Discover Taiwan By Rail & Road

Discover Taiwan by Rail & Road is a 9-day semi-independent tour exploring Taipei, Kaohsiung, Tainan, Taichung, Sun Moon Lake, Scenic Mountain Road, Taroko, Hualien. The program is designed to introduce the destination through a practical mix of guided sightseeing, local experiences and well-planned travel between each stop. Experience Taiwan’s lively cities, fascinating heritage and diverse regional character as you travel from Taipei to Kaohsiung, Tainan and Taichung.

Continue through the beautiful landscapes of Sun Moon Lake and along the Scenic Mountain Road before exploring the dramatic scenery of Taroko and Taiwan’s picturesque east coast. With transport and key arrangements organised, this flexible itinerary offers an easy and rewarding way to experience Taiwan while retaining time to explore at your own pace. Tour highlights include explore the vibrant capital of Taipei; Train Travel, where you can travel comfortably between Taiwan’s major cities by rail; admire the tranquil scenery of Sun Moon Lake; experience the dramatic landscapes of Taroko Gorge Region.

The day-by-day itinerary moves from Arrive Taipei through Tainan to Taichung through Depart Taipei, giving the journey a clear sense of progression while allowing time to appreciate the character of each place. Published inclusions cover 8 nights good quality (4-5 star) accommodation; Daily Breakfast; Private transfers on arrival and departure; Enjoy a scenic shared boat cruise across Taiwan's largest freshwater lake. Selected departure dates are published separately, making it easy to compare the available travel periods with your preferred plans.

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What’s included in the tour

Accommodation

8 nights good quality (4-5 star) accommodation

Meals

Daily Breakfast

Transfers

Private transfers on arrival and departure

Sun Moon Lake Cruise

Enjoy a scenic shared boat cruise across Taiwan's largest freshwater lake.

Tansport

All transportation, daily tours and admission fees

Professional Guides

Professional English speaking guides

Spotlight on Taiwan

Tour Highlights

Taipei

Explore the vibrant capital of Taipei

Train Travel

Travel comfortably between Taiwan’s major cities by rail

Sun Moon lake

Admire the tranquil scenery of Sun Moon Lake

Taroko Gorge Region

Experience the dramatic landscapes of Taroko Gorge Region

Tea Factory

Learn about tea cultivation from a local farmer at a tea factory

Tour Map & Dates

Departure Dates

2027: Weekly – Sunday arrivals

Or Call Us On:

AU: 1300 842 688

NZ: 0800 842 688

Tour Itinerary

Upon arrival at Taipei Taoyuan International Airport (TPE), you will be met by your private driver and transferred directly to your hotel in Taipei. Relax as you begin your Taiwanese adventure. The remainder of the day is yours to enjoy 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: Landis Taipei Caesar Park Banqiao Superior room

After breakfast, meet your English-speaking guide in the hotel lobby and explore Taipei using the city's efficient MRT system. Today's highlights include: Wander through the historic Dihua Street, one of Taipei's oldest commercial streets, lined with traditional shops, tea merchants and beautifully restored heritage buildings. Visit the magnificent Longshan Temple, one of Taiwan's most revered temples and a wonderful example of traditional architecture. Explore the historic streets of Bopiliao Historical Block, offering a glimpse into old Taipei. Experience the vibrant atmosphere of Ximending, Taipei's lively shopping and entertainment district, popular with locals and visitors alike. Visit the impressive Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, one of Taiwan's most iconic landmarks. Stroll along Yongkang Street, famous for its cafés, boutiques and local delicacies. Visit Taipei 101, once the world's tallest building. Guests wishing to enjoy spectacular panoramic views can purchase an Observatory Deck ticket (additional cost of approximately $30 per person). Return to your hotel in the late afternoon. Accommodation: Landis Taipei Caesar Park Banqiao Superior room

