Explore Taiwan
Experience Overview
Discover the highlights of Taiwan on this 11-day adventure. After eating your way through Taipei’s famous street food, travel to Yilan to meet an Indigenous community, learn about their way of life and share a home-cooked lunch. Then, explore the pagodas and trails of the serene Sun Moon Lake in the Central Mountain Range before travelling to Chiayi to visit a tea farm and meet nuns at a Buddhist monastery. With a scenic train ride through Alishan’s tropical forests, clam picking at a traditional fishing village and a local leader to show you around, this is an action-packed, immersive introduction to Taiwan.
Highlights
- Discover Taiwan’s culinary traditions by collecting clams, rolling your own tea leaves at a plantation and cooking farm-fresh spring onion pancakes.
- Hike through misty mountain foothills to a nine-tiered pagoda overlooking Sun Moon Lake and ride around the emerald-coloured waters on a cycling adventure.
- Spend the day with the Indigenous Atayal community to learn about their tribal costumes, face tattoos and traditional survival techniques, and share a home-cooked meal that showcases Indigenous flavours.
- Explore stalls piled with dried fruits, herbs and traditional medicines on Dihua Street – considered one of the oldest streets in Taiwan.
- Ride the Forest Railway train through Alishan’s tropical and subtropical forests and hike the Sacred Forest Trail among giant Cypress trees.
Trip Details
Product Code: 1718
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Moderate
Transport: Private Bus,Metro,Public Bus,Bike
Guide Language: English
Tour Operator:
Intrepid Travel
Supplier Code: CJSA
Starts: Taipei, Taiwan, Republic Of China
Finishes: Taipei, Taiwan, Republic Of China
Duration: 11 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Average
Includes
Meals: Breakfasts (10), Lunch (1),Accommodation: Hotel (8 nights),Guesthouse (2 nights)
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $3,340 ($304 /day)
Itinerary
Huan ying! Welcome to Taipei. Your adventure begins in the bustling capital of Taiwan with a welcome meeting at 6 pm. If you arrive early, maybe visit the hot springs at Yangmingshan National Park. After the meeting, head out for an optional dinner to get to know your local leader and fellow travellers.
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
After breakfast, explore Taipei with your local leader. Get a sense of the city’s merchant past on Dihua Street – the oldest street in Taipei – and see how young entrepreneurs are revitalising the area. With traditional medicine shops, Fujian-style Qing Dynasty homes and Baroque architecture standing alongside modern cafes and art studios, it represents the many chapters in Taipei’s rich history. Continue to the Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall – an impressive dedication to the former president of the Republic of China. The rest of the day is yours to explore. Maybe head to the Shilin Night Market for dinner tonight to try fried fish meatballs, oyster omelette or the infamous stinky tofu.
Included Activities:
- Taipei - Dihua Street walk
- Taipei - Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Hall
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning, take a private transfer to Yilan, stopping off at the National Palace Museum which houses the world’s largest collection of Chinese art. Then, visit a spring onion farm where you'll pop on a pair of gum boots and get grubby in the fields! Pick your own produce before learning how to cook one of Taiwan’s most beloved snacks: crispy spring onion pancakes. Arrive at your hotel in Yilan in the late afternoon, where you’ll have free time to relax or explore at your own pace.
Included Activities:
- Yilan - Spring onion farm & cooking demostration
- Taipei - National Palace Museum
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning, visit the Indigenous Atayal tribe – Indigenous people make up just 2.5% of the Taiwanese population, and the Atayal people are one of the 16 main groups. This is a rare opportunity to connect with the community and learn about the cultural significance of their tribal costume and face tattoos. Try your hand at making bamboo rice before sitting down with the locals to enjoy a hearty lunch that showcases Indigenous flavours. Then, head into the forest to learn about traditional hunting and trap-setting techniques. Say goodbye to your hospitable hosts and return to Yilan where you'll have a free evening to explore.
Included Activities:
- Yilan - Indigenous Atayal tribe half day visit
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Today, you’ll visit a morning market to learn about the fragrant ingredients used in Taiwanese cooking and how to make peanut roll ice cream. Then, head to Sun Moon Lake – one of the island’s most iconic destinations named after the shapes that its outline forms. This alpine lake – the only natural lake in Taiwan – lies in the foothills of the Central Mountain Range and is surrounded by forested peaks and hiking trails. Tonight, you’ll stay in Puli at a guesthouse surrounded by lush gardens. You have a free evening to take a walk, relax or watch the sunset over the peaks.
Included Activities:
- Yilan - Morning market visit & Peanut roll icecream making
Accommodation:
- Guesthouse (Number of Nights: 1)
After breakfast, take a leisurely stroll along the Ci'en Pagoda Trail through the forested foothills around Sun Moon Lake. At the trail's end, you’ll arrive at the 46-m-tall Ci'en Pagoda, where you can climb to the top and take in panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. Then, keep the active energy going on a scenic cycling adventure along the lake’s shores. The evening is yours to spend how you wish.
Included Activities:
- Sun Moon Lake - Ci'en Pagoda Trail walk
- Sun Moon Lake - Bike Ride
Accommodation:
- Guesthouse (Number of Nights: 1)
After breakfast, take a private vehicle to Hugosum Tea Farm. Here, you’ll get an insight into the production of Taiwan’s beloved black tea and roll your own leaves, which will be dried and packaged to take a taste of Taiwan home with you. Then, visit the Chung Tai Chan Monastery – the unique combination of Chinese and Western architecture makes it an impressive sight. You’ll meet one of the resident nuns or a guide for a tour to explore the gardens and dive into the monastery's history. Afterwards, head to Chiayi in a private vehicle where you’ll have a free evening.
Included Activities:
- Puli - Chung Tai Chan Monastery
- Puli - Hugosum Tea Farm
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning, head to Alishan National Scenic Area – along with Sun Moon Lake and Taroko Gorge, Alishan is one of the most dramatic parts of Taiwan. Climb aboard a train for a picturesque ride on the old Forest Railway, passing tropical, subtropical and temperate forests along the way. Then, hit the Sacred Forest Trail for a hike to get closer to the flora and fauna, including the giant Cypress trees that call this park home. Later, return to Chiayi for a free evening.
Included Activities:
- Alishan - Forest railway
- Alishan - Sacred Forest Trail hike
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Today, head to the flat and fertile land of Changhua County – sometimes known as the ‘breadbasket’ of Taiwan. Visit Longshan Temple, one of the oldest temples in Taiwan, before continuing to the fishing village of Fangyuan where you’ll try your hand at clam picking and see water birds, fiddler crabs and mudskippers. There'll also be an opportunity to sample fresh seafood like crabs and oysters. In the afternoon, travel to Taichung for a free evening.
Included Activities:
- Lukang - Longshan Temple
- Fangyuan - Clam picking
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Today, you’ll arrive back in Taipei around midday. The afternoon and evening are free to explore at your leisure. Maybe meet back up with your leader and group for an optional dinner or visit the Taipei 101 Observation Deck for a magnificent view of the city lit up at night.
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Your trip comes to an end after breakfast. With no activities planned for the day, you're free to leave the hotel any time after checkout. If you want to extend your stay, just speak to your booking agent.
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Tour Operator
Intrepid Travel
Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.
In Business Since 1989
Reviews
Arno - Traveled, March 2024
Short yet insightful tour that will let you learn much about Taiwan, its people, culture and history. A great tour for lovers of Asian food!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/01/2024
Ella - Traveled, March 2024
This trip was amazing! Our guide Yui was so funny, organised and knowledgeable. The accommodation and activities were great. Taiwan is a beautiful country with such friendly people and I'll definitely be back :-)
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/18/2024
Anisha - Traveled, November 2023
Absolutely brilliant way to check out the highlights of Taiwan in a short amount of time. Our guide Joanna was incredible and you get a lot of free time to explore on your own as well. 10/10, would recommend to anyone wanting to visit Taiwan for the first time.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/25/2024
Thomas - Traveled, November 2023
Great introduction to (mostly northern) Taiwan, touching all the highlights of scenery and cultural spots.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/30/2023
Krista - Traveled, November 2023
Taiwan is amazing, definitely more SE Asia vibes than I thought. I went in November and it was HOT! The food is really yum, alot more bread/wheat options than I thought there would be (I'm gluten intolerant). The activities planned provided a range of different interests for people, visiting the Indigenous village was a highlight. I would say that most people don't speak English in cities outside of Taipei, so it was hard to really wander off on your own, confidently. The whiskey tour didn't have a guide so we weren't able to really immerse ourselves in the experience, which was a bit disappointing, same with the boat tour, it was all in mandarin, so we didn't get to learn about Turtle Island to the extent I would have liked. I would highly recommend getting an e-sim while you are travelling, so you can google translate signs and be self sufficient, as it's hard for one Tour Guide to translate all the menus/food stalls for everyone.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/16/2023
