PLEASE NOTE: We will be operating with a reduced staff on Friday 29 March for the Good Friday holiday (Canada), and back to full operation from April 1st. Wishing you all a safe and enjoyable weekend!

Book 24/7 via this website; contact 1800 665 3998 or [email protected] to reach out.

8 Day Taiwan Tour

La Isla Formosa
TOURCODE: TA3

Duration:
8 Days

Activity Level:
1

When To Go:
Mar, Sep, Oct

Countries Visited:
1

Arrive In / Depart From:
/

Max Group Size:
18

Tour Style:
Cultural

Price From:

  Overnight in: Taipei, Taroko Gorge, Sun Moon Lake, Tainan

Discover the country's true culture with the help of experienced local guides.

  • Small group sizes to help escape the beaten path.
  • All-inclusive with top-rated restaurants and hotels.
RESERVE YOUR SPOT
Tour Overview
Tour Overview
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Countries Visited: 1 Activity Level: 1 Tour Style: Cultural

Despite being among the world's most densely populated areas, on our Taiwan tour you'll discover Taiwan is a place full of jaw-dropping natural splendour. With a society known as Asia's most democratic and tolerant, rich culinary history and a fascinating convergence of Chinese traditions that include Buddhism, Taoism and Confucianism, Taiwan is a multi-faceted country full of surprise and delight.

On arrival in Taipei, Taiwan's bustling centre of commerce and culture, a tour touches down at a number of the city's most important attractions. Among them, the world-famous National Palace Museum and its unparalleled collection of Chinese artifacts, including art that once belonged to emperors.

Shung Ye Museum of Formosan Aborigines gives further historical context of the area's development and people. After lunch visit the National Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, a grandiose and sobering monument to the former authoritarian president. And, of course, time is set aside to ascend Taipei 101, a remarkable landmark affording truly spectacular views.

In the morning travel through Hsuehshan Tunnel, Taiwan's longest, en route to Taroko Gorge, the undisputed scenic highlight of this Taiwan tour. With plenty of awe inspiring viewpoints and trails to explore, this phenomenal marble canyon with its sheer cliffs and ever changing terrain is a guaranteed crowd pleaser.

Driving away from the gorge through sub-alpine forest we visit Chung Tai Chan monastery - an internationally lauded centre of Buddhist research and culture - ahead of a visit to Sun Moon Lake, in the foothills of the Central Mountain range. The popular vacation area is idyllic, notable for the lake's deep blue waters and a surrounding countryside dotted with pagodas and temples.

Cruise across the lake before setting out for Tainan. The oldest city in Taiwan, Tainan is celebrated as a hotbed of traditional culture and features several significant temples among its attractions.

In the North, the Chihkan Cultural Zone's most notable feature is Chihkan Tower, built by the Dutch in in the 1650s and retaining many of its original architectural features. In the southern part of the city, the Confucius Temple Cultural Zone is as the name implies, and features the remarkable Confucius Temple, thought to be the oldest in Taiwan.

The day's agenda also includes the coastal Dutch Fort of Anping. Walk the winding streets and soak up the reminders of colonial rule from another era, while perusing the readily available, handmade wares, in what is known as the cradle of Han Chinese civilization.

And finally, a highlight of our Taiwan tour, we rocket back to Taipei at 300 km/h aboard one of the high speed trains the region is known for. A final afternoon of sightseeing in Taipei takes in the Taoist Lungshan Temple, the old town market of Dihua Street and Taipei Martyrs Shrine. The bulky structure serves as commemoration to the nearly 400,000 lives lost during the War of Resistance and features an hourly changing of the guards.

 


 

Dates & Prices
Dates & Prices

 

Prices below are per person, twin-sharing costs in US Dollars (USD). Pricing does not include airfare to/from the tour and any applicable taxes. For single supplement rates and taxes (if any), please refer to below Prices & Dates table. For general information on flights to/from the tour, click here.

 

Select a date below to reserve your spot:

 

Optional Single Supplement: $720 USD (number of singles limited).

 


 

Full Itinerary
Full Itinerary

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Day 1 Arrive in Taipei
Arrival in Taipei -- welcome to Taiwan!

Lying off the south-eastern coast of mainland Asia, and across the Taiwan Strait from China, Taiwan is an island truly on the edge of the Pacific. One of the most densely-populated places on earth, this is also a natural wonderland with steep mountains, magnificent forests and an array of scenic attractions. Being situated on the western edge of the Pacific "ring of fire", continuous tectonic movements have created majestic peaks, rolling hills and plains, spectacular coastlines, and other natural wonders. 8 national parks and 13 national scenic areas preserve Taiwan's best natural ecological environment and cultural sites.

