evening, visit Ibu Wayan’s home to discover the secrets of Balinese cooking before enjoying a delicious, home-prepared dinner together.

Today’s travel time will be approximately 4 hours.

Please note that after storms or periods of unsettled weather, there may be increased levels of debris in the water around Menjangan Island and other coastal areas of Bali.
We also advise that dolphin-watching trips are not supported as an optional activity, due to limited regulation and concerns about the impact of motorised boats on dolphin pods.

Say goodbye to Lovina and journey south to Sanur. Along the way, stop to admire the cascading beauty of Gitgit Waterfall and take in the serene views of Lake Bratan before continuing on to the coast.
Arriving in Sanur, enjoy a free afternoon to unwind at your own pace. Take a leisurely stroll along Bali’s first beachfront promenade, watch local fishermen at work in the shallows or settle into a seaside restaurant and relax. With its well-preserved traditions and easy access to ancient temples just moments from the beach, Sanur offers a perfect blend of culture and calm.

Your travel time will be approximately 3.5 hours.

Your journey comes to an end after breakfast this morning. If you’re not quite ready to leave, consider extending your stay to make the most of your time in Bali. You might like to try a surfing lesson, join a cycling tour or explore one of the many other activities available. Should you need help arranging additional accommodation, your booking agent will be happy to assist.