Taiwan and Beyond
9 Days/8 Nights

Per Person Double

FC=First Class  D=Deluxe

* Land and Air includes airfare via Singapore Airlines from Los Angeles to Bangkok and within Asia. ** Land Only includes land transportations within Asia, but not airfare from the US to/from Bangkok

Day 1, Arrive Taipei
Transfer to Golden China Hotel or Howard Plaza Hotel.

Day 2, Taipei
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel. A morning tour of Taipei, the government seat of the Republic of China, includes visits to Martyrs' Shrine, dedicated to the fallen heroes of China’s wars, and to the National Palace Museum, which holds one of the largest collections of Chinese artifacts and artwork in the world. Stop at Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall and Hsing Tien Temple or Confucius Temple. Afternoon at leisure. In the evening, feast on a Mongolian barbecue at a local restaurant. (B/D)

Day 3, Taipei
After breakfast, drive to the northern coast of the island. Visit Chung Cheng Park and view the Statue of Goddess of Mercy. Visit Yehliu Natural Park, famous for its natural rock formations, an amazing array of artistic shapes created by erosion and other natural forces. Among the rocks, the Queen's Head is one of the most famous. Afternoon at leisure at your hotel. (B)

Day 4, Taipei/Sun Moon Lake
Today board a coach to legendary Sun Moon Lake via Nantou. Visit Wen Wu Temple, Tehua Village, Tse-En Pagoda, Holy Monk Shrine, Hsuan Tsang Temple, and Puli, a cultural and artistic haven. Overnight at Lingo's Resort or Lalu Resort. (B)

Day 5, Sun Moon Lake/Fo Guang Shan Temple
Today travel to Tainan and visit Chikan Tower, Confucius Temple, and Fort Anping. Transfer to Fo Guang Shan for a brief visit of Taiwan's largest Buddhist monastery. Overnight at Fo Guang Shan Temple Guest House. (B)

Day 6, Fo Guang Shan Temple/Chihpen
Wake up early this morning and join the monastery's chanting. Start with a physical warm-up, followed by a short meditation course. Drive to Taitung. Arrive at Chihpen and check in to Toongmao Hotel or Royal Chihpen Hotel. Relax at the local hot springs. (B)

Day 7, Chihpen/Taroko Gorge
Drive north along the east coast. Visit Siaoyeliou, Sanhsientai, Stone Steps, Caves of the Eight Immortals, and Bachi Scenic Outlook. Afternoon at leisure. Overnight at Grand Formosa Taroko. (B)

Day 8, Taroko Gorge/Taipei
Today visit Taroko Gorge Gateway, Eternal Spring Shrine, Swallow Grotto, Tunnel of Nine Turns and Tienhsiang. In the afternoon, return by express train to Taipei. Overnight at Golden China Hotel or Howard Plaza Hotel. (B)

Day 9, Depart Taipei
Transfer to the airport for your onward flight. (B)