DAY 1-2 USA - Taipei: Travel Day; Arrive Taipei Day 2 + Optional Hotel Upgrade

Your vacation begins with an international flight to Taipei, Taiwan’s vibrant capital, set at the northern tip of the mountainous island. Basking in the Pacific Ocean, this subtropical land is known for its high-energy cities, lush scenery, and ornate temples.

On arrival at Taipei’s Taoyuan International Airport (TPE), enjoy a convenient transfer to your Taipei hotel (no guide will be provided), experiencing your first glimpses of the city’s bustling streets and skyscrapers en route. After checking in for tonight, spend the remainder of the day as you wish. Perhaps recharge your batteries in the comfort of your hotel or set off to enjoy Taipei’s shops and restaurants independently. Take your comfort up a level with an optional upgrade to the 5-star Regent Taipei Hotel or Similar for tonight, Day 7, and 8 in the city. If your flight has an early arrival time in Taipei, you may also want to take up one of our early check-in upgrade options to ensure a comfortable start to your trip.

*Standard check-in time approx. after 3:00 pm TST. Early check-in is available for purchase.

DAY 3 Taipei - Sun Moon Lake: Start Your Taiwan Round Island Tour

After breakfast, meet the local guide at the hotel lobby and enjoy a scenic drive to central Taipei and travel to the heart of the island, Sun Moon Lake National Scenic Area, the island’s biggest lake, set at 762 meters above sea level in Taiwan’s central mountains. Visit Sun Moon Lake, the largest freshwater lake on the island, which is divided by Lalu Island. Ita Thao is an Indigenous village that offers insights into the culture and lifestyle of the Thao people. The Ci’en Pagoda, an iconic Sun Moon Lake landmark constructed by the late President Chiang Kai-shek in memory of his mother. Explore the Xuanzang Temple, a serene Buddhist sanctuary dedicated to the esteemed monk Xuanzang. Admire the mirror-glass waters and visit the elaborately carved Wenwu Temple, also known as the ‘Literature-Warrior Temple,’ which consists of shrines to Confucius, the God of Literature, and the God of War, among other deities. After a breathtaking tour of the serene Sun Moon Lake, check into your hotel and unwind in comfort. Take the rest of the day to relax and reflect on the beauty of the lake’s shimmering waters and lush surroundings. If you wish to explore further, enjoy a peaceful stroll, savor local delicacies, or simply soak in the tranquil atmosphere, letting the day’s memories linger a little longer.

Included: Breakfast at hotel

DAY 4 Sun Moon Lake - Tainan - Kaohsiung: Fort Zeelandia, Fo Guang Shan Monastery

Today is all about experiencing southern Taiwan’s natural landscapes and historical highlights. After a delightful breakfast, hop on the bus and make your way to Tainan, the oldest city in Taiwan. Visit the Fort Zeelandia, and stroll along the Anping Old Street. Lunch on your own. Proceed to the romantic harbor city of Kaohsiung, the most populous city in Southern Taiwan. Visit the renowned Fo Guang Shan Monastery (FGS), a significant Buddhist monastery founded by the Venerable Master Hsing Yun in 1967. The largest and most revered of Taiwan’s Buddhist monasteries. Here, learn about the local Buddhist religion and talk to monks or nuns as you tour the Buddhist Monastery, a complex of eight pagodas and gardens crowned by a vast figure of Buddha—the world’s tallest bronze sitting Buddha statue. The monastery is most famous for its Great Buddha Land, featuring a majestic 36-meter-tall golden statue of Buddha Amitabha, which stands as the tallest standing Buddha in Southeast Asia. It is encircled by an impressive array of 480 smaller statues depicting Buddha Amitabha. After a full day of exploration, return to your hotel for an overnight in Kaohsiung.

Included: Breakfast at hotel

DAY 5 Kaohsiung - Kenting - Taitung: Eluanbi Lighthouse, Maopitou & Longpan Park

Depart Kaohsiung after breakfast, and follow a scenic route along the coast, stopping at the beauty spots of Eluanbi Lighthouse, the Maopitou coastal area, and Longpan Park. Chuanfan Rock, literally sail rock, is another distinctive natural formation that resembles the sail of a ship or a likeness of the former US President Richard Nixon. Journey to Kenting National Park, situated at Taiwan’s southern tip, and known for its wooded mountains and china-white beaches, the latter overlooking 37 miles of coral-reef-studded seas. Next, travel to the lovely east-coast town of Taitung via the Southern Link Highway for an overnight stay at Zhiben, and the chance to bathe in the natural hot spring at our luxury hotel.

Included: Breakfast at hotel

DAY 6 Taitung - East Coast National Scenic Area - Hualien - Yilan: East Coast National Scenic Area, Sanxiantai & Xiaoyeliu

After breakfast, continue to travel along the east coast, known as the last unspoiled place on the island. Look forward to a high point of your Taiwan explorations today—a journey along the rugged east coast. Have your camera ready as you travel through the East Coast National Scenic Area, which extends for over 100 miles, and is characterized by craggy landscapes, pebble beaches, caves, shoreline reefs, and wave-sculpted capes. Along the way, visit the Fanshuliao. Also, see the sandstone rock formations at Xiaoyeliu, the arched bridge at Sanxiantai, and the Shitiping Stone Steps. This area is a well-developed sea erosion terrace, featuring promontories along the coastline that have been eroded by seawater over millions of years. As the afternoon draws to a close, continue to Hualien, and enjoy a one-way comfortable train ride from Hualien to Yilan. Tonight, overnight in Jiaoxi, Yilan.

Included: Breakfast at hotel

DAY 7 Yilan - Taipei: Kavalan Whisky Distillery & National Center for Traditional Arts

After breakfast, visit the King Car Kavalan Whisky Distillery and the National Center for Traditional Arts. Start the day with a visit to “King Car Kavalan Whisky Distillery”, known worldwide for its exquisite flavors brewed from the clear water sources of the Central Mountain Range and the Xueshan Mountain Range. Continue to visit the "National Center for Traditional Arts", a vast park featuring various exquisite traditional Taiwanese buildings. Here you can immerse yourselves in Taiwan's rich heritage through exhibitions, performances, and workshops. From puppet shows to pottery making, there's something for everyone. Conclude your unforgettable round island tour by taking a bus back to Taipei City.

Included: Breakfast at hotel

DAY 8 Taipei: Taipei City Tour

Relax over breakfast before a fascinating half-day tour of Taipei City. Soak in the atmosphere of this fast-moving metropolis and gaze at the gleaming towers, smart shops, historical temples, and colorful markets as you travel between the sights. Visit the world-renowned National Palace Museum which houses the largest collection of ancient Chinese artifacts in the world, where the exquisite art pieces will blow your mind; Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, a prominent monument that symbolizes a significant period of Taiwan's history; Lungshan Temple that represents the local religious beliefs and practices; and the famous skyscraper, Taipei 101 (entrance ticket is not included), that showcases the modern technology and globalization of the city.

Included: Breakfast at hotel

DAY 9 Taipei - USA: Depart From Taipei

Following breakfast, check out of your hotel and transfer to Taipei airport for your flight to the USA (no guide will be provided). If you have an afternoon or evening flight, consider upgrading for a later check-out to make your last day in Taipei extra comfortable.

*Standard check-out time today is approx. 11:00 a.m. TST. Late check-out is available for purchase.

Included: Breakfast at hotel