Enchanting Taiwan

Description
Taiwan is known as a destination full of bustling night markets, old temples, incredible views and amazing street food. A culturally diverse destination, Taiwan offers visitors a chance to immerse in rich traditions and history while enjoying the sophistication of modern touches. An island nation most definitely worth exploring.
From$2,050
Starts in Taipei
Ends in Taipei
Duration (days) 9
Group size 10
Enchanting Taiwan

Overview

Our 9 day Taiwan itinerary will take guests from the capital city of Taipei, to Sun Moon Lake situated in the centre of Taiwan and down to the Fo Guang Shan Monastery located in the south. Visit harbors and fishing villages and marvel at the giant statue of the Goddess of Mercy in Chung Cheng Park in Keelung City. Expert guides will share the highlights of Taiwan in just over a week that will leave you with incredible memories of a truly unique destination.
HOTEL:
MEALS:
Basic Itinerary

Map

Itinerary

Day 1Arrive Taipei
Welcome to Taiwan! Upon arrival at Taoyuan International Airport, your driver will meet you and transfer you to your hotel by private car. Enjoy the remainder of your day at leisure.
Day 2Taipei
Our first stop in Taipei is at the monument dedicated to President Chiang Kai-shek, located at the Memorial Hall of the same name, followed by a photo opportunity at the historical Grand Hotel Taipei. En route to the hotel, our tour guide will give a quick passing introduction to the Presidential Office Building, a symbolic and historical landmark in Taipei City. Our penultimate stop will be at Martyr’s Shrine where we hope to catch the “changing of the guard” ceremony. We end our city tour with a visit to the world-famous National Palace Museum boasting a collection of nearly 700,000 piece of ancient Chinese artifacts and artwork spanning multiple dynasties. This evening, experience Taipei by night with a Din Tai Fung Xiao Long Bao dinner & a guided visit to the Raohe Street night market. For the next 4hrs, experience Taipei’s famous Taipei 101 Mall (ticket excluded), this former world’s tallest building commanding amazing views. Dine in a Michelin Bib Gourmand Selection restaurant and taste a little of Taiwanese exceptional street food. Walk the Rainbow Bridge and visit the Songshan Ciyou Temple nearby.
Breakfast, Dinner
Day 3Sun Moon Lake
After breakfast, your guide will meet you in the lobby of your hotel and we head out to Sun Moon Lake, situated 762 metres above sea level in mountainous central Taiwan. Visit the literature-warrior temple, the Wenwu Temple, dedicated to Confucious and Kuan Ti, masters of pen and sword, respectively. Continue to experience the Ita Thao Indigenous Village, Xuanzhuang Temple and Ci En Pagoda before touring around Sun Moon Lake. Check into your hotel and enjoy activities the region offers such as Fleur de Chine natural hot springs, hiking, biking, walking trails and a boat ride on the lake.
Breakfast
Day 4Kaohsiung
After check-out, continue your Taiwan adventure with a stop by the Xiangshan Visitor Centre before reaching the famous and sacred Buddhist space in southern Taiwan, the Fo Guang Shan Buddhist Monastery. Meet a few monks and nuns who will share more about Buddhism through a walking tour. Continue onto the second largest city in Taiwan, Kaohsiung with visits to Love River and Liuhe night market before checking into your hotel for overnight.
Breakfast
Day 5Taitung
Our morning begins in the south with a visit to the Kenting National Park, the 37 mile coral-rimmed shoreline a true highlight. See the impressive Eluanbi lighthouse, Maobitou, Chuanfan Rock and Longpan Park before driving along the Southern Link Highway to Taitung, your day ending with you checking in at Chihpen.
Breakfast
Day 6Hualien
Our travels take us East today as we explore the East Coast National Scenic Area, referred to as “Taiwan’s last unspoiled land”. 170 km of coastal beauty, the land presents wonderful patterns and depictions created by years of weathering. We will stop at the Shitiping “Stone steps”, Sanxiantai and Xiaoyeliu as well as the Fanshuliao marble factory and exhibition hall. We end our day with a visit to Hualien for overnight at the Taroko National Park.