This morning, meet your guide and travel by MRT to explore northern Taipei. Today's sightseeing includes: Beitou Hot Spring Museum (closed Mondays), showcasing the fascinating history of Taiwan's hot spring culture. Thermal Valley (closed Mondays), where steaming geothermal waters create a dramatic natural landscape. Visit the charming riverside district of Tamsui, famous for its waterfront promenade and bustling Tamsui Old Street, offering delicious local snacks and unique souvenirs. Explore Fort San Domingo, a historic fortress built during the Spanish colonial period with panoramic river views. Following the tour, make your way to Taipei High Speed Rail Station. Using your Taiwan High Speed Rail Pass, travel independently to Kaohsiung, Taiwan's vibrant southern harbour city. Upon arrival, make your own way to your hotel and check in after 3.00pm. Accommodation: Howard Plazza Kaohsiung (Deluxe Room) or Similar

After breakfast, meet your English-speaking guide and discover Kaohsiung using the MRT. Highlights include: =Visit the spectacular Formosa Boulevard Station, home to the world-famous Dome of Light, one of the largest glass artworks on earth. Explore the colourful Pier-2 Art Center, a revitalised warehouse precinct featuring galleries, sculptures, cafés and creative art installations. Take a ferry across the harbour to Qijin Island. Wander through Qijin Old Street, renowned for its fresh seafood, local snacks and relaxed seaside atmosphere. Following the tour, return to your hotel to collect your luggage before travelling by MRT (without guide) to Kaohsiung High Speed Rail Station. Using your Taiwan High Speed Rail Pass, continue independently to the historic city of Tainan. Upon arrival, make your own way to your hotel for 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 famous temples, heritage streets, local cafés or sample the city's renowned street food before departing. At the appropriate time, make your own way to Tainan High Speed Rail Station. Using your Taiwan High Speed Rail Pass, travel independently to Taichung. Upon arrival, make your own way to your hotel (Checkin from 15:00) and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure. Accommodation: Talmud Htoel Taichung Station or Similar

Travel to the famous Taroko Gorge. The majestic gorge has been carved deep in to the marble that is plentiful in the area. On your way back to Taipei you will make a few stops to enjoy the natural scenery of the Swallow Grotto, Buluowan Suspension Bridge, Qingshui Cliff, and more.

Following breakfast, depart for one of Taiwan's most spectacular scenic drives. Travel along the breathtaking Central Cross-Island Highway, passing through dramatic mountain landscapes, deep valleys and lush forests. Stop at Wuling Pass on Mt. Hehuan, standing at approximately 3,275 metres above sea level, the highest point along the highway. Weather permitting, enjoy magnificent panoramic views across Taiwan's Central Mountain Range. Continue through ever-changing alpine scenery before arriving in the Taroko National Park area. Accommodation: Hualien (Taroko Region) – Lakeshore Taroko (Ocean View Room) or Similar

After breakfast, meet your English-speaking driver-guide for a memorable exploration of Taroko Gorge, one of Taiwan's most spectacular natural wonders. Highlights include: Photo stop at the impressive Taroko Archway. Visit the Taroko Visitor Centre to learn about the geology, history and indigenous culture of the region. Explore Tianxiang Recreation Area, surrounded by towering marble cliffs and mountain scenery. Visit the peaceful Xiangde Temple, perched above the gorge with magnificent views over the surrounding landscape. Following the tour, transfer to Hualien Railway Station. Board your train (without guide) for the scenic journey back to Taipei. Upon arrival, make your own way to your hotel and enjoy your final evening in Taiwan. Take the opportunity to visit one of Taipei's famous night markets, enjoy some last-minute shopping or simply relax before your journey home. Accommodation: Landis Taipei Caesar Park 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 for your transfer to Taipei Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) for your onward flight. We hope you have enjoyed your unforgettable journey through Taiwan and wish you a safe onward journey.

Discover Taiwan by Rail & Road

Discover Taiwan by Rail & Road

Destinations on the tour

Taipei>Kaohsiung>Tainan>Taichung>Sun Moon Lake>Scenic Mountain Road>Taroko>Hualien