Nine days in Taiwan means nine days of temples, lanterns, lakes, and big city lights. Start in Taipei, where tradition and modernity collide at Longshan Temple and the skyline views from Elephant Mountain. Connect with Taiwan’s Indigenous Bunun community through their folk stories and art by Sun Moon Lake. Wander the colourful Dragon and Tiger Pagodas in Kaohsiung, sip tea in Jiufen’s lantern-lit lanes, and enjoy plenty of free time to craft your own adventure. Taiwan is small in size, but the memories here go big.
Travel Style
Classic
Service Level
Standard
Physical Grading
3 - Average
What's Included
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
Your Local Living Moment: Bunun Indigenous Tribe Experience, Shuanglong Bunun Village. Taipei Orientation Walk. Half Day City Tour of Taipei. Longshan Temple Visit. Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Hall. Elephant Mountain. Free time in Taipei. Rainbow Suspension Bridge. Bunun Indigenous Tribe Experience. Free Time in Sun Moon Lake. Free Time in Tainan. Anping Historic District Tour. Anping Fort Visit. Dragon and Tiger Pagodas. Free time in Kaohsiung. Jiufen Historic town visit. Golden Waterfalls. Yin Yang Sea Lookout Point. Heping Island Visit.
What are the main highlights of this trip?
Learn Indigenous traditions through art and stories in Bunun Village, Take in Taipei from Longshan Temple to the skyline views atop Elephant Mountain, Marvel at the bright and beautiful Dragon and Tiger Pagodas in Kaohsiung, Wander Jiufen’s lantern-lit mountain village filled with tea houses and views
How large will the group be?
16
What meals are included in this trip?
7 breakfasts, 1 lunch
What are the modes of transportation on my trip?
Walking, Metro, Bullet Train, Private Vehicle, Local Train.
Is there an extra cost for travelling solo?
We believe single travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and single travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.
Where will we stay during the trip?
Hotels (8 nts).
Itinerary
Taipei
Arrive at anytime. In the evening, join your CEO for a welcome meeting and an orientation walk to get acquainted with Taipei.
Taipei
Explore the amazing city of Taipei on a CEO led tour this morning. Ride the local metro around the city to visit famed spots like Longshan Temple, Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Hall and to hike up Elephant Mountain. The afternoon if yours to continue exploring the city as you please.
Taipei/Sun Moon Lake
Our day begins with a high-speed train to Taichung, followed by a scenic drive to the Shuanglong Bunun Village. There, we will receive a warm welcome and participate in a meaningful Bunun Name-Giving Ceremony, guided by a local community member. Continue with a hike to the highest suspension bridge in Taiwan, offering breathtaking views of the central mountains and Shuanglong Waterfalls. We'll then return to the village for lunch and a fascinating tour, learning about the Bunun people's rich heritage through their folk legends, dances, and art. This intimate experience is a special opportunity to engage directly with an indigenous Taiwanese community. Afterward, we will bid farewell to our hosts and drive to Sun Moon Lake, where we can enjoy a peaceful evening at our leisure.
Sun Moon Lake
Today is yours to explore one of the most beautiful places in all of Taiwan, Sun Moon Lake. The bike trail around the lake was named as one of the top scenic bike trails in the world, so we recommend joining your CEO for an optional bike tour of the lake. Or maybe you wish to visit a tea plantation and learn of their famous local tea. Or how about a boat tour around the lake. The day is yours!
Sun Moon Lake/Tainan
This morning we drive to historic Tainan, Taiwan’s oldest city and ancient capital. Enjoy free time for lunch and exploring before joining a local-led walking tour of Anping Old Street, Banyan Tree House and Fort Zeelandia.
Tainan/Kaohsiung
Ride the high speed train to Kaohsiung and visit the spectacular Dragon and Tiger Pagodas. Here you can also see the beautiful Lotus Pond and the Summer and Autumn Pavilions. Enjoy some time for lunch on your own before checking into the hotel. The rest of the day is yours to see the coastal town of Kaohsiung.
Kaohsiung/Taipei
Have breakfast at the hotel before taking the high speed train to Taipei. After dropping your bags at the hotel, the day is yours to tick off your remaining must-see places in Taipei. Don’t miss the chance to hit up some of the amazing beef noodle soup shops around the city.
Taipei
Take a day trip to the north of the island, starting with the breathtaking Golden Waterfall on the way to Jiufen, one of the most picturesque mountain towns. Wander through the beautiful alleyways and peaceful tea houses, a perfect place to grab some lunch too if you wish. Then drive to Keelung, a historic port and fishing town. Visit Heping Island, a nature reserve boasting an incredible coastline. Before heading back to Taipei, explore the Keelung Night Market and try some incredible local treats like stinky tofu or blood cakes.
Taipei
Depart at any time.
Is travel insurance required for my trip?
Travel Insurance: Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your CEO, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy please bear in mind that all clients must have medical coverage and that we require a minimum coverage of USD 200,000 for repatriation and emergency rescue. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.
Terms, conditions and restrictions apply; pricing, availability, and other details subject to change and/ or apply to US or Canadian residents. Please confirm details and booking information with your travel advisor.