Breakfast
Day 7Taipei
Explore beautiful Taroko Gorge, the Liwu River creating a thin ravine cutting deep into the marble mountain. Wind your way around the mighty rock as you pass by forested peaks and cliffs, the river vigorously flowing beneath you. Stop at the Taroko Gorge Gateway and the Shakadang Trail, the breathtaking Swallow Grotto and Cihmu Bridge, the red suspension bridge also known as the “Motherly Devotion Bridge”. Pay respects at the Eternal Spring Shrine, the Changchun Temple before we make a stop at one of Taiwan’s 8 Wonders, the Qingshui Cliff. Drive through the 13km Syue-Shan Long Tunnel, arriving back in Taipei by early evening.
Breakfast
Day 8Taipei
CHOICE OF ACTIVITIES FOR TODAY, INCLUDING CAR AND DRIVER, ENTRANCE FEES. You get to choose from a myriad of guided activities today, options highlighted below. Option 1 Yehliu Geopark and Keelung Harbor This morning tour takes you away from the busy city to peaceful central Taiwan and the breathtaking northern coast. Highlights include the unique rock formations of Yehliu Geopark, including the iconic “Queen’s Head” and “Dragon’s Head” and the incredible site of Keelung Harbor with its boutique cafes, at Maritime Plaza. Take a chance on spotting fishermen of Guihou fishing village, catch the wild Wanli crab and marvel at the statue of “Goddess of Mercy” in Chung Cheng Park, a gigantic masterpiece of Guan-Yin, a true highlight of Keelung. Option 2 Jiufen Village and Northeast Coast An afternoon of exploration in the charming picturesque village of Jiufen, well-known for narrow alleyways and teahouses, a popular destination during the booming gold mining days in the 1940s. Take in the unusual Nanya Rock formations on the northeast coast, sandstone creations several thousand years old. A drive by the “Ying & Yang” concept depicted by the “Bay of two colors” will impress with its blue hues and yellow sand. Visit a popular photo stop, the Jinguashi Remains of the 13 Levels, formerly the refinery plant of Shuinan Cave. Option 3 Experience Pingxi Sky Lantern Enjoy this 4hr afternoon tour whereby we visit nostalgic Shifen Old Street, Railway Station and the beautiful Shifen Waterfalls, the charm of yesteryear inviting you to step back in time. Embrace the iconic tradition of “lantern flying” with the Pingxi Sky Lantern experience, messages of well-wishes written on the lanterns are sent up into the night sky, prayers to God for love and joy for you and your loved ones. Learn more about Pingxi and its historical coal mining past, its scenery and culture a huge draw.
Breakfast
Day 9Depart Taipei
Your tour ends today. After check out, your driver will transfer you to the airport in time for your flight home.
Breakfast
Day 6 and more

Dates & Prices

Accommodation

Day
Where
Accommodation
1 - 3
Taipei
Regent Taipei or similar
3 - 4
Sun Moon Lake
Fleur De Chine – Mountain View Room or similar
4 - 5
Kaohsiung
Grand Hi-Lai Hotel or similar
5 - 6
Taitung
Hotel Royal Chihpen or similar
6 - 7
Hualien
Silks Place Taroko or similar
7 - 9
Taipei
Regent Taipei or similar

Other information

2023 May 01-2023 Dec 31: Twin Sharing $2340 p. p. Single Supplement $1565 p. p. 2024 Jan 01-2024 Mar 31: Twin Sharing $2050 p. p. Single Supplement $1370 p. p. Arrival Taipei on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays only Prices include: Private transfers to/from airport (driver only), hotel accommodations, English speaking guided seat-in-coach tours, daily breakfast and one special dinner as mentioned. Price Exclude: International airfare to/from Taiwan, entry visa/fee, taxes, seasonal/fuel surcharges, gratuities, meals not mentioned, personal expenditures, baggage handling and shipping, optional tours, and drinks. Blackout dates: Dec 30,31,2023; Jan 01,20-22,2024 / Taipei Cycle Show 2024; prices are available upon request with high season surcharges