Upon arrival at Taoyuan International Airport (TPE), you will be met and transferred to your hotel by private car (NO guide).
The remainder of the day will be free at your leisure.
Overnight at the hotel in Taipei.
Breakfast served at the hotel.
HALF DAY TAIPEI CITY TOUR
The first stop is Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, an impressive monument in memory of President Chiang Kai-shek.
After that, depart to the Grand Hotel Taipei and have a photo stop. This 5-star hotel is another historical landmark. On the way to the Grand Hotel, the tour guide will give a quick introduction when you pass by Presidential Office Building, a symbolic landmark and historical site in Taipei City.
After the photo stop, depart to Martyrs’ Shrine. The highlight of this place is the guard changing ceremony.
The last stop is the world-famous National Palace Museum, which has a collection of nearly 700,000 pieces of ancient Chinese artifacts and artworks throughout 8,000 years of Chinese art over multiple dynasties.
Overnight at the hotel in Taipei.
Breakfast served at the hotel.
Depart from central Taipei and travel to the heart of the island, Sun Moon Lake National Scenic Area.
Sun Moon Lake, the largest freshwater lake on the island, is divided by Lalu Island. The eastern side of the lake resembles the sun, while the western side resembles the crescent moon, giving the lake its unique name. This picturesque area is also the ancestral home of the Thao people, one of Taiwan's indigenous groups. With its rich indigenous culture and abundant natural beauty, Sun Moon Lake has earned its place as one of Taiwan's premier destinations.
After lunch, your journey continues with a scenic bus tour around Sun Moon Lake, where you'll explore the most renowned attractions in this area. Begin with a visit to Ita Thao, an indigenous village that offers insights into the culture and lifestyle of the Thao people. Then, marvel at the grandeur of Ci'en Pagoda, an iconic Sun Moon Lake landmark constructed by the late President Chiang Kai-shek in memory of his mother.
Following your visit to Ci'en Pagoda, your exploration of Sun Moon Lake continues with stops at two significant temples. First, you'll arrive at Xuanzang Temple, a serene Buddhist sanctuary dedicated to the esteemed monk Xuanzang. Then, your journey takes you to Wenwu Temple, an imposing Taoist temple featuring three halls devoted to the Martial God and the God of Literature. With the expert commentary of your tour guide, you'll gain deeper insights into Sun Moon Lake, enriching your appreciation of the area's history and significance.
For overnight accommodations, enjoy a comfortable stay in a 5-star hotel, either in the serene surroundings of Sun Moon Lake or in the vibrant heart of downtown Taichung.
Enjoy a delightful breakfast at the hotel, setting the tone for another day of exploration. Hop on the bus and make your way to Tainan, the oldest city in Taiwan, celebrated for its abundance of historic buildings and profound historical heritage.
Your adventure proceeds with a visit to Fort Zeelandia, constructed by the Dutch East India Company during their 38 year administration of western Taiwan. The original fortress faced near destruction by the British army in the 19th century but was subsequently rebuilt by the Japanese.
After exploring Fort Zeelandia, take a leisurely walk along Anping Old Street, situated on the east side of
Fort Zeelandia , this historic street was established by the Dutch over 300 years ago and holds the distinction of being the first officially named street in Taiwan. Besides its fascinating history, Anping Old Street is also known for its local specialties such as tofu pudding, shrimp rolls, fish skin dishes, beef soup, and many more. Don't miss the chance to savor the city's signature delicacies, adding a delightful culinary experience to your historical journey in Tainan.
After lunch, your next destination is the romantic harbor city of Kaohsiung, the most populous city in Southern Taiwan. Upon arriving in Kaohsiung, your first stop is the renowned Fo Guang Shan Monastery (FGS), a significant Buddhist monastery founded by the Venerable Master Hsing Yu n in 1967. The monastery is most famous for its Great Buddha Land, featuring a majestic 36 meter tall golden statue of Buddha Amitabha, which stands as the tallest standing Buddha in Southeast Asia. It is encircled by an impressive array of 480 smaller statues depicting Buddha Amitabha. During your visit to Fo Guang Shan Monastery, you’ll have the opportunity to engage with a knowledgeable monk who provides insights into the doctrines and development of Buddhism, which is the most widely practiced religion in Taiwan.
Overnight accommodations at a pleasantly located 5-star hotel in Kaohsiung.
After a hearty breakfast at the hotel, set out on your journey as you head south toward the border, where Taiwan's first national park awaits.
Kenting National Park is celebrated for its coastal geological formations, scenic landscapes, and rich marine biodiversity, fostered by its unique combination of crustal deformation and tropical climate. Additionally, Kenting is also a paradise for surfers and divers alike.
Make your stops at Maopitou, meaning cat’s nose, aptly named as it resembles a colossal crouching cat when viewed from afar; Chuanfan Rock, meaning sail rock, another distinctive natural formation that resembles the sail of a ship or a likeness of the former US President Richard Nixon; Eluanpi Lighthouse, a Qing Dynasty era construction that was recognized 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 rainfall erosion.
Following exploration of Kenting National Park, return to the hotel in Kaohsiung for rest and relax.
Overnight at the hotel in Koahsiung
After a good night’s sleep and a delectable breakfast at the hotel, continue your journey to Tainan. Visit some notable spots along the way, including Chimei Museum, which houses a collection of art, musical instruments, natural history and fossils, arms and armour, and other artifacts. Visit Yongle Market (Guohua Street), with its stalls of colorful fabric, street food, and other goods available for purchase.
Next, head to Chihkan Tower (Fort Provintia), a Dutch outpost built in 1653 during the Dutch colonization of Taiwan. Stop at the Sacrificial Rites Martial Temple, and the Grand Mazu Temple. On arrival to Tainan, check in to the hotel.
Note: This itinerary has been adjusted to visit attractions in the western region due to the earthquake.
Overnight at the hotel in Tainan
After breakfast at the hotel, visit the Tainan Confucius Temple, built in 1665 during the Koxinga dynasty. Next, head to Lukang to visit Lukang Old Street, a must-see destination in central Taiwan. Browse the shops and try some of the local delicacies, at your own expense.
Return to Taipei and reach your hotel or the designated drop off location in the evening. Check in at the hotel and spend the rest of the evening at your leisure.
Overnight at the hotel in Taipei
After breakfast at the hotel, spend the day at leisure until check out.
You will be transferred to the airport for your departure flight by private car (NO guide), marking the end of your unforgettable Taiwan tour.