Discover Taiwan’s diverse landscapes, rich culture, and vibrant cities on this 7-day adventure. From the dynamic capital of Taipei to the serene beauty of Sun Moon Lake, the historic charm of Tainan, and the tropical coastlines of Kenting, explore ancient temples, bustling night markets, dramatic coastal scenery, and tranquil hot springs.
Trip Highlights
Included
Not Included
Itinerary
Taipei
Welcome to Taiwan! Upon arrival at Taoyuan International Airport, you’ll be met by your private driver and transferred directly to your hotel in Taipei. Settle into your room and take the rest of the day to relax or explore the city at your own pace.
Whether you're wandering through bustling night markets, sipping bubble tea in a local café, or admiring the skyline from Taipei 101, Taipei offers an exciting first taste of Taiwan.
Overnight: Taipei
Taipei to Sun Moon Lake
Taipei - Sun Moon Lake - Taichung. After a restful night, we begin our journey into the heart of Taiwan. We’ll travel from Taipei to Sun Moon Lake, named for its unique shape—sun-like in the east and moon-like in the west—divided by Lalu Island. Home to the indigenous Thao people, the area is famed for its rich culture and natural beauty. There will be free time for lunch.
Continue with a scenic bus tour around the lake, exploring its most iconic attractions. Begin at Ita Thao, an indigenous village offering insight into Thao culture and lifestyle. Then marvel at Ci’en Pagoda, a striking landmark built by President Chiang Kai-shek in memory of his mother.
Visit two significant temples: Xuanzang Temple, a peaceful Buddhist sanctuary dedicated to the monk Xuanzang, and Wenwu Temple, a grand Taoist site with halls honoring the Martial God and the God of Literature. Our guide will share the area’s cultural and historical background. Later, we will be transferred to our hotel.
Please note: Our preference is always to stay at Sun Moon Lake. However, due to limited availability, this is not always possible. Should we be unable to stay at Sun Moon Lake tonight, we will stay at a comfortable hotel in Taichung instead.
Overnight: Sun Moon Lake or Taichung | Breakfast
Tainan & Kaohsiung
Sun Moon Lake / Taichung - Tainan. After breakfast, we head south to Tainan, Taiwan’s oldest city, known for its rich history and traditional landmarks. Our first stop is Fort Zeelandia, built by the Dutch in the 17th century, where we’ll learn about Taiwan’s colonial past. From there, we’ll take a stroll through Anping Old Street, where the scents of local delicacies fill the air, and you can sample local snacks like shrimp rolls and tofu pudding.
Next, we continue our journey to Kaohsiung, Taiwan’s largest city in the south. We’ll visit Fo Guang Shan Monastery, home to the tallest Buddha statue in Southeast Asia, and enjoy a peaceful moment in this serene, spiritual setting.
After a full day of exploration, we’ll check in to our hotel in Kaohsiung, with free time to relax.
Overnight: Kaohsiung | Breakfast
Kenting & Taitung
Kaohsiung - Kenting National Park - Taitung. After breakfast, we head towards Kenting National Park, famous for its coastal landscapes, pristine beaches, and unique geological formations. We’ll make stops at Maopitou, a rocky outcrop shaped like a crouching cat, and Chuanfan Rock, which resembles the sail of a ship.
Continuing through the park, we’ll visit Eluanpi Lighthouse and Longpan Park, offering breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean. After exploring Kenting, we’ll journey along the scenic South Link Highway to Taitung, where we’ll spend the night in a peaceful hot spring resort in Zhiben.
Overnight: Taitung | Breakfast
East Coast Scenic Drive & Yilan
Taitung - Hualien - Yilan. Today, we embark on a scenic drive along the stunning East Coast of Taiwan, known for its unspoiled beauty and impressive natural landmarks. We’ll visit Xiaoyeliu, home to fascinating rock formations, followed by Sanxiantai, an island connected by a striking footbridge.
We’ll then head to Shitiping, a geological wonder with sea erosion terraces and sea cliffs. The views along this stretch of coastline are nothing short of spectacular. From Hualien, we’ll take a comfortable train ride to Yilan, where we’ll unwind at a luxurious hot-spring hotel.
Overnight: Yilan | Breakfast
Yilan to Taipei
Yilan - Taipei. We start the day with a visit to the King Car Kavalan Whisky Distillery, where you’ll learn about the whisky-making process and taste some of the finest local spirits. Next, we’ll head to the National Center for Traditional Arts, a cultural hub where you can experience Taiwan’s heritage through exhibitions and live performances.
In the afternoon, we return to Taipei, where you’ll have some free time to explore the city or relax at your hotel.
Overnight: Taipei | Breakfast
Taipei City Tour & Departure
On our last day, we’ll embark on a half-day city tour of Taipei. Our first stop is the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, an iconic monument to Taiwan’s former leader. We’ll also pass by the Presidential Office Building and visit the Martyrs’ Shrine to witness the Changing of the Guard ceremony.
Next, we explore the National Palace Museum, home to one of the world’s most important collections of Chinese art. The tour ends at approximately 17:00 at the Howard Hotel. After the tour, you’ll have free time to shop or relax before being transferred to the airport for your departure flight. Please allow plenty of time before your flight out of Taiwan, or consider staying in the city for an additional night.