Overnight in Taipei.

Included Meal(s): Dinner



Day 2 Taipei: City Tour
We will spend today exploring vibrant Taipei, modern and old, where Taoist temples sit alongside shopping malls. Many have rated Taipei as one of the region's most dynamic, comfortable and liveable cities. Situated at the northern tip of the island, the capital is located on the Tamsui River, about 25 km southwest of the Pacific Ocean. This is the political, economic, and cultural center of Taiwan. Originally founded in the early 18th century, Taiwan quickly became an important center for overseas trade in the 19th century. Today this truly is one of Asia's most dynamic and fascinating cities. Taipei is the thriving heart of Taiwan and the bustling centre of commerce, government and culture.

Our sightseeing will first take us to the world-famous National Palace Museum, the world's largest collection of Chinese artifacts. Here we will see porcelain, paintings, jade, bronze, tapestries and other art objects that once belonged to the emperors of China. This truly is a breathtaking selection of Chinese Imperial Art. In 1949, the collection was brought to Taiwan by Chiang Kai Shek's armies. Nearby is the wonderful Shung Ye Museum of Formosan Aborigines. This museum houses exhibits relating to the cultures and histories of the Taiwanese aborigines. These Austronesian peoples are related through blood or linguistic ties to people across precolonial Oceania, as far away as Madagascar. The tribes developed pottery, basketry, woodcarvings, musical instruments and colourful costumes. We will view some fine examples of Taiwanese aboriginal handicrafts and learn about the history of these people.

After a break for lunch we will continue with our tour of the city. A must is a visit to the National Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, located in the heart of the city. This Memorial Hall (C.K.S. Memorial Hall) was constructed in memory of the former president of R.O.C. During our touring of the city we will pass by the Presidential Buildings Presidential Square. Originally built by the Japanese, it originally served as the governor's mansion.

A must during the tour will of course be a visit to Taipei 101, with its outstanding views over the city. Taipei 101 is a 101-floor landmark skyscraper that claimed the title of world's tallest building when it opened in 2004.

Overnight in Taipei.

Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner



Day 3 Taipei - Taroko Gorge
This morning we will depart Taipei and travel to the famous Taroko Gorge. Our route will take us to the hilly suburbs of Taipei, and through the Hsuehshan Tunnel ("Snow Mountain" tunnel), the longest tunnel in Taiwan. From the coastal city of Yilan we will continue along the coast via the Suao Highway.

The eastern coast of Taiwan is the least populated region and yet covers more than a fifth of the landscape. In every sense, nature is less tamed on this side of the island. Our drive will take us past the Qingshui Cliffs, located on a section of the highway that provides some of the most spectacular sights on Taiwan's Pacific coast. The cliffs here are more than 1000 meters high and they drop almost vertically into the sea. The highway snakes along its curving face, with the sheer cliffs rising on one side and a sheer drop to the ocean on the other.

The Taroko Gorge is the undisputed scenic highlight of Taiwan, the jewel of the beautiful national park of the same name. The gorge itself is a marble canyon featuring a rushing white water river, towering cliffs, hiking trails and even the odd hot spring. The most phenomenal aspect of the park is the amazing relief and change in terrain. In a single afternoon we will travel from the rugged coastal cliffs through a maze of subtropical forest. The road is carved into the sheer walls of rock, winding its way past forested peaks and cliffs towering thousands of feet above it, while hundreds of feet below a river roars past gigantic marble boulders.

Many consider this area to be the most attractive region of Taiwan. This steep ravine, with its high marble cliffs, is permeated with a network of tunnels. Shrines, waterfalls and grottoes are found throughout the area. We will spend the afternoon touring the gorge, with plenty of scenic viewpoints and trails to explore.

Overnight at Taroko Gorge.

Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner



Day 4 Taroko Gorge - Sun Moon Lake
This morning we will drive out of the Taroko Gorge region and travel southwest to Sun Moon Lake, one of Taiwan's most famous and most beautiful vacation spots, situated in the foothills of the Central Mountain Range. Our route will take us from the gorge through a high elevation sub alpine coniferous forest. We travel via Puli, a town in the heart of Taiwan and surrounded by mountains.

We will have a guided tour of the spectacular Chung Tai Chan Monastery located on the outskirts of Puli. This massive temple is more than just another modern temple - it is an international centre of Buddhist academic research, culture and the arts.

