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DAY 1: ARRIVE TAIPEI Upon arrival transfer to your hotel for a two night stay. Spend the remainder of the day at your leisure, resting after your journey. DAY 2: TAIPEI Spend a full day touring Taipei, one of Asia’s most dynamic and fascinating cities. Visit the Lungshan Temple, dedicated to Kuanyin, the Goddess of Mercy; it is one of the city’s most popular and busiest temples. Next, stop by the Chiang Kai Shek Memorial, a dramatic structure surrounded by lovely gardens that is popular for joggers and tai chi practitioners. In the afternoon, visit the National Palace Museum. This is one of the world’s greatest museums, housing a breathtaking selection of Chinese Imperial Art. The museum holds over 700,000 items, and rotates its exhibits every three months. The collection includes jade, bronze, porcelain and lacquer pieces, as well as tapestry and embroidery. In 1949, the collection was taken to Taiwan by Chiang Kai Shek’s armies. Conclude the day with a visit to the Shilin night market with your private guide. Your private guide can help you locate souvenirs and also suggest a food stall that meets your tastes – we suggest grabbing dinner at the market, where delicacies of every type imaginable are on offer. (B,L) DAY 3: TAIPEI - SUN MOON LAKE After breakfast, set out for the coastal town of Lukang. Lukang was one of Taiwan's most important ports. Many original building survive. Visit the Folk Arts Museum, with a fine collection of porcelain, and artifacts from the Qing dynasty period. Also visit the Lungshan Temple to Kuanyin - dating back to the 18th century, the temple has always been a central focus of both the town's residents, and sailors passing through, seeking good fortune and guarantees of safe passage. Lukang's shops are an excellent source of traditional handicrafts and folk arts. This afternoon, continue on to Sun Moon Lake, where you will spend the next two nights. (B) DAY 4: SUN MOON LAKE A full day tour introduces you to the region's many attractions. Sun Moon Lake is one of Taiwan's loveliest regions. The deep blue waters, surrounded by mountains, are an idyllic environment. Around the lake are several aboriginal villages, which can be visited. Rowboats, canoes and motor boats are available to rent. The area was damaged by an earthquake in 1999, which damaged several of the temples that surround the lake. However, the area's natural scenery is the lake's primary attraction. (B) DAY 5: SUN MOON LAKE - KAOHSIUNG After breakfast, set out for Tainan, the oldest city in Taiwan, and its capital for over 200 years. Tainan has managed to maintain much of its historical character, and its many historical sites make for a pleasant day of exploration. The city's many temples are frequently the site of traditional festivals. The Confucius Temple is the oldest in the country, dating back to the mid 17th century. Also visit the Matsu Temple, whose fine workmanship and colorful decoration make it one of the island's most striking temples. After touring these and other fascinating sites, continue to Kaohsiung, where you will spend the night. (B) DAY 6: KAOHSIUNG - KENTING Drive to Kenting National Park. Located on the southwestern tip of the island, Kenting's white sand beaches and pleasant climate make it a popular spot for Taiwanese and foreigners alike. The park offers a wide range of attractions, from the beaches, to the Kenting Forest Recreation Area, with its lovely mountain walks. The area has nearly 1300 exotic plants, as the Japanese established a tropical botanical garden here in the early 20th century. This is an excellent area for birdwatchers: many migratory species pass here, including grey-faced buzzards and Chinese sparrow hawks. Spend the night in Kenting. (B) DAY 7: KENTING - TAROKO GORGE After breakfast, travel north along the east coast to the Taroko Gorge. The journey takes you through a dramatically changing landscape. You rapidly enter a realm of high cliffs and rugged coastline. This is the least populated region of the country. Taroko Gorge itself is considered the most attractive region of Taiwan. This steep ravine, with its 3,000 foot high marble cliffs, is permeated with a network of tunnels. Shrines, waterfalls and grottoes are found throughout the area. Spend the next two nights in Hualien, your base for exploring the Gorge and the region's surrounding attractions. (B) DAY 8: TAROKO GORGE Spend the morning touring the gorge, and the region. Above the gorge is the village of Tienhsiang, which offers pleasant views and opportunities for scenic walks. Hot springs abound in the area, offering a pleasant opportunity to soak away tired limbs after an invigorating walk. (B) DAY 9: TAROKO GORGE - TAIPEI; DEPART TAIPEI Fly to Taipei this morning, and connect with your international departure flight. (B) |