From the city lights of Taipei to serene lakes and epic gorges, all via stunning coastal train routes in tranquil Taiwan.
This island nation off China’s east coast is a little paradise waiting to be discovered, from its modern Asian metropolises to stunning coastlines, luscious forests and epic mountain peaks. Taiwan boasts a rich cultural heritage, blending indigenous cultures with Chinese and Japanese influences, much like the country’s incredible food scene, which extends itself to bustling street food markets and authentic local restaurants. Our loop trip highlights the lot, starting and ending in the capital, Taipei. You’ll visit Sun Moon Lake and Taroko Gorge, explore the diverse cities of Tainan, Taichung, Kaohsiung and Hualien, as well as embarking on an unforgettable range of cultural, culinary and adventurous activities, from releasing lanterns to cooking classes and lakeside cycles. Not bad for just one island, right?
Highlights
Make your way to the hotel on arrival in Taipei, where you can check-in and make yourself comfortable. The group will gather early in the evening for a welcome meeting with our Local Insider – your expert guide for the trip – and dinner at an authentic local restaurant.
Accommodation
FX Hotel Taipei (or similar)
Activities included
Начальная точка
131 南京東路三段, 104, 中山區, 臺北市, Taiwan
17:00
Your first morning starts with a guided tour of the capital, Taipei. Our Local Insider will take you to see the Office of the President, the guard changing ceremony at CKS Memorial Hall and Lungshan Temple. There’ll be time to grab lunch at one of the variety of food court options in Taipei Main Station before we embark on our first train journey, to Taichung City. High-speed rail means we’ll barely travel an hour before reaching our destination and heading straight out on a tour of the city’s finest sights, including Rainbow Village and National Taichung Theatre. This evening we’ll visit Fengjia Night Market, one of Taiwan’s most famous markets, to experience the hustle and bustle of Taiwanese street food culture, and tuck into some delicious local delicacies.
Accommodation
Park City Hotel (T) (or similar)
Activities included
We’ll start the day right with a stunning two-hour cycle around Sun Moon Lake – a vast body of gorgeous turquoise water surrounded by forested mountain peaks, and Taiwan’s only large natural lake. At the end of our cycle we’ll visit Xiangshan Visitor Center, a strikingly unique building that homes a delightful cafe with views over the lake. After lunch at a local restaurant we’ll head out onto the waters with a gentle hour-long cruise, followed by a visit to the hilltop Wenwu Temple, which offers a higher vantage point over the lake. The area is famous for black tea, and we’ll visit Ho Ho Cha Tea factory to experience a hand-rolling and tasting session. Having seen the lake from pretty much every angle possible, and indulged in various local delights, we’ll return to Taichung for an evening at your leisure.
Accommodation
Park City Hotel (T (or similar)
Included activities
Our next stop is Tainan, known by people in Taiwan as the country’s culinary capital, with an especially rich seafood culture. You can ask our Local Insider about the must-try dishes on the train, but we’ll keep your stomach waiting as we first visit the 350 year-old Confucius Temple. Then it’s off to a famous local restaurant to finally experience traditional Tainan cuisine. Our tour of the city continues after lunch, with stops at various historical sites like Chikan Tower, Anping Fort and Anping Old Street, as well as a chance for some retail therapy at Hayashi Department Store. Early evening we’ll jump back on the bus for an hour-long trip to Kaohsiung, where you can enjoy a dinner and rest of the evening at leisure.
Accommodation
FX Inn (or similar)
Included activities
After departing from the hotel, the day begins with a visit to the Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum, offering a serene and cultural start. Following lunch, the group will head to Kaohsiung City to explore the vibrant Dragon and Tiger Pagodas*, a symbolic landmark known for its striking architecture. From there, the journey continues to the iconic Formosa Boulevard Station, famed for its Dome of Light. A round-trip ferry ride then takes guests to Cijin Island, where they will enjoy a scenic cycling experience along the coast. After soaking in the island's charm, the group returns to Kaohsiung City and heads back to the hotel. The day will conclude with a visit to the Pier-2 Art Center, a creative space filled with contemporary art installations and local culture.
*Pagodas are currently undergoing renovations and therefore closed to public
Accommodation
FX Inn (or similar)
Included activities
The day begins early with a transfer from Kaohsiung to Hualien via the Taiwan Railways Administration (TRA). Upon arrival, you will head directly to the scenic Taroko area*, where lunch will be provided. The afternoon includes a unique hand-knitting experience at Tribai House, followed by a visit to the Taroko Gorge National Park Visitor Centre and the iconic Entrance Arch. Later, participants will travel to either Qixingtan Lake or Pacific Ocean Park to enjoy beautiful coastal views. The day concludes with a transfer to the hotel for check-in, followed by dinner.
