Taiwan Discovered - 8 days

Welcome to Taiwan! Upon arrival at Taoyuan International Airport, you’ll be met by your private driver and transferred directly to your hotel in Taipei. Settle into your room and take the rest of the day to relax or explore the city at your own pace. Whether you're wandering through bustling night markets, sipping bubble tea in a local café, or admiring the skyline from Taipei 101, Taipei offers an exciting first taste of Taiwan.

We begin our exploration of Taipei at the world-renowned National Palace Museum, home to one of the largest collections of Chinese imperial art and artefacts. From ancient jade carvings to Ming porcelain, the exhibits span over 8,000 years of history. Next, we further our ancient exploration at Dadaocheng, Dihua Street, Ximending old town, and Lungshan Temple to learn more about Taiwan's cultures.

Continue with a stop at Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, a grand monument to Taiwan’s former leader, surrounded by manicured gardens and stately architecture. Then, ascend to the observation deck of Taipei 101 for sweeping views across the city skyline and surrounding mountains (observatory ticket is not included). After the tour, you may choose to be dropped off at the Raohe Night Market for local food or back at your hotel.

Taipei - Sun Moon Lake - Taichung. After a restful night, we begin our journey into the heart of Taiwan. We’ll travel from Taipei to Sun Moon Lake, named for its unique shape—sun-like in the east and moon-like in the west—divided by Lalu Island. Home to the indigenous Thao people, the area is famed for its rich culture and natural beauty. There will be free time for lunch.

Continue with a scenic bus tour around the lake, exploring its most iconic attractions. Begin at Ita Thao, an indigenous village offering insight into Thao culture and lifestyle. Then marvel at Ci’en Pagoda, a striking landmark built by President Chiang Kai-shek in memory of his mother.

Visit two significant temples: Xuanzang Temple, a peaceful Buddhist sanctuary dedicated to the monk Xuanzang, and Wenwu Temple, a grand Taoist site with halls honoring the Martial God and the God of Literature. Our guide will share the area’s cultural and historical background. Later, we will be transferred to our hotel.

Please note: Our preference is always to stay at Sun Moon Lake. However, due to limited availability, this is not always possible. Should we be unable to stay at Sun Moon Lake tonight, we will stay at a comfortable hotel in Taichung instead.

Taichung - Tainan - Kaohsiung. After breakfast, we head south to Tainan, Taiwan’s oldest city, known for its rich history and traditional landmarks. Our first stop is Fort Zeelandia, built by the Dutch in the 17th century, where we’ll learn about Taiwan’s colonial past. From there, we’ll take a stroll through Anping Old Street, where the scents of local delicacies fill the air, and you can sample local snacks like shrimp rolls and tofu pudding.

Next, we continue our journey to Kaohsiung, the largest city in the south of Taiwan. Here, we’ll visit the impressive Fo Guang Shan Monastery, the country’s largest Buddhist complex. Walk among hundreds of golden Buddha statues and visit the Great Buddha Land and main shrine before heading to our Kaohsiung hotel.

Kaohsiung - Kenting National Park - Taitung. We head towards Kenting National Park, famous for its coastal landscapes, pristine beaches, and unique geological formations. We’ll make stops at Maopitou, a rocky outcrop shaped like a crouching cat, and Chuanfan Rock, which resembles the sail of a ship.

Continuing through the park, we’ll visit Eluanpi Lighthouse and Longpan Park, offering breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean. After exploring Kenting, we’ll journey along the scenic South Link Highway to Taitung, where we’ll spend the night in a peaceful hot spring resort in Zhiben.

Taitung - Hualien - Yilan. Today, we depart as we journey along Taiwan's stunning east coast, often referred to as the island’s last unspoiled paradise. The area’s natural beauty will leave us in awe as we visit some of its most impressive scenic spots, including Xiaoyeliu, Sanxiantai, Shitiping, and Fanshuliao, each showcasing unique geological formations and breathtaking landscapes.

Our first stop is Xiaoyeliu, or Fugang Geopark, known as "Little Yehliu." This area features unique rock formations, similar to those at Yeh Liu Geopark, shaped by weathering and sea erosion.

Next, we visit Sanxiantai, "Terrace of the Three Immortals," featuring an offshore island and coral reefs. A cross-sea bridge connects the mainland to the island, making it a key landmark in the East Coast National Scenic Area.

Next, we travel to Hualien area to visit Shitiping, known as the "Stone Steps," a sea erosion terrace with promontories shaped by millions of years of coastal erosion. The area features abrasion platforms, sea grooves, cliffs, and potholes, making it a geological marvel. From Hualien, we’ll enjoy a comfortable one-way train ride to Yilan. Once we have arrived, we will make our way to a hot-spring hotel, where we will spend the night.

Yilan - Taipei. We start the day with a visit to the King Car Kavalan Whisky Distillery, where you’ll learn about the whisky-making process and taste some of the finest local spirits. Next, we’ll head to the National Center for Traditional Arts, a cultural hub where you can experience Taiwan’s heritage through exhibitions and live performances.

In the afternoon, we return to Taipei, where you’ll have some free time to explore the city or relax at your hotel.

Your final morning in Taipei is free for you to relax or explore at your own pace. You might take a gentle stroll through a local market, enjoy a last Taiwanese breakfast, or pick up some souvenirs. At the appropriate time, you’ll be transferred to Taoyuan International Airport for your onward flight.