Taiwan, Taipei

Discovering Taiwan

On arrival at Taoyuan International Airport (TPE), you will be met and transferred to your hotel by private car (without guide). The rest of the day is free.

Dinner and overnight at your hotel.

Your first visit will be to the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial, an impressive monument to President Chiang Kai-shek. Afterwards, take a photo break at the Grand Hotel Taipei, another major historical site. On the way to the Grand Hotel, our guide will give you a brief introduction to the Presidential Office building, a symbolic and historic site in Taipei.
After a photo break, you'll head off to the National Revolutionary Martyrs' Shrine, where the highlight is the Changing of the Guard ceremony.

Your final visit will be to the National Palace Museum, famous for its collection of nearly 700,000 pieces of ancient Chinese artefacts and works of art spanning 8,000 years of Chinese art across several dynasties.

Make your own arrangements for dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

On the first morning of your tour of the island of Taiwan, you will set off from the centre of Taipei and head to the heart of the island, in the national area of outstanding natural beauty known as the Lake of the Sun and Moon.

The Sun and Moon Lake, the largest freshwater lake on the island, is split in half by the island of Lalu. The eastern side of the lake resembles the sun, while the western side resembles the waxing moon, giving the lake its unique name. This picturesque region is also the homeland of the Thao people, one of Taiwan's indigenous groups. With its rich indigenous culture and abundant natural beauty, the Sun and Moon Lake has established itself as one of Taiwan's top destinations.

After lunch, your journey continues with a visit to Ita Thao, an indigenous village where you can enjoy insights into the Thao people's culture and way of life. You then get to admire the grandeur of the Ci'en pagoda, an iconic monument on the Lake of the Sun and Moon built by the late president Chiang Kai-shek in memory of his mother.

Next you'll arrive at the Xuanzang Temple, a serene Buddhist sanctuary dedicated to the venerable monk Xuanzang. Your journey will then take you to the Wenwu Temple, an imposing Taoist temple comprising three halls dedicated to the God of War and the God of Literature.

Make your own arrangements for dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

Start the second day of your adventure on the island of Taiwan with a delicious breakfast, which sets the tone for a new day of exploration. You board the bus that will take you to Tainan, Taiwan's oldest city, famous for its abundance of period buildings and incredible historical heritage.

Your adventure continues with a visit to Fort Zeelandia, built by the Dutch East India Company during its 38-year administration of western Taiwan. The original fortress was almost destroyed by the British army in the 19th century, but was later rebuilt by the Japanese.

Then take a leisurely stroll along the historic Anping Old Street. Located to the east of Fort Zeelandia, this historic street was established by the Dutch over 300 years ago and is known as the first officially named street in Taiwan. As well as its fascinating history, Anping Old Street is also known for its local specialities. Don't miss the chance to sample some delicacies here, adding a delightful culinary experience to your historic trip to Tainan.

Your next destination is the romantic port city of Kaohsiung, the most populous city in southern Taiwan. On arrival in Kaohsiung, your first visit will be to the famous Fo Guang Shan monastery (FGS), an important Buddhist monastery founded by the Venerable Master Hsing Yun in 1967. During your visit, you will have the opportunity to talk to a learned monk who will explain the doctrines and development of Buddhism, the most widely practised religion in Taiwan.

In the evening, you can enjoy a pleasant stay in a hotel that is ideally located, surrounded by department stores, supermarkets and pharmacies.

Make your own arrangements for dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

After a hearty breakfast, you'll start your journey south towards the border, where Taiwan's first national park awaits you.

Kenting National Park is celebrated for its coastal geological formations, picturesque landscapes and rich marine biodiversity, fostered by a unique combination of crustal deformation and tropical climate. Kenting is also a paradise for surfers and divers.

On the third day of your tour of the island of Taiwan, you'll make stops at Maopitou, literally "the cat's nose", so named because it resembles a colossal crouching cat when viewed from afar; Chuanfan Rock, which means "the sail rock", another distinctive natural formation that resembles the sail of a ship or a likeness of former US president Richard Nixon; the Eluanbi Lighthouse, a Qing dynasty construction recognised as one of the Eight Views of Taiwan during the Japanese colonial period; and Longpan Park, a coral limestone plateau overlooking the Pacific Ocean, shaped over time by rainwater erosion.

Your journey will then take you to Taitung via the scenic South Link Highway, a great way to take in the changing scenery along the way.

