8-Day Taiwan Tour

Highlights
Itinerary
Accommodation
Inclusions/Exclusions
Important Info

Highlights

Gain a revealing insight to unique Taiwan with this eight day round island tour. While only a relatively small island located to the east of mainland China, Taiwan has much to offer, with many natural, modern, ancient and man-made highlights visited as you traverse the island from north to south and back again. Commencing and finishing at the island’s capital, Taipei, enjoy comfortable road travel in air conditioned vehicles between overnight stops in Taipei, Sun Moon Lake, Kaohsiung, Taitung and Hualien. Visit many culturally and historically significant sights and take in beautiful natural landscapes along the way. With a balance of both modern and traditional, and all that makes Taiwan special, you will appreciate the easy pace of this tour that allows ample time to soak up each experience. Including numerous opportunities to relax and holiday in style – with bike riding along Tamshui River and cruise on Sun Moon Lake – you’ll love the chance to tap into this well-kept China travel secret. A perfect tour for making beautiful travel memories.

Itinerary

Day 1 - Arrival in Taipei

Upon arrival in Taipei, you will be met at the airport by your guide. On the way to the pre-booked hotel, your guide will point out the highlights and history of Taipei. Spend the rest of the day at your leisure.

Meals included: None

Day 2 - Taipei

You will be collected from the hotel to begin Taipei tour after breakfast. The tour’s first point of interest is the world famous National Palace Museum, where your guide will ensure you derive maximum benefit by introducing you to the history and artefacts housed there, as prelude to exploring the archaeological wonders and historical exhibits at your leisure. Move from the museum to the Martyr’s Shrine, where you can see the ceremony of changing of the Honor Guards. Enjoy a change of pace with the visit to the Dihua Street and Yongle Fabric Market, followed by a leisurely bike ride at Da-dao-cheng along the Tam-shui River. A tour of Taipei would not be complete without a visit to the edifice commemorating the modern leader of Taiwan, Chiang Kai-Shek, in the Memorial Hall bearing his name. The day rounds up with a visit to the phenomenal tribute to modern engineering, the Taipei 101 Observatory. From the many viewing platforms on the 89th floor observation deck you can view extensive panoramas of all Taipei and capture the memories. The day ends when you are returned to the hotel.

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 3 - Taipei – Sun Moon Lake

After breakfast, you will be driven to Sun Moon Lake, about 260 kilometres from Taipei. Upon arrival at Sun Moon Lake, you will start the tour by taking a one-hour relaxing cruise before paying a visit to Cien Pagoda and Wenwu Temple. Your guide will check you in at the hotel for an evening of relaxation and reflection.

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 4 - Sun Moon Lake – Tainan -Kaohsiung

After breakfast, commence the drive to Tainan, the old capital of Taiwan with its centuries-old fortresses and temples. Start the city tour of Tainan included in today’s sightseeing is the historical Chikhan Tower, a fortress built by the Dutch in the mid-1600s. Stops will be made at Koxinga Shrine and Confucius Shrine. Leave Tainan and proceed to Kaohsiung, Taiwan’s second largest city, starting your sightseeing in Kaohsiung city for taking a ferry trip to Chi-jin Peninsula to visit the Seafood Street and Matsu Temple. Visit the Love River before checking in to your Kaohsiung hotel. Relax and enjoy the local delicacies at the Liuhe Night Market if time permits.

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 5 -Kaohsiung – Kenting – Taitung

After breakfast, you will be driven to Kenting National Park, located at the very south of Taiwan. Kenting National Park gained its enviable reputation for beautiful beaches, idyllic vegetation and diverse corals, which thrive there. With the tour taking the scenic route, there will be stops at Maopitou, Oluanpi Light House, Long Pan Park, and other notable local sights. Following time at the Kenting National Park, your tour continues to Taitung via south-link highway passing by villages of the local aboriginal people and scenery southeast coast. Check in to the hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day on your own.

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 6 - Taitung – Hualien

In the morning, visit the Beinan Cultural Park where you will explore the prehistory of Taiwan at the National Museum of Prehistory and the Beinan Archaeological Site. Depart Taitung and proceed to Hualien. Stops will be made on the way when you reach Tropic of Cancer Marker, Baqi Scenic Lookout and one of the Xiaoyeliu Scenic Area, Sanxiantai Bridge and Shitiping. On arrival in Hualien, you will be checked into the hotel and free to enjoy your evening. Alternatively, visit the famous Dongdamen Night Market to relax and enjoy the local delicacies.

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 7 - Hualien – Taroko Gorge – Taipei

Prepare yourself for the day of exploring after breakfast when you drive to Taroko Gorge for a tour that showcases the very best of the world famous Taroko National Park. A reflection of Taiwan’s commitment to environmental protection, Taroko National Park covers over 92,000 hectares in the northern section of the Central Mountain Range. Well-known for its mountains and gorges, today’s visit provides the opportunity to pass by the Tunnel of Nine Turns, stop at Swallow Grotto, reflect at the Eternal Spring Shrine, walk the Shakadang Trails, and observe the vista from Taroko Gorge Gateway, the most impressive of all the gorges.

Drive to Taipei in the late afternoon. Your guide will ensure you are safely checked in to the hotel where you can enjoy a relaxing evening.

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 8 - Depart from Taipei

Your guide and driver will transfer you from the hotel to Taoyuan International Airport for your departure flight. Your Taiwan tour concludes today.

