Taiwan Explorer

Welcome to Taiwan! Your private driver will greet you at the airport and take you to the vibrant capital city, Taipei, a drive of about 50 minutes (80 km). As you travel, you’ll catch glimpses of key city landmarks, including the striking, palace-like Grand Hotel and the iconic Taipei 101 Tower, once the tallest building in the world.

Tour Duration: 09:00 – 18:00

Meeting Point: Your hotel lobby

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before a day of exploring Taipei’s cultural and historical highlights.

Morning Highlights

Your first stop is the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, a landmark dedicated to one of Taiwan’s most significant historical figures. Next, you’ll head to the renowned National Palace Museum, which houses over 650,000 priceless Chinese imperial artifacts. Prepare to be amazed by the incredible collection of jade carvings, ancient scroll paintings, bronze relics, and stunning sculptures.

Afterward, you’ll visit the National Revolutionary Martyrs’ Shrine, a beautiful and sombre tribute to Taiwan’s fallen soldiers. This is an excellent spot to witness the impressive ceremonial changing of the guard.

Afternoon Exploration

In the afternoon, you’ll immerse yourself in local spiritual traditions at the Lungshan Temple. This beautiful temple, which dates back to 1738, is a central part of community life. Here, you’ll have the chance to see how Taiwanese people pray and make offerings.

The tour concludes in the late afternoon with a return to your hotel. The rest of the evening is yours to relax or explore Taipei at your leisure.

Tour Duration: 09:00 – 18:00

Meeting Point: Your hotel lobby

Start your day with breakfast at the hotel before an exciting full-day tour of Northern Taiwan.

Morning Highlights

Your first stop is the extraordinary Yehliu Geopark, where you’ll witness a surreal landscape of rock formations sculpted by natural forces. Look for the iconic Queen’s Head and other unique shapes, and even spot real marine fossils on the ground.

Next, you’ll visit the charming Jiufen Village, a former gold mining town nestled in the mountains. Your guide will lead you through its narrow, winding lanes, sharing stories of its past. You’ll stop at the Gold Museum to learn more about the village’s rich history and have the option to relax at a local teahouse (at your own expense) and enjoy the spectacular mountain and sea views.

Afternoon Adventures

Continue on to Shifen Old Street, with a brief stop to admire the striking Golden Waterfall. In Shifen, you’ll get to experience the magical tradition of releasing sky lanterns. Take a brush pen to write your wishes, then watch as your lantern floats toward the sky, a truly unforgettable experience.

You will return to your hotel in the late afternoon. The rest of the evening is yours to enjoy at your leisure.

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before a day of independent travel.

Travel to Taichung

Today, you’ll travel to the vibrant city of Taichung, known for its sunny weather and creative energy.

Make your way to Taipei Main Station, the central hub for Taiwan’s rail network. This station is a massive complex with high-speed rail, local trains, metro lines, and bus services all in one place. With three underground shopping malls and a huge food court, it’s worth taking some extra time to find your way to the correct platform.

Board the High-Speed Rail (HSR) and enjoy a scenic, one-hour journey to Taichung. Upon arrival, head to your hotel to drop off your luggage before you begin exploring the city.

To help you get around, you have been provided with an Easy Card pre-loaded with NT$1,000 credit, which can be used for public transportation in Taipei, Taichung, and other major cities.

Suggested Taichung Experiences

While in Taichung, consider visiting some of these highlights (activities are not included):

• Rainbow Village: A charming settlement brought to life with vibrant, colourful murals painted by a former soldier.
• National Taichung Theatre: An architectural marvel designed by Toyo Ito, featuring unique, flowing curves and a stunning interior.
• Fengjia Night Market: One of Taiwan’s largest night markets, perfect for sampling local street food like bubble tea and fried chicken.
• Gaomei Wetlands: A serene spot to enjoy a beautiful sunset, with the silhouettes of wind turbines reflecting on the water.

After your day of exploration, return to your hotel for a relaxing evening or venture out to experience the city’s lively nightlife.

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before a day of independent travel. To make getting around easy, your Easy Card, pre-loaded with NT$1,000 credit, can be used for public transportation throughout Taiwan

Travel to Sun Moon Lake

This morning, you will travel to the breathtaking Sun Moon Lake. Please walk to Gancheng Station (about 10 minutes from Taichung Train Station) to catch bus number 6670 (Sun Moon Lake Tourist Shuttle Bus) at 9:00 AM. Be sure to arrive at least 15 minutes early to secure your seat.