In the evening, you can enjoy the pleasures of staying at a peaceful spa in Zhiben, in Taitung County. Zhiben is renowned for its carbonate hot springs, known to improve circulation and relieve fatigue, making it the ideal place to recharge your batteries after a day's exploring.

Make your own arrangements for dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

After a good night's sleep and a delicious breakfast, your 5-day tour of Taiwan will continue as you travel along the east coast, known as the last unspoilt place on the island. Wherever you go, the region's enchanting natural beauty is sure to amaze you. You'll visit some of the most impressive sites along the way, including Xiaoyehliu, Sanxiantai, Shitiping, and Fanshuliao, each remarkable for its unique geological features.

The first stage will be Xiaoyehliu (literally "Little Yehliu", or officially "Fugang Geopark"). This area is famous for its natural rock formations. Here you can get up close to these unique land formations, shaped over time by meteoric and marine erosion.

Your adventure will continue with a visit to Sanxiantai (literally "the terrace of the three immortals"), which includes an offshore island and coral reefs, with a bridge across the sea linking the mainland to the island, a landmark everybody recognises in the East Coast National Scenic Area.

You will make a stop at Shitiping (literally "stone steps"). This area is a well-developed marine erosion terrace, with promontories along the coastline that have been eroded by seawater over millions of years.

Your next stop will be Fanshuliao, a unique canyon often regarded as a smaller version of the Taroko Gorge.

In the evening, enjoy the pleasure of staying at Jiaoxi, in Yilan county.

Make your own arrangements for dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

You'll start your adventure with an early departure from Yilan, a region famous for its picturesque landscapes and hot springs. A short drive will take you to the first stop on your tour, the Kavalan Distillery. As Taiwan's leading whisky producer, Kavalan has earned an international reputation for its exquisite single malts.

Afterwards, you'll continue your exploration at the National Centre for Traditional Arts. This cultural gem showcases Taiwan's traditional arts and crafts in a beautifully designed environment. Stroll through the artisans' workshops, where you can watch master craftsmen at work, creating dainty wood carvings, sophisticated paper cut-outs and exquisite pottery. Take your time as you explore the interactive exhibits and perhaps try your hand at making a unique souvenir.

You will then return to Taipei and reach your hotel or designated drop-off point in the evening.

Make your own arrangements for dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

Free time until departure time. You will be transferred to the airport by private car (without guide) for your departure flight.

For those booking the "hotel only" option (without international flights), please inform us of your flight details as soon as possible via the contact form located in the "Help and Contact" section at the bottom of the page, so we can organise your transfers.

The names of the final hotels will be shown in the travel pack.

Suggested visits are not included in the price of the stay.

Climate:

Taiwan has a subtropical climate, with hot, humid summers (June to September) and mild winters (December to February). The typhoon season is from June to October, so it's advisable to check the weather forecast if you're travelling during this period.

Languages:

Mandarin is the official language. However, in big cities like Taipei, you will find many people, especially young people, who speak some English. Learning a few basic phrases in Mandarin can be very useful and much appreciated.

Currency:

The local currency is the New Taiwan Dollar (TWD). Bank cards are widely accepted in large towns, but cash is preferable for small shops or in rural areas.

Safety:

Taiwan is one of the safest countries in Asia, with a very low crime rate. Visitors can generally walk around safely, even at night. However, as with everywhere else, it's always a good idea to be vigilant.

Food:

Food is a central aspect of Taiwanese culture. Don't miss out on the famous night markets where you can sample an incredible variety of local dishes, such as xiaolongbao (steamed ravioli) and the famous bubble tea.

Respecting the local customs:

Taiwanese people are very polite and respectful. It is important to show courtesy, for example by removing your shoes when entering a house. When visiting temples, be sure to dress appropriately and respect the local rules.

Internet availibility:

Wi-Fi is widely available in cafés, hotels and public spaces. You can also easily buy a local SIM card at the airport so you can stay connected.

Healthcare:

The tap water is not always safe to drink. It's best to drink bottled water. The medical facilities are excellent, but it is advisable to take out travel insurance to cover any medical expenses.

Electrical sockets:

Electrical sockets are type A or B, with a voltage of 110V. It's a good idea to check whether you need an adaptor for your devices.

Transfer to/from airport:

Private transfer to and from the airport (without guide)

Transfer during the tour:

Bus transport (air-conditioned vehicle)

Hotel accommodation for 7 nights with daily breakfast, based on double occupancy.

You will be accompanied by an English-speaking tour guide from D2 to D7 (all expenses included).