Day 1, Friday - Los Angeles/Taipei
Depart via China Airlines trans-Pacific flight for Taipei. Cross the International Date Line.
Day 2, Saturday - Taipei
Arrive in Taipei, government seat of Republic of China. Transfer to your hotel. (Victoria/Regent)
Day 3, Sunday - Taipei
Breakfast at hotel. Day tour includes the National Palace Museum, Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall, Lungshan Temple, and the famous skyscraper Taipei 101. (B)
Day 4, Monday - Taipei/Sun Moon Lake
Travel to scenic Sun Moon Lake, situated in the lofty mountains of central Taiwan. After lunch, your journey continues with a scenic bus tour around Sun Moon Lake, where you'll explore the most renowned attractions in this area. Begin with a visit to Ita Thao, an indigenous village that offers insights into the culture and lifestyle of the Thao people. Then, marvel at the grandeur of Ci'en Pagoda, an iconic Sun Moon Lake landmark. Following your visit to Ci'en Pagoda, your exploration of Sun Moon Lake continues with stops at two significant temples, you'll arrive at Xuanzang Temple, a serene Buddhist sanctuary. Then, your journey takes you to Wenwu Temple, an imposing Taoist temple. Afterward, check in to hotel. Overnight at Sun Moon Lake. (Fleur de Chine) (B)
Day 5, Tuesday - Sun Moon Lake/Tainan/Fo Guang Shan Temple/Kaohsiung
After breakfast, hop on the bus and make your way to Tainan, the oldest city in Taiwan, celebrated for its abundance of historic buildings and profound historical heritage. Your adventure proceeds with a visit to Fort Zeelandia, constructed by the Dutch East India Company during their 38-year administration of western Taiwan. The original fortress faced near destruction by the British army in the 19th century but was subsequently rebuilt by the Japanese. After exploring Fort Zeelandia, take a leisurely walk along Anping Old Street. Situated on the east side of Fort Zeelandia, this historic street was established by the Dutch over 300 years ago. Besides its fascinating history, Anping Old Street is also known for its local specialties. While you’re here, don’t miss the chance to savor the city’s signature delicacies, adding a delightful culinary experience to your historical journey in Tainan. After lunch (not included), your next destination is the romantic harbor city of Kaohsiung, the most populous city in Southern Taiwan. Upon arriving in Kaohsiung, your first stop is the renowned FoGuang Shan Monastery (FGS), a significant Buddhist monastery. The monastery is most famous for its Great Buddha Land, featuring a majestic 36-meter-tall golden statue of Buddha Amitabha, which stands as the tallest standing Buddha in Southeast Asia. (Grand Hi-Lai) (B)
Day 6, Wednesday - Kaohsiung/Kenting/Chihpen Hot Springs/Taitung
After breakfast, set out on your journey as you head south toward the border, where Taiwan’s first national park awaits. Kenting National Park is celebrated for its coastal geological formations, scenic landscapes, and rich marine biodiversity, fostered by its unique combination of crustal deformation and tropical climate. Stops include Eluanpi Lighthouse, a Qing Dynasty-era construction that was recognized as one of the Eight Views of Taiwan during the Japanese colonial period; and Longpan Park, a coral limestone plateau 0verlooking the Pacific Ocean, shaped over time by rainfall erosion. Following your exploration of Kenting National Park, your journey will take you to Taitung via the scenic South Link Highway, allowing you to savor the continually shifting landscapes throughout your drive. Tonight, you’ll enjoy the pleasure of staying in a serene hot spring resort in Zhiben, Taitung County. Zhiben is renowned for its carbonate hot springs, which are known for enhancing blood circulation and alleviating fatigue, making it the perfect place to rejuvenate after a day of exploration. Enjoy natural hot spring at Hotel Royal Chihpen. (Royal Chihpen) (B)
Day 7, Thursday - Taitung/Hualien/Yilan
Begin touring the exciting East Coast National Scenic Area, stretching a little over 100 miles down the east coast. Stop at Siaoyeliou, Sansientai, Stone Steps, and Caves of the Eight Immortals. Arrive at Hualien. From Hualien to Yilan, you will experience a one-way comfortable train ride. Tonight, you’ll stay a hot-spring hotel in Jiaoxi. (Wellsping By Silks Jiaoxi) (B)
Day 8, Friday - Yilan/Taipei
Today, the guide will take you to visit the King Car Kavalan Whisky Distillery and the National Center for Traditional Arts. King Car Kavalan Whisky Distillery is known worldwide for its exquisite flavors brewed from the clear water sources of the Central Mountain Range and the Xueshan Mountain Range. Immerse yourself in the rich aroma of whisky and experience the unique flavors nurtured in oak barrels, embarking on a fascinating distillery exploration journey. Continue to visit National Center for Traditional Arts, a vast park featuring various exquisite traditional Taiwanese buildings. Here you can immerse yourselves in Taiwan's rich heritage through exhibitions, performances, and workshops. From puppet shows to pottery making, there's something for everyone. Conclude your unforgettable round island tour by taking bus back to Taipei City, where you are dropped off at your hotel or designated drop-off point. (Victoria/Regent) (B)
Day 9, Saturday - Taipei/Los Angeles
After transfer to airport, board China Airlines flight to return to the US, arriving home the same day. (B)
