Two worlds, one journey: Japan & Bali

Board the bullet train (Shinkansen) to Kyoto*, Japan’s ancient capital. The trip takes only around 2 hours and 15 minutes, and the train can reach speeds of 300 km/h! Enjoy the rest of the day exploring Kyoto at your own pace. Wander through serene streets, visit hidden temples, or unwind at a local onsen.

Kyoto was Japan’s capital for over a thousand years and is one of the best-preserved cities in the country. It’s a vibrant blend of modern life and traditional culture, surrounded by the mountains of Western Honshu and that offers a wide variety of restaurants, and is easy to navigate. Overnight stay in Kyoto.

*The transfer between the hotel and the train station is not included.

Enjoy the morning exploring Kyoto at your own pace. Visit the impressive Nijo Castle or, for a more interactive experience, explore the Samurai & Ninja Museum to learn about Japan’s legendary warriors.

In the evening, take part in a guided walking tour of Gion, Kyoto’s most iconic geisha district. This is the time when geishas—known locally as geiko—and maiko (apprentices) begin to appear as they head to evening appointments, offering a rare and authentic glimpse into this refined world of traditional arts and entertainment. Wander through atmospheric alleyways lined with teahouses and wooden machiya townhouses, as your expert guide shares stories and insights into Kyoto’s unique cultural heritage. Overnight stay in Kyoto.

Enjoy a free day to explore Kyoto at your own pace. Wander through the city's peaceful streets, browse traditional craft shops, or visit one of its many charming teahouses. For a deeper cultural experience,we highly recommend joining our optional Kyoto & Nara Full-Day Tour*—an exceptional and comprehensive coach excursion that offers incredible value. Overnight stay in Kyoto.

*Kyoto & Nara Full-Day Tour: Begin with a visit to Kinkaku-ji (the Golden Pavilion), a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This stunning three-story temple is covered in gold leaf on its upper floors and reflects beautifully in the surrounding Mirror Lake. Next, walk through the famous Senbon Torii at Fushimi Inari Taisha, where thousands of deep red torii gates form a captivating tunnel through the forest. In the afternoon, explore Nara Park, a vast area home to cultural treasures such as Todai-ji Temple (housing the Great Buddha), Kofuku-ji Temple, Kasuga Shrine, the Nara National Museum, and the ancient Kasugayama Primeval Forest. The park is also known for its approximately 1,300 friendly wild deer that roam freely among the trees, gardens, and historic landmarks.

Travel to Osaka aboard the Shinkansen (bullet train)* for a short 15-minute ride. Enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure to explore the city at your own pace.

Osaka is Japan’s third-largest city and the central hub of the Kansai region. The city has two main districts: Kita (north), a bustling business and shopping area, and Minami (south), known for its entertainment and nightlife. Among Osaka’s top attractions are its impressive, fully restored castle and the world-renowned Osaka Aquarium (Kaiyukan). Osaka also boasts bold modern architecture, a thriving nightlife scene, and some of Japan’s most beloved local cuisine—don’t miss the street food in Dōtonbori, packed with neon lights, restaurants, and bars. Overnight stay in Osaka.

*The transfer between the hotel and the train station is not included.

Breakfast at the hotel. It’s time to say goodbye to Japan, taking with you unforgettable memories. For a smooth departure, you may choose to book an optional private airport transfer or make your own way to the airport for your flight to Bali.

Upon arrival at Bali’s Denpasar Airport, begin your journey with a transfer by car to the artistic village of Ubud. Nestled among rainforest and rice paddies in the island’s central foothills, Ubud is a vibrant hub of traditional dance, crafts, and sacred religious sites. More than three million travelers visit each year, as its interior location offers an ideal base to explore all that Bali has to offer.

After checking into your hotel, you’re free to explore the village at your leisure. Take in your new surroundings with a stroll along the main boulevard, try some local cuisine, or just relax by the pool. Overnight stay in Ubud.

Breakfast at the hotel. The day begins with an included trip outside the town centre to see Bali’s most famous rice paddy in Tegalalang, followed by a stop at Kintamani. This picturesque town situated in a mountainous region is known for its panoramic views over verdant valleys, a lake and an active volcano. Unlike the typical heat and humidity Bali is known for, Kintamani is often noted for its fresh, cool air.

