9-Day Enchanting Taiwan Tour With Flights Included

Depart today on your international flight to Taipei, the vibrant capital of Taiwan. Sit back, relax, and get ready for the exciting journey ahead.

Upon arrival at Taoyuan International Airport and after clearing customs, your driver will greet you in the arrival hall. Enjoy a comfortable transfer to your hotel, where you will have the rest of the day at leisure to unwind or begin exploring the city at your own pace.

Accommodation: Shangri-La Far Eastern Taipei (Superior room) or Marriott Taipei (Guest room)

After breakfast, embark on a full-day guided tour to experience the essence of Taipei, where centuries-old traditions meet cutting-edge modernity. Begin your day at the National Palace Museum, home to the world's largest and most impressive collection of ancient Chinese imperial artifacts. Continue to Dadaocheng and stroll along the historic Dihua Old Street, a lively area known for its heritage architecture, traditional apothecaries, and artisanal shops. Visit Cheng-en Gate (Beimen), one of the few remaining city gates from the Qing Dynasty, then explore the vibrant Ximending Commercial District, often dubbed the "Harajuku of Taipei." Enjoy time to browse its trendy boutiques and grab lunch on your own from a variety of local eateries. In the afternoon, admire the spiritual ambiance of Lungshan Temple, a beloved place of worship and an architectural gem. Then, witness the ceremonial changing of the guard at the grand Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, a significant symbol of Taiwan's modern history. Conclude your tour with a visit to the striking Taipei 101 Mall, where you can enjoy world-class shopping and dining or marvel at the skyscraper's awe-inspiring design (observatory admission not included). This enriching tour provides a well-rounded introduction to Taipei's historic landmarks, vibrant neighborhoods, and cultural heritage, all brought to life by your expert local guide.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Shangri-La Far Eastern Taipei (Superior room) or Marriott Taipei (Guest room)

This morning marks the beginning of your Taiwan round-island journey. Depart Taipei and head toward the island's scenic heart, Sun Moon Lake National Scenic Area. As Taiwan's largest freshwater lake, Sun Moon Lake gets its name from its unique shape: the eastern side resembles the sun, while the western side forms a crescent moon. Divided by Lalu Island, the lake is also home to the Thao people, one of Taiwan's indigenous tribes, and is celebrated for its rich cultural heritage and breathtaking natural beauty. In the afternoon, enjoy a leisurely coach tour around the lake, beginning with a visit to Ita Thao, an indigenous village offering a glimpse into Thao traditions and daily life. Continue to the iconic Ci'en Pagoda, built by former President Chiang Kai-shek in memory of his mother, and set on a hilltop offering sweeping views of the lake. Your afternoon also includes visits to two significant temples: Xuanzang Temple, a peaceful Buddhist site honoring the revered monk Xuanzang, and Wenwu Temple, a grand Taoist complex dedicated to the Martial God and the God of Literature. Throughout the tour, your guide will share cultural insights and historical context to enrich your experience. In the evening, settle in for a restful night at your hotel, either lakeside at Sun Moon Lake or in the vibrant city of Taichung.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Fleur de Chine Hotel (Mountain View room) or Le Meridien Taichung (Guest room)

Start your day with a hearty breakfast before departing Sun Moon Lake and traveling south to Tainan, Taiwan's oldest city and a cultural treasure trove known for its rich heritage and historic architecture. Your exploration begins at Fort Zeelandia, initially built by the Dutch East India Company during their 38-year rule over western Taiwan. Though later damaged by the British and rebuilt by the Japanese, the fort remains a testament to Tainan's colonial past. From there, you can take a stroll through Anping Old Street, located just east of the fort. Established over 300 years ago, this is the first officially named street in Taiwan, offering a charming blend of history and local flavor. As you wander through its lively alleys, enjoy the opportunity to sample popular Tainan snacks, such as tofu pudding, shrimp rolls, beef soup, and crispy fish skin, adding a delicious layer to your cultural journey. In the afternoon, continue your journey to Kaohsiung, the southernmost city in Taiwan and a major port. Your first stop is the Fo Guang Shan Monastery, the country's most prominent Buddhist complex, founded in 1967 by the Venerable Master Hsing Yun. Explore the awe-inspiring Great Buddha Land, home to a 36-meter-tall golden Buddha Amitabha, the tallest standing Buddha in Southeast Asia, surrounded by 480 smaller Buddha statues. During your visit, you'll have the opportunity to meet with a resident monk who will share insights into Buddhist teachings and the history of Buddhism in Taiwan. This evening, check into a 5-star hotel in central Kaohsiung, conveniently located near shopping malls, convenience stores, and pharmacies—perfect for picking up any essentials before continuing your round-island journey.

Meals: Breakfast

Hotel: Grand Hilai Kaohsiung (Standard Guest room)

After breakfast, continue your journey along Taiwan's southern coast to Kenting National Park, the island's first national park and a haven of dramatic coastal scenery, unique geological formations, and vibrant marine life nurtured by the region's tropical climate and tectonic activity. A favorite among surfers and divers, Kenting's natural beauty has made it a highlight of southern Taiwan. Your visit includes several of the park's most iconic landmarks: Maopitou (Cat's Nose Rock), a striking headland said to resemble a crouching feline; Chuanfan Rock (Sail Rock), a sea stack shaped like a billowing sail, or, as local lore suggests, the profile of U.S. President Richard Nixon; the Eluanpi Lighthouse, a historic structure from the Qing Dynasty that once ranked among Taiwan's "Eight Views" during the Japanese colonial era; and Longpan Park, a windswept coral limestone plateau offering panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and rugged coastal cliffs. After exploring the natural wonders of Kenting, travel along the South Link Highway to Taitung, enjoying breathtaking views as the landscape transforms from tropical coastlines to lush mountain ranges. Tonight, unwind at a tranquil hot spring resort in Zhiben, nestled in the verdant hills of Taitung County. Zhiben's hot springs, renowned for their soothing, carbonate-rich waters, promote circulation and alleviate fatigue, making them ideal for relaxation after a full day of exploration.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Hotel Royal Chihpen (Superior room)

After a restful night and a delicious breakfast, continue your journey along Taiwan's stunning east coast, often referred to as the island's final unspoiled frontier. This stretch of coastline captivates with its rugged cliffs, dramatic rock formations, and pristine natural landscapes. Today, you'll visit several of the East Coast National Scenic Area's most remarkable geological sites, each offering its unique beauty and charm. Begin at Xiaoyeliu (officially Fugang Geopark), a fascinating coastal area where wind and sea erosion have sculpted a variety of striking rock formations, earning it the nickname Little Yehliu, after its northern counterpart. Continue to Sanxiantai, or the Terrace of the Three Immortals, an offshore island connected to the mainland by a dramatic arched footbridge. This iconic landmark is known for its coral reefs, tidal pools, and legends rooted in Taiwanese folklore. Next, explore Shitiping, meaning "Stone Steps," a striking sea erosion terrace where the relentless force of the ocean has carved sea cliffs, grooves, potholes, and abrasion platforms into the rocky coast over millions of years, making it an outdoor classroom for geology enthusiasts. Conclude your coastal exploration at Fanshuliao, a scenic gorge where lush vegetation and winding trails reveal yet another side of Taiwan's diverse natural beauty. From Hualien, board a comfortable train for a scenic ride to Yilan, located in northeastern Taiwan. This evening, check into a luxurious hot spring hotel in Jiaoxi, a town famed for its therapeutic geothermal waters. Relax and rejuvenate as you soak in the warm mineral-rich baths, surrounded by the tranquility of the Yilan countryside.