Explore Taiwan

11 Days | Tantalising food, lush views, tranquil temples and sweet black tea

4.5 out of 5 based on 28 reviews submitted.
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EUR €2,156
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Discover a glittering coastline, lush landscapes and tranquil temples on this 11-day adventure through Taiwan. Be tempted by night market food stalls and welcomed into Indigenous tribes, visit tea farms and learn the tricks of local cuisine by collecting clams and cooking farm fresh onion pancakes. Travel to the misty mountains and serene lakes that have captured the attention of many international powers throughout history and learn why Taiwan earned the nickname ‘the beautiful island’. With a hike through mountainous foothills, a train ride through old growth forest and a local leader by your side to teach you about culture, land and people – this adventure will leave you curious and wanting more.

Trip overview

Map of Explore Taiwan including Taiwan, Republic Of China
Start
Taipei, Taiwan
Finish
Taipei, Taiwan
Theme
Explorer
Destinations
Taiwan
Physical rating
Indicates how physically exerting a trip is, and how fit you will need to be to enjoy it. More info on physical ratings
Style
Original
Ages
Min 15
Group size
Min 1 - Max 12
Trip code
CJSA
We’re in the process of figuring out how much CO2-e this trip generates. In the meantime, find out more about our climate commitments and carbon reduction target.

Why you'll love this trip
  • Discover Taiwan’s food culture by collecting clams in Wangong, sipping black tea at a plantation and cooking farm-fresh spring onion pancakes in Yilan.
  • Hike through lush mountain foothills to a 12-tiered pagoda that overlooks Sun Moon Lake, and take a ride around the emerald green waters on a cycling adventure.
  • Enjoy a special visit to the Indigenous Atayal tribe and spend some time with their community to learn about their forest survival techniques and costumes, then enjoy a hearty home-cooked meal that showcases tradition and Indigenous flavours.
  • Explore stalls pilled with dried fruits, herbs and medicines on Dihua Street – considered one of the oldest streets in Taiwan.
  • Ride the Forest Railway train through Alishan’s tropical and subtropical forest, then hike the Sacred Forest Trail to get closer to the old, resident Cypress trees.

Is this trip right for you?
  • We use mainly private transport between destinations on this trip to enable us to pack as many highlights as we can into each day. When in Taipei you can expect plenty of walking and to make use of the efficient metro system.
  • There are several opportunities for hiking and cycling on this trip. While these are not strenuous, they do require a good overall level of fitness.
  • This trip doesn’t spend a lot of time in Taipei. We highly recommend you spend extra time in this great city. Please consult your booking agent for booking extra accommodation here before or after the trip.

Itinerary

This itinerary is valid for departures from 01 January 2025 to 31 December 2025.

View the itinerary for departures between 11 July 2024 - 31 December 2024

Map of Explore Taiwan including Taiwan, Republic Of China

Inclusions

Meals

10 breakfasts, 1 lunch

Transport

Private Bus, Metro, Public Bus, Bike

Accommodation

Hotel (8 nights), Guesthouse (2 nights)

Activities
  • Taipei - Dihua Street walk
  • Taipei - Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Hall
  • Yilan - Spring onion farm & cooking demostration
  • Taipei - National Palace Museum
  • Yilan - Indigenous Atayal tribe half day visit
  • Yilan - Morning market visit
  • Chiayi - Peanut roll icecream making
  • Sun Moon Lake - Ci'en Pagoda Trail walk
  • Sun Moon Lake - Bike Ride
  • Puli - Chung Tai Chan Monastery
  • Puli - Hugosum Tea Farm
  • Alishan - Forest railway
  • Alishan - Sacred Forest Trail hike
  • Lukang - Longshan Temple
  • Fangyuan - Clam picking

Dates and availability

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Important notes

1. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip, except in Sun Moon Lake and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.

Essential Trip Information

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

Read Essential Trip Information

Reviews

4.5 out of 5 based on 28 reviews submitted.
Reviews are from travellers who have completed their trip and want to share their experience. We show all reviews, but may remove any that include profanity or inappropriate content, are unrelated to the trip or reveal personal details.

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Sharon · Traveled June 2024
Taiwan is a hidden gem. It's cleaner, friendlier, and safer than most places. Food is everywhere. It's very laid back, too.
Review submitted 25 Jun 2024

Lea · Traveled June 2024
Taiwan is lusciously green, exceptionally clean with a fascinating culture and fantastic food. Because it is still relatively undiscovered locals aren’t yet jaded and cynical by too much tourism. Everyone is very friendly and welcoming. It is what I imagine Japan was probably like before it was “discovered” by mass tourism. Go now before it is discovered.
Review submitted 26 Jun 2024

Kirsty · Traveled May 2024
Taiwan is such a beautiful country! Exceed any expectations. A nature lover and foodies best holiday!
Review submitted 12 May 2024

Carolyn · Traveled April 2024
My Taiwan tour will always have a special place in my memories.We experience their culture, the food was amazing and the Taiwanese people we met along the way were just beautiful
Review submitted 08 May 2024

Melissa · Traveled April 2024
Taiwan is a fabulous place to visit, the people, food and culture was much more than I expected! Great tour!
Review submitted 27 Apr 2024
Explore Taiwan
From
EUR €2,156