Bali blends a variety of spices and ingredients for a complex and perfectly balanced customized culinary tour. From the chic ambiance of a contemporary seaside restaurant to the bustling atmosphere of a night market filled with locals, follow the trails to delicious cuisine and marvelous culture, breathtaking scenery, and historical temples. Bask in the spiced aroma of anise and linger in the comforting scent of the sea breeze, and then dig your toes into the sand while biting into freshly grilled...
Customizable Itinerary
Day 1
Ubud – Arrive in Bali with a Flavorful Introductory Dinner
Ubud is a city of culture and prestige that embodies the Hindu spirit and traditional lifestyle of the island set amongst the Central Highlands. Contemporary cafes line the central streets with the nearly 30 acres of the Sacred Monkey Forest brushing against the edges of city life. Rice terraces rise along the nearby hills, and rushing waters wind along the floor the fringing ravines. Sculptures depicting Garuda protect old temples and artists that fashion ancient spirits and gods out of wood, stone, or silver. Your flight will land at Ngurah Rai International Airport in Denpasar.
Your private transfer will meet you upon your arrival and escort you along a short and scenic drive to Ubud. Hyacinth and frangipanis blossom over sporadic villages as the scent of jasmine blows through the air. The jungle canopy sweeps across the hillsides and opens over the rice fields and terraces on the outskirts of Ubud. Your luxurious hotel overlooks the emerald hues of the countryside while offering easy access to the vibrant culture that emanates from the city center, where the Royal Palace stands. Your first taste of Bali will come in the form of a five-course meal prepared at a local award-winning restaurant.
En route to the restaurant, you will find the fruity aroma of fresh chili blending with the herbaceous scent of anise. The restaurant blends traditional Balinese features with contemporary elegance and luxury. All of the ingredients are sourced from around the island with the theme of blending traditional and modern elements spreading to the cuisine. Your first dish will arrive at your table with wild leaves dressed with peanuts, hibiscus vinegar, and pyramid salt for a light and satisfying first taste of the island.
What's Included:
Day 2
Ubud – Traverse Cultured Streets, Markets, and Historical Galleries
Day 3
Ubud – Relish a Half-Day Balinese Cooking Class
Day 4
Ubud – Visit the Sacred Spring at Tirta Empul and a Coffee Plantation
Day 5
Ubud – Discover the Charm of Sanur and the Mystique of Uluwatu Temple
Day 6
Ubud – Delight in Decadent Flavors of a Full Day Food Safari in Seminyak
Day 7
Ubud – Enjoy Visiting the Various Markets of Ubud
Day 8
Ubud – Depart for Home
Trip Highlights
- Indulge in the classic flavors and unique combinations of tastes during a food safari that will take you through a mix of Bali’s celebrated contemporary and traditional restaurants
- Delight in a culinary tour of Balinese cuisine and experience the pleasures of popular dishes at restaurants and markets frequented by locals
- Learn the staple ingredients of Balinese dishes with a private cooking instruction in a village
- Sample the variety of coffees cultivated on a plantation that also produces fields of cocoa, clove, vanilla, and cinnamon
- Revitalize your spirit and body with a cleansing at the sacred spring water of Tirta Empul Temple
- Enjoy a delicious seafood barbecue on the serene shores of Jimbaran Beach with a view of the sunset
- Meet with farmers and stroll along the famous rice paddy terraces and fields that adorn the hills and valleys outside of Ubud
- Visit the bustling market for insight into the most popular ingredients offered daily, along with celebrated food stalls producing meals for passersby
Detailed Description
Bali erupts with flavor during your 8-day tour dedicated to uncovering traditional cuisine and contemporary perspectives, natural sweetness, and unforgettable savory ingredients. Your culinary adventure will begin with your arrival at Ngurah Rai International Airport in Denpasar. Your private transfer will escort you from the airport to your luxurious resort-style accommodation that overlooks the stunning landscape outside of Ubud. In the evening, venture to a celebrated restaurant to indulge in your first taste of Bali during a five-course meal, a perfect welcome to the island’s culinary scene.
The next day, your guide will escort you through town to visit Ubud’s Royal Palace and the Art Market. Explore Blanco Renaissance Museum and stroll the Tjampuhan Valley to view the rice fields. In the evening, you will partake in a traditional Balinese dance while enjoying a three-course meal. Wake the next morning and venture to a village outside of Ubud to meet your private cooking instructor. Enter a Balinese home to cook as locals do with ingredients formulating the staples of island cuisine. Venture to Jatiluwih to find the iconic rice terraces en route to Taman Ayun Temple in Mengwi, and then stroll along the fishpond to enjoy the marvelous detailed statues before returning to Ubud.
The following day you will make your way to Tampaksiring Village to find Tirta Empul Temple and the sacred spring water. Traverse the lush and fertile hills of a nearby plantation and sample the exceptional coffee produced on the estate. Continue to the village of Kintamani on Mount Batur for a fantastic view of the caldera before enjoying a traditional dinner. The next day will bring you to Sanur Beach to relax on the sandy shores of the island’s southern edges. Discover the charm and awe of Uluwatu and watch an impressive Kecak Fire Dance. Your guide will take you to Jimbaran Beach to enjoy a barbecue seafood dinner as you overlook the scenic shoreline.