After coming back down into central Bali, visit Tirta Empul, a Hindu water temple with natural mineral springs. The Balinese believe that the waters have purifying properties and regularly come to bathe and pray to Vishnu, the god to whom the temple is dedicated. On the drive back to the hotel in Ubud, make one final stop at the stunning, 15-metre tall Tegenungan Waterfall. Overnight stay in Ubud.

Breakfast at the hotel. On this free day, take the morning to relax in your room or wander Ubud to your heart’s content. If you aren’t sure how to spend this day, we recommend an optional excursion to Besakih & Penglipuran*, a village famous for its continued preservation of traditional Balinese architecture and social structures. Overnight stay in Ubud.

*Optional excursion to Besakih: Visit the oldest temple in Bali before heading to Penglipuran, a village located in the Bangli Regency. This indigenous village offers a unique opportunity to see firsthand how people have lived for centuries, while also appreciating natural beauty among the rice paddies and the Goa Lawah Cave that you’ll see along the way. Note that lunch is included in the price of this optional activity.

Breakfast at the hotel. Begin your included excursion with a visit to Mengwi and the Taman Ayun Temple, built in the early 17th century for a local prince. This UNESCO World Heritage site is known for its lovely gardens with exceptional water features, which you will have the chance to explore independently.

Then, meet the wild monkeys of Alas Kedaton known locally as the holy monkey forest. Surrounded by the fragrant nutmeg trees, explore this stunning habitat that is home to “Flying Fox” fruit bats and several varieties of large primate.

End the day with another breathtaking landscape as the sun sets over the Tanah Lot Temple, built on a cliff overlooking the sea. Appreciate the sound of the crashing waves in this meditative setting before a short drive to the hotel in Benoa. Check-in and relax until the next day’s adventure. Overnight stay in Benoa.

Breakfast at the hotel. Take the morning to discover your new surroundings. Feel free to relax, exercise, or shop in town. 

In the afternoon, meet for a drive to the Bukit Peninsula on the southern side of the island. This arid, rocky landscape offers something completely different from the wet, forested interior of the island. Discover the Uluwatu Temple, one of Bali’s most spiritually significant sites. Enjoy the sunset with sweeping views over the temple, as locals perform the traditional Kecak Dance. This daily ritual is performed at sunset every day at Uluwatu and other Balinese temples, and is believed to cause the dancers to enter a trance-like state. On the way back to the hotel after sunset, stop for an included fresh and delicious dinner in Jimbaran.

Please note that the Uluwatu Temple is known for its abundant population of wild Macaque monkeys. Please be careful with all belongings including hats, cameras, and phones as they are known to take items from visiting tourists.

Breakfast at the hotel. Bask in another free day by the sea in Benoa. Get to know this luxurious section of the island, which is known for its calm waters ideal for swimming. You can also opt to add a snorkeling tour*. 

*Optional Nusa Lembongan Snorkeling excursion: If you're unsure how to spend the day, set off at 8:00 in the morning for Nusa Lembongan. Observe marine wildlife and luxuriate in the warm, clear, tropical waters on this stunning islet off the coast of southern Bali. This full-day activity includes lunch.

Breakfast at the hotel. On your final full day in Bali, take advantage of another free day to take in any last-minute sightseeing. Recharge by the pool, buy souvenirs for loved ones back home, or reflect on everything you’ve seen and learned so far in Bali. If you aren’t sure how to spend your morning, join an optional cooking class* and learn the basics of fresh Balinese cuisine. You will also have the chance to enjoy a magical dinner on our night cruise**. 

*Optional Balinese Cooking Class: Spend the first half of your day learning about Bali’s rich culinary culture. Begin with traditional Indonesian baked goods, and enjoy your homemade treats along with Balinese coffee or tea. For lunch, make use of the island’s world-famous spices to create and taste local food layered with complex flavours.

**Optional Sunset Dinner Cruise: Spend a magical night onboard a luxury boat. Enjoy refreshing cocktails and a buffet of international cuisine as the sun sets over Bali. Whilst you sail the night away, a live cabaret show on board will keep you entertained.

Breakfast* at the hotel. Unfortunately, it’s time to end your journey though Bali. At the specified time, meet for your transfer to the airport and get on your way back home to the US.

*Depending on the return flight schedule and the hotel breakfast service, you may not be able to enjoy the included breakfast on the last day.