Enchanting Taiwan

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.

Meals: None
Overnight in Taipei – Option A: 5* hotel, Option B: 4* hotel, or Option C: 4-* hotel

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.

Meals: Breakfast
Overnight in Taipei – Option A: 5* hotel, Option B: 4* hotel, or Option C: 4-* hotel

After breakfast, check out of the hotel and 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 (at your own expense), 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.

Meals: Breakfast
Overnight in 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 (at your own expense), 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, star hotel, surrounded by department stores, convenience stores, and drugstores. Take advantage of this opportunity to stock up on any additional supplies you may need for the remaining days of your Taiwan tour.

Meals: Breakfast
Overnight 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 your exploration of Kenting National Park, your journey will take you to Taitung via the scenic South Link Highway, allowing you to savor the continually shifting landscapes throughout your drive.

Enjoy the pleasure of staying in a serene hot spring resort in Zhiben, Taitung County. Zhiben is renowned for its carbonate hot springs, which are known for enhancing blood circulation and alleviating fatigue, making it the perfect place to rejuvenate after a day of exploration.

Meals: Breakfast
Overnight in Taitung

After a good night’s sleep and a delectable breakfast, the tour of Taiwan continues as you journey along the east coast, known as the last unspoiled place of the island. Wherever you go, it never ceases to amaze with its enchanting natural beauty. You’ll visit some of the most
impressive scenic spots along the way, including Xiaoyeliu, Sanxientai, Shitiping, and Fanshuliao, each boasting their own distinctive geological features.

The first stop is Xiaoyehliu (literally meaning “Little Yehliu, or officially “Fugang Geopark”). This area is known for its natural rock formations, resembling those found in Yehliu Geopark on the northern coast of Taiwan, hence the name. Here, you can get up close to these unique landforms, shaped over time by weathering and sea erosion.

Your adventure continues with a visit to Sanxientai (literally meaning the terrace of the three immortals), which comprises an offshore island and coral reefs, with a cross-sea bridge that connects the mainland to the island, serving as a prominent landmark in the East Coast National Scenic Area.

After exploring Sanxientai, you will make a stop at Shitiping (literally meaning stone steps). This area is a
well-developed sea erosion terrace, featuring promontories along the coastline that have been eroded by sea water over millions of years. This natural process has created an abrasion platform, sea grooves, sea cliffs, and potholes, making Shitiping a world-class outdoor geology classroom.

Your next stop is Fanshuliao, a unique canyon often considered a smaller version of Taroko Gorge.

For overnight accommodations, enjoy the pleasure of staying in Jiaoxi, Yilan County.

*Note: This itinerary has been adjusted to visit attractions in the eastern region due to the earthquake. 

Meals: Breakfast
Overnight in Yilan

Begin your adventure with an early morning departure from Yilan, a region celebrated for its picturesque landscapes and hot springs. A short drive brings you to the first highlight of your tour, the Kavalan Distillery.

Nestled in Yuanshan Township, the Kavalan Distillery is a must-visit for whisky enthusiasts. As Taiwan’s premier whisky producer, Kavalan has garnered international acclaim for its exquisite single malts.

Next, continue your exploration at the National Center for Traditional Arts. This cultural gem showcases Taiwan’s traditional arts and crafts within a beautifully designed environment. Wander through artisan workshops where you can observe master craftsmen at work, creating intricate wood carvings, delicate paper cuttings, and exquisite pottery. Spend time exploring the interactive exhibits and perhaps try your hand at crafting a unique souvenir.

In the evening, return to Taipei and reach your hotel or the designated drop off location.

Meals: Breakfast
Overnight in Taipei – Option A: 5* hotel, Option B: 4* hotel, or Option C: 4-* hotel

Spend the morning 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.

Meals: Breakfast