14-Day Treasures of Taiwan

Fly overnight to Taipei, Taiwan's buzzing capital. Depending on your time of arrival, the rest of the day is yours to start soaking up the local culture. This evening meet with your National Escort and fellow travellers to enjoy dinner at a nearby, local restaurant.

Nestled in a basin ringed by mountains, Taipei is a city of striking contrasts. Sleek skyscrapers and buzzing night markets standing alongside centuries-old temples and grand civic monuments. Begin your explorations at the Martyrs’ Shrine, with its elaborate changing-of-the-guard ceremony, the soaring colonnades of CKS Memorial Hall, and the incense-thick air of Longshan Temple. Later, ascend the iconic Taipei 101 for views that stretch across the entire city basin.

Explore the National Palace Museum, then journey towards the heart of the island to what is arguably Taiwan’s most scenic spot – Sun Moon Lake. Visit the Wen Wu Temple before embarking on a motorboat cruise around the lake for picture perfect views of the area’s beautiful landscapes. You’ll also visit the Holy Monk Shrine, Cien Pagoda and the indigenous village of Tehua.

Begin today with a visit to a famous tea farm to discover all about the process of tea growth and production before taking the cable car to Formosan Cultural Village. There will also be some time at leisure, with the option of biking on trails around Sun Moon Lake, listed as one of the 10 most beautiful places to cycle in the world.

Depart Sun Moon Lake and travel to Tainan. Taiwan's oldest city and capital until 1887 when Taipei took over, Tainan was originally established as a trading port by the Dutch East India Company. It is renowned for its preservation of traditions and rich folk culture, and you'll start exploring at the Chihkan Tower and Confucius Temple. In the afternoon, wander the old streets of the Anping district and view the sunset from Anping Harbour.

Head south to the port city of Kaohsiung where you'll admire the Dragon & Tiger Tower and the Spring & Autumn Pavilion before paying a visit to Taiwan's largest monastery, Foguanshan. Lunch here will be a vegetarian feast, before you stroll over to the main shrine, the Buddhist Museum and Great Buddha Land, where you'll find a 36-metre Buddha watching over a garden of many smaller Buddhas. Finally, see the Martyrs' Shrine at Shoushan.

Travel over to the beach resort of Kenting, gateway to the beautiful Kenting National Park. Consisting of a range of landscapes – low mountains, rolling hills, cliffs and deserts, all fringed by excellent beaches and helped along by a balmy tropical climate, Kenting is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna.

Spend the morning amongst the rock formations and lush greenery of Sheding Nature Park with a pause to take in the ocean views at Oluanpi Lighthouse. The rest of the day is at leisure.

Depart Kenting and drive along the beautiful east coast to Taitung, admiring the ocean views throughout the journey. Continue to Chihpen, famous for its hot springs. On arrival, your afternoon will be free to relax and bathe in the thermal waters at your hotel. Tonight's dinner will be accompanied by a performance of traditional music and dance.

Travel northwards to Hualien. En route there will be a series of stops including Donghe, where you may spot wild monkeys, and the scenic Cisingtan Lake, where you can head out on an optional bike ride on the lakeshore.

With much of Taroko Gorge closed for earthquake repairs, today offers a gentler encounter with its dramatic scenery. Enter through the monumental archway, stop at the Visitor Center, then head deeper into the gorge to Tianxiang Recreation Area, where a short trek up to Xiangde Temple rewards with peace, incense, and sweeping valley views. Please check the Detailed Tour Itinerary for the latest updates.

Take a photo stop at Cingshuei Cliff for beautiful views and visit the Kavalan Whisky Distillery, where a few tastings will be in order. Return to Taipei and enjoy a farewell dinner, the perfect opportunity to reflect on your adventures with your fellow passengers.

After breakfast, you can proceed to Taipei Airport.