After a scenic journey, you will arrive at Sun Moon Lake. Make your way to your hotel to check in and drop off your luggage before you begin exploring

Suggested Sun Moon Lake Experiences

While at Sun Moon Lake, consider these popular activities (activities are not included):

• Wen Wu Temple: Visit this beautiful temple and climb to the top for a stunning panoramic view of the lake and surrounding mountains.
• Shuttle Boat Tour: Take a boat ride across the lake to fully appreciate its natural beauty from the water.
• Te Hua Village: Explore this village, also known as Barawbaw, to learn about the traditions and culture of the indigenous Thao tribe.

The rest of the evening is yours to relax and enjoy the serene atmosphere of Sun Moon Lake.

Good morning! After a final breakfast at your hotel, it’s time to say goodbye to Sun Moon Lake.

At 9:00 AM, your driver will meet you in the hotel lobby for the journey to the scenic mountain region of Alishan. The drive takes approximately 3 to 3.5 hours and offers winding views through the mountains.

Upon arrival, here’s an idea for how to spend your afternoon.

Exploring the Alishan National Forest Recreation Area

After you arrive, take a short, 7-minute walk from the bus station to the entrance of the Alishan National Forest Recreation Area. This is the perfect place to reconnect with nature and explore the tranquil hiking trails. Don’t miss these highlights:

• Sister Pond: A pair of serene, interconnected ponds.
• Alishan Forest Railway: Take a nostalgic ride on this charming train.
• Giant Wood Trail: Walk among ancient, towering trees and peaceful forest paths.

After your walk, you can check into your hotel and relax in the fresh mountain air.

Today you’ll say goodbye to Alishan and journey south to Tainan, with a stop in Chiayi along the way.

After breakfast and checking out of your hotel, head to the bus station or train station. You can take either the Alishan Shuttle Bus (Route 7329) or the Alishan Forestry Train down to Chiayi TRA Station. The trip takes about 2.5 hours. Once you arrive in Chiayi, you’ll have some free time to explore the city or relax before continuing your journey.

From Chiayi, board a TRA (regular train) to Tainan. The train ride takes about 1-1.5 hours to Tainan Railway Station in the city centre.

Welcome to Tainan

Welcome to Taiwan’s oldest city and first capital! Tainan is not only rich in history and culture but also famous as the country’s food capital. Locals say the food here is a little sweeter, so get ready to eat.

Here are a few ideas for how to spend your afternoon exploring Tainan (activities are not included):

• Chihkan Tower (Fort Provintia): Visit this 17th-century Dutch fortress to see its intricate architecture and landscaped gardens.
• Tainan Confucius Temple: Explore this serene and historic site, built in 1665, which is considered Taiwan’s first school.
• Anping Street: Stroll through this historic street, once the heart of the Dutch colonial settlement. Today, it’s lined with traditional houses, shops, and quaint cafés. This is a great place to sample local snacks like Anping tofu, shrimp rolls, and coffin bread. You can also visit Anping Fort here for views of the harbor.
• Shennong Street: This beautifully preserved old street is filled with traditional shops, tea houses, and great photo spots.
• Koxinga Shrine: A memorial dedicated to the Ming Dynasty hero who reclaimed Taiwan from Dutch rule.
• Garden (Huayuan) Night Market: If you’re here on a day it’s open, a visit to this bustling market is a must! Try popular local favourites like oyster omelettes and coffin bread.

After a full day of travel and discovery, check in to your hotel and unwind.

After breakfast at the hotel, enjoy your morning in Tainan. You can visit a local morning market or simply explore the charming city centre.

In the afternoon, begin your journey to the Fo Guang Shan Monastery by public transport. Take the shuttle bus 8501/8502 from Zuoying HSR Station. The ride to the monastery takes about 40–50 minutes.

Exploring Fo Guang Shan Monastery

Upon arrival, here are a few ideas for how to spend your afternoon:

• Buddha Memorial Centre: Marvel at the giant bronze Buddha, elegant pagodas, and serene courtyards. Explore the exhibition halls showcasing Buddhist history, art, and philosophy. If you’re feeling meditative, you’re welcome to join a prayer or meditation session. You can also try your hand at sutra copying with a traditional Chinese brush at the Sutra Hall.
• Monastic Grounds: Take a walk around the tranquil grounds of this, one of Taiwan’s most significant Buddhist complexes, and learn about Buddhist practices.

For dinner, enjoy the day like the monks do by joining them for a vegetarian meal. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy in tranquillity and silence.

After breakfast at your hotel, you can join the morning chanting that takes place before sunrise if you wish. Then, enjoy a simple vegetarian breakfast before continuing your day in peace.

