Around Taiwan in a week

Arrival at Taipei airport early morning. Most flights from Canada arrive at around 5-5h30 am. Transfer to the hotel and drop luggage. (*** Early check in not included, available with supplement $).
08:30 AM Meet with tour guide in the hotel lobby (pick-up time can be modified to your convenience).
Your tour starts with a stop at the Grand Hotel Taipei, a historic hotel built in the 1950s, where the government hosted banquets for many foreign dignitaries who visited Taipei. Then, you will visit the world-renowned National Palace Museum that houses the largest collection of ancient Chinese artifacts in the world, where the exquisite art pieces will blow your mind. (Closed on Mondays)
Next visit will be the heart of Dadaocheng, Dihua Street, once the most prosperous place in Taipei more than a hundred years ago. Even now, it is still a popular spot to shop for dried goods and herbal medicines. Every year, the Chinese New Year Street Bazaar takes place in Dihua Street, and is always crowed with people getting ready for the coming new year.
Then visit Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, a prominent monument that symbolizes a significant period of Taiwan’s history. Your Taipei guided visit will end with Taipei 101, that showcases the modern technology and globalization of the city. Of course, there is much more to discover on your own if you’d like after the tour. Return to the hotel and check-in.

Yilan looks out to the sea on Taiwan’s Northeast Coast, with mountains on the three other sides forming a unique geography that has nurtured an equally distinctive cultural landscape and human warmth. The county is home to Asia’s second longest highway tunnel, the Hsuehshan Tunnel, which has reduced the driving time between Yilan and Taipei to less than 50 minutes.

After breakfast, drive to Yilan via Hsuehshan Tunnel. Visit includes Lanyang Museum (closed on Wednesday), Kavalan Whisky Distillery, and Scallion Baby Experience Farm (scallion cakes DIY).

After breakfast, visit the National Center for Traditional Arts, then Yilan Luodong Forestry Culture Park.
After the visits, transfer to Luodong Train Station.
Take the train from Luodong to Taitung Chihpen (Recommend train # 428 15:26 ~ 18:43 or similar).
Upon arrival, transfer to hotel for rest.

Kenting National Park is celebrated for its coastal geological formations, scenic landscapes, and rich marine biodiversity, fostered by its unique combination of crustal deformation and tropical climate. Additionally, Kenting is also a paradise for surfers and divers alike. Maobitou and Eluanbi mark the two southernmost tips of Taiwan. Maobitou is situated at the southeast of Hengchun Peninsula, between Taiwan Strait and Bashi Channel. At 3.5km away from Baisha, it is a typical coral reef area eroded by ocean waves.

After breakfast, drive to Kenting via South Link Highway. Visit Kenting National Park, Maobitou, Eluanbi Park (lighthouse), and Longpan Park.
Then, drive to hotel in Kaosiung City.

Kaohsiung is the 2nd biggest city of Taiwan.
The first stop is Fo Guang Shan, a large monastery founded by Master Hsing Yun in 1967. The signature of the temple is the huge statue of Buddha Amitabha in gold colour that can be seen from miles away.
After the monastery tour, move down Lianchi Lake (Lotus Lake), which is the iconic attraction in Kaohsiung. From the north edge to the south edge, famous attractions like Confucius Temple, Spring and Autumn Pavilions and Dragon, and Tiger Pagodas are situated around the lake.

After breakfast, visit the Fo Guang Shan Monaster. Then, drive to Tainan City. Visit the Anping Old Fort and Old Street, as well as the Ten Drum Creative Park.

After the Qing pacification of Taiwan in 1683, the Taiwan Prefectural Capital was established in Tainan. In 1885, Taiwan became a province and Tainan’s position changed to that of Tainan Prefectural Capital, from which its current name derives. Tainan remained the political, economic and cultural center of Taiwan up to the late nineteenth century. As a result, Tainan is home to many famous historic sites. It also is the city with the longest history and earliest cultural roots in Taiwan

After breakfast, visit the Chihkan Tower and Yongle Market (Guohua Street). Then, drive to visit Lukang Old Street.
Lukang, a historic old town renowned for its well-preserved cultural and historical heritage, is literally known as ‘deer harbor”. Once a bustling port in the 17th and 18th centuries, it served as the center where Taiwan’s most affluent families amassed their wealth and power, capitalizing on the thriving commerce of the era. Despite the port losing its functionality due to sedimentation, Lukang has retained its enduring charm, serving as a timeless reminder of its glamorous past.
Take a leisurely stroll through the town adorned with red brick walls and floors, where historic relics like the Nine Turns Alley, the Urn Wall, the Half-Sided Well, and the Longshan Temple await your discovery, each with an intriguing story to tell.
Transfer to hotel in Sun Moon Lake.

Sun Moon Lake, the largest freshwater lake on the island, is divided by Lalu Island. The eastern side of the lake resembles the sun, while the western side resembles the crescent moon, giving the lake its unique name. This picturesque area is also the ancestral home of the Thao people, one of Taiwan’s indigenous groups. With its rich indigenous culture and abundant natural beauty, Sun Moon Lake has earned its place as one of Taiwan’s premier destinations.

After breakfast, visit includes Sun Moon Lake motor boat, Wen Wu Temple, and Itathao Village.
Return transfer to Taipei airport for your onward travels or add an additional night in Taipei (rate in the “Dates & Prices tab”).