A Journey of Healing and Understanding escorted by yoga instructors, Mary
Bauman and Kim Hoyer and guide Donald Lyon. Limited to 20 participants.

Bali is waiting to work it's magic on you. Long considered "the masterpiece of the gods, this small island in the middle of the Indonesian Archipelago is the last remnant of the incredibly rich Hindu culture and Empire that ruled much of SE Asia in the 10-14th centuries. The island is a tropical paradise, balmy and beautiful. Your escorts, Mary Bauman and Kim Hoyer are experienced yoga instructors. Daily yoga sessions and meditation exercises offered are designed to relax, release and renew your body as well as your soul. Mary and Kim will help you appreciate the benefits of stretching, exercise, nutrition and other aspects of wellness. There is no additional cost and participation is not required. Our accommodations offer traditional styles of massage and other spa services such as aroma therapy. All have beautiful swimming pools and gardens.

Donald Lyon is chief guide and outfitter for Close-Up Expeditions. He has led trips to Indonesia and Bali since 1979.

Days 1 - 5
Depart USA on March 13, cross International Date Line, losing a day which we recapture on the way back). Day 3-- (March 15) -- Arrival at Ngurah Rai Airport in Denpasar, Bali, meet our local Balinese guide and drive to Ubud. Accommodation at Pertiwi Cottages (3 nights) surrounded by rice terraces, the famed monkey forest and just a few minutes walk from Ubud's market, old palace and artisan's shops.

Kintamani Volcano Tour:
After Breakfast at hotel. Drive to Batubulan village to attend Barong and Kris dance performance. Then visit the art and handicraft villages of Celuk, Batuan, Mas and Ubud, to witness gold and silver work, hand weaving woodcarving and painting. Proceed to Goa Gajah (Elephant Cave), a Hindu meditation center dating back to the 11th Century, then Tampak Siring to see
the holy Spring water temple Tirta Empul. View the magnificent panorama of the still active Mt. Batur volcano and Lake Batur. Visit Besakih -- the mother temple of Bali. Day 5-- at leisure to explore Ubud village, walk through the monkey forest or practice yoga at the Hotel. Traditional massage and spa treatments are available. Attend Kecak Dance performance.

Days 6 & 7
Ubud to Lovina Beach: Drive to northside of Bali, to Singaraja
with stop at Mengwi to explore the royal family temple of Taman Ayun. On to Pacung for the picturesque view of Bedugul. Explore local markets to see the incredible variety of tropical fruits, vegetables and livestock. On to Ulun Danu Temple -- a serene refuge on the shores of Beratan Lake. Then drive to Lovina Beach for accommodation and meals at Puri Bagus Lovina for 2 nights. Our thatched roofed bungalows are on the beach surrounded by
tropical gardens. Your shower is in a private garden! Explore Buleleng regency (district) and visit Brahma Wihara Arama--the biggest and the most important Buddhist Monastery in Bali. The Uruvella Forest, sacred Bodi tree, and Buddhist Stupas help explain the role of Buddhism today. The temple is located high on the slopes of the volcano with beautiful views of the ocean, rice fields and mountains. So serene and lovely. Back to our resort hotel this afternoon--swim, snorkel or sail.

Days 8 & 9
Along the north coast to Pemuteran: On the way to Pemuteran we
will visit Pulaki Temple with its monkeys. On arrival at Pemuteran check in at Tataman Sari Sari Cottages for two nights. Again, our hotel is on the beach. Snorkeling and diving are popular here. Horseback riding is available too. Swimming pool and massage services. Visit West Bali National Park to see the bird life, deer, civets, monkeys and Java Buffalo. Back to Hotel for meals and accommodation.

Day 10
Umabian--Traditional Bali: Drive to Pupuan -- an untouched village as Bali was in the 1920's where farmers work their rice-fields using traditional practices in place for hundreds of years. Continue to Umabian Village, in Tabanan Regency. The village is under the patronage of the Royal Family and is a center of traditional arts which the villagers are pleased to share with us. Accommodation (one night) at Puri Taman Sari.

To Jimbaran: Morning exploration of the village to appreciate their traditional way of life. In the afternoon drive to the holy monkey forest at Kedaton -- noted for its temples inhabited by colonies of curious monkeys.

Then, on to Tanah Lot temple perched on a small rocky islet just offshore. Afternoon drive to Jimbaran area (convenient to the airport) for accommodation at Sari Segara Hotel.

Days 12
(March 24) Flight's Home or Onward today: Breakfast at hotel. Morning at leisure to swim in the pool or the ocean, shop or relax until the transfer to the nearby airport. Why not see more of Indonesia? CUE can help you set up additional travel on your budget.

Day 12
Athens: We return to Athens and reimmerse ourselves in the colorful life of the plakas and tabernas. Hotel Phillipos--1 night

Day 13
(May 2) Flights Home: Return flights anytime today or stay and explore--ask your guide for ideas.

10 Day Land Costs---$1702

*per person, twin share basis with a minimum of 17 participants. Single supplement is $344. Included is ground transportation, accommodations, all meals, entrance fees, local guides and the services of your American escorts. Not included are air fare to/from Denpasar, Bali, any airport taxes, personal expenses such as tips, laundry, drinks, phone calls or insurance. Less than 17 paid participants? We can still operate the trip with a small group supplement. For example, with just six participants, the trip would cost $2741 with Don Lyon as guide.