Overview
Itinerary
Fly overnight to Taipei, Taiwan'ss buzzing capital. Depending on your time of arrival, the rest of the day is yours to start soaking up the local culture. This evening meet with your National Escort and fellow travellers to enjoy dinner at a nearby, local restaurant. (D)
Take a full day Taipei City tour, beginning with a visit to the impressive National Palace Museum and the Martyrs' Shrine. After a Dim Sum style lunch, proceed to visit CKS Memorial Hall and Longshan Temple before making a photo stop at the Taipei 101 skyscraper. You will be on your feet sightseeing for several hours today. Tonight, enjoy dinner at a local dumpling restaurant. The rest of the evening is at leisure to explore the area if you wish. (B/L/D)
Depart Taipei to journey towards the heart of the island to what is arguably Taiwan's most scenic spot – Sun Moon Lake. Visit the Wen Wu Temple before embarking on a motorboat cruise around the lake for picture perfect views of the area's beautiful landscapes. You'll also visit the Holy Monk Shrine, Cien Pagoda and the aboriginal village of Tehua. (B/L/D)
Begin today with a visit to a famous tea farm to discover all about the process of tea growth and production before taking the cable car to Formosan Cultural Village. There will also be some time at leisure, with the option of biking on trails around Sun Moon Lake, listed as one of the 10 most beautiful places to cycle in the world. (B/L/D)
Depart Sun Moon Lake and travel to Tainan. Taiwan's oldest city and capital until 1887 when Taipei took over, Tainan was originally established as a trading port by the Dutch East India Company. It is renowned for its preservation of traditions and rich folk culture, and you'll start exploring at the Chihkan Tower and Confucius Temple. In the afternoon, wander the old streets of the Anping district and view the sunset from Anping Harbour. (B/L/D)
Head south to the port city of Kaohsiung where you'll admire the Dragon & Tiger Tower and the Spring & Autumn Pavilion before paying a visit to Taiwan's largest monastery, Foguangshan. Lunch here will be a vegetarian feast, before you stroll over to the main shrine, the Buddhist Museum and Great Buddha Land, where you'll find a 36-metre Buddha watching over a garden of many smaller Buddhas. Finally, see the Martyrs' Shrine at Shoushan. (B/L/D)
Travel over to the beach resort of Kenting, gateway to the beautiful Kenting National Park. Consisting of a range of landscapes – low mountains, rolling hills, cliffs and deserts, all fringed by excellent beaches and helped along by a balmy tropical climate, Kenting is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna. (B/L/D)
Spend the morning amongst the rock formations and lush greenery of Sheding Nature Park with a pause to take in the ocean views at Oluanpi Lighthouse. The rest of the day is at leisure. (B/L/D)
Depart Kenting and drive along the beautiful east coast to Taitung, admiring the ocean views throughout the journey. Continue to Chihpen, famous for its hot springs. On arrival, your afternoon will be free to relax and bathe in the thermal waters at your hotel. Tonight's dinner will be accompanied by a performance of traditional music and dance. (B/L/D)
Travel northwards to Hualien. En route there will be a series of stops including Donghe, where you may spot wild monkeys, and the scenic Cisingtan Lake, where you can head out on an optional bike ride on the lakeshore. (B/L/D)
IMPORTANT NOTICE – TAROKO NATIONAL PARK CLOSURE: Due to the earthquake on April 3, 2024, which impacted Eastern Taiwan including Taroko National Park, the park is currently closed for repairs. In light of this, we have arranged an alternate tour of the beautiful nearby city of Hualien on Day 12 until the park reopens. Please refer to the tour dossier for more details. (B/L/D)
Take a photo stop at Cingshuei Cliff for beautiful views and visit the Kavalan Whisky Distillery in Yilan, where a few tastings will be in order. Return to Taipei by highspeed rail and then enjoy a farewell dinner, the perfect opportunity to reflect on your adventures with your fellow passengers. (B/L/D)
This morning is free at leisure before you transfer to the airport for your overnight flight home. (B)
Trip Inclusions
- Explore bustling Taipei
- Unwind at Sun Moon Lake
- Visit the Foguangshan Monastery
- Relax on the beach at Kenting
- Discover the Taroko Gorge
- Journey on the high-speed rail
- International flights and current taxes (excluded if a land only option is selected)
- Domestic transportation
- 3 - 4 star accommodation
- Touring with guides and entrance fees
- 12 Breakfasts, 11 Lunches, 12 Dinners
- The Howard Plaza, Taipei (5 star): The 5-Star Howard Taipei is perfectly located in the centre of vibrant Taipei and a short distance from some of the cities main attractions. The elegantly decorated and spacious guest rooms offer free WiFi and modern en suite bathrooms.
- Einhan Taihe Hotel, Sun Moon Lake (3 star): Conveniently located in the Sun Moon Lake part of Nantou, this stylish 3.5-star hotel opened in 2019 and features a restaurant and sky garden. Each room is equipped with Wi-Fi and air-conditioning.
- The Place Tainan, Tainan (4 star): The sophisticated The Place Hotel Tainan offers guests a cultural experience while showcasing some of the finest works from local designers and craftsmen. Situated in downtown Tainan the hotel features an Italian Restaurant, a bar and fitness centre.
- Howard Plaza Kaohsiung, Kaohsiung (4 star): Located in the business district of Kaohsiung city, the Howard Plaza Hotel presents guests with stunning views of the city. Guest rooms are complete with a flat screen TV, free WiFi and en suite bathrooms.
- The Lakeshore Taroko (Tranquil), Taroko (4 star): Perched by the Pacific, this 4-star hotel blends high-end modern design with warm wooden tones, creating a seamless connection to nature. Enjoy stunning mountain and ocean views, along with amenities like Wi-Fi, a spa, swimming pool, bike rentals, and a restaurant.
- Itinerary and inclusions are subject to change
- Flight Inclusive rates only: These include airline fuel surcharge and taxes. Correct as of 1 Aug 2023. Please note supplements may apply if lead in economy rates are not available.
- Customary tipping amount of approximately US$40 per person (AU$58) is paid locally in Taiwan.
- Depending on airline schedules, you may depart and/or arrive on Day 2. Extra nights' accommodation (pre or post tour) or stopovers may be required at an additional cost.
- Flight Inclusive rates only: Based on departures from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide & Perth. Departures from other cities and flight upgrades available on request.
Everything is taken care of including your flights, accommodation, sightseeing and entrance fees listed on your itinerary and all your meals. Read more
Wendy Wu include return international economy-class flights from Australia as part of their fully inclusive tours. Upgrades are available too! Read more
On all of our tours you will be escorted by a dedicated National Escort, tasked with the responsibility to keep you safe, happy, entertained and inspired. Read more
Prices & Dates
There are currently no departures available on this trip. Either it's the end of the season and new departures will be released shortly, or this itinerary has been changed and is not operating this season. Feel free to contact us for information about when next seasons dates will be released or click here to view general release dates for all destinations.
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Wendy Wu. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from the cruise-line and should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