When you’re ready, check out and journey toward Kaohsiung. Take E02 to HSR Zuoying Station.

Exploring Kaohsiung

Welcome to Kaohsiung! Here are a few ideas for how to spend your day (activities not included):

• Dragon and Tiger Pagodas: These colourful pagodas on scenic Lotus Lake are iconic landmarks of Kaohsiung. Legend has it that entering through the dragon’s mouth and exiting through the tiger’s mouth brings good fortune.
• Pier-2 Art Centre: What was once a banana warehouse district is now a lively creative park filled with galleries, shops, and cafés. Walk across the Big Harbor Bridge, the longest horizontal suspension bridge in Asia.
• Liuho Night Market: One of the largest night markets in Kaohsiung, this is a great place to try a variety of Taiwanese delicacies.

Optional Half-Day Excursion

• Wutai Tribal Village: Discover the traditional Rukai tribe in their remote mountain village. Admire their stone-slab houses and beautifully detailed artwork that reflects their deep cultural heritage.

Today is your day to explore the vibrant city of Kaohsiung. After breakfast at your hotel and checking out, you’ll begin your journey north along Taiwan’s scenic east coast toward Hualien.

From Kaohsiung Railway Station (TRA), you will board a train to Hualien. The Tze-Chiang Limited Express offers a comfortable journey that takes approximately 4 to 5 hours. The train ride is a beautiful way to see the landscape as it passes between the Pacific Ocean and the towering Central Mountain Range.

Upon your evening arrival in Hualien, a city known for its stunning natural landscape, here are a few ideas for how to spend your time (activities not included):

• Dongdamen Night Market: As one of the largest night markets in Taiwan, this is a perfect place to sample Hualien specialties like mocha, grilled seafood, and rice noodles.
• Qixingtan Beach: If you’re an early riser, enjoy the sunrise at this beautiful pebble beach with sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean.

After a long day of travel, check in to your hotel and unwind. The rest of the night is yours to relax or explore at your leisure.

After breakfast at the hotel, today is yours to explore the beauty of Hualien.

Malasang Hunter School

Start your day with a cultural adventure at the Malasang Hunter School, where you will learn about the traditions and lifestyle of the Amis indigenous tribe. You can try on their traditional red-and-black attire, learn to make bamboo rice, and enjoy some authentic Amis cuisine. You’ll even get a chance to test your skills at archery and slingshot practice!

Hualien Activities

The rest of the day is yours to explore Hualien at your leisure. Here are a few ideas for activities (not included):

• Outdoor Activities: If the weather permits, you can try various outdoor activities like sunrise kayaking or river trekking.
• Hualien Cultural and Creative Industries Park: Explore this converted industrial complex, now home to art galleries, craft shops, and cafés.
• Optional Half-Day Trip: Visit Taroko Gorge National Park to see stunning marble cliffs, waterfalls, and scenic hiking trails.

Return to your hotel in the evening to rest and refresh.

After breakfast and checking out of your hotel, enjoy a final morning in Hualien.

In the afternoon, you will begin your journey north toward Yilan, a scenic county known for its hot springs and lush landscapes. Make your way to the Hualien Railway Station (TRA) and board the Tze-Chiang Limited Express train to Yilan. The ride will take approximately 3 to 3.5 hours.

Exploring Yilan

After you arrive, here are a few ideas for how to spend your time (activities not included):

• National Centre of Traditional Arts: Explore Taiwanese handicrafts, from jade to woodwork, and watch a traditional puppet performance. You can even try on traditional Chinese clothing!
• Kavalan Whisky Distillery: Discover Taiwan’s award-winning single-malt whisky. You can tour the distillery, learn about the production process, and join a tasting session.
• Green Onion Farm: Yilan is famous for its green onions. Visit a local farm to pick your own fresh onions and learn to make snacks with them.

In the evening, check in to your hotel and unwind. The rest of the night is yours to relax or explore as you please.

After breakfast, you will check out of your hotel and continue to explore Yilan on your own.

Here are a few ideas for activities (not included):

• Waiao Beach: Take a stroll along the shore or try surfing in what are considered some of Taiwan’s gentlest waves.
• Optional: Take a trip to Taiping Mountain to ride the scenic Bong Bong Train and enjoy an easy hike.

When you’re ready, take the train back to Taipei City, which is about a 1-hour ride. Enjoy the rest of your day before returning!

In the evening, check in to your hotel and unwind. The rest of the night is yours to relax or explore at your leisure.