8 Days: Taipei, Jiufen, Shifen, Yilan, Beipu, Sanyi, Taichung

Tour overview:

Experience why Taiwan is known as the Hidden Gem of Asia. Discover the culture, the history, the delicious food as well as the natural beauty of Taiwan. This tour highlights the best of Taiwan. Visit bustling Taipei as well as explore the natural treasures of Taiwan: Sun Moon Lake, East Coast Scenic Area and Taroko Gorge. This tour has some fun foodie experiences: Dumpling Lunch at the famous Din Tai Feng Restaurant and a cooking class featuring traditional Taiwanese food.

Day 1 - Arrive Taipei

Start your exciting Taipei City Tour today upon arrival in the city. Taipei City is Taiwan’s largest city as well as its economic, political, and cultural center. It is a modern cosmopolitan metropolis with a lively and diversified face, filled with exuberance. Stops will be made at National Palace Museum, Martyrs’ Shrine, Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall, Lungshan Temple, Taipei 101 Building (architecture) and Observatory. Dumpling lunch is included at the famous Din Tai Feng Restaurant. (L/D)

Day 2 - Taipei / Sun Moon Lake

After breakfast, check out of the hotel and proceed to Sun Moon Lake. The Sun Moon Lake, located in the middle of Taiwan, with an elevation of 748 meters above sea level, is the only large natural lake in Taiwan. After a Sun Moon Lake cruise tour, transfer for lunch at a local restaurant. After lunch, visit Wenwu Temple, Tehua Village, Tse-En Pagoda, and the Holy Monk Shrine. We will then take the Sun Moon Lake Cable car, where you will have a panoramic view of the majestic lake. Overnight at Sun Moon Lake.(B/L/D)

Day 3 - Sun Moon Lake / Alishan

After breakfast, depart Sun Moon Lake for Alishan by bus. We will make a stop at a Tea Plantation on the drive to Alishan. Arrive Alishan at the noontime, and visit the Alishan Forest Recreation. A leisurely half-day stroll along forested paths allows visitors to take in Alishan’s other attractions. The enchanting Sisters Ponds are two small pools (one with a wooden bridge and pavilion) named for two lovelorn aborigine sisters. Another attraction is the Three-Generation Trees – one growing out of another, and a third from the second. Stay overnight at Alishan. (B/L/D)  

Day 4 - Alishan/Tainan

Early morning, take the forest train to JuShan Mt. to view the Alishan sunrise. After breakfast at the hotel, proceed to Tainan City. Tainan City is located in southwest Taiwan. Tainan is positioned at the inland of the Wide Chia-Nan Plain and the city was the earliest developed city in Taiwan. Tainan was an important location for the aboriginals; was then dominated by the Dutch, and later governed by three generations of Cheng Cheng-Kung. After political construction and changes, Tainan became the first capital of Taiwan. The city’s rich history and beauty of the ancient capital is still evident today. Our tour will stop at Anping Port, Chihkan Tower, Eternal Fortress, Koxinga Shrine and Confucius Temple. Overnight at Tainan. (B/L/D)

Day 5 - Tainan / Kaohsiung

After breakfast, proceed to Kaohsiung and visit Fokuangshan (Light of Buddha Mountain). The architecture of the temples are very characteristic. At the southeastern side of Fokuang Mountain the most prominent landmark of the region is found: a huge golden statue of Buddha Amitaabha, which measures some 120 meters. The main square is surrounded by 480 standing Buddha’s, while water and mountains form the magnificent scenery. We will also visit other famous scenic area in Kaohsiung such as the Spring& Autumn Pavilions, Love River andthe bustling Lioho Night Market. Overnight in Kaohsiung. (B/L/D)

Day 6 - Kaohsiung /Kenting/Taitung

After breakfast, proceed to Kenting. Visit Kenting National Park, which is Taiwan’s only tropical national park. The national park includes mountains, forests, pasture, lakes, sand dunes, beaches, and coral reefs – everything you could desire when you want to get up close and personal with Mother Nature. Later, we will proceed to Taitung. Overnight in Taitung, where you may choose to relax in the hot spring bath at the hotel. (B/L/D)

Day 7 - Taitung/ East Coast Scenic Area / Hualien

After breakfast, visit the East Coast Scenic Area, which is well noted for its scenic beauty and miles of nearly deserted black sand or pebble beaches. Points of interest along the scenic area include the marvelous coastal views from the Caves of the Eight Immortals (Pahsientung), which are an important archaeological site perched on the steep mountainside; the lighthouse and interesting seashells on the Island of the three Immortals (Sanhsientai); and the unusual rock formations and ancient banyan trees of Little Yehliu. The Shihtiping area, just south of Chichi Bay, is known for its aboriginal village and coral reefs, as well as incredible rock formations. After that, drive to Hualien city for overnight stay. (B/L/D).

Day 8 - Hualien/Taroko Gorge /Taipei

After breakfast, visit Taroko Gorge.Taroko is famous for its spectacular mountains and marble canyons. Awe-inspiring cliffs and canyons stretch along the Li Wu River. Stops will be made at Tienhsiang, Swallow Caves, and Eternal Spring Shrine. Late afternoon, drive to Taipei and overnight. Visit Hualien Area, including Liyu Lake, National Chinan Forest Scenic Area. (B/L/D)

Day 9 - Taipei / Cooking Class / Chiufen Village / Taipei

After breakfast, you will visit a traditional market with your guide to buy the food for your traditional Taiwanese cooking class. The chef will instruct on how to prepare one or two traditional dishes. Later we will proceed to Chiufen Village. The villages of Chiufen were once centers of gold mining in Taiwan. The gold is gone, but these quaint old villages, built of closely-packed houses clinging to steep mountainsides, continue to offer enchanting scenery and fascinating glimpses into the lifestyles of the past. Tonight, dinner is included at the Silks Place Restaurant located at the National Palace Museum. (B/L/D)

Day 10 - Depart Taipei

The morning is at leisure before transferring to the airport for your onward flight. (B)