TAIPEI

 

THURSDAY: ARRIVE TAIPEI, check into hotel - depending on when you arrive, there may be time for local orientation and exploration. Dining options provided.

 

FRIDAY: Morning walking tour with local guide; in the afternoon we can visit Taipei 101 if the weather is good. Taipei Zoo (and its pandas!) is nearby, and we can combine this with the Maokong Gondola ride for awesome views back across Taipei. Enjoy strolling the tea growing area, or take a hike back down the hill, reconnecting to the gondola at a lower station.

 

SATURDAY: Up early for an excursion to experience the historic Pingxi railway and the famous mountain town Jiufen. We'll use our EasyCard to travel by train and bus. Also a short hiking option for those who are keen, from Ruifeng to Houtong Cat Village. We'll take advantage of the many eating options available on today's outing, with Ruifeng's buzzing food court and the tea shop in Jiufen recommended. 

 

SUNDAY: After yesterday's busy day, today's a bit more relaxing. Time this morning to return to one of the sights we saw on our walking tour, stroll Da'an Park or one of the riverside trails. This afternoon we are booked in for the 3pm English tour of the National Palace Museum - an absolute treasure trove of artefacts from China that were brought across when the Nationalists fled the mainland in 1949. Afterwards we will check out Huashan 1914 Creative Park and see what's happening there. Dinner is in trendy Da'an at a restaurant specialising in small plates - a chance for us to sample a variety of flavours and dishes. 

 

SUN MOON LAKE

 

Day one of our road trip with Asia Odyssey. We'll be collected at the hotel at 9am and transported in a comfortable van, for the drive to Sun Moon Lake. This is one of Taiwan's most spectacular natural sights - there's plenty of time for you to enjoy walking, cycling or cruising around or on the lake.

 

We'll eat together tonight in a local restaurant and stay near to the lake.

 

ALISHAN TO CHIAYI

 

It''s a couple of hours on magnificent mountain roads to the Alishan National Forest Recreation Area. We will enjoy the afternoon 'forest bathing' and strolling the many trails and old railway lines. Plenty of opportunities to sample the local coffee and for taking the small train that runs through the park.  

 

We'll then move onto Chiayi for tonight's accommodation, arriving in time to try out Chiayi's street food at the East Market for dinner.

 

CHIAYI TO TAINAN

 

An activity-filled day today as we take in a number of attractions en route to Tainan. First up it's the Chimei Museum, and then a boat tour through Taiwan's 'little Amazon' - short but scenic is the description. Finally, we stop at the Jingzijiao Wapan salt field, timing our arrival for sunset over the mosaic-like pans. 

 

We'll arrive in Tainan in time to visit Snail Alley and Shennong Street to admire the lanterns and enjoy the street food. Tainan is famed for its charming atmospheric alleys and heritage buildings. 

 

TAINAN TO KAOHSIUNG

 

We start today with a tour of the historic Anping area which features fortifications and buildings dating back to the 16th century Dutch colonists, then explore the Banyan Tree museum and cafe.

 

An afternoon highlight is bathing in Guanziling hot springs. The springs are set in a scenic valley, and are famed for their spiritual properties. The village has a Japanese feel as the springs first became very popular during the Japanese colonial period. 

 

Finally, we'll drive to Kaohsiung where we spend two nights. You might want to hike up to the city's "Love" lookout sign for views and the perfect holiday snap, or pop into Formosa Boulevard MRT to check out the Dome of Light art installation. The Sanfong area hosts a beautiful lantern temple and traditional shops, and is a good spot to find a bite to eat, as is the Yancheng First Public Market, all accessible via Kaohsiung's MRT.

 

KAOHSIUNG

 

This morning we tour the famous Lotus Lake and its Dragon and Tiger Pagodas. We'll stroll amongst the various pavilions and temples, admire the reflections on the lake, and enjoy some good luck after taking the path in through the dragon's mouth and out of the tiger's!

 

Next up is a visit to Pier-2 Art Centre, on the waterfront. A rehabilitated port area now home to a vibrant community of artists and foodies.

 

Alongside the pier are the ferries to Cijin Island, and we'll take the short crossing to enjoy the laid back beach atmosphere of Cijin's Old Street. You can cycle or walk and I recommend staying to enjoy a sunset drink and a seafood dinner. Ferries back to Kaohsiung run till 2am, so we'll return to the hotel in our own time, being sure to admire the light display on Pier-2 on the way back. 

 

KAOHSIUNG TO KEELUNG

 

Our morning destination is Fo Guang Buddha Museum, set within the largest Buddhist monastery in Taiwan. Time to walk the extensive grounds and enjoy the many monuments and photo opportunities. We'll take advantage of the vegetarian/vegan restaurant to enjoy a healthy lunch, before we are driven north to the seaside town of Keelung for a two-night stay. 

 

Farewell to our driver and van, we are on our own again! 

 

KEELUNG

 

Today we'll act like Taiwanese locals at the beach - visiting Heping Island, walking the coastline, exploring Keelung's forts, climbing the tower overlooking the city and enjoying the seawater swimming pool. 

 

After such an active day, we'll relax in a cosy restaurant/bar together. 

 

TAIPEI

 

MONDAY: Trains back to Taipei are frequent and the trip is less than an hour. We'll depart at our leisure, checking back into our familiar hotel early afternoon. Many of Taipei's attractions are closed on Monday, but we can visit Chiang Kai Shek Hall and check out some of the city's main temples. There's time today to visit Dadaochan Old town and Japanese-era Dihua Street for some classic architecture and old style shopping. We'll explore trendy YongKang and see if we can find the famous stall selling scallion pancakes. 

 

TUESDAY: The morning is free for shopping or sightseeing (list of attractions and directions included with your trip booklet). This afternoon we will visit Ri Xing Type Foundry as a group, where we'll create our very own personal 'chop' (stamp) using their enormous collection of lead type Chinese characters. A fun souvenir of our trip to take home, or as gifts. Tonight is our farewell dinner at a local restaurant. 

 

WEDNESDAY: Final farewells after breakfast. Assistance with transferring to Taoyuan Airport by taxi or MRT, as needed. 

 

• Fully escorted throughout by experienced English speaking guide from New Zealand

• 13 nights accommodation in comfortable and convenient 3* plus hotels

• Daily breakfasts

• Dinners - 4 (Da'an in Taipei on the first Sunday, Sun Moon Lake, Keelung, farewell dinner in Taipei on final night)

• Walking tour of Taipei, entry to Taipei 101 observation deck, English tour of National Palace Museum

• Easy Card with NTD400 pre-loaded (for local metros/buses (MRT); purchases at 7-11s etc)

• Five night/six days road trip with van and driver, and local Taiwanese guide, including entry fees to all listed attractions

• Personalised 'chop' from Ri Xing foundry

• Detailed information on Taiwan in a personalised trip booklet, with additional optional activities, including hiking, museums, markets and sights in each overnight destinations

• Local Taipei-based support if needed

• Pre-departure advice as needed - assistance with entry documentation, tips on add ons before and after, etc