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.

Taipei is a laidback and vibrant city that, as well as being packed with the upmarket and ultramodern, is a bastion of Taiwan's wonderfully rich heritage. Begin your explorations at the Martyrs' Shrine. This afternoon, visit CKS Memorial Hall, Longshan Temple and ascend the world-famous Taipei 101 to see the city from above.

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 aboriginal 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.

IMPORTANT NOTICE – TAROKO NATIONAL PARK CLOSURE: Due to the earthquake on April 3, 2024, which impacted Eastern Taiwan including Taroko National Park, the park is currently closed for repairs. In light of this, we have arranged an alternate tour of the beautiful nearby city of Hualien on Day 12 until the park reopens. Please refer to the tour dossier for more details.

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.

Fly to the UK, arriving home the same or following day.