Be sure to read the Special Notes further down this page for important requirements and restriction.

For over one hundred years the town of Ubud has been Bali's center for fine arts, dance and music. Whole villages devote their time between working in the abundant rice paddies and working on their artistic pursuits. During this five-hour excursion you'll meet the artisans and marvel at their work. Don't forget to wear comfortable walking shoes and bring along a camera to record the artisans as they demonstrate their talents.

Your excursion into central Bali begins at the dock after a traditional Balinese welcome ceremony. Be sure to bring a camera and wear light clothing, comfortable walking shoes and a hat; insect repellant and sun protection are also must-haves. Once you board your motorcoach you'll travel through the unspoiled countryside, past coffee, cacao, banana and spice plantations, little villages tucked into the folds of the hills and emerald green terraced hillsides full of rice paddies.

Your first stop is the village of Celuk, known as the gold and silversmith capital of Bali, specializing in rings, bracelets, chokers and other types of jewelry. Your visit includes the opportunity to meet a traditional craftsman, tour his workshop and gallery.

Next on the agenda is a trip to Kemenuh, Bali's most famous woodcarving village. Here, you'll be greeted by a Balinese family and join them for coffee or tea and traditional rice cakes while watching a barong performance, a stirring dance that symbolizes good and evil. Then, you'll be invited to visit their workshop and see how these skilled and talented craftsmen turn slabs of teak and ebony into masks, religious figures and intricate wall decorations. After your visit, you're invited to shop in the large gallery.

Your shopping excursion continues with a trip into the heart of the city of Ubud. The outlying villages may concentrate on one particular art form but in Ubud you'll see streets overflowing with art shops and galleries selling paintings, wooden statues, jewelry, and the traditional woven cloth known as ikat.

Once you arrive in Ubud you'll visit an artist colony famous for its painters and artists studios, galleries and museums. Your visit includes a stop at the Painting Studio and Gallery, known for its large selection of paintings depicting colorful village scenes.

Then, you'll stroll to the beautiful 19th century Ubud King Palace, once the home of Bali's nobles, and marvel at the lovely and intricate woodcarvings that grace the entrance. In the evening, the palace comes alive with Balinese dancing and music.

Finally, you'll reboard your coach for a relaxing and scenic drive back to the pier.