Description

Taiwan (7D6N) – Taiwan Island Tour

Highlights:

• Taiwanese Culinary Experiences
  Alert, food lovers! From street food to fine dining, from sweets to seasonal fruits, you will find Taiwan a gourmet paradise.
• Kenting Beach
  Located in the southernmost part of Taiwan, Kenting is a famous beach resort. With white sands, exotic plants and wildlife, it’s ideal for the whole family.
• Taroko National Park
  This magnificent park features a marble gorge, covered in beautiful patterns and geological details.

Tour Overview: 

Day 1 . Arrival in Taipei

Ni Hao! Welcome to Taiwan, considered to be the jewel in the Asia Pacific rim. You will be greeted by our representative at the airport and escorted to the capital city – Taipei (80 km, 45 minutes). Along the way, see city landmarks from a distance, such as the palace-like Grand Hotel and the Taipei 101 Tower – the tallest building in the world until early 2010.
Taiwan is also famous for its wide variety of cuisine. When Chiang Kai Shek came to Taiwan back in 1949, two million people followed him. Among them were students, soldiers, and chefs from different provinces of China. As a result, there are many restaurants showcasing dishes from all over China. In addition, there are the flavours introduced by Taiwan’s Hakka community and 16 indigenous tribes. This combination of tastes and trends has resulted in fabulous flavours and cuisines.
Check in to the hotel (hotel check in time 15:00 PM) and refresh. Afterwards, explore the city’s CBD area. Get a feel for the city as you drive through.
Tonight, we’ll be introduced to the delicious signature dishes at Din Tai Fung dumpling restaurant. Watch the dumpling master making the dumplings in the open kitchen. After dinner, visit the local night market and get a glimpse into Taipei’s night life,
Overnight in Taipei
Meal(s): Dinner

Day 2 . Taichung & Sun Moon Lake

After breakfast, check out and head down to the centre of Taiwan. Before reaching the biggest city in Central Taiwan, Taichung, visit the colourful Rainbow Village and see how a retired veteran community became a popular attraction.
Continue to Sun Moon Lake, located in Nantou County, in the centre of Taiwan. This is the only county that is not connected to the sea, and is also the hometown of the Thao Tribe. Visit Xiang Shan Tourist Center, which was built to showcase the harmonious integration between humans and nature. It also offers panoramic views of Sun Moon Lake.
Wen Wu Temple: This temple is a local landmark, enshrining the greatest teacher in Chinese history, Confucius. It stands high overlooking the beautiful lake. Take a motor boat ride around the lake to enjoy the views. Visit Tehua Village and/or Shuishe Wharf. Dinner at a local restaurant.
Overnight in Sun Moon Lake
Meal(s): Breakfast, dinner

Day 3 . Tainan & Kaohsiung

After breakfast, head southward to the first capital of Taiwan, Tainan City. Drive to the charming area of Anping and visit the Anping Fort, which dates back to the 16th century when the Dutch came to Tainan. Also visit the Anping Tree House and walk along the old crooked street.

Continue to Kaohsiung, visit Dragon & Tiger Pagoda, and Spring & Autumn Pavilion which stand on the scenic Lotus Lake. Continue to Buddhist Memorial Hall to see the impressive giant bronze Buddha statue and the eye-catching parallel pagodas.
Onward to Foguanshan Monastery for a guided tour by the English-speaking monk of the Main Shrine and the Buddhist Museum. Dinner will be a simple vegetarian meal.
* If you prefer to stay in the city, the accommodation will be at the hotel in Kaohsiung City.

Overnight in Kaohsiung, Foguanshan Monastery Pilgrim Lodge
Meal(s): Breakfast, Dinner

Day 4 . Kenting & Taitung

Get up early (around 05:00 AM) and join the early morning chanting in the Main Shrine, followed by a simple breakfast.

We’ll then set off to Taitung in Eastern Taiwan via the South Link Highway. On the way visit White Sand Bay, Maopitou and the Eluanpi Lighthouse.

Drive to Taitung, check in to the hotel and refresh, then enjoy a soak in the hot springs.

Overnight in Taitung
Meal(s) : Breakfast, dinner

Day 5 . Taroko

After breakfast, we’ll head northward to Hualien. On the way we’ll see breath-taking views of the Pacific Ocean. Stop by Sansientai and walk across the arched bridge, see Water Running Up and the exotic rocks in Xiaoyehliu (Little Yehliu).
Arrive at the magnificent Taroko National Park where the turquoise Liwu River cuts through the gorge. Before dark (sunset is early inside the national park) walk along some of the scenic trails to admire the incredible nature.
Swallow Grotto: Swallow Grotto is a marble cliff. River erosion has created holes in the cliff that are now inhabited by swallows – hence the name of the grotto.
Tunnel of Nine Turns: This scenic trail is only 700 metres long but is considered as the best in the area. Walk beside the mountains and cliffs, overlooking the Liwu River. Take your time to admire the beautiful details, faults and folds of the marble cliff.
Also visit Bulowan Terrace and walk over the Sanyue Bridge to see this marble gorge from a different angle. Dinner will be served at the hotel.
Overnight in Taroko
Meal(s): Breakfast; dinner

Day 6 . Yilan & Taipei

After breakfast at the hotel, we’ll explore more of Taroko National Park and walk the scenic Shakadang Trail. It’s an easy walk that takes us alongside Shakadang River to see the beautiful gorge with its crystal-clear river.
On the way, stop by the Qingshui Cliff and enjoy amazing views over the Pacific Ocean.
Visit the organic tea farm in Yilan and enjoy a hands-on tea-picking experience. After picking the tea leaves, we’ll learn all about the tea ceremony and the correct way to make tea – and of course, we get to sip the fragrant tea.
*Remark: tea-picking experience will be replaced with making pan-fried scallion pancakes when there is no tea (seasonal).
Return to Taipei City. Check in the hotel, rest of the day will be free at leisure.
Overnight in Taipei
Meal(s): Breakfast

Day 7 . Departure from Taipei

After breakfast at the hotel, there is free time before the departure transfer to the airport. Wave goodbye to Taiwan.
Meal(s): Breakfast