Breakfast
Prices & Dates
Departure dates are guaranteed with 2 travellers. 'Twin/Double' prices are per person when there are 2 people on the same booking sharing a room. 'Single' prices are applicable to solo travellers wanting the privacy of their own room, or if your booking party cannot reach the minimum of 2 persons in a room. Single Rooms can also be booked by any other person wanting the comfort and privacy of their own room.
Hotels
The hotels listed below are ones which we frequently use on this tour. We reserve the right to substitute these hotels to ones of a similar standard.
The Riviera Hotel, Taipei
The Riviera Hotel Taipei is a 4-star boutique hotel located in the Zhongshan District, adjacent to Taipei Expo Park and within walking distance of Shuangcheng Street Night Market, MAJI Square, and Qingguang Market. The hotel offers 112 rooms with amenities such as free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, coffee and tea facilities, and in-room safes. Guests can enjoy a fitness centre, a rooftop garden, and three on-site restaurants serving Mediterranean, Chinese, and Western cuisine. The hotel is approximately a 7-minute walk from Zhongshan Elementary School MRT Station, providing easy access to Taipei's attractions. Nearby points of interest include the Taipei Fine Arts Museum, Dalongdong Baoan Temple, and the National Palace Museum.
Ceasar Metro Hotel, Taipei
A 3-minute walk from Wanhua train station, this modern hotel in a sleek high-rise building surrounded by shops and restaurants is 8 minutes on foot from the Lungshan Temple of Manka and 2 km from the National Museum of History. Streamlined rooms offering city views come with free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs and minifridges. Amenities consist of 2 contemporary restaurants and a polished bar, plus an outdoor pool, a spa and a gym. Event space includes a ballroom. Parking is available.
Fleur de Chine Hotel - Sun Moon Lake, Taichung
Located just across the street from Sun Moon Lake and 1 km from Wen Wu Temple, this upscale hotel offers polished, minimalist rooms with marble bathrooms, flat-screen TVs, tea and coffeemakers, and private balconies with mountain views. Guests can enjoy a variety of dining options, from casual eateries to refined Asian restaurants, including a rooftop venue with lake-view terrace. The elegant lobby lounge serves afternoon tea, while leisure facilities include indoor and outdoor pools, thermal baths, massage services, a climbing wall, outdoor theatre, kids’ playroom, and event spaces. Room service is also available.
Le Méridien Taichung, Taichung
Located 14 km from Taichung International Airport and close to Taichung Railway Station and Taichung Park, this modern hotel offers spacious rooms with city views, comfortable bedding, air-conditioning, and contemporary amenities. Guests can enjoy a rooftop pool, fitness centre, bar, and a Cantonese restaurant serving lunch and dinner. Breakfast features continental, American, buffet, and Asian options with local specialties. Additional amenities include a 24-hour front desk and EV charging station. Outdoor activities like hiking, kayaking, and canoeing are nearby.
Grand Hi-Lai Kaohsiung, Kaohsiung
Located just an 11-minute walk from the Central Park metro station, this stylish, art-filled hotel in a neoclassical building offers stunning views of Kaohsiung Harbor and is 2 km from Liuhe Night Market. The elegant rooms feature free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, minifridges, and minibars, with options for city or harbor views. Guests can enjoy 13 restaurants, a bar, and a department store, as well as amenities including an outdoor pool, gym, and spa.
Hotel Royal Chihpin, Taitung
Nestled in a forested setting, this upscale hotel is just 2 km from the picturesque Jhihben National Forest Recreation Area and a 3-minute walk from Qingjue Temple, with Taitung Airport 17 km away. The elegant rooms feature Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, minifridges, and tea and coffeemakers, with some offering views of the mountains. The hotel boasts a spa with an indoor pool, waterslides, hot tubs, and a nude outdoor hot spring bath. Other facilities include an outdoor pool, three restaurants, and a lobby bar.
Wellspring by Silks Jiaoxi, Yilan
Just a 3-minute walk from Jiaoxi railway station, this sleek, contemporary hot-spring hotel is also 7 minutes on foot from Jiaoxi Hot Springs Park and 3 km from Wufengchi Waterfalls. The stylish rooms, featuring floor-to-ceiling windows, offer free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, minibars, safes, and tea and coffeemaking facilities, along with soaking tubs filled with hot spring water. The hotel’s amenities include a refined restaurant, a lounge, a rooftop terrace with a trendy bar, and a pool with geothermal water.
Hotel Royal Chiaohsi, Yilan
Set amidst landscaped gardens, this sleek hotel is 1 km from Wufengqi Waterfall and 3 km from Jiaoxi Hot Springs Park. The relaxed suites feature free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, minifridges, safes, and tea and coffeemaking facilities, with 24/7 room service available. Dining options include two restaurants, a bakery, and a lobby bar. Additional amenities include an 18-hole golf course, karaoke, a gift shop, a library, and a gym, along with gender-segregated communal bathhouses, outdoor hot spring baths, a spa, and meeting and event spaces.