Exploring Taiwan

Start your journey by taking a direct flight from London to Taipei.
(Flight Included | Airport Transfer | N)

After arrival at the cosmopolitan metropolis of Taipei, check-in at The Howard Plaza hotel (or similar) for a 2-night stay. Settle in and freshen up, and in the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner.
(D)

Today explore Taipei through a full-day city tour. Visit the National Palace Museum, home to one of the world’s largest imperial Chinese collection of art treasures including ancient artefacts, porcelain, paintings, and calligraphy. Next, visit the octagon-shaped national monument and landmark, the Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall. Work on the memorial hall began in 1976, a year after the passing away of President Chiang Kai-Shek, the first president of the Republic of China.

Head over the lush slopes overseeing the Keelung River to find the Martyr’s Shrine. This large shrine commemorates the memory of about 390,000 brave soldiers and heroes who were killed during the War of Resistance and the civil war. After that, visit the Bangka Longshan Temple, the most famous temple in Taipei. It is dedicated to the worship of divine spirits of the Buddhist, Taoist and Confucian faiths.

In the evening, enjoy a traditional Taiwanese and Chinese theatre arts and opera performance through an optional visit to the Chinese Opera.

(B, L)

Start the day with a drive to the south towards the rural township of Beipu, known as the Hakka capital of Northern Taiwan. Stroll down the village’s narrow and twisting paths and experience the culture, heritage and cuisine of the ethnic Hakka people. After that, head to the magnificent Sun Moon Lake. Check-in at Einhan Hotel for a 2-night stay.

On the following day, explore the beauties of Sun Moon Lake. Start with a short boat excursion on the Lake, which is the largest body of water in Taiwan. The lake has a small island where the southern part is shaped like a new moon and the northern part is shaped like the sun, hence giving the lake its name Sun Moon Lake.

After that, head to the perimeter of Sun Moon Lake where the Wenwu Temple is situated. The temple is a large and impressive structure built in the palace style of northern China. End the day tour with a marvellous view of the Sun Moon Lake from the Tse-en pagoda. This outstanding pagoda was built by President Chiang Kai-Shek as a tribute to his mother.

(B)

In the morning, drive to one of Taiwan’s highlights and extraordinary mountainous scenery, Alishan Forest Park. In the afternoon, take a walking tour through the park’s trails winding through the alpine forest and passing pagodas, small temples, and ponds. Spend the night at Alishan House.
(B, D)

For early risers, take an optional ride on the Alishan Forest Railway – the first mountain-climbing railway built by the Taiwanese – and head to the summit of Mount Alishan to witness the breathtaking sunrise (weather permitting).

After breakfast, it is time to experience the charm of rural Taiwan with a visit to the quaint Zhuqi Township, known for its scenic tea fields and spectacular mountain views. Explore the historic Fenchihu Old Street, a charmingly preserved mountain area filled with traditional shops and local delicacies.

Next, head to Tainan to discover its rich history by visiting Fort Anping, a Dutch-built fortress with intriguing exhibits and a beautiful garden. Walk along Yanping Street, a lively area filled with street food vendors, handmade products, and unique architecture.

Finally, embark on a spiritual journey and experience the tranquil monk life at Fo Guang Shan Monastery in southern Taiwan. Learn about the practices and teachings of Buddhism, practice meditation and experience the peaceful lifestyle of monks. The grandeur of the monastery’s architecture and the serenity of the surrounding nature make it a perfect destination for spiritual retreats. Spend the night at the monastery guesthouse.

(B, D)

Rise early for a chance to end your monastery experience by joining the monks in the morning prayers. Afterwards, drive to the southern tip of Taiwan to Kenting National Park, Taiwan’s first national park. With sunshine throughout the year, the park is famed for its tropical climate, unique sceneries, rich natural heritage, and chill vibes. From the whitewashed beaches and azure blue oceans to the overgrown forests and low-lying mountains, the park’s diversity appeals to nature lovers of all kinds.

Later, take a drive north to Taitung. Check-in at the Hotel Royal Chihpen for an overnight stay.

(B)

In the morning, take a drive further north to Hualien passing through the East Coast National Scenic Area which stretches 170 km down the east coast of the island. Known as ‘Taiwan’s last unspoiled land’, the coast is a picturesque scene of brilliant blue ocean, unique rock formations and lush green hills.

Check-in at the Fullon Hotel for an overnight stay.

(B)

Start your day with a tour of the impressive Taroko gorge. The Taroko Gorge, named after the Taroko tribe, is a breathtakingly steep valley that has been formed by the Liwu River carving through the marble mountain range, flowing from the Central Mountains of Taiwan to the Pacific Ocean. The mesmerizing blue-green waters of the Liwu River have sculpted immense, vertical cliffs of marble and gneiss that make the gorge a stunning sight.

Visit the Eternal Spring Shrine, home to a picturesque waterfall flowing from the mountain, which is accompanied by a vibrant and expansive shrine constructed to honour the memory of those who lost their lives during the highway’s construction in the 1910s by the Japanese. Afterwards, explore the Swallow Grotto, a result of the gradual erosion of limestone by the stream over time, creating stunning caves from the softer rock layers where swallows build their nests.

Later in the day, drive to Taipei and stay overnight at The Howard Plaza Hotel.

(B)

Bid Farewell to Taipei and catch a direct flight to London. Alternatively, you can extend your stay to further explore Taipei and enjoy its hidden beauty.
(Flight Included | Airport Transfer | B)