Taiwan: The Beautiful Island

Overview

Taiwan, once called Ilha Formosa (beautiful island) by early Portuguese sailors, is known for its breathtaking natural beauty. From the vibrant capital, Taipei, home to possibly the best collection of Chinese artifacts, to the serene Sun Moon Lake, Taiwan offers a diverse array of landscapes including deep gorges, snow-capped mountains, hot springs, and tea plantations. This tour explores Taiwan’s rich cultural heritage and stunning scenery, from bustling cities to tranquil countrysides.

Itinerary

Day 1: Fly to Taipei

• Fly from London (regional connections available) direct to Taipei with China Airlines. (N)

Day 2: Taipei

• Arrive in Taipei and transfer to The Sherwood Hotel Taipei (or similar) for a 2-night stay. (N)

Day 3: Taipei

• Full-day tour of Taipei, including:
  • National Palace Museum (home to a vast collection of Chinese artefacts)
  • National Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall
  • Martyrs’ Shrine
  • Longshan Temple
• Optional evening visit to the Chinese opera. (B, L)

Days 4-5: Sun Moon Lake

• Drive south to the village of Beipu, home to the Hakka ethnic minority group.
  • Explore traditional architecture and sample Hakka food.
• Continue to Sun Moon Lake for a 2-night stay at the Fleur de Chine hotel.
• Day 5: Take a short boat excursion on the lake, visit Wenwu Temple and Tse-en Pagoda. (B)

Day 6: Alishan

• Drive to Alishan Forest Park, one of Taiwan’s most spectacular mountainous regions.
• Afternoon walking tour of the park.
• Stay overnight at Alishan House. (B, D)

Day 7: Tainan • Fo Guang Shan Monastery

• Optional early morning ride on the Alishan Forest Railway (weather permitting) to see the sunrise from Mount Alishan’s summit.
• Drive to the mountain township of Zhuqi, stroll along historic Fenchihu Old Street.
• Continue to Tainan to visit Fort Anping and Yanping Street.
• Proceed to Fo Guang Shan, the largest Buddhist monastery in Southeast Asia.
• Stay overnight at the monastery guesthouse. (B, D)

Day 8: Kenting • Hualien

• Option to join the monks for morning prayers.
• Drive south to Kenting National Park, which is known for its limestone caves, forests, and beaches.
• Explore the park on foot, then head north to Taitung.
• Stay 1 night at the Hotel Royal Chihpen. (B, L)

Day 9: Taroko Gorge

• Drive north to Taroko National Park.
• Stay 1 night at Silks Place Taroko. (B)

Day 10: Taipei

• Morning tour of the Taroko Gorge, visit the Eternal Spring Shrine and Swallow Grotto.
• Continue your journey back to Taipei.
• Stay overnight at The Sherwood hotel. Optional extensions available in Taipei. (B)

Day 11: Fly to London

• Fly direct to London with China Airlines. (B)