*please note that Taroko Gorge is still closed due to the earthquake in 2024.
Accommodation:
Fullon Hotel Hualien (or similar)
Included Activities:
This morning we’ll go on one final scenic train ride, this time back towards the capital, but hopping off in Jiufen, an incredibly picturesque mountainside town just east of Taipei. Narrow old streets are packed with teahouses and street food shacks, not to mention the gorgeous old Shengping Theater. We’ll have lunch with stunning mountain views over the northeastern coast, before heading to Shifen Waterfall and Shifen Old Street, where we’ll experience the releasing of sky lanterns – a famous tradition in this part of the country. We’ll end up back in Taipei City, heading to the 101 Building for a photo opp at Taiwan’s tallest building, before spending the evening at Raohe Night Market – a haven for street food lovers.
Accommodation
FX Hotel Taipei (or similar)
Included activities
Our last full day is all about enjoying Taipei at a relaxed pace, starting at a local cooking school, where you’ll master the art of Taiwanese cuisine and leave with a recipe or two for the road. In the afternoon we’ll visit The Grand Hotel, a magnificent red-column masterpiece and an amazing example of grand Chinese architecture. Nearby is the Martyrs' Shrine, where we’ll head to watch the changing of the guards ceremony, before popping by the National Palace Museum. We’ll round up the day with a farewell dinner at a local restaurant, where the group can reminisce on an unforgettable Taiwanese experience.
Accommodation
FX Hotel Taipei (or similar)
Included activities
After one last breakfast at the hotel it’s time to say goodbye! After check-out you can either head straight to the airport, spend more time exploring Taipei, or continue the adventure somewhere else!
Конечная точка
和平路405巷, 970, 花蓮市, Hualien County, Taiwan
11:00
8 nights accommodation
FX Hotel, Taipei (or similar)
This impressive hotel in the heart of Taipei’s business district, is tastefully decorated with plush accents, Baroque interiors and all of the modern features you’d expect in a trendy hotel. There is a restaurant, fitness center and outdoor event space and the hotel is near both the train station and Liaoning Night markets.
Park City Hotel (T), Taichung (or similar)
This metropolitan hotel in the city centre of Taichung is within walking distance of the train station. Rooms are bright, spacious and colourful, shared spaces are open and modern, and breakfast is served in a charming Cantonese restaurant. You’ll also have full access to a well-equipped fitness centre.
FX Inn, Kaohsiung (or similar)
In Kaohsiung you’ll be staying in the Qianjin District, at this fashion-inspired hotel. Rooms are brimming with personality, designed in different themes and each popping in colour. The trendy Kitchen X restaurant can be found on the top floor, and it’s in these youthful surroundings that you’ll enjoy a delicious breakfast. There’s also The Caffeine on the first floor, which offers coffee, cakes and light meals throughout the day.
Park City Hotel (H), Hualien (or similar)
Our second Park City Hotel stay will be in Hualien City, and this branch places equal importance on creating a cosy, natural space for visitors to relax in the heart of the city. The beds are super comfy, and the room design is calming, with a lovely flow of sunlights coming in through the windows. Breakfast can be enjoyed either in the Park Cafe & Lounge or in Delicacy Restaurant, while downtime can be spent mastering your game skills in the Chess Room.
Train tickets
International flights are not included
Welcome meeting
Taipei City tour
Taichung City tour
Fengjia Night Market visit
Sun Moon Lake boat cruise
Wenwu Temple visit
Ho Ho Cha Tea Factory tasting
Confucius Temple visit
Tainan City tour
Kaohsiung City tour
Shoushan National Nature Park visit
Formosa Boulevard Station visit
Tamsui Old Street tour
Tamsui River cycling
Shilin Night Market visit
Taipei morning city tour (Dihua Street and Dadaocheng)
Jiufen & Shifen tour
Shifen Old Street Sky Lantern Experience
Taipei 101 Building photo stop
Evening at Raohe Night Market
Taiwanese cooking experience & lunch
The Grand Hotel visit
Guard changing ceremony at Martyrs' Shrine
National Palace Museum visit
Hotel transfers
Visas
Travel Insurance
Flights to and from the destination
Resort/City taxes (where applicable)
8 breakfasts
4 lunches
5 dinners
The services of a Local Insider is included
Тайвань
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