This afternoon we continue with our journey to Sun Moon Lake. The surrounding region is dotted with temples and pagodas, and on arrival we will have the opportunity to visit Wenwu Temple. This region has also been a center of aboriginal life for thousands of years, with aboriginal people involved in its tourist industry since the 1930s.

Overnight at Sun Moon Lake.

Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner



Day 5 Sun Moon Lake - Tainan
After breakfast we will continue exploring the Sun Moon Lake area. In this idyllic environment we will see the deep blue waters of the lake and the mountainous surroundings from different perspectives. We will begin by enjoying a cruise across the lake, where we will benefit from fantastic views of the neighbouring mountains. Then, we will take in the lake from above as we experience the Sun Moon Lake Ropeway.

This afternoon we continue our journey south to Tainan.

Tainan is the oldest city in Taiwan, and was its capital for over 200 years. This city has managed to maintain much of its historical character, and its many historical sites make for some great exploration. Most of the Han migrants who sailed for Taiwan in the 17th and early 18th centuries landed on the islands southwest coastline, an area of flat land suitable for rice cultivation. Often compared to Kyoto, Tainan is an essential destination for those interested in history, religion and traditional ways of life. Upon arrival in the city we may enjoy some sightseeing this afternoon.

Overnight in Tainan.

Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner



Day 6 Tainan Sightseeing
Today we will enjoy a full day of sightseeing in Tainan. This is an enticing city and a true highlight on the west coast of Taiwan. Tainan retains a stronghold of traditional Taiwanese culture, with frequent Buddhist parades and ceremonies. Our exploration will take us to several of Tainan’s historic sites and temples, as well as the Dutch fort of Anping on the coast. We will explore both the Chihkan Cultural Zone and the Confucius Temple Cultural Zone.

The Chihkan Cultural Zone covers the northern part of the old city, and highlights here include several temples and the Chihkan Tower. This was the site of Fort Provintia, built by the Dutch in the 1650’s. Meaning ‘eternity’ in Dutch, the Chihkan Tower has been a significant administration centre of Tainan ever since the Dutch invaded the country. The tower has been through various periods of Chinese rule, such as the Ching and Ming Dynasties, as well as a period of Japanese Colonization. Many of its original architectural features can still be seen today.

Anping is considered to be the cradle of Han Chinese civilization in Taiwan, and the first European base on the island. It took the Dutch nearly 10 years of hard work to construct the impressive Fort Zeelandia (Anping Old Fort) in the town of Anping. This noteworthy fortress is a clear reminder of colonial rule in the country. When constructing the fortress the Dutch selected a sandy peninsula in Tainan, and the strategic location was aimed at providing direct access for various supplies and support from Batavia (now known as Jakarta, Indonesia). Yanping Street is one of the oldest streets in Tainan. Also known as Anping Old Street or Taiwan’s 1st Street, it was the first established merchant street in the area. We will walk along the narrow and winding streets with their little shops and food stalls that cover a full range of souvenirs and handmade products.

As well as these sites we will also explore the southern half of the old city of Tainan where we see the well-preserved Great South Gate and the Confucius Temple. Built in 1665, the Confucius Temple is believed to be the oldest Confucius temple in Taiwan.

Overnight in Tainan.

Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner



Day 7 Tainan - High-speed train to Taipei - Taipei Sightseeing
Today we will leave Tainan and travel back to Taipei by high-speed train. This high-speed line opened for service in 2007, using trains with a top speed of 300 km/h (186 mph). The journey time from Tainan to Taipei will take just over 90 minutes!

This afternoon we will complete our sightseeing of Taipei. A visit to the Taoist Lungshan Temple provides some insight into the local culture. Dedicated to Kuanyin, the Goddess of Mercy, this is one of the city’s most popular and busiest temples. Like most temples in Taiwan, the Temple worships a mixture of Buddhist, Taoist, and folk deities such as Matsu.

We will walk through the Dihua Street Area, where one can get a true feel for the city’s past. The old-town market has dozens of shops selling a variety of traditional goods such as Chinese medicines and herbs, temple icons and incense, spices and dried food, colourful bolts of cloth, and bamboo and wooden crafts. This is a fascinating patch of the past.

Built on a green hillside in 1969, the impressive Taipei Martyrs Shrine was architecturally inspired by the Hall of Supreme Harmony in Beijing's Forbidden City. The shrine is dedicated to the 390,000 soldiers killed in the service of their country during the War of Resistance against Japan and the civil war between the Chinese Republican and communist forces.

