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Taiwan: Natural & Cultural Riches
Tour Description:
Discover the rugged natural beauty and
rich cultural history of the island nation of Taiwan, as
you venture from the Qing Dynasty-era temples of
Taipei to the lush forests, narrow gorges and alpine
peaks of Taroko National Park, learn the intricacies
of harvesting tea and meet an expert who explains
Taiwan’s pivotal place in world politics.
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Destination & Sightseeing
ITINERARY
ITINERARYDay 1 - Taipei, Taiwan
Arrive in Taipei, where you are met and transferred to your
hotel.
Day 2 - Taipei
Explore the city, starting at the National Palace Museum,
viewing artifacts that span eight centuries. Visit the National
Revolutionary Martyrs’ Shrine, and then stop for lunch at a
local restaurant. Proceed to the Longshan Temple, dedicated
to the Bodhisattva Guanyin, and enter the Chiang Kai-shek
Memorial before a guided walk of Dihua Street, dotted with
tea and tailor shops. This evening at your hotel, attend a
welcome dinner highlighted by a talk on regional geopolitics
by a local professor.
Day 3 - Yilan
Journey to Yilan County on Taiwan’s scenic northeast coast. Visit the local Kavalan whiskey distillery and taste a dram or
two, and then partake in a hands-on Chef’s Table experience,
learning the art of making Yilan’s famous scallion cakes, a
delicious national tradition. After lunch at a local restaurant,
journey to Taroko National Park, taking in coastal
landscapes of rugged beauty en route. On arrival,
check in to your hotel, where you dine tonight.
Day 4 - Taroko National Park
Explore Taroko National Park, home to the soaring, marblewalled
Taroko Gorge, where you drive and walk amid
magnificent vistas that evoke the images found in Chinese
scroll work. Continue to Swallow Grotto, hiking to elegant
shrines and glittering waterfalls, and experiencing an almost
ethereal ambience. Enjoy lunch before visiting the visually
stunning Tunnel of Nine Turns.
Day 5 - Sun Moon Lake
Set out early for Sun Moon Lake, crossing the island’s
towering central mountain range. Ascend through cloud and
pine forests to Hehuanshan, savoring breathtaking alpine
views. Continue to Sun Moon Lake, set in a lush valley.
After lunch at a local restaurant, check in to your hotel.
This evening, enjoy a Scenic Sundowner, basking in the
surrounding grandeur.
Day 6 - Sun Moon Lake
Explore the Sun Moon Lake area, ancestral home of the
indigenous Thao people. Visit Wenwu Temple, and then
ride a cable car up to an observation tower to marvel at the
scenic panoramas. Next, view this beautiful setting by private
boat. Back on shore, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant in Ita Thao Cultural Village and gain insight into Thao cultural
traditions.
Day 7 - Tainan
After a relaxing morning, visit a tea plantation for lessons
in planting tea, picking leaves and processing them, and
sip a freshly made cup of this organic treasure. After lunch
at a local restaurant, set out for Tainan, a historic city
established by the Dutch East India Company as a lucrative
hub for trade. Noted for its many temples, Tainan also offers
a diverse culinary culture complete with bustling food
markets. Tonight, discover this thriving scene on a guided
visit to the city’s vibrant night market.
Day 8 - Tainan
Today, begin at the Anping Fort, a site central to historic
events from the Qing Dynasty to World War II. Walk nearby
streets, viewing time-worn stalls and shops, and admiring
the architecture. Visit exquisitely preserved Shennong Street
before time at your leisure for lunch. Tonight, dine at your
hotel.
Day 9 - Taipei
Board a bullet train and Ride Like a Local to Taipei, arriving
in time for lunch. Explore the dazzling Taipei 101, the world’s
tallest “green structure.” Also visit Huashan 1914 Creative
Park, once a sake winery and today a dynamic cultural
venue. Tonight, gather for a farewell dinner.
Day 10 - Taipei
Transfer to the airport for your departing flight.
