Situated off the east coast of China, Taiwan is a country with many natural attributes with a steep mountain chain running from north to south, lush forests, lakes and an abundance of natural beauty.
This small group tour begin in Taiwan's capital, Taipei, a vibrant centre of culture and entertainment. A half day tour includes the National Palace Museum, which houses the world's largest collection of Chinese art treasures brought mainly from Mainland China by Chiang Kai-Shek when he fled from there to set up in Taiwan. Also, see the Martyr's Shrine, an excellent example of classical Ming dynasty architecture dedicated to the fallen heroes of China's wars and, the Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall, an impressive monument to a great Chinese leader and Dehwa old street. The remainder of the day will be free to explore the city on your own.
Next day, depart Taipei for Sun Moon Lake set high in the mountains of central Taiwan. Sun Moon Lake is the largest natural lake in Taiwan half shaped like the sun and half shaped like the crescent of the moon. After touring around the lake, enjoy a dip in a natural hot spring at your hotel for the night where you can also enjoy the walking trails, biking, hiking or boating on the lake.
The following day head to Kaohsiung visiting the very sacred Fo Guang Shan Buddhist Monastery en route where you will join the monks and nuns in a vegetarian lunch. Continue to Kaohsiung which is the second largest city in Taiwan with a large harbour. A tour of the city includes the Love River and the Liuhe Night Market. Overnight in Kaohsiung.
Then it’s off to visit Kenting National Park located at Taiwan’s southern tip, a huge tropical botanical garden with amazing flora and fauna, it is known as a recreational area and is located on the coast with good beaches. The coral-rimmed shoreline along three sides of the park is its main attraction. There are stops at the Eluanbi Lighthouse, the Maobitou coastal scenic area and Longpan Park. Continue later to Taitung for overnight.
The following morning, head to the exciting East Coast National Scenic Area, known as "Taiwan's last unspoiled land." It stretches 170 kilometers/68 miles down the east coast of the island. Weathering, erosion, and accumulation have produced a wide range of landforms here. Stop at Shitiping (Stone Steps) and a marble factory and showroom. Later continue to Hualien for overnight.
The final day of touring includes a visit to the scenic Taroko Gorge with its sheer cliffs, walking trails, waterfalls, and pagodas. Afterwards, passing by the Tunnel of Nine Turns, stops will be made at the Swallow Grotto, and Changchun Temple (Eternal Spring Shrine). Then head back to Taipei for one more overnight.