Overnight in Taipei.

Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner



Day 8 Departure
Today we say our goodbyes and depart from Taipei.

BON VOYAGE!

Included Meal(s): Breakfast

 


 

Trip Info
Trip Info

Inclusions
Breakfast and dinner (mostly at local restaurants) are included daily. All transport, accommodation, sightseeing and entrance fees for sites noted as 'visited' in the detailed itinerary. Gratuities for restaurant staff, porters, local guides. Airport transfers for land & air customers and for early arriving/late departing land & air customers who book their extra hotel nights through us.

Exclusions
International airfare to/from the tour. Tour Leader gratuities, lunches, drinks, personal items (phone, laundry, etc), domestic and international (if applicable) air taxes, and any excursions referenced as 'optional'. Airport transfers for Land Only customers. Optional trip cancellation insurance. Our post-reservation trip notes offer further guidance on shopping and not included meals.

Seasonality and Weather
Our autumn tour can expect moderate humidity and mild temperatures ranging from 12-25 C (53-78 F), depending on elevation (our time in the mountains can be chilly). Rain showers can occur at any time. Spring will experience slightly cooler temperatures and the same possibility of rainfall. Our spring date may feature annual cherry & plum blossoms at some locations.

Transport and Travel Conditions
Our land transport will be via comfortable private air-conditioned/heated bus.

We rate this tour difficulty 'Level 2', which relates mostly to some full days of travel, uneven surfaces, and plenty of time on your feet. Our pace is leisurely, but we have some full days of activities and have multiple walking tours of sites for several hours. We also have short walks to/from dinner at the end of our days. We do, however, time the tour for times when heat is not a factor. Our accommodations are comfortable and there will likely be baggage handling assistance to/from your room.

There is also a very strong culinary element to this trip. Breakfasts feature Asian as well as Western items, but our dinners out at local restaurants will feature a wide range of local specialties. Eating is very much a cultural experience in this part of the world, and this aspect of our program is an integral part of the overall experience. Though individual tastes and requirements will be taken into account by your leader who will be organizing our evening meals on-the-go, if you are strictly a meat-and-potatoes person, or a strict vegan/gluten-free etc, you may find your preferences significantly challenged on this tour.

Am I suitable for this tour? Please refer to our self-assessment form.

Accommodation
Hotels in Taiwan are international style, 3-4 star properties.

Staff and Support
Tour Leader throughout, local guides at various locations.

Group Size
Maximum 18 (plus Tour Leader)

Tour Extensions
This tour is part of a series that can be upgraded to make for a longer trip. For more options, please refer to tour code/s:

15 Day Taiwan & South Korea Tour
MAR SEP OCT
TOUR CODE: TA4
Tour Overview
Taiwan, South Korea & Japan-by-Rail
MAR SEP OCT
TOUR CODE: TA5
Tour Overview
Taiwan, South Korea & Japan-by-Rail
MAR SEP OCT
TOUR CODE: TA6
Tour Overview

 


 

Map & Hotels
Map & Hotels

Regions visited: Far East
Countries visited: Taiwan


*The red tour trail on the map does not represent the actual travel path.


The following is a list of sample hotels at some locations included on this tour. The hotels shown here are meant to provide a general sense of the standard of hotel we usually aim for; they are not necessarily confirmed for your chosen departure.


Sonnien Hotel
4 Star Accommodation 4 Star Accommodation 4 Star Accommodation 4 Star Accommodation
Location: Taipei
Country: Taiwan
The Sonnien Hotel honours and respects our guests and takes pride in offering them a heartwarming service as well as a serene and comfortable environment for their stay. Not only is the ... close to one of the biggest ecological parks within the city, it is situated on a tree-lined prominent boulevard within the busy metropolitan area. Just by looking out from the hotel windows, guests would be able to have a glimpse of greenery which is a rare commodity in today’s urban jungle.
Read More
Silks Place Taroko
5 Star Accommodation 5 Star Accommodation 5 Star Accommodation 5 Star Accommodation 5 Star Accommodation
Location: Taroko Gorge
Country: Taiwan
Silks Place Taroko is an international five-star resort hotel located in Hualien Taroko National Park, which is a hotel under the Regent International Hotel Group. The hotel is located in the Tianxiang ... where the highway crosses from east to west, with the Liwu River running through it. The beautiful mountain scenery is a natural work of art; the hotel has 160 guest rooms and provides a variety of cuisine services to satisfy you.
Read More
The Place Tainan
4 Star Accommodation 4 Star Accommodation 4 Star Accommodation 4 Star Accommodation
Location: Tainan
Country: Taiwan
Located in downtown Tainan, the east district, The Place Tainan shares the same complex as the T.S. Mall, a new must-go of Tainan. The hotel has 223 rooms, the Ganchui Italian Restaurant, ... Bar 21 and the Huigan Café, as well as the fitness center. To showcase the theme of new and old, window grille, bricks and wood materials are widely used in the hotel, reflecting Tainan’s landscape and traditional images through modern design.
Read More

