zUndiscovered Taiwan

Check in to the stylish Palais de Chine Hotel in the bustling heart of Taipei.

Journey to the bustling port of Keelung and visit Chung Cheng Park to marvel at the enormous statue of the Goddess of Mercy and take in fantastic views of Keelung Harbor. Continue to Yehliu, famed for its spectacular coastal scenery and unusual rock formations, many of them bearing fanciful names like the Queen’s Head and Fairy’s Shoe. Then drive along the island’s rugged northeast coast to Chiufen where charming villages that prospered during the island’s gold mining boom still cling to the mountainsides, offering a fascinating glimpse into a bygone era. Back in Taipei, you’ll have the chance to participate in an age-old tradition as you write a wish or blessing on a paper lantern before lighting it and releasing it into the evening sky. Meals B

Cradled by forested mountains in central Taiwan, Sun Moon Lake is celebrated as one of the island’s most scenic areas. After breakfast this morning, you’ll depart Taipei for the scenic overland journey to Sun Moon Lake, taking time to discover some of the temples, sites and villages en route. Enjoy a cruise across the tranquil waters of this picturesque Lake before checking in to your lakeview room at the Fleur de Chine Hotel.  Meals B

Travel to Tainan, the ancient capital of Taiwan, and visit Koxinga Shrine. Set in a lovely grove of trees, this historic Fujian-style shrine was built in the 17th century. At the unique Ten Drum Culture Village, you’ll have the chance to learn more about the age-old percussion traditions that still endure during temple rites and other celebrations across the island. Set on the grounds of an erstwhile sugar refinery, this unique heritage center serves as a living museum; it was founded by the Grammy-nominated Ten Drum Art Percussion Group that has performed to widespread acclaim around the world including the 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney and the 2002 World Cup in South Korea.

Then continue to Fo Guang Shan Monastery, one of the most sacred sites on the island. Enjoy a guided walk through the monastery grounds and visit the Main Shrine. Spending time with the monks and nuns promises fascinating insight into Taiwan’s enduring Buddhist traditions and the chance to try your hand at calligraphy and traditional meditation. By special arrangement, you’ll enjoy an unforgettable overnight in comfortable guest accommodations here at the Monastery!  Meals B

After breakfast at the Monastery, travel to Kaohsiung, Taiwan’s second largest city, where you’ll spend time along the shores of Cheng Ching Lake, graced with beautiful pagodas, pavilions, bridges and tree-lined pathways. Then visit the impressive Spring & Autumn Pavilions that overlook the tranquil waters of Lotus Lake before transferring to the airport for your included flight to Hualien. Upon arrival, you’ll be met and escorted to the charming Leader Village Hotel, set in an erstwhile Aboriginal village at Taroko Gorge.  Meals B

With the pristine blue-green waters of the Liwu River cutting through the heart of it, Taroko Gorge is a spectacular landscape of marble-walled canyons and lushly forested peaks. Starting after breakfast, you’ll spend an unforgettable day exploring along serpentine roads deep into the heart of this beautiful river ravine. Of course, you’ll have ample opportunity to take in the scenery as you make stops along the way at places like Swallow Grotto, the Marble Bridge and Evergreen Shrine.  Meals B

Delve into the rich history of the island as you journey back to the capital, visiting the historic Lin An Tai House built during the Ching Dynasty and the ornately decorated Pao An Temple, one of Taiwan’s oldest. Back in Taipei, admire the splendid century-old buildings that line Dihua Street and sample traditional island-grown tea before checking in once again to the Palais de Chine Hotel.  Meals B

Today’s comprehensive sightseeing of the capital begins at the Chiang Kai Shek Memorial, with its imposing octagonal roof of blue-glazed tiles. Then tour the highly regarded National Palace Museum, where 5,000 years of Chinese history is revealed through a stunning collection of cultural artifacts including royal memorabilia and a priceless collection of antique jade. You’ll also visit the Martyr’s Shrine, inspired by the spectacular architecture of the Hall of Supreme Harmony in Beijing’s Forbidden City. Before returning to your hotel, visit the Taipei Puppetry Center to learn about traditional and contemporary forms of this locally popular art. Meals B

Our tour services end this morning after breakfast.  Meals B