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TRAILS OF CIVILIZATION

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Yogyakarta, Yogyakarta City, Special Region of Yogyakarta, Indonesia DATES TO FOLLOW

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JANUARY 2025

DISCOVER SOMETHING NEW IN 2025

Experience trails of civilization, ancient trading routes and the rise of empires on this escorted cultural adventure.

Yogyakarta (pronounced Jog-Jakarta) or Jogja for short, is the perfect introduction to Indonesia. A cosmopolitan town with a rich culture, vibrant history and magnificent architectural heritage....it is the only region in Indonesia ruled by a royal family.

You will meet Javanese renowned across Indonesia for their politeness, spirituality and wisdom.

Enjoy an entrée to this world-state where kingdoms, dynasties and empires rose and fell shaping modern Indonesia - and the world beyond.

DISCOVER ANCIENT SPICE ROUTES

For over two millennia, Indonesian spices have been prized by European and Middle Eastern aristocrats. Towards the end of the 16th century supply by Chinese and Arab merchants was curtailed as the Dutch colonised Indonesia and its cornucopia of natural riches. Discover how these luxurious spices led to the exchange of Manhattan Island, New York for Run Island, Indonesia!

WITNESS TRAILS OF ASIAN, EUROPEAN AND ARAB CIVILIZATIONS

During the Middle Ages Indonesia was a melting pot of world civilizations. From 500 AD Indonesian kingdoms manoeuvred alongside world religions and global powers for prosperity, trade and influence. See their architectural legacy firsthand hand including temples, early mosques with pagoda-like roofs and a Catholic church blending Javanese design and icons.

ENJOY GUIDED CULTURE WALKS

Soak up colonial architecture, visit the royal Javanese Water Palace and see the city’s oldest mosque on our themed cultural walks. Visit a "kampung" where the rhythms of village life resonate. Check out 'Beringhardjo', Indonesia's largest produce market and savour tropical fruits, snacks and and an astonishing display of farm fresh produce, handmade homewares and hand crafted textiles. Learn from the locals about centuries-old crafts, artisan skills and age old farming practices.

WATCH DAWN BREAK OVER THE WORLD'S LARGEST BUDDHIST TEMPLE

Enjoy ethereal views of Borobudur, the world’s largest Buddhist temple at a private gourmet Indonesian breakfast. The morning will be accompanied by the delicate sounds of traditional percussion and tales of local folklore.

SURVEY THE MYSTICAL MT MERAPI VOLCANO

Learn about the science - and folklore, surrounding this active volcano. Take an easy jeep ride to various points of interest, including a hidden bunker, and Story Rooms of past eruptions.

FEAST ON CELEBRATION FLAVOURS

Delight in heritage cuisine at an exclusive Indonesia Insider foodie experience - a Temple to Table extravaganza where delicacies from ancient times are reimagined. Taste national celebration dishes, the cuisine of Ramadan and popular snacks inspired by the earliest spice traders.

GET CREATIVE IN BATIK AND GAMELAN WORKSHOPS

Immerse in Jogja's rich art scene. Create a unique souvenir with guidance from batik artisans. Batik is a traditional Indonesian textile art involving wax-resist dyeing. Motifs and colours depict origin and social status. Practice the joys of rhythmic percussion during a gamelan lesson.

BREEZE ALONG HISTORIC MALIOBORO STREET

Stroll, take a trishaw or horse-drawn carriage along charming Malioboro Street with its bustling markets, restaurants handicraft shops and Dutch colonial buildings.

VISIT STORY ROOMS

Experience history creatively told in what we're calling "The Story Rooms of Yogyakarta". From prehistoric animistic beliefs to the Mataram Kingdom, the march of religions, Dutch colonisation and Raffles' wresting of the Royal Palace...to independence in 1945 and beyond ...expert guides will introduce you to significant events that have shaped contemporary Indonesia.

DINE IN A PARIS-MEETS-JAVA JOGLO

Visit the private studio of one of the country's leading homeware designers followed by a private tour of his contemporary gallery. Be ready for lunch in a 'not so' traditional Javanese pavillion where his chef will create a gourmet "Taste of the Archipelago" long table lunch - exclusive to Indo Insider Tours.

SEE A SHOW WITH A 9TH CENTURY BACKDROP

Four of Indonesia's ten UNESCO World Heritage sites are near Yogyakarta! As the sun slowly sets behind the majestic 9th century Prambanan Temple, watch a performance of the Hindu epic, Ramayana.

RELAX IN BOUTIQUE HOTELS

Enjoy daily breakfast and an afternoon cocktail in stylish accommodation. All lunches and most dinners are included.