 


 

Gallery

 


 

Frequently Asked Questions
ASK A QUESTION
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
ASK A QUESTION
01. What is the maximum number of participants on a trip?
Most of our tours carry a maximum of 18 participants; some tours (ie hiking tours) top out at 16. In the event that we do not achieve our minimum complement by our 60-day deadline, we may offer group members the option of paying a "small-group surcharge" as an alternative to cancellation. If all group members agree, we will confirm the trip at existing numbers; this surcharge is refundable in the event that we ultimately achieve our regular minimum. If the small group surcharge is not accepted, we will offer a refund of your deposit or a different trip of your choice.
02. Can I extend my tour either at the beginning or end? What about stopovers?
Yes, you can extend your tour either at the beginning or the end and we can book accommodation in our tour hotel. Stopovers are often permitted, depending on air routing. Stopovers usually carry a "stopover" fee levied by the airline.
03. How do I make a reservation? How and when do I pay?
The easiest way to make a reservation is via our website; during office hours, you are also more than welcome to contact us by telephone. A non-refundable deposit is payable at the time of booking; if a reservation is made within 60 days, full payment is required. Some trips require a larger deposit. If international airline bookings require a non-refundable payment in order to secure space or the lowest available fare, we will require an increase in deposit equal to the cost of the ticket(s). Early enrolment is always encouraged as group size is limited and some trips require greater preparation time. Once we have received your deposit, we will confirm your space and send you a confirmation package containing your trip itinerary, any visa/travel permit related documents, invoice, clothing and equipment recommendations, general information on your destination(s), and forms for you to complete, sign and return to us. Your air e-tickets (if applicable), final hotel list, final trip itinerary, and instructions on how to join your tour, will be sent approximately 2-3 weeks prior to departure.
04. What about cancellations, refunds, and transfers?
Please review our cancellation policy page for details.
05. I am a single who prefers my own room. What is a single supplement?
All of our tours have a single supplement for those who want to be guaranteed their own room at each location. This supplement is a reflection of the fact that most hotels around the world do not discount the regular twin-share rate for a room by 50% for only one person occupying a room. Most hotels will give a break on the price, but usually in the range of 25-30% of the twin-share rate. This difference, multiplied by each night, amounts to the single supplement. The conventional amount can also vary from country to country and some destinations are more expensive than others for single occupancy. In order to be "single friendly," the supplements we apply are not a profit centre for us and we do our best to keep them as reasonable as possible. On most tours we limit the number of singles available, not to be punitive, but rather because many hotels allow for only a limited number of singles; some smaller hotels at remote locations also have a limited number of single rooms available. Please note that most single rooms around the world are smaller than twin-share rooms and will likely have only one bed.
06. Do you have a shared accommodation program?
Yes! If you are single traveller and are willing to share, we will do our best to pair you with a same-gender roommate. On most of our tours, if we fail to pair you, we will absorb the single supplement fee and you will default to a single room at no extra charge. At some destinations, however, where single rooms are not significantly discounted, or not at all, we may apply a "mandatory" single in the event that we cannot find you a share partner. This is usually 50% of the usual supplement, but can be as much as 100%. If applicable, this proviso will be noted on each tour page on this website, on your invoice, and in our tour date/price book (available for download under "Resources").

 

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Countries Visited: 1

Taiwan.
Activity Level: 1

No particular physical activity is involved other than town/city walks and short walks to dinners and sites of interest, some of which are large.
Tour Style: Cultural

These three- and four-star hotel-based, "soft adventure" trips concentrate on the culture, history, and natural attributes of our destination. Though there are no strenuous activities built into these tours, you need to be prepared for some full days with some early starts, plenty of walking on uneven surfaces through villages, cities and archaeological sites, and not a lot of "down time." Independence, reasonable fitness, and an ability to be steady on one's feet are critical in order for you to get the most out of these programs.
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