Meals included: Breakfast

Accommodation

Inclusions / Exclusions

Inclusions

Admission fees: to sightseeing spots & activities specified.
Activities specified in the itinerary.
Excellent professional English-speaking guide.
Ground transport in an air-conditioned vehicle with licensed driver as specified.
4-Star or 5-Star hotel accommodation with breakfast, based on double/twin occupancy as specified.
Bike-riding at Da-dao-cheng Wharf.
Cruise on Sun Moon Lake.
Express train trip Hualien to Taipei.
Travel Agency Liability Insurance during the tour.
Government taxes & fees.

Exclusions

International/domestic flights and trains to/from Taipei.
Visa.
Gratuities to guides and drivers and any expense of personal nature.
Meals: Lunches and dinner are excluded allowing you flexibility around meal choices. Your guide will make recommendations and order for you, if required.
Our tour package does not include travel insurance. Please purchase travel insurance before your trip to protect for any unforeseen circumstances.

Important Information

Important information – FOR PRIVATE TOUR

This is a private tour for your group of family or friends. No other travelers will join you. It's always available for your schedule!
Smart casual dress and comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
Prices based on twin occupancy.
The prices shown above are not valid during any official holidays (including National Day , New Year’s Day and Chinese Spring Festival etc.)
The itinerary may be adjusted due to any unforeseen circumstances.
Optional tours to other destinations are also available.
Any city not included in the existing tour package can be blended into a private tour.
Arrangements for entering and exiting Taiwan from / to Hong Kong and Indochina are also available.
Stays at Taipei can be extended upon your request incurring an extra cost.

General Important Information

Booking Information
After purchase, you will receive a receipt and a Purchase Confirmation email with a Passenger Information Form. The Passenger Information Form must be completed within 72 hours of the purchase.

Any special requests, preferences and optional extras MUST be clearly stated in your Passenger Information Form. Any change requested after submitting your Passenger Information Form cannot be guaranteed, is strictly subject to availability and will incur surcharges as outlined in the Schedule of Fees below.

On purchasing this tour product, you are bound by the General Terms and Conditions, in addition to the specific terms and conditions outlined in this Important Information.

Surcharges
Please note: Online credit card payment and PayPal payments incur surcharges.

Tour Start Dates
Private and custom tours can be scheduled to commence on any day. Multi-day small group tours start on set dates as indicated in the booking calendar for the specific tour.

Cities for Commencement of Tours
Taipei for multi-day small group, and most private tours, unless otherwise specified.
Any city for custom tours.

Express Trains
Standard seat for five star (Luxury) and four stars (Superior) tour packages.

Destination Transfer
Air-conditioned vehicle with licensed driver.

Arrive Early
Accommodation options are available for early arrival prior to commencement of tour. Bookings can be made online prior to checkout or arrangements can be made with a ChinaTours.com travel consultant.

Stay Behind
Accommodation options for staying behind after completion of tour are available. Bookings can be made online prior to checkout, or arrangements can be made with a ChinaTours.com travel consultant.

Tour Guide:
All tour guides of ChinaTours.com are bilingual speakers with intimate knowledge of an area, its culture, and history. These licensed, qualified experts will share their abundant knowledge on history, art, architecture and culture of destinations. ChinaTours.com does not operate commission-based shopping tours, which means our tour guides do not receive commissions for commission-based shopping stops.

A private driver-guide will be arranged for 1-2 travelers tour group.

Small Group Size:
The maximum number of passengers in a multi-day small group tour is 12 people.

Optional Tours/Activities
Optional tour activities are available on request. Please contact ChinaTours.com directly to customize your optional tour activities and destinations.

Accommodation
Five star and four star hotels with premium location selected by ChinaTours.com are one of the best hotels in each destination.

Bedding Configuration
Double or twin bedding (subject to availability). Special arrangement available upon traveler’s request; additional charges may apply due to third party or hotel request.

Adjoining/Interconnecting Rooms
Available subject to traveler’s request; additional charges may apply due to third party or hotels request.

Child/Infant Policy

Child/infant price can be quoted separately.
Free of charge for Infant age 2 and under; child price valid for 2 to 11 years old.

Please note: Children must be accompanied by a responsible adult 18 years old and over to travel. No unaccompanied minors allowed.

Meals
All breakfast included. Lunch and dinner are excluded allowing you to choose cuisines. Guides will provide recommendations and guide you there.

Other Important Information

Passport
Customers are required to provide valid passport details either at the time of purchase or within 72 hours of purchase. Failure to do so may result in cancellation of the booking. In this instance customers will be responsible for any costs and fees incurred.
Passport validity must be at least six months from the date of entry into Taiwan.

Visa
For visitors coming from one of the visa exempt countries or countries whose nationals are eligible for visa on arrival, no visa required if they stay less than 60 days. Otherwise, visitors must obtain a visa or authorization in advance. Please start arranging your visa as soon as you receive your documentation to account for any delays due to consulate operating hours.

Gratuities/Tipping
Gratuities (tips) are not included in the tour packages price for services of the tour guide and driver throughout the tour.

Insurance
ChinaTours.com tour packages do not include travel insurance. We strongly recommend purchase of comprehensive travel insurance prior to departure to provide for any unforeseen circumstances.

Schedule of Fees
For changes to travel arrangements:

First change – No charge
For all subsequent changes – USD50
Any charges applied by a third party (for example, airline, cruise company, accommodation provider, other travel provider) cannot be waived.

Cancellation
For China Tour Packages, ChinaTours.com charges cancellation fees at a percentage of the total tour package price, which are stated as follows: