Discover Taiwan by Rail & Road

Upon arrival at Taipei Taoyuan International Airport, you will be met by your private driver and transferred directly to your hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure. Depending on your arrival time, you may wish to explore the surrounding neighbourhood, visit a nearby night market or simply relax after your flight. Accommodation: Caesar Park Hotel Banqiao, Superior Room or similar

After breakfast, meet your English-speaking guide in the hotel lobby and set out to discover Taipei using the city’s efficient MRT network. Wander along historic Dihua Street, one of Taipei’s oldest commercial areas, where traditional shops, tea merchants and restored heritage buildings offer a glimpse into the city’s past. Visit magnificent Longshan Temple before exploring the preserved streets and traditional architecture of the Bopiliao Historic Block. Continue to vibrant Ximending, Taipei’s lively shopping and entertainment district, followed by the impressive Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall. Stroll along Yongkang Street, known for its cafés, boutiques and Taiwanese specialities, before visiting Taipei 101. Guests wishing to enjoy panoramic views over the city may purchase an admission ticket to the Taipei 101 Observatory at their own expense. Return to your hotel in the late afternoon. Accommodation: Caesar Park Hotel Banqiao, Superior Room or similar

This morning, meet your guide and travel by MRT to explore northern Taipei. Visit the Beitou Hot Spring Museum, which traces the development of Taiwan’s hot spring culture, before continuing to Thermal Valley, where mineral-rich geothermal waters create a dramatic, misty landscape. Travel onwards to Tamsui, a charming riverside district known for its waterfront promenade, traditional snacks and bustling Old Street. Visit historic Fort San Domingo, originally established during the Spanish colonial period and offering attractive views across the Tamsui River. Following the tour, travel to Taipei High-Speed Rail Station. Using your Taiwan High-Speed Rail Pass, journey independently to Kaohsiung, Taiwan’s vibrant southern harbour city. Upon arrival, make your own way to your hotel. Rooms are available from 3.00pm. Accommodation: Howard Plaza Hotel Kaohsiung, Deluxe Room or similar

After breakfast, meet your English-speaking guide and explore Kaohsiung using the city’s MRT network. Visit the spectacular Formosa Boulevard Station, home to the Dome of Light, one of the world’s largest public glass artworks. Continue to the colourful Pier-2 Art Center, a revitalised waterfront warehouse precinct filled with galleries, sculptures, cafés and creative installations. Take a ferry across Kaohsiung Harbour to Qijin Island. Wander through lively Qijin Old Street, renowned for its fresh seafood, Taiwanese snacks and relaxed seaside atmosphere. Following the tour, return to your hotel to collect your luggage. Travel independently by MRT to the High-Speed Rail station and use your rail pass to continue to historic Tainan. Upon arrival, make your own way to your hotel and check in. Accommodation: The Place Tainan, Smart Room or similar

Enjoy breakfast before spending the morning at leisure in Taiwan’s oldest city. You may wish to explore Tainan’s historic temples, heritage streets and local cafés or sample some of the city’s renowned street food. At the appropriate time, make your own way to Tainan High-Speed Rail Station and travel independently to Taichung using your rail pass. Upon arrival, make your own way to your hotel. Rooms are available from 3.00pm, with the remainder of the day free to explore at your own pace. Accommodation: Talmud Hotel Taichung Station or similar

After breakfast, meet your English-speaking driver-guide and travel into Taiwan’s beautiful central mountain region. Visit a local tea plantation, where you will learn about Taiwan’s famous high-mountain teas and enjoy a relaxing tea-tasting experience. Continue to Wenwu Temple, an impressive temple complex overlooking the sparkling waters of Sun Moon Lake. Enjoy a shared scenic cruise across Taiwan’s largest freshwater lake before visiting Xuanzang Temple, dedicated to the revered Buddhist monk and scholar. Complete the day in Ita Thao Village, home to the Indigenous Thao people, where you can browse the local market and sample regional specialities. Accommodation: Taihe Einhan Resort, Street View Room or similar

Following breakfast, depart on one of Taiwan’s most spectacular scenic drives. Travel through the Central Mountain Range, passing deep valleys, lush forests and dramatic alpine landscapes. Stop at Wuling Pass on Mount Hehuan, situated approximately 3,275 metres above sea level and one of the highest accessible road points in Taiwan. Weather permitting, enjoy magnificent panoramic views across the surrounding mountains before continuing through changing alpine scenery towards Taiwan’s east coast and the Taroko region. Accommodation: Lakeshore Hotel Hualien Taroko, Ocean View Room or similar

After breakfast, meet your English-speaking driver-guide and explore the accessible areas of the Taroko region. Subject to road, weather and national park conditions, sightseeing may include a photo stop at Taroko Archway, a visit to the Taroko National Park Visitor Centre and selected accessible locations around Tianxiang. Visit Xiangde Temple, beautifully positioned above the surrounding gorge and mountain landscape, if local access permits. Following the tour, transfer to Hualien Railway Station and board your train for the scenic journey back to Taipei. Upon arrival, make your own way to your hotel and enjoy your final evening at leisure. You may wish to visit one of Taipei’s famous night markets, enjoy some last-minute shopping or relax before your journey home. Accommodation: Caesar Park Hotel Banqiao, Superior Room or similar

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before checking out. At the designated time, your private driver will meet you at the hotel and transfer you to Taipei Taoyuan International Airport for your onward flight. We hope you have enjoyed your journey through Taiwan and wish you a safe journey home.