This 7-day itinerary takes you on a scenic overland journey across Flores Island, East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia, starting from Labuan Bajo and covering the highlights you requested: the iconic Wae Rebo village, Ruteng's cultural sites, Bajawa in Ngada Regency with its traditional villages, Ende as a gateway to Kelimutu's tri-colored lakes, and Maumere's coastal vibes. The route follows the classic eastbound path, blending hikes, cultural immersion, and natural wonders. Expect a mix of private transfers  or buses. Total driving time is about 20-25 hours spread out, with bumpy roads in mountainous areas—pack motion sickness meds, light layers for cooler highlands, and good walking shoes.

Focus on sustainable travel: Respect local customs (e.g., ask before photographing people), support community homestays, and minimize plastic use. Budget: IDR 10-15 million/person.

Day 1: Arrival in Labuan Bajo – Transfer to Ruteng

- Morning/Afternoon: Arrive at Labuan Bajo Airport (flights from Bali or Jakarta). We meet you for a 4-hour scenic drive east to Ruteng, capital of Manggarai Regency. Stop en route at Cancar's spiderweb rice fields (Lingko Muda)—a UNESCO-recognized terraced landscape resembling intricate webs.

- Afternoon/Evening: Arrive in Ruteng, a cool highland town (elevation ~1,100m). Visit Ruteng Pu'u traditional village to see Mbaru Niang drum houses and interact with Manggarai locals. Optional: Quick stop at Liang Bua Cave (home of "Hobbit" Homo floresiensis fossils).

- Meals: Lunch (local warung), Dinner (hotel).

- Overnight: Ruteng (e.g., Hotel  ~IDR 1,000,000/night).

- Distance/Travel: 120km, 4 hours.

Day 2: Ruteng – Hike to Wae Rebo Village (Overnight Trek)

- Morning: Early start (6 AM) for a 2.5-hour drive to Denge village, the trailhead for Wae Rebo—a UNESCO-listed Manggarai hamlet perched at 11.00m in misty mountains. This is Flores' cultural gem: conical thatched-roof homes (Mbaru) built in a circular "universe" layout symbolizing harmony with nature.

- Afternoon: 2-3 hour moderate hike (3 km uphill; porters available for ~IDR 150,000). Arrive for the Waelu'u welcome ritual (drum ceremony with coffee and palm wine). Explore the village, join a cooking demo, or stargaze.

- Evening: Homestay dinner with locals—try fresh veggies, chicken, and tuak (local brew).

- Meals: Breakfast (hotel), Lunch (packed), Dinner (homestay).

- Overnight: Wae Rebo homestay (basic, shared facilities; ~IDR 400,000 including meals/ritual; book ahead via local operators).

- Distance/Travel: 50km drive + 3km hike.

Day 3: Wae Rebo – Return to Ruteng, Drive to Bajawa

- Morning: Wake early for village views in the fog. Hike down to Denge (1.5-2 hours), then drive back toward Ruteng.

- Midday: Quick lunch in Ruteng, then 4-hour drive east to Bajawa, capital of Ngada Regency (elevation ~1,200m; home to Ngada, Riung, and Nagekeo tribes). Stop at Aimere for a tuak-making demo (fermented palm liquor tasting).

- Afternoon/Evening: Arrive Bajawa; relax or stroll the market for fresh coffee (Ngada's arabica is world-class).

- Meals: Breakfast (homestay), Lunch/Dinner (en route/hotel).

- Overnight: Bajawa (e.g., Happy Happy Hotel or Silverin; ~IDR 600,000/night).

-  Distance/Travel: 100km, 4-5 hours + hike.

Day 4: Bajawa Exploration – Ngada Culture and Hot Springs.

-Morning: Dive into Ngada heritage. Drive 30min to Bena megalithic village—one of Flores' best-preserved sites with "Ngadhu" (male) and "Bhaga" (female) ancestral altars, thatched huts, and sacrificial stones. Learn about animist rituals blending with Catholicism.

- Midday: Photo stop at Mt. Inerie's slopes (active volcano, stunning views). Lunch in Bajawa.

- Afternoon: Head north 1 hour to Mengeruda natural hot springs for a soak amid jungle.

- Evening: Return for dinner; optional cultural dance performance if arranged.

- Meals: Breakfast/Dinner (hotel), Lunch (local).

- Overnight: Bajawa (same as previous).

- Distance/Travel: Local loops, 50km total.

Day 5: Bajawa to Ende – Scenic Drive and Local Insights

- Morning: 4-5 hour drive east to Ende, passing volcanic landscapes and tribal villages. Stop at Boawae (Nagekeo tribe) for a cultural peek—observe weaving or coffee farming.

- Afternoon: Arrive Ende (bustling port town). Visit Onekore village for Ikat hand-weaving demos (vibrant textiles unique to Ende style). Stroll Ende's colorful market for spices and ikat scarves.

- Evening: Relax by the harbor; try seafood sate.

- Meals: Breakfast (hotel), Lunch/Dinner (en route/local).

- Overnight: Ende (e.g., Grand Wisata Hotel; ~IDR 500,000/night).

- Distance/Travel: 150km, 4-5 hours.

Day 6: Ende to Kelimutu – Tri-Colored Lakes and Moni

- Early Morning:** 1-hour drive to Moni village (base for Kelimutu). At dawn (start 4 AM), ascend Kelimutu National Park: 30min drive + 30min walk/127 steps to the rim. Witness the three crater lakes shifting colors (green, blue, black)—a mystical site tied to ancestral spirits (discovered 1914; entry ~IDR 150,000).

- Morning/Afternoon:** Descend for breakfast in Moni. Explore nearby: Kowanara village's Lionese houses and sacred stone seats, or a waterfall hike. Drive 1 hour back toward Ende/Maumere.

- Evening: Continue 3 hours to Maumere, stopping at scenic valleys.

- Meals: Breakfast/Lunch (Moni), Dinner (Maumere).

- Overnight: Maumere (e.g., Flores Sao Resort; ~IDR 700,000/night).

- Distance/Travel: 100km to Kelimutu + 150km to Maumere, 5-6 hours total.

Day 7: Maumere – Coastal Farewell and Departure

- Morning: Explore Maumere's east-coast charm. Visit Wologai traditional village (Sikka tribe) for Ikat weaving and lontar palm rituals, or relax at Koka Beach for snorkeling (coral reefs teeming with fish).

- Afternoon: Optional: Drive 1 hour east to Larantuka for colonial Portuguese vibes and seafood lunch. Head to Maumere Airport for flights out (to Bali or beyond).

- Evening: Departure (flights often late afternoon).

- Meals: Breakfast (hotel), Lunch (beach/local).

- Distance/Travel: Local, 50km max.