Wake the next morning and your guide will meet you at your hotel eager to lead you on a culinary safari across Southern Bali beginning in the village of Seminyak. Traverse the chic restaurants that blend international cuisine with Balinese flavors for a unique perspective on island flavors. The next day you will return to the traditions of the island with a culinary tour of local flavors. Visit a celebrated seafood restaurant at Sanur Beach known for fish and soup, and then discover the vibrant ambiance of a night market where vendors cook cuisine close to the hearts of locals. Traverse the marketplace in search of spices and produce before visiting the popular Art Market in Ubud, and then conclude the next day as your private transfer will meet you at your hotel and escort you to Ngurah Rai Airport for your flight home.
Starting Price
$2,600 per person (excluding international flights)
Your Zicasso trip is fully customizable, and this sample itinerary is a starting place for your travel plans. Actual costs are dynamic, and your selection of accommodations and activities, your season of travel, and other such variables will bring this budget guideline up or down. Throughout your planning experience with your Zicasso specialist, your itinerary is designed around your budget. You can book your trip when you are satisfied with every detail. Planning your trip with a Zicasso travel specialist is a free service.
What's Included
- Accommodations
- In-country transportation
- Some or all activities and tours
- Expert trip planning
- 24x7 support during your trip
Your final trip cost will vary based on your selected accommodations, activities, meals, and other trip elements that you opt to include.
Reviews of Zicasso's Referral Service
4.88 stars based on 146 reviews.
Our recent trip to Bali was absolutely unforgettable and we owe it all to the incredible team that helped make it such a smooth and joyful experience. From start to finish, everything was thoughtfully planned and flawlessly executed.
A huge thank you to our amazing Zicasso travel agent, who made coordinating a group of 11 people look easy. She ensured every detail was in place and helped us feel at ease throughout the entire process.
We were also fortunate to have our guide. His knowledge, warmth, and professionalism made each activity even more meaningful. And a big shoutout to our drivers for getting us everywhere safely and comfortably, with patience and smiles.
The activities were perfectly curated, from a beautiful birthday dinner celebration to yoga, the floral happy birthday message, the floating breakfast, and so much more; even the small, magical moments that were beautifully captured by the photographers who our travel agent arranged.
Every venue we visited went above and beyond to accommodate our group, and we felt genuinely welcomed everywhere we went. This was truly the trip of a lifetime and we’re incredibly grateful to our travel agent, guide, and drivers for making it such a success. We all had an amazing time and I would 100% recommend this team to anyone planning a visit to Bali.
Five stars all the way!
Reviewed By April L.
Our trip was seamless from start to finish. We were thoroughly impressed by the expertise and attentiveness of our local guides—their knowledge, perfectly timed tours, and the thoughtfully planned itinerary by the Zicasso trip planner made for an exceptional experience.
Reviewed By Bernadette B.
Our trip to a Bali was simply amazing and it could not have been better. I contacted three agencies about Bali a few years ago, but we didn’t end up going at that time. When we started to plan our Bali trip this year, we contacted Zicasso's tour company because they had been the most helpful the first time around.
Reviewed By Susan M.
We had a spectacular time making memories with our family in Indonesia. The Zicasso tour agency's team was considerate, caring, accommodating, and well-organized. Their attention to detail, consideration, and anticipation of issues were unparalleled. We were out of the country and they still made sure we got the best service from the craftsman we ordered from. Our family will have lasting memories of this special time. We are looking forward to booking another trip with them.
Reviewed By Susanne V.
The trip to Bali was absolutely outstanding. I can’t speak more highly of the team from an execution perspective or overall service; it was top-tier. By the time we left, it felt like I had made a mini family and it is a connection I will never forget.
The team was so accommodating, being on time for every single thing we needed, providing constant communication between us and the venue, explaining our credits and experiences, and even moving events around due to the rain. I really appreciated such a hands-on experience so far away from home, and also having some flexibility to venture out on our own.
The tours were amazing and a true embrace of the culture of Bali. I loved how we stopped for local food and shops, and I really think that is always what makes a great experience: local experiences you can bring home with you.
Zicasso's travel agent was such an amazing host and always a complete joy to be around; 10 days, with three cities, is a long time to keep high energy. They were also very accommodating when we decided to add things to our itinerary while we were there, like private surfing, accommodating our snorkeling needs, etc.
The travel specialist also learned what each of us enjoyed very quickly and was able to grab me a personal massage on the beach by four people (lol). We enjoyed some beers together. This was such a memorable experience, including all the pictures and videos he helped take to capture all our memories.
The travel agent also could not have been more accommodating with driving us around everywhere, including to some really late dinners. This made the experience so worth it because we felt safe and knew we had the right accommodations to explore at different times.
The travel consultant greeted us at the airport and at every location where we switched hotels and were introduced to a new city. The ease of navigating these changes was made so seamless and the upgrade on our hotel room was the nicest surprise ever! All the communication from start to finish was top-tier and extremely helpful! This included exchanging money for us so we didn’t have to worry at the airport. Small things like this make your travels so much easier, so you can just enjoy things without thinking. This is the true definition of luxury travel. This is my third time using Zicasso and this was the best-planned and most well-executed trip I have had.
Thank you all for everything!
All my love.
AA
Reviewed By Amber A.
The hotel in Sanur was absolutely special! We highly recommend it. The resort in Ubud was also wonderful. The staff were great. We had no idea this town was such a vibrant place and would have loved more time to explore it, possibly from a walkable hotel.
Our guide and driver were wonderful and flexible when we needed to stop for a Diet Coke and iced cappuccino. We also felt that Zicasso's travel company was flexible with our changes as we went.
We did the Bali safari on our transfer day and it was a stop we really enjoyed.
Nice job, all involved!
Reviewed By Lois K.