Aileen - Traveled, November 2023
A great way to see the highlights of Taiwan with lots of activity e.g. hiking, cycling, kayaking and cooking. Be prepared to be getting in and out of the bus often to walk and participate in activities. The food can be challenging and this is not a tour for picky eaters, meals are pre-ordered family style by the tour guide and you don't choose your own food.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/16/2023
Suzel - Traveled, October 2023
· Traveled October 2023 Since this was my first trip to Taiwan, I was looking forward to experience what the country had to offer and was disappointed. The itinerary was inaccurate for certain events and a tour guide should have been used for english speaking group that can speak and understand English Review submitted 14 Nov 2023
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/14/2023
Matthew - Traveled, October 2023
Excellent introduction to a fascinating country. Taiwan is easy to get around, has great food, and friendly people. I highly recommend a visit!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/26/2023
Suzanne - Traveled, September 2023
Taiwan is an amazing location with great street food, remarkable geography, amazing culture, a mixed history with many influ6... French (superb pastries) Japanese, Chinese and indigenous tribes. The people are friendly, proud and always willing to help.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/08/2023
Andrew - Traveled, May 2023
Interesting country and itinerary but unacceptable breakfasts for four nights and guide made an error and left us behind in the Gorges.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/28/2023
Fiona - Traveled, May 2023
Fascinating trip covering many areas within Taiwan - great food experiences, night markets, temples, hiking in the gorge, making spring onion pancakes, seeing dolphins and Turtle Island - hot springs and Sun Moon Lake Logan was our guide and he brought so much fun to the group - so much to learn about Taiwanese food and culture and Taoism This trip ticked all the boxes
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/20/2023
Sharon - Traveled, June 2024
Taiwan is a hidden gem. It's cleaner, friendlier, and safer than most places. Food is everywhere. It's very laid back, too.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/25/2024
Lea - Traveled, June 2024
Taiwan is lusciously green, exceptionally clean with a fascinating culture and fantastic food. Because it is still relatively undiscovered locals aren’t yet jaded and cynical by too much tourism. Everyone is very friendly and welcoming. It is what I imagine Japan was probably like before it was “discovered” by mass tourism. Go now before it is discovered.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/26/2024
Kirsty - Traveled, May 2024
Taiwan is such a beautiful country! Exceed any expectations. A nature lover and foodies best holiday!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/12/2024
Carolyn - Traveled, April 2024
My Taiwan tour will always have a special place in my memories.We experience their culture, the food was amazing and the Taiwanese people we met along the way were just beautiful
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/08/2024
Emily - Traveled, February 2024
An interesting trip with varied activities. If you are lucky enough to go to the Wufunqi waterfalls it is well worth the climb up all the steps, don't be sidelined onto the step free route which doesn't actually lead to the waterfalls. The visits to the Atayal tribe and cooking onion pancakes were highlights. Also sunrise in Hualien.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/15/2024
Ann - Traveled, January 2024
An excellent tour but it needs to be longer to do justice to Taiwan, 10 days is too short, a fortnight would be better. The itinerary was good with many interesting sights and activities. The visit to the Leshui tribe was amazing, the highlight of the trip.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/11/2024
Christopher - Traveled, January 2024
This was a fantastic trip but needs to be a few days longer to do Taiwan justice. It's a beautiful island and there is a lot to see. Spotlessly clean, lovely food and lovely people, with dramatic mountainous backdrops.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/11/2024
Jacklyn - Traveled, November 2023
Taiwan is an amazing country and this trip really showed it off! We got to see so many aspects of Taiwan and all the different influences that made it what it is today! Highly recommended trip!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/20/2023
Shinta - Traveled, November 2023
This is not a trip if you expected to slowdown and chill. The itinerary is hectic, physically quite tiring with average 17k - 20k steps daily. This is a great trip to give you quick introduction to Taiwan. Bring your appetite and your inner foodie. Be adventurous with street snacks and night market. People are so nice and welcoming. It's easy to navigate the country, even if you don't speak and read Chinese. I'll definitely be back. 11 days are too short for all the food I want to taste.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/06/2023
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