Highlights of Taiwan
(8 Days – Departs Daily on a Private Basis)
Taipei, Taroko Gorge, Sun Moon Lake
On this wonderful private Taiwan tour, experience the cultural and culinary highlights of Taipei, the unique natural beauty of Taroko Gorge and the diverse charms of Sun Moon Lake. This itinerary also features a wonderful train ride along the coast and an incredible scenic drive through the mountains.
Begin in Taipei, the fascinating capital of Taiwan. During flexible private touring with your own guide and driver, visit the renowned National Palace Museum, the repository of the imperial Chinese art collection, to see masterpieces of painting, porcelain, jade carving, calligraphy and other arts. Visit beautiful Longshan Temple and other Buddhist and Taoist temples that bustle with worshippers at all hours. At an atmospheric local tea house, sample Taiwan's acclaimed tea, such as delicate mountain-grown oolong. Walk through the historic port district and along backstreets where shops inside evocative, century-old buildings offer Taiwanese specialties. Stop by the landmark Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial to learn about one of the founding fathers of modern Taiwan. Venture up Taipei 101—among the tallest buildings in the world—for panoramic views over the city and mountains. Also enjoy time to browse for Taiwanese crafts, such as high-quality ceramics and glassware, or explore the shops at Songshan Cultural and Creative Park. One evening, visit the renowned Shilin night market, a vast indoor-outdoor emporium of tiny shops and food stalls offering Taiwanese delicacies.
Next, enjoy the scenic train ride to Hualien, followed by a private transfer into spectacular Taroko Gorge, a narrow canyon carved into marble mountains. Visit highlights such as Eternal Spring Shrine, Swallow Grotto and the Shakadang River. If desired, enjoy hiking in the hills to see beautiful waterfalls and Buddhist temples. You will also have time to relax at the spa and other facilities at your Taroko Gorge resort.
Continue with your private guide and driver on the Central Cross-Island Highway through forested mountains and over breathtaking Wuling Pass (10,745 ft), the highest road pass in Taiwan, to Sun Moon Lake. Stay at one of the best resorts in Taiwan with views of the beautiful lake and surrounding mountains. During flexible private touring in the region, enjoy options such as a private cruise on Sun Moon Lake, visits to local temples, a stop at a working tea plantation, a visit to a handmade paper factory and a tour of fascinating Chung Tai Chan Monastery, one of the most important religious sites in Taiwan. Other options include riding the Sun Moon Lake Ropeway over the mountains and visiting the Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village.
Return to Taipei for flexible touring in the hot springs area of Beitou, scenic touring in Yangmingshan National Park or last-minute shopping in Taipei. Upon request, Artisans of Leisure can also arrange reservations at the finest restaurants in Taipei and tickets to performances of puppet theater, Chinese opera and Cloud Gate Dance Theater.
Taiwan combines well with other destinations in Asia, such as Japan, Hong Kong, Vietnam and Thailand.
Itinerary Overview
|
| Day 1 |
Arrive Taipei
Fast-track airport assistance. Private arrival transfer to hotel for 3 nights |
| Day 2 |
Taipei Full-day flexible private tour. Evening night market visit |
| Day 3 |
Taipei Half-day flexible private tour |
| Day 4 |
Taipei – Taroko Gorge Private transfer to train station. Morning train to Hualien with guide, then private transfer to hotel for 1 night with touring and/or hiking en route |
| Day 5 |
Taroko Gorge – Sun Moon Lake
Morning private hiking, if desired. Private transfer over mountains to resort for 2 nights with flexible touring en route |
| Day 6 |
Sun Moon Lake
Full-day flexible private tour, including private lake cruise and visits to local temples and other highlights |
| Day 7 |
Sun Moon Lake – Taipei (Beitou)
Private transfer to Taichung train station for business-class HSR train to Taipei. Private transfer to Taipei hotel or Beitou resort for 1 night. Afternoon flexible private touring in Beitou or Yangmingshan National Park |
| Day 8 |
Depart Taipei
Private airport transfer. Fast-track departure assistance |
|
Hotels
|
| Taipei: |
Mandarin Oriental, Taipei |
| Taroko Gorge: |
Silks Place Taroko |
| Sun Moon Lake: |
The Lalu |
| Taipei (Beitou): |
Villa 32 or The Gaia Hotel |
|
Cost
|
$9,575
|
Per person (